Emma lives full-time in Guatemala where she partners with Ahava Ministries in Santa Elena Barillas. Ahava Ministries reaches out in compassion to the surrounding community to offer practical assistance through the provision of stoves, water filters, and balanced meals while boldly proclaiming the Gospel to all people. From Tuesday to Thursday, Emma serves alongside Ahava’s dedicated staff to teach the Bible and prepare healthy meals for more than 120 children and their mothers. On weekends, Emma uses her experience teaching and working with teenagers to co-lead a discipleship program for at-risk youth that emphasizes Biblical principles while strengthening their English and Spanish literacy skills. Emma also assists with facilitating short-term team visits by providing lesson plan support, leading home visits, offering cultural insight, and interpreting.
In a community plagued with hopelessness, violence, and poverty, Emma joins Ahava in proclaiming Good News to the poor, freedom to those held captive by the bondage of sin, healing for the broken hearted, and release from spiritual darkness (Isaiah 61:1). Emma’s desire is for every person she meets to personally experience the transformational power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She longs to see Jesus restore His perfect peace, eternal hope, and life-giving joy to Santa Elena Barillas and make them “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor” (Isaiah 61:3).
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40