Josue Lemus was born and raised in Guatemala City. He graduated from the Nazarene Seminary and SETECA (Theological Seminary of Central America) with his degree in Theology. He is currently studying for his Masters Degree in Theology from SETECA.  Josue also pastored the Nazarene Church in Antigua for four years and a home church for 1½ years as well as taught Bible classes in schools. Josue had supported and volunteered at The Jeremiah Project since its inception, and began full-time as the director of The Jeremiah Project in 2012.  More than a director, Josue also serves as a family counselor to the children and parents of The Jeremiah Project.  The children and youth love his open and fun-loving personality as well as his caring spirit.  

​Nancy Lemus was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated from Biola University with a Major in Art Education and taught Art at Newcomb Middle School in Long Beach.  In Nancy’s final year at Biola University she went on a short term mission trip to Guatemala. Her life would never be the same. God touched her heart and she returned to Guatemala several times on short trips until 2003, when she felt lead to become a full time missionary. A supporter and friend since its beginnings, Nancy began working full-time at The Jeremiah Project alongside her husband Josue in 2013.  Nancy tutors and leads the children and youth in daily bible studies as well as organizes much of the educational activities, including writing prompts, reading time, games, and more.  The children love her energetic and loving spirit as well as her trust, kindness, and openness with them.  

Tomasa has worked as the head cook for The Jeremiah Project since it began in 2008.  Tomasa is the mother of four, two boys who are now grown and in college and two girls who are in high school and middle school.  Tomasa is loved by everyone as a caring and kind role-model and respected and loved motherly figure to all.  She is reasponsible for the daily preparation of meals as well as overseeing her part-time assistant and ordering groceries, tortillas, propane, and pure water as they are needed.  

Norfa has over 10 years experience as an elementary and middle school teacher.  She is a graduate of the University of San Carlos in Guatemala with a degree in Secondary Education.  Norfa is married and has two beautiful young children.  Her kind and gentle spirit make her a wonderfully patient tutor to the many of the children in The Jeremiah Project, and they relate to her so well.

Vidalia is the mother of 5 beautiful children, three of whom attend The Jeremiah Project as a part of our weekly groups.  She and her family live in the remote mountain village of El Hato, a community which The Jeremiah Project actively serves.  Vidalia helps Tomasa in the kitchen and with the cleaning three days a week.  She is a beautiful, kind, and sweet spirited woman and we are blessed to have her on staff.

Samuel has been on staff with The Jeremiah Project since the beginning of 2016.  He is from San Antonio Aguas Calientes and is the youngest of three syblings, whose mother is a teacher and father works in the office of a university.  Samuel is in his 3rd year of studies at the University of San Carlos where his major is Investigation in Education.  He has four years' experience as an elementary school teacher.  Samuel says that since coming on staff The Jeremiah Project is his life and his family and he loves to share, chat, eat, play, and do homework with everyone of the boys and girls here.  In his free time he like to read, mountain bike and climb volcanos.  Samuel is a very kind and thoughtful person and a wonderful role-model to all our children and youth alike.  He is a wonderful addition to the team and we are blessed to have him!  

In January 2006 Larenda traveled to Antigua, Guatemala to Study Spanish for 3 months and there became acquainted with a few young children who worked and didn't go to school and didn't seem to have any hope for the future.  That is when the Lord began to press upon Larenda's heart the bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give you hope and a future," and He revealed to her a vision for what would become The Jeremiah Project.  Moving to Guatemala in September of the same year, Larenda set out to make that vision and reality and in May 2008 Refugio Jeremias (The Jeremiah Project) opened its doors as a lunch program for impoverished children.  Larenda has two children, Jabes (11) and Josefine (9). Her favorite thing about being a part of The Jeremiah Project is seeing how God uses each person, staff and kids alike, to share His love and hope with each other.