Seth and Stephany are embarking on a meaningful service opportunity at the Q’eqchi’ Bezaleel Mennonite Educational Center, operated by the Qʼeqchiʼ Mennonite Church near San Pedro Carchá, Guatemala. Their roles will be multifaceted, focusing on both educational and practical contributions while fostering deep connections with the students, staff, and church.
Established as part of the Qʼeqchiʼ (sometimes spelled Kekchi) Mennonite Church’s holistic ministry, Bezaleel is a church-run junior and senior high school, which includes several career tracks. The church itself began in 1972 through the efforts of Eastern Mennonite Missions workers who arrived in 1968, growing to around 140 churches divided into six regions, spread throughout Alta Verapaz and extending into the Petén in northern Guatemala.
Educational support
At Bezaleel, Seth and Stephany will assist students in learning English, a critical skill for broadening educational and professional opportunities. They will be involved in facilitating conversational practice and creating engaging activities to build fluency. Beyond English, they will be available for tutoring in other subjects, tailoring their support to the students’ academic needs. This could include helping with math, science, or other core subjects, while learning with the students and drawing on their own knowledge and teaching skills to enhance the students’ learning experience.
Gardening and maintenance
In addition to academics, Seth and Stephany will engage students in hands-on activities like gardening and school maintenance. These tasks align with their personal interests and expertise as well as the school’s ongoing projects, allowing them to work with the students and share practical skills while contributing to the school’s sustainability. Joining with the students and staff in caring for the avocado trees is one of the ways to contribute to environmental and financial sustainability, as well as the students’ nutritional needs.
Building relationships
A key aspect of their service will be forming meaningful relationships with the students. Seth and Stephany are eager to connect through shared activities like playing games, which could range from sports to board games or cultural activities popular among the Qʼeqchiʼ community. These interactions will help build trust, encourage teamwork, and create a sense of belonging. By spending time with the students in both structured and informal settings, they hope to serve as mentors and positive role models, fostering personal growth and cross-cultural understanding.
Cultural and community context
The Bezaleel school serves the Qʼeqchiʼ Maya community, a group with a rich cultural heritage in Guatemala’s Alta Verapaz region. Seth and Stephany’s work will take place in a context where education is a vital tool for empowerment, and their contributions will support the Mennonite Church’s mission to provide holistic education that integrates faith, academics, and practical skills. Their involvement in gardening, for example, resonates with the region’s agricultural traditions, while their English language teaching opens doors to global opportunities for the students.
