Our missionaries are an important part of our team and vision.
OUR MISSIONARIES
Our missionaries have left family, friends, work, and their home country to serve God and help us transform Guatemala through Christ-centred education. Whether for a few months, a year, several years, or a lifetime, your partnership with their ministry is a blessing; their work is your work. Thank you for joining them in ministry.
Lexi Putman de Pelaez serves as the bridge between our Canadian donors and Guatemalan staff & students. She spends her time translating letters, throwing birthday parties and building community. Initially joining us as a participant in the Summer Program in 2014, Lexi moved to Guatemala in 2016 and married Jimmy, the youth pastor at our partner church; they have two daughters together. Lexi is energetic and loves people, and we are so happy to have her on the GSO team!
Amy Hughes de Pelaez grew up in the Montreal/Laval area. She first came to Guatemala in 2016, moving permanently in 2017. In June of that year, she married Danny, one of the pastors of our local partner church. She serves as the TEFL program director, cares for the other short-term missionaries, and teaches our high school students. Amy likes to go out with her family and take her two kids to the playground in her free time.
Max Funk grew up in Abbotsford, BC. He studied Spanish in high school and went on two short-term mission trips to Latin America. After graduating with a degree in Communication Design in 2016, Max visited Global Shore in 2017 and felt God calling him to join the TEFL team. His wife, Erica, is Guatemalan, and they have two children. Since 2022, he has served as the Communications and Media Specialist, ensuring all GSO content is fearfully and wonderfully made.
Ella Schinkel grew up in Essex, Ontario, where she attended Maranatha Christian Academy. She visited GSO with her grade twelve class in 2017 and fell in love with Guatemala and the school’s ministry. Over the following years, Ella made two more trips to Guatemala but felt God’s strong calling to join the TEFL team as an assistant in 2022. She has now become a TEFL teacher and is excited to see God’s plans and share the gifts he has given her!
Blake Langbroek hails from Niagara On The Lake, Ontario, where he worked as a mason and volunteer firefighter. He had the opportunity to do missions in multiple countries, including a trip to Guatemala with Global Shore in 2023. Witnessing the Christ-centered leadership and kingdom culture inspired him to return, and he is eager to walk with and learn from the leaders and believers in this community. His prayer is that the Spirit would bring a fresh outpouring to the region and lead him in serving this community.
Samantha Pelaez is a home-grown missionary! She was hesitant when God first called her, but she knew “serving God was worth it.” After graduating from our Graphic Design Program in 2023, Samantha got her TEFL certification, moved to Poptún, and is now teaching English at our growing new school. Samantha loves design, swimming, reading good books, and recently learned to play the guitar!
Caleb Goossen grew up in Port Rowan, Ontario. In 2012, he came to Guatemala on a family mission trip and promised himself he’d return one day. That opportunity came in January 2024 when he was part of a work trip with GSO. He then felt the Lord calling him to do a year of the TEFL program, and he will join our staff in 2025. Caleb feels truly blessed to have this opportunity and thanks God for allowing him this life-changing experience.