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[Colegio Luterano Cristo el Salvador]
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Christ the Savior Lutheran School
4a Avenida • entre 12 y 13 Calles • Puerto Barrios, Izabal Guatemala
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| Beginnings: Cristo el Salvador Lutheran Church first began planning for a school in the year 2000. Until that year, another school had operated in buildings directly behind the church. The building was in bad shape.
The roof leaked, rafters were riddled by termites, the classroom concrete walls were cracked, and the floors were so tilted it was difficult to walk. And so, the next year was one of intensive rebuilding.
A team from Trinity Lutheran-Richmond, VA traveled to Puerto Barrios to help with the first stages of work. Church members pitched in and did as much as they were able. Local contractors and laborers did the rest and the school was ready for classes in January 2001.
The first year the school had an enrollment of 53 students, far below their hopes. However, it did not take long for word to get around and enrollment multiplied each following year, with waiting lists for many classes.
An Early Childhood section was added soon after specifically for the needs of the youngest students.
In 2004, a computer lab was added to the campus, where students learn the technology used in today's world. Two years later, another delapidated section of the old school was renovated and the Early Childhood section moved into their new spacious classrooms with plenty of room to play and learn.
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Years Ahead: When classes begin January 2010, the school anticipates an enrollment of 350 students, placing the school at full capacity. During the November-December 2010 break, plans are to add two classrooms at the other end of the sports (basketball/soccer) area. The following year another classroom will be built in the same area. These classrooms will be built with a flat concrete roof so a second floor may be added when needed.
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Church History: Cristo el Salvador Lutheran Church is in the city of Puerto Barrios, located on Guatemala Caribbean coast. The church was established in the 1940's with the assistance of missionaries of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. In the beginning, Sunday morning worship was in English for the large number of English-speakers, including foreigners working in the prosperous banana business and Jamaican immigrants. As time passed, more Spanish-speaking people desired to be a part of the Lutheran church, so a Spanish-language service was added to the Sunday afternoon. Eventually the numbers of Spanish-speakers outnumbered the English and the two services traded worship hours. The day arrived when everyone spoke Spanish and so only one service was needed.
Cristo el Salvador is presently served by Pastor Byron Paz, who also has served as President of the Lutheran Church of Guatemala for several years. Ministry continues in the Spanish language, with additional outreach to the Garífuna people.
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Director: Lic. Victor Alfredo Carcamo
Preschool: Zulma Duarte
Secretary: Lourdes Romero
The Rev. Byron Paz, Pastor
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4th Avenida entre 12 y 13 Calles/ Puerto Barrios Izabal / Guatemala
Tel: 502-79488315
E-mail:
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