Supporting Claudia Flores: A Call to Action for Our FTLOM Family

valerieedwards
Jul 20
3 min read

Claudia Flores has been a vital part of FTLOM’s mission in Guatemala for many years. As our full-time in-country assistant, she is the hands and feet behind much of the work we do on the ground. Despite her essential role, the funding for her salary is not covered by any of our designated sponsorship programs, which are restricted to specific outreach efforts. This means Claudia’s monthly salary depends entirely on separate support.

Over the years, we’ve covered Claudia's salary through a combination of small fundraisers, unrestricted donations, and any remaining mission trip funds after all trip expenses have been paid. While we are incredibly grateful for those provisions, we would love to establish a more sustainable way to support the person who makes so much of our ministry possible.

Eye-level view of Claudia Flores working at a desk with outreach materials in Guatemala — *Claudia Flores with Val on one of For the Love of Mateo's Mission of Love trips in Guatemala*

THE VALUED ROLE CLAUDIA PLAYS EVERY DAY IN GUATEMALA

Claudia’s role reaches far beyond what most people ever see. She faithfully serves our ministry every single day by:

Purchasing and personally delivering groceries each month to the families in our Grocery Sponsorship Program, then sending photo updates to each sponsor.
Coordinating monthly sponsor photos and updates for children at Esperanza Juvenil who are sponsored through FTLOM.
Serving as the primary liaison between Valerie Edwards, FTLOM’s Founder and President, and each of the outreach ministries we support throughout Guatemala.
Delivering requested supplies and donations to the nursing home we partner with in Antigua.
Managing the bookkeeping and financial records for our Guatemalan nonprofit, preparing reports for our U.S. bookkeeping team, and working directly with our Guatemalan attorney and accountant.
Maintaining all financial records, receipts, banking information, and ministry documentation in Guatemala.
Helping plan every mission trip by coordinating outreach schedules, purchasing supplies, and preparing each project before our teams arrive.
Serving alongside every FTLOM mission team as a bilingual translator, helping bridge communication and build meaningful relationships.
Coordinating transportation schedules, airport pickups, and logistics with our trusted driver for every mission trip.
Scheduling reservations, organizing meals, and handling countless behind-the-scenes details that allow each trip to run smoothly.

CLAUDIA'S STORY

Valerie and her husband, Doug, first met Claudia in 2008 during their very first trip to Guatemala while they were in the process of adopting their son, Mateo.

At the time, Claudia worked for the Gladney Center for Adoption as an in-country assistant. She visited orphanages, photographed children, and created videos that helped adopting families stay connected throughout the adoption process.

When international adoptions in Guatemala came to an end, Valerie and Doug founded For the Love of Mateo. They invited Claudia to join the ministry in a part-time role, helping with various outreach projects. As the ministry continued to grow, so did the need for her leadership, organization, and servant’s heart. Today, she serves FTLOM as our full-time in-country assistant.

*Claudia delivering donations to one of our outreach projects in Guatemala alongside Valerie & her son Mateo*

Why do we need your help?

Anyone who has traveled to Guatemala with FTLOM knows that Claudia is one of the most loving, hardworking, trustworthy, and joy-filled people you will ever meet.

Since 2012, more than 2,000 team members have served alongside FTLOM in Guatemala, and one thing they all have in common is their love and appreciation for Claudia. Her servant’s heart, unwavering dedication, and incredible sense of humor have touched countless lives.

We are praying that those who have witnessed firsthand the impact Claudia has on our ministry or anyone who believes in the work God is doing through FTLOM will consider becoming a monthly supporter to help provide her salary.

Every recurring gift, regardless of the amount, helps provide stability for this vital ministry position and allows Claudia to continue serving the people of Guatemala every day.