The school is directed by Rudi Pineda, who has a heart to bring transformation to Guatemala through Christian Education. The founders of Wisdom and Grace Ministires had the pleasure of meeting Rudi Pineda in September 2013. The Founders are Quinn Shepherd, Justin Steill, Craig Hixon, and Chris Young. Rudi started a school 26 years ago in Santo Tomås Milpas Altas, Guatemala. When I say he started a
school, I mean he literally built it himself, brick by brick! His mission – bring impoverished children out and place them
into active learning. He had no textbooks, no manual, and no mentor – just a Bible and the Spirit. Rudi had purchased land on an agreement with a few men that he would personally work off the debt by doing manual farm labor. The check they were given to buy the land didn’t clear and Rudi was left with the debt. The people who committed to following him and help launch the school grew worried and abandoned him for “safer” government jobs. Rudi was left alone with debt on land, a building that needed built, and students ready to start class. Thinking back on that trying time Rudi said, “If I didn’t believe God
was behind this ministry I would have given up a long time ago, but
He has promised his provision, and we will be faithful no matter how
long it takes to see the promise fulfilled.”
Instead of giving up, Rudi’s faith grew stronger and his heart softer.He trusted God to do many great works. Today, after much pain and suffering, God has lead Rudi’s school to grow over 250 students and 35 teachers. BUT THERE IS STILL A GREAT WORK TO BE DONE. Many hands are needed to do so. He was asked what has been one of the best moments as an educator. He said, “One of my first students just graduated law school, and
she is a woman.” Guatemala is a beautiful country but sadly there
has been a great lack of development due to years of violence,
poverty, and lack of education. Because of the oppressed behavior in Guatemala, having women graduate any level of school is a victory, let alone law school!
“It has always been on my heart to have a
scholarship program for special cases such as
families living in extreme poverty and families
with multiple children, the last 26 years has
been a financial struggle.” – RUDI PINEDA, DIRECTOR
COLEGIO CRISTIANO SABER Y GRACIA
RUDI HAS NEVER TAKEN A PAYCHECK in 26 years in his
teaching career. He farms land in the evenings to earn a living. I will say that part again. He has never taken a paycheck from the
school, of which he started. Like you, I have had the good fortune of meeting many interesting
unique people… some powerful, athletic, smart, rich, poor, and so
on… but never have I met a man like Rudi. We traveled to GUATEMALA in September,
2013 with a small group of intrepid leaders to
embark on a Vision trip by World Next Door. Our mission was to see and learn firsthand what God is doing through Saber y Gracia, Rudi’s Christ-centered K-12 school reaching students in a community wracked by poverty. During this adventure, our team heard stories of hope from teachers, family members and students. We enjoyed worshiping with local churches and will got a taste of the rich culture in this vibrant community. As part of our experience, we had the opportunity to visit and
pray for several families of Saber y Gracia’s students, lead simple
English classes at the school, spend one night living with local
families and participated in the colorful celebration of Guatemala’s
Independence Day. Our trip was a VISION trip set up to inspire us and provide leadership to help these people overcome poverty and injustice. Our trip is not the was not the normal mission trip of hammers, nails, and medicine. It went much further. How do we help these people in a way that they will be a community that does not have to rely on others? We will provide ways for them to grow and survive on their own. We will tought them from our own experiences, business knowledge, and helped them strategize for future success. We saw something special with Rudi and his teachers. That is why we created a non profit to help raise money to sponsor kids and help build a new school. Through Wisdom and Grace Ministries we will sponsor kids so they can go to school, learn and grow. We also have started a fund called "Imagine 1000" that will eventually help build a school for 1000 children. Rudi already has the prints and believes God will build the school very soon. Believe! FURTHER RESOURCES:
http://www.worldnextdoor.org
