Nuestro Equipo—Asociación Misión Firefly

Awakening Hope, Inc is the US-based non-profit that supports our missions work in Guatemala. In Guatemala, our efforts are supported by the Guatemala-based non-profit organization Asociación Misión Firefly (AMF)

Zach Beaman

Zach Beaman serves as the Executive Director of Asociación Misión Firefly (AMF) Guatemala and has been a dedicated member of the AMF team since 2013. Residing in the U.S., Zach joined AMF while still in college, sparked by a calling he felt during multiple mission trips to Guatemala with his church youth group. Zach coordinates communication with the in-country team and is responsible for financial management and reporting. He plays a key role in pre-trip planning for mission teams and coordinates the implementation of village projects and programs for Awakening Hope's partners in Guatemala. An ordained minister, Zach is bilingual and musically talented. He ministers, sings, and plays guitar, serving as a translator for mission teams and leading worship during village services and home visits.

Pastor Jorge Cerritos, Jr

Pastor Jorge Cerritos, Jr. serves on the board of Asociación Misión Firefly (AMF) Guatemala and has been a valued member of the AMF team since 2013. He also serves as the senior pastor of Iglesia Ciudad de Refugio (City of Refuge Church) in Villa Nueva, Guatemala. Jorge provides ongoing pastoral care to our sponsored villages and serves as spiritual leader during mission trips and in villages year-round. Pastor Cerritos skillfully shares the Gospel of Jesus while navigating the complexities of Mayan religious culture. Bilingual and musically talented, Jorge sings and plays guitar, enriching mission trips by serving as a translator, preaching, and leading music during village worship and home visits.

Jacobo “Jake” Tum

Jacobo “Jake” Tum serves on the board of Asociación Misión Firefly (AMF) Guatemala and as Project Manager for AMF since 2012. As an indigenous Mayan, Jake experienced similar conditions in a northern Guatemalan village during his childhood. Forced by food scarcity to leave his home at a young age, he joined the Guatemalan army. Following his military service Jake worked as a project manager for Feed the Children for 18 years. At AMF he manages projects during mission trips and is responsible for projects and maintenance of water purification systems year-round. His insights as an indigenous Mayan are invaluable, ensuring that all decisions and efforts are culturally sensitive and respectful of Mayan customs.

Javier “Javi” Arias

Javier “Javi” Arias serves on the board of Asociación Misión Firefly (AMF) Guatemala and as Logistics Coordinator for AMF, having joined in 2022. Originally from El Salvador, Javi is responsible for organizing all in-country logistics for mission teams and serves as a key point of contact for mission leaders. He also coordinates AMF medical assistance for the indigenous people in sponsored villages. Bilingual and musically inclined, Javi plays guitar and enriches mission trips by serving as a translator, assisting with children's activities, and leading music during village worship and home visits.