Matthew Horvath is from Waterdown, ON, and previously participated in a short-term missions trip to Nicaragua. He was homeschooled for most of his life, and studied in the science department at Redeemer University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in 2015. Matthew loves learning, enjoys working with children, and has a desire to help people learn about the way the world God created works, and how they fit in it. When the Holy Spirit nudged him towards Global Shore Opportunities, the TEFL Assistant and Homeschooling position seemed to be the perfect fit! Matthew is excited to see what kind of adventure God has planned for him, as well as how he can help the students in Guatemala, both educationally and spiritually.

Matthew is continuing his third year of work with GSO in 2021! If you want to give towards Matthew’s year of ministry with GSO, please click through the links below.

Bethany Pasma has a passion and a calling for teaching. In the 15 years since graduating from Calvin University she has taught grades 5 and 6 at John Knox Christian School in Oakville, Ontario. There, Bethany fell in love with teaching language arts and has become a respected leader of the school’s program for senior elementary students. She has continued to learn and develop as a professional, and has presented multiple seminars on language arts pedagogy for Christian school teachers in Ontario.

Bethany has long desired to teach in another country. She visited Guatemala in the summers of 2017, 2018 and 2019 and loves the Guatemalan people and country. She is extremely excited to join the Global Shore team and she looks forward to developing her TEFL skills in this new context. Bethany is an avid reader, writer, musician, worship leader, and language learner. She is excited for all that God has in store!

Eden Plante is a 26-year-old graduate of Rhema Bible Training College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she studied World Missions for 3 years. She received cultural immersion training, survival training, living overseas and missions training, and had the opportunity to learn from many different missionaries from around the world. She lived in the jungle of Petén in Guatemala for a month and a half, working at The Jungle School and helping them during the start of the pandemic.

Eden is TEFL-certified and has experience teaching English at a language school in Mexico both online and in-person. She is currently living in Mexico teaching English to all ages, learning Spanish by taking lessons and practicing with locals. She has a passion for missions and Spanish-speaking nations. She loves helping people reach their goals and become successful in their dreams, and can’t wait to return to Guatemala and join the Global Shore team!

Tegan Reschke is originally from Chicago, Illinois. She completed her teaching degree at Kent State University and spent her last semester teaching English and Math at a bilingual school in Merida, Mexico. For the past 2 years, Tegan has been working in Dayton, Ohio as a public school teacher with a heart for sharing the kindness of Christ with her students. With a passion for all children to know that they are beloved sons and daughters of God, she knew she needed a community who would allow her to focus on empowering children to know the amazing and reckless love of God.

Tegan could not have expected that God would open the door to a teaching position with Global Shore at the same time that public schools in Dayton were implementing an extended closure of schools in response to COVID-19 but is overjoyed to say “YES” to being a part of God’s work in Guatemala during this upcoming school year!

Beth & Fred Brown moved down to Guatemala in January 2017. As TEFL Program Director, Beth is passionate about her profession and is a certified B.C. teacher with her Masters Degree in TESOL. Beth provides direction and builds community for the short-term TEFL teachers from Canada, and teaches English classes at our high school. We are grateful for her passion and love for GSO!

As Communications Director, Fred plans, develops and implements GSO content through print, e-mail, website and social media channels. As Short-Term Opportunities Director, Fred coordinates on-the-ground details for short-term teams visiting Guatemala, telling stories, translating, making spreadsheets, driving and liaising with local staff.

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. Originally joining us as a participant on the Summer Program in 2014, Lexi moved to Guatemala in 2016 and is married to Jimmy, one of the teachers at our school. Lexi is energetic and loves people, and we are so happy to have her on the GSO team!

Max Funk grew up in Abbotsford, BC, where he studied Spanish in high school and went on two short term missions trips to Latin America. He studied graphic design at Emily Carr University and lived in Vancouver for five years. Max decided (read: was called) to join the TEFL team while visiting Fred and Beth on a personal trip in November 2017. He loves language, learning, teaching, kids and Jesus.

Max has fallen in love with the community in Guatemala and will be continuing his commitment to Global Shore Opportunities. Sign up below to support Max’s ministry on an ongoing basis through monthly support.