ChangeMaker Oscar Monterosso in Guatemala

Fifteen years ago, Oscar Monterroso wasn’t sure he wanted to leave the city for the rural area of Petén, Guatemala. American missionaries Marvin Loyd and Andy Schalchlin had worked hard to establish a thriving work, but they needed someone to lead multiplication efforts there. So Monterrosa said yes to leader David Marroquin and the church planting ministry he felt God calling him to do. 

His wife Jacqueline was positive she didn’t want to uproot from the much larger Guatemala City where she was comfortable. Even after they had moved to Petén and began to settle in, she told Oscar, “I’m going back.”  

But it wasn’t long before God moved in their hearts, and their ministry in Petén became very clear. 

Oscar and Jacqueline were never able to have children, but there were many of them in the area surrounding the BMA Guatemala property where they lived. Some of them mistreated and abused, these children and young people found a safe, happy place with the Monterrosos, who began opening up their home to them. David Marroquin says, “I come visit Oscar four times a year, and every time I come, there are young guys hanging around Oscar and the girls with Jacqueline . . . always. Now, when they have to go to the city, Jacqueline tells Oscar, ‘Hurry up, I’m ready to get back.’”

Purchased by Marvin Loyd with the intent to build a camp or Bible institute, the property has a church building but not a house. The Monterrosos live in what used to be classrooms and training areas, but there are plans to some day build a house for them, especially since they are actively involved in discipling and caring for young people.

Training these young men and women for ministry keeps Bro. Oscar motivated and encouraged to continue the work. They have become like sons and daughters to him and his wife. Marroquin says the main goal is to “invest in Oscar, so Oscar can invest in the pastors and the pastors can invest in their churches, then they will plant churches and the work can keep going.”

“Oscar has been a faithful brother to me and I think he will continue to be a key leader in the Petén area,” says Bro. David. “He has reignited the work and continued what Marvin and Andy left. We want these brothers to see that their efforts were not in vain.”