Serving Through New Generation Church
Scripture Engaged supports mission work in Guatemala through New Generation Church, led by Pastor Juan Francisco Peliz Pol. The church is located on the top of a mountain in Chichicastenango, Guatemala, where it serves the local Indigenous Quiche community.
The church has around 150 registered members, with 40 to 60 children and about 20 mothers attending each week. The church works to meet both spiritual and practical needs. Through Bible teaching, worship, meals, and children’s ministry, Pastor Juan and the local church team are helping raise a new generation that knows Jesus, follows Scripture, and grows with hope.
From Hardship to Serving His Own People
Pastor Juan Peliz was born in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. His early life was marked by hardship, including growing up without his parents, experiencing homelessness, and leaving for the United States at a young age.
During his years in Los Angeles, Seattle, and Minneapolis, his personal relationship with Jesus began to grow. He became part of a church family, served in worship ministry, led a youth group, guided a small group, and even opened a Bible study in his workplace.
Although he had built a life in America, God placed a desire in his heart to return to Guatemala and serve his own people. Pastor Juan came back with very little materially, but with a willing heart to serve God and the communities of Latin America.
Today, he continues to serve through New Generation Church. He was ordained by the government of Guatemala, is studying through Destino Institute in Minnesota, and also serves with a chaplain badge that allows him to work with law enforcement.
Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.
Mark 5:19
Needs Behind Mission
When God called Pastor Juan and New Generation Church to serve in Chichicastenango, they saw two major needs in the community:
The first need is to share the Gospel in a way that brings salvation, change, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many people in the area have lived under Mayan religious traditions for generations, and the church is helping them hear the message of Christ with clarity and love.
The second need is education and family support. Many children and families face challenges such as malnutrition, poverty, and illness. New Generation Church responds through Bible teaching, children’s ministry, meals, and care for those in need.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me.
Matthew 25:35-36
Meeting Needs and Building Change
The mission is working with both short-term and long-term goals. Immediate support helps provide healthy meals and school supplies for children and families who need care now.
The long-term goal is to teach the Bible as it is written and open the church to different types of classes. This helps address the root of many challenges, not only the symptoms, by giving people biblical understanding, practical knowledge, and a stronger foundation for life.