Country: ​​Guatemala

Giovanni Avendaño was born in Guatemala, Central America. He was saved in 1990, under the ministry of Pastor Jose Talavera in California. After being saved, the Lord placed a great thirst in Giovanni to learn more about Him which led him to attend a Bible institute for three years. Following this, he studied at Puerto Rico Baptist College, graduating in 2000 with a Bachelor of Theology degree. In that same year, he and Barbara were married. Giovanni has stated, “I praise God for my wife because she is a godly and wonderful woman.” The Lord has
blessed them with three beautiful children.

God has prepared Giovanni Avendaño to reach the parts of the country of Guatemala that do not have a Baptist church. In August 2003, the Avendaño family arrived in Guatemala to begin a church planting ministry. At first the church met in their home but with the help of the Lord, and thru the great sacrifice of many believers, in 2008 the New Life Baptist Church building was completed and they have an attendance of about 100. They also have dynamic men’s, ladies’ and youth programs, as well as radio and Bible institute ministries. They lead a Christian school, the Ebenezer Baptist School Complex, with 500 students.

Giovanni has been serving as the Latin American Regional Director since 2015. While he faithfully oversees the ministry in Guatemala, he also travels to visit the other IPM Latin American missionaries located there. Please pray that the Lord will continue to use him in this area of the world.