2026 Efforts

GUATEMALA – PASTOR RAFAEL & MARIA

Recreation Field & Ministry Support

For 27 years, Pastor Rafael and his wife, Maria, have faithfully served communities in Guatemala – bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to some of the most remote and underserved areas near Lake Atitlán.  For more than two decades, their ministry has been deeply rooted in San Juan Mocá, a jungle village once nearly inaccessible and marked by extreme poverty. When we first visited more than a decade ago, reaching the village meant crossing a rope bridge or driving directly through the river. The original bridge was destroyed by Hurricane Stan in 2005.  There was no running water, homes were fragile one-room structures, and progress came slowly. Yet even in those early days, Pastor Rafael and Maria were already building, both physically and spiritually. Through steadfast faith and tireless effort, they helped lead the construction of homes and portions of a church, laying a foundation for lasting Gospel impact in their community. The Navichoc family, trusted coffee-farming partners of Phoenix Roasters and relatives of Pastor Rafael and Maria, played a meaningful role in this work. Through their construction business, they were able to come alongside the village, helping meet practical needs and contributing to the church’s construction in 2013. Today, access to San Juan Mocá has dramatically improved. A newly constructed bridge and paved road have opened the door for meaningful progress.  Under the leadership of Pastor Rafael and Maria, the village now includes additional homes, lodging for mission and medical teams, and a growing school – creating opportunities for education, health, and long-term stability. But as the village grows, so do new needs. With increased traffic from the paved road, the one place children once safely played – the road itself – has become dangerous.  Pastor Rafael and Maria have identified land across from the church that can be transformed into a safe, dedicated space for children and community gatherings. Initial clearing has begun, but the project has stalled due to a lack of funding. At the same time, Pastor and Maria continue to personally bear many of the costs of their ministry – traveling long distances to serve, often covering fuel, food and emergency needs out of their own limited resources. This is where your support makes a direct and lasting difference. By partnering with the Phoenix Roasters Foundation, you help create a safe place for children to play, strengthen a growing community, and sustain the day-to-day ministry of a couple who have given their lives to serving others. More importantly, you help create space for the Gospel to continue to take root – bringing hope, dignity, and transformation to San Juan Mocá. When you give, you are investing in more than a project – you are investing in a faithful, long-term ministry that is changing lives for generations.