My first trip to Guatemala was in 2005, before Loving Arms was dreamed of. Linda and I roomed together on that first trip with another friend of Loving Arms, Brenda Stratton. What an amazing adventure! I will never forget Linda’s discussion with me when we returned to Canada about how she had to do something to help the people of Guatemala. Her vision became reality as we met weekly to make bracelets to sell, in order to build a few homes in Guatemala. Well, that early vision, with a lot of prayer, determination and relying on God resulted in Loving Arms being born. Linda has stayed true to her belief that she did not want to give a hand out but a hand up, preserving their dignity. It was important to develop programs to teach the Guatemalans’ to be self-sufficient. That, was true help and her dream.
Fast forward to today, and Loving Arms now has property, a school, sponsorship program, co-ops, sponsored people to come to Canada to find work, Medical/dental clinics and teams going on mission trips. Linda’s vision came to fruition.
Why do I love going to Guatemala with Loving Arms? I know the heart of the Director Linda, the dedication of the Board of Directors and the Staff in Guatemala. I am also confident in the fact that the money donated is used to benefit the people of Guatemala with minimum money being used for administration.
For me, I love to see the joy on the faces of the children, the appreciation of the mothers and fathers for everything we do with them, the love they share with us. They think that we give them so much, and yet it is I who receives the many Blessings!

Hi Everyone,
I have been 2 or 3 times down to Guatemala with Loving Arms. I have been very impressed with the organization.
Every day, we leave on time with interpreters! As for the people, simple life is good. Having possessions is secondary to having food to eat.
The Guatemalan people are always ready to help with the mission. Linda Coghlin as Founder is very accommodating with all the teams and their needs during the mission trips. Her leadership style is respectful with all!

Hello. I am Roxana Oron, I am 46 years old. I live in Paraxaj, one of the villages in the mountains of Parramos. I live with my husband who is a farmer and 4 of my children.

I started receiving the food bag 9 years ago. I started in the program with one of my daughters since she was the beneficiary at the beginning, my daughter studied and managed to complete her elementary school and this bag was very helpful in her growth. I am the currently beneficiary of receiving this bag of food now.

I feel very grateful to all the people who are part of Loving Arms for helping me and giving me this bag every month because it is a great help and blessing for mi and my family.
Thank you so much and God bless you all!

I am very grateful that I have been able to spend time at the Loving Arms ministry in Guatemala. My husband Roger and I visited the Coghlin’s there in 2012 and 2013. I also had the opportunity of accompanying the youth group from our church in March of 2023.

I am amazed at all the wonderful initiatives that I have observed at Loving Arms: water filtration systems, efficient smokeless stoves, medical and dental clinics, literacy classes, cooking classes, provision of reading glasses, and the food distribution program for members of surrounding mountain villages. There have been a wide variety of coops: garden, sewing, dairy, cheese and yogurt, and poultry. In 2016 the excellent Colegio de Esperanza (School of Hope) was founded and has grown by one school grade each year.

The dedication of Linda Coghlin for the past 18 years to this ministry, the devotion of the Guatemalan school staff, and the commitment of the administrative staff are all truly admirable.

I encourage people to become involved by sponsoring students at the school, by joining short-term mission teams, and by offering financial support for all these initiatives.

I pray blessings on all involved as they seek to glorify God and bring hope to those they serve.

Hello everyone. I feel very happy and I am very glad that my son is learning well here. I really like how the school is always attentive to the children and I like the service and attention that the teachers have with the children and also the knowledge that they give them of God for their formation.

Thank you very much and blessings to all.

I want to thank you for all the support you have given us and for the great education you have given us. Thank you to Linda, the Directors and the teachers for all the love and education you have given us. Thank you very much also for the patience you have for us.