we are Amigos de Apla's

Blessed Stanley Rother, Padre Apla's, brought hope to the people of Santiago Atitlán through a profound faith in Jesus and acts of mercy and justice. Amigos de Apla's upholds his enduring legacy by providing sustenance, spiritual formation, and education to the Tz'utujil people of Santiago Atitlán and surrounding areas.

1

Sustenance

The 30+ year Guatemalan Civil War left the majority of the Tz'utujil people of Santiago Atitlán in deep poverty. We are committed to providing for the basic needs of these people Bl. Stanley lived and gave his life for. Monthly deliveries are made by local missionaries to 25+ families in Santiago and surrounding villages. 

2

Jesus

When one is living in poverty, hope is easily lost. When our local missionaries bring basic needs to the families they serve in Santiago, they also bring the love and Good News of Christ. This mission only continues by the grace and providence of God which sustains all of us beyond what food and shelter can provide.

3

Education

Education is the surest way to break the cycle of poverty and Bl. Stanley knew this. He once taught a boy named Nicolas how to read. Nicolas was able to start a business, provide for his family, and send his son Edgar to college. Edgar, along with his wife Veronica, now serve the poor, widowed women, malnourished children, sick, elderly, and orphans of Santiago Atitlán bringing them sustenance, Jesus, and education.