Helping to empower God's people to fulfill His "Great Commission" by developing the gifts He has given each believer, by providing appropriate opportunities to utilize those gifts and skills, and by assisting with resources to support those opportunities. We do this through things such as medical clinics, building widow’s homes, holding Bible Schools, English Camps, and serving in the community. We seek to enhance the establishment of the Christian community in Chichicastenango in order to better serve the people and make disciples. MINISTRY OVERVIEW
Matt and Leslie have served in Chichicastenango, Guatemala with their three children, Ashton, Bentley and Aynsley since 2003.
MATT
Since 2003, Matt has served as the Director of Economic Development for Global Development Services in Guatemala as well as administrator of the Hotel Casa Del Rey. Matt is the co-founder and president for The El Camino Bilingual School in Chichicastenango. He also serves as president for the Upthegrove, Hays, & Duke Colegio Cristiano School in Chichicastenango. Since 2007, Matt has served as Treasurer for the Agua Viva Children's Home in Chimaltenango, Guatemala.
“I believe God made me for missions, gifting me with the abilities and knowledge to do many different things—from construction to medicine to business.” By Education, Matt is a doctor of oriental medicine (acupuncture). Matt however has done many things outside the realms of medicine and ministry. At one point, while living in Florida, Matt worked for an organized crime family (who are now in federal prison for cocaine trafficking and racketeering). Matt used to buy houses and renovate them for resale. He has owned several businesses as well as a medical practice. Most recently, before coming to Guatemala, Matt worked as CFO for a commercial printing company in Indianapolis. “I believe I first heard God’s call for missions while living in Dallas after seeing a presentation on Mercy Ships. Leslie’s answer to that calling was clear “over my dead body.” I knew if we were to be called it would be together. Six years later—we were in Guatemala.”
LESLIE
"I had been to Guatemala once when I was 8 years old with my grandfather. I didn't return until January 2003. That January I came having no intention of ever becoming a missionary, I left Guatemala however with the assurance and peace that we would move to Guatemala and do full time missions. A change in me that could only come from God. While at times it is difficult, I none-the-less feel blessed to be here and honored that God would use us in Guatemala for His purposes."
Leslie has a Master's of Science Degree and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Prior to entering mission work in Guatemala, Leslie worked for over 10 years as a mental-health counselor in both clinical and in private practice settings. In addition, Leslie worked for three years as an associate psychology professor for Indiana University in both their under-graduate and graduate programs. Leslie has a Bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University in communications and advertising. Art and Photography are Leslie's passions.
MISSION ORGANIZATION
Since 2003, we have been apart of Global Outreach Missions a mission organization with 400 missionaries world wide and have worked with Global Development Services a non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization with ministries in Guatemala. In October 2007, Matt and Leslie began the process of forming a US based 501(c)3 not-for-profit company - Missions Frontier.
