1. How do I raise funds?
2. What job responsibilities would I perform?
3. What is your stance on personal accountability and sending agencies?
4. How often can I come back to the states?
5. I cannot speak Spanish; is it necessary?
6. What will be the biggest personal challenges for my family?
7. How would my children be educated?
8. Can I work with you and eventually run my own orphanage?
9. What are the differences in cultural relationships between male and females?
10. How are Americans viewed?
11. Are there any safety concerns I need to be aware of?
12. What kind of transportation do I need?
13. Do you have an interview process for qualifying missionaries in your organization?

1. How do I raise funds?
The best place to begin is in your home congregation. God can confirm your desire to do mission work through others who know you. They will also be a great source of emotional and spiritual support for you in the mission field. Other ways to raise funds would be to present your mission to other churches. Don't forget to involve the mission decision makers in each church. This process varies from church to church. If you don't feel like you are an especially good fund raiser, ask someone with an outgoing personality or a "get it done" type person to talk to others on your behalf. Don't set a departure date until you've raise 50% of your support.

2. What job responsibilities would I perform?
This depends on your job skills. We have many needs and you will need to interview with a state-side representative to determine where you will best be able to serve.

3. What is your stance on personal accountability and sending agencies?
Accountability comes in two forms. The first is under the direction of Mike Clark, the founder of the ministry, who is supported by the Board of Directors. The second is through sending agencies. They are to be a level of accountability in the financial, personal and spiritual lives of the missionaries. However, they are not to manipulate the vision and direction of Casa Para Niños Aleluya.

4. How often can I come back to the states?
We recommend at least two 2 week visits per year for both fund raising and vacation.

5. I cannot speak Spanish; is it necessary?
No. There are, however, schools that teach Spanish in Guatemala to assist you prior or during your missionary duties.

6. What will be the biggest personal challenges for my family?
As in any busy family schedule, making personal time for your family is critical and will be challenged on a regular basis.

7. How would my children be educated?
There are several ways.There is the CPNA school (K-5, taught in Spanish). There is also a private Christian school located in San Cristobal (about 18 minutes from CPNA) or you can choose to home school your children.

8. Can I work with you and eventually run my own orphanage?
Yes, but we require that you work with Casa Para Niños Aleluya for a minimum commitment of 24 months.

9. What are the differences in cultural relationships between male and females?
Guatemala has a extremely traditional view of the family unit. The Machismo culture gives men the role as dominant decision makers and women the role of submissive supporters.

10. How are Americans viewed?
Americans are respected socio-economically but are often taken advantage of. Americans will always be viewed as outsiders yet long-lasting friendships can be developed over time.

11. Are there any safety concerns I need to be aware of?
Robbery, carjackings, kidnappings, roadblocks, corruption, and the threat of civil unrest are common in Guatemala. However common sense and basic rules of conduct can minimize vulnerability. It's recommended that women don't travel alone until you become familiar with the area. More about safety.

12. What kind of transportation do I need?
This depends on the role you will play. Personal transportation shouldn't be necessary for the first 6 months however it may provide independence after you become comfortable with the culture, language, driving habits, etc. Purchasing a car or truck is a similar process as to purchasing one in the States.

13. Do you have an interview process for qualifying missionaries in your organization?
Yes. Every missionary must be interviewed for acceptance in Atlanta, Georgia by a CPNA representative. We also require that prior to becoming a long-term missionary you must visit us in Guatemala and participate in an interview process.