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FIELD
Guatemala has 13 million people, about half of which are Mayan. Most Mayans live in the Western Highlands in hundreds of small towns at altitudes from 4000 to 9000 feet. They have suffered oppression and neglect for centuries, as reflected by a high rate of poverty and the lowest literacy rate in Latin America. In the Highlands, there are many conservative traditions deeply rooted in their Mayan and Catholic history.

The past century saw the introduction of the evangelical church, which has now developed its own traditions. All these customs are now being seriously challenged by rapid modernization. In churches and communities, young people who are disillusioned with rigid traditions usually find themselves locked out of leadership roles by those with a traditional mindset, who are fearful of change. Many young people today, Catholic and evangelical, feel misunderstood and rejected by their leaders and are leaving the churches.

Mark and Brenda Hall live in the Mayan town of Totonicapán. They work with young people who distrust religion-as-usual. What started as a Bible study with seven friends turned into an interdenominational youth group called Koinonia for those who feel they no longer fit in at the traditional churches. Koinonia is a discipling ministry dedicated to helping them rediscover an authentic relationship with Jesus. These young people also enjoy putting their faith to work in acts of compassion for the poorest in their community. 

FAITH
Mark accepted Jesus at age 13 at a Christian school. At 16 he joined a church with a strong missions program, which had a big influence on him. A few years after beginning a career as a police officer in his hometown of Santa Cruz, California, he felt a call to missions. While studying toward that goal, he continued as a patrol officer for 10 more years and gained valuable experience working among poor immigrants from Latin America.

Brenda was born and raised in Guatemala City. She accepted Christ at one of Missions Door’s churches in Guatemala. They met when Mark led a construction project there in 2000. At the time, she was teaching English at an elementary school. Since their marriage, they have worked as a team in ministry.

FAMILY
Daughter Gabriela was born in 2003. Son Kelsey was born in 2009.

EDUCATION
B.A. Linguistics, University of California Santa Cruz
M.A. Ministry, Western Seminary