Gerry and Barb Normand
We were Canadian business professionals for many years, mainly in operations, finance, logistics, sales and marketing, and leadership development.
In 2005 God caught our attention as we read Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life” book: “You were made for a mission. God is at work in the world, and he wants you to join him.”
Since 2008 we’ve helped provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to those we’ve served in the DRC Africa, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
To grow deeper roots in one location, we founded ASOCIACIÓN PILAS STUDENT MINISTRY in 2013 and have been directors ever since. We live in the rural highlands of Sumpango Sacatepéquez, Guatemala. We are dedicated to raising a new generation of solid leaders by focusing on education, leadership development, and spiritual growth.
ASOCIACIÓN PILAS STUDENT MINISTRY
Guatemalans are desperate for real hope and real change. We believe that students whose education is built on the teachings of Jesus Christ will grow into a loving force for the greater good of mankind and be the catalyst for change in the future.
We also believe in leading by example and invite our teachers and students to learn with us as we all aim to model the love of Christ with everyone we interact with.
Our goal is to build up a generation of community leaders and world shakers!
Our programs produce fruit, and we’d love for you to join in with what God is doing in Sumpango!
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS)
The program is designed to identify burgeoning young leaders from disadvantaged indigenous villages. The goal is to inspire and empower them through servant leadership, Christian teachings, and formal education, equipping them to be tomorrow’s community leaders.
Our scholarship students are go-getters, intelligent, and eager to learn and grow.
They develop social skills, learn how to make good decisions, and are guided in maintaining healthy relationships with others.
The objective of this program is to one day see our graduates be a part of their villages’ leadership committees, network with fellow graduates, and be solid Christian examples ready to influence positive change in their respective villages.
PILAS scholarship students and grads are participating in and leading daily Bible studies. They are growing in their faith, getting baptized, going to churches, leading youth groups, playing instruments on worship teams and putting their training into action as they serve others!
DISCIPLESHIP (YOUTH GROUP)
Youngsters need models and mentors. They also need community.
CLUB CONEXIÓN is a weekly youth group in the different villages of Sumpango.
We collaborate with the local schools, using their classrooms to host CLUB.
CLUB provides a safe, loving, and wholesome atmosphere for young people where they can enjoy activities that are fun and interactive, helping them discover who Jesus Christ is, follow Him, and live a life that honours Him.
It is a place for young people to learn, belong, and grow.
Our goal is to develop relationships with adolescents and their families, walk alongside them in life situations, and help them grow in their own faith. Through these relationships, we are also able to identify future leaders and continue to nurture them through our formal leadership development program.
PILAS LEARNING AND FUN CLUB
The closure of public schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has had adverse psychological and social effects on children, leading to higher depression and lower development of socio-emotional skills.
The PILAS LEARNING AND FUN CLUB provides a holistic approach to education, addressing students’ academic, social and emotional needs.
Professional Christian teachers help nearly 150 students understand their homework guides and provide additional academic content while offering a fun, social, and secure environment for them to feel supported and loved and learn about Jesus.
We endeavour to develop healthy trusting relationships with students and families, seeking to support the family unit through regular activities, parent training and psychological support, when needed.
Visit our website for more details.
PILAS promotional videos: