BeFriend Guangolola

BeFriend sparks empowerment in the Guangolola community through the local church.

What is life like in Guangolola?
Guangolola is remarkably peaceful, a stark contrast from big cities. Its people, despite their poverty, live quietly with what they have. Rising early in the morning, people set off to work in the rice and corn fields. In the afternoon, when they finish working in the fields, people are ready for a good cup of coffee, a piece of bread, and conversations among neighbors.

A single school hosts all of the children of the community. Attending school is a privilege which most children cannot afford. Children hope to complete their education through ninth grade, which is the highest level provided by the public school. There are no opportunities in the community to get a full education because of the weak government structure. Of those who do graduate, few are accepted into universities in the big city. Most children will continue in the footsteps of their parents by taking up agriculture.
   
What issues does Guangolola face?
Extreme poverty is one of the biggest challenges in this community. Lack of education opportunities extend poverty from one generation to the next.

Food insecurity in the region heightened amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Worsening climate change evokes severe conditions which can devastate crops. In a society which is largely dependent on agriculture, crop loss places entire families in danger. For these reasons, many Guangolola residents have left the country in hopes of establishing a more stable home for their families elsewhere.


About Guangolola Christian Church
Standing as a source of hope within the community, Guangolola Christian Church has remained committed to serving this area for the past 15 years. Sunday mornings welcome believers of all ages, with the church body consisting of 35 adults and 25 children. Pastor Carlos Corrales and his wife Lucy have been leading this church for the past two years. They have two children: Nicol and Adner.

Throughout the years, the church fostered a relationship with the El Negrito community. As a larger area that includes 12 neighborhoods, the El Negrito area provides abundant opportunities to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Previous multiplication activities included mobile medical clinics and food distributions. Pastor Carlos continues this vision of ministry to “El Negrito” by traveling twice each week to build connections and share the gospel.

  
BeFriend Project Goals 
Guangolola Christian Church will focus on 3 key areas of transformation: 

Economic Empowerment

• Achieve self-sustainability for the church through the growth of a kingdom business.
• Restore dignity through economic empowerment for families in the church.

Discipleship & Multiplication

• Inspire the church to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ while training 3-4 more leaders in evangelism.
• Reach out to the neighborhoods of Guangolola near the church through multiplication and outreach activities.
• Bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to El Negrito by beginning two new home churches with the eventual goal of planting El Negrito Christian Church.
• Oversee a computer lab within the church facilities to boost the educational outcomes of children and teenagers.
• Reach students in Alfonzo Guillen Zelaya School with Bible studies.
• Host marriage conferences for the church and community.

Church Improvements

• Maintenance and structural improvements to Guangolola Christian Church.

How will BeFriend Guangolola benefit the church and community?
BeFriend Guangolola will allow Guangolola Christian Church achieve self-sustainability. Through a kingdom business and family businesses, the church will benefit in the expansion of the kingdom of God in an integral way, where people will not only restore a spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus, but also improve their quality of life.

BeFriend will also help develop strong relationships between people in other countries, which will open up opportunities to get to know another culture and strengthen the family of God.