David De La Rosa grew up in Tsawwassen, BC, and was blessed to have visited Guatemala twice. Both times were tremendous experiences. He felt called to work with Global Shore Opportunities while visiting the school in the spring of 2017, hearing all the student singing “How Great is Our God.” In that moment, he knew he wanted to be a part these students’ bright futures. Since Summer 2018, David has been a part of our staff and is excited to return to Guatemala again in 2020!

David has begun fundraising for the 2020 work term and has currently raised 42% of his goal. If you want to give towards this his ministry in Guatemala, please click through the link below!

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.

After the 2019 year of ministry, Matthew has decided to continue to work with GSO in 2020! He has currently raised 73% of his funding. 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!

Léal Makaroff is an avid learner, truth seeker, and grateful disciple of Jesus Christ. Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, he has studied biology and math for the past four years as a Monroe Scholar at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, from which he graduated this past December.

Léal is excited to apply his experience to serving others; and he hopes to help students catch glimpses of the beauty and wonder God has placed in His world, His Word, and His story (history). He loves to swim, bike, and run (together or separately), and he’s currently using his spare time to work towards an associate’s degree in music with The Royal Conservatory of Canada.

Léal joined our staff in Guatemala in March of 2020. If you want to give towards Léal’s ministry in Guatemala, click the giving button below.

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 into 2020 (and beyond?) Max’s ministry has been fully funded for the 2020 school year, but please sign up to give below if you wish to support Max on an ongoing basis through monthly support.