The Forgotten People Ministry & Orphanage Team Handbook
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23
1. Our Mission
The Forgotten People exists to provide a Christ-centered home for children who have experienced pain, loss, and abandonment. Our purpose is to raise them in love, dignity, and faith, reflecting the heart of Jesus in everything we do.
2. Core Values
Love and Respect: We treat every person—child, staff, or visitor—with love, patience, and respect.
Integrity: We live above reproach, knowing we represent Christ and our ministry in every word and action.
Unity: We work together as one family under the direction of God, always promoting peace and understanding.
Accountability: We are responsible with every dollar, every action, and every soul God entrusts to us.
Excellence: We give our very best to God and the children we serve.
3. Respect and Communication
Every interaction—whether with leadership, co-workers, or children—must reflect love, humility, and kindness.
No one should speak in a demanding or authoritative tone. Correction should always be handled in love and never in anger.
Reactions to leadership decisions should always be respectful and faith-filled. We trust that God works through authority.
Communication between team members must be clear and professional, both in person and through phone or message.
The entire team must be added to an official WhatsApp group to ensure that all notices, announcements, and important updates are shared with everyone at the same time.
No phone calls should be made after 5:00 PM unless there is an emergency. Use messaging if something urgent arises.
4. Purity and Conduct
There must never be a male and female alone together—whether in a room, vehicle, or any other setting.
The same rule applies with children: adults should never be alone with a child. Always ensure a second child or adult is present.
These safeguards are to protect our team, our children, and our ministry’s integrity.
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality... because these are improper for God’s holy people.” – Ephesians 5:3
5. Child Safety & Protection Policy
The protection of our children is our highest earthly responsibility.
Every team member must uphold the highest standards of care, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and loved.
Mandatory Reporting: Any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or inappropriate behavior must be reported immediately to the Director (Nayo), who will also notify Kyle and local authorities if required.
Appropriate Touch: Only appropriate, respectful, and comforting contact is allowed (e.g., side hugs, handshakes, or a hand on the shoulder). No lap-sitting, closed-door meetings, or inappropriate touch of any kind.
Communication Boundaries: No team member should privately message, call, or interact with a child on social media or personal devices. All communication must be transparent and known to leadership.
Supervision: Visitors are never to be alone with children and must always be accompanied by a staff member.
Discipline: Never use physical discipline. Correction must always align with love, dignity, and CNA guidelines.
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3
6. Marriage and Leadership Roles
We honor and protect marriages within our team. For this reason, we encourage Nayo and his wife to attend court dates and errands together.
Unless otherwise directed, all court dates and official appointments should include both Nayo and his wife.
If Nayo’s wife is unable to attend any appointment, and the available person accompanying him is of the opposite sex, a third person must be present at all times.
Nayo and his wife serve as the spiritual “dad and mom” of the orphanage, leading day-to-day operations.
Kyle and Hayley serve as the spiritual covering and founders of the ministry.
Leadership structure:
Kyle & Hayley – Founders and covering of the ministry
Nayo & his wife – Directors (“Dad and Mom” of the orphanage)
House Moms and Tías
Missionaries (Full-time and Part-time)
Support Staff and Volunteers
7. Home and Privacy
The orphanage is both a ministry and a home. Please respect quiet hours, especially at night.
Be considerate of those who live within the orphanage. Keep noise levels down and honor privacy.
Modesty matters—be mindful of clothing and laundry areas.
The ministry vehicle must always be kept in the best condition possible and stored overnight at the main (big) house property for safety and protection.
Any approved drivers may retrieve or use the vehicle, but they must communicate with Nayo beforehand and coordinate the retrieval of the keys and return of the vehicle.
8. Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Policy
Absolutely no alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes are permitted within the orphanage property, including private rooms.
This is both a legal requirement under CNA and a spiritual one. Many of our children have suffered because of substance abuse.
Additionally, we ask that no team members consume or share alcoholic beverages anywhere in Guatemala, whether inside or outside of the orphanage.
This is to protect the purity of our testimony and to avoid any appearance of wrongdoing or compromise in leadership.
We must remember that we do not always know the personal temptations, weaknesses, or past struggles that others may be dealing with.
As a ministry family, we commit to protecting one another’s integrity by avoiding situations that could lead to temptation, moral failure, or damage to the ministry’s witness.
“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” – Ephesians 5:15–16
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.” – Romans 14:21
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:22
9. Health & Hygiene Policy
Proper hygiene and cleanliness are vital for the health of both staff and children.
All team members must promote daily hygiene habits such as handwashing, teeth brushing, and clean clothing.
The kitchen, bathrooms, and common areas must be kept sanitary and orderly.
When a child or team member is sick, notify leadership immediately.
Sick children should rest and be monitored; leadership will decide if medical care is needed.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40
10. Child Intake, Process, and Policy
Every child who enters The Forgotten People is seen as a precious son or daughter of God, created with purpose and value. We approach each intake with prayer, patience, and professionalism.
When a new child arrives, they will first be placed in a temporary room with a designated adult caregiver for a short transition period.
This temporary placement allows staff to:
Observe the child’s behavioral patterns, emotional state, and comfort level.
Assess and address any trauma-related needs before full integration with other children.
Identify any immediate medical or emotional support required.
During this time, the child should receive:
A complete medical checkup and laboratory tests to ensure there are no contagious illnesses or underlying health concerns.
A personal interview and intake session where the child can safely share their story, background, and experiences.
Proper documentation of all health records, legal forms, and CNA-required paperwork.
This intake period also allows the team to pray with the child, help them understand that they are loved, safe, and wanted, and begin the healing process in a nurturing, Christ-centered way.
Only after the Directors and intake team determine that the child is emotionally and physically ready will they be transitioned into the main home and begin living alongside the other children.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14
11. Scheduling and Rest
Everyone should have clearly defined days on and days off.
Please do not enter the orphanage on your days off unless absolutely necessary.
We value family time, rest, and personal connection with God.
12. Prayer, Worship, and Spiritual Life
Worship music should be played regularly within the orphanage to fill the home with God’s presence.
Weekly team prayer and Bible study will be led by Nayo or Kyle (virtually).
Once a month, Kyle will lead an in-person prayer and discipleship gathering when in Guatemala.
Team worship nights will be held at Kyle and Hayley’s home.
13. Emergency & Safety Procedures
In case of medical emergencies, notify Nayo and leadership immediately. Seek local medical help and inform Kyle and Hayley.
In case of fire, earthquake, or disaster, gather children quickly at the designated safe area.
Perform regular emergency drills for staff and children.
Any missing child must be reported to leadership immediately, and local authorities contacted if not found within minutes.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
14. Discipline and Unity
All discipline must follow CNA guidelines and be communicated clearly among the team.
Discipline should always reflect love, patience, and teaching, never punishment.
When a child is restricted from an activity, the entire team should be aware and supportive.
Unity and communication prevent confusion and dishonor.
15. Growth and Learning
Leadership should stay connected with Christian conferences and concerts in Guatemala.
The team should plan quarterly field trips for children (zoo, lake, or cultural visits).
Directors and missionaries should quarterly visit other orphanages to learn and grow.
16. Property and Legal Matters
All property and legal matters must be handled promptly and without delay.
Be transparent in all documentation.
Any additional projects or repairs must not come from the regular monthly budget but should be submitted for special fundraising.
17. Finances and Stewardship
Every expense must be documented with receipts and recorded properly.
Nayo has a $100 discretionary budget for immediate needs.
Stewardship is a sacred duty—every dollar is God’s provision.
18. Financial Accountability Addendum
All financial activity should have two-person verification for significant transactions.
Quarterly financial reports will be reviewed by both Guatemalan and U.S. boards.
Donations and gifts must be tracked transparently.
19. Visitors and Mission Teams
All visitors must be pre-approved by leadership.
First-time missionaries must stay in local hotels or Airbnbs; future stays at the orphanage require director approval.
Nayo oversees visiting teams; Kyle and Hayley have final oversight.
20. Volunteer / Missionary Conduct Code
Dress modestly and appropriately.
No romantic relationships while serving.
Avoid gossip, criticism, or divisive talk.
Always respect leadership, culture, and local laws.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
21. Kyle & Hayley’s Home
Use of the home must be pre-approved.
Weekly prayer nights are held in the Ewald home living room.
22. Conflict Resolution
Handle issues directly and respectfully.
Bring leadership in only when needed.
If a situation requires further help, contact Kyle or Hayley directly.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” – Matthew 18:15
23. Staff & Missionary Wellness
Ministry work is spiritual and emotional. Rest is vital.
Every team member should take a Sabbath day each week.
Leadership encourages openness about stress or burnout.
Periodic counseling or spiritual check-ins are recommended.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
24. Transition and Departure Policy
Serving at The Forgotten People—whether as a full-time employee, missionary, or volunteer—is a sacred calling and a position of great trust.
If a missionary or staff member believes that their season of serving has come to an end, they are expected to handle their transition with complete transparency and honor.
A minimum of 30 days’ written notice must be provided to the Directors (Nayo and his wife) and to Kyle and Hayley.
This notice allows the ministry to:
Prepare the children emotionally and practically for change,
Reassign or train another team member to cover key responsibilities, and
Ensure that all housing, property, and financial matters are properly closed.
We ask that each team member or missionary leaving Guatemala do so in peace, unity, and prayer, maintaining a spirit of gratitude for their time of service.
We believe that transitions done with honor protect not only the ministry but also the integrity of the one departing.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” – 1 Corinthians 14:40
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23
25. Cultural Respect & Community Engagement
Honor Guatemalan culture, customs, and traditions.
Support the local economy and serve humbly.
Avoid imposing foreign ways of thinking.
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak... I have become all things to all people.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22
26. Photography and Storytelling Policy
No unblurred or unapproved photos of children may be posted.
Stories shared must protect children’s dignity.
All photos, videos, or stories must be approved by leadership before sharing publicly.
27. Community Relationships
Represent Jesus in every interaction.
Treat all pastors, neighbors, and officials with respect.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
28. Statement of Faith
We believe:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God.
Salvation is through Jesus Christ alone.
The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We are called to live holy, Spirit-filled lives.
We are called to care for orphans, widows, and the brokenhearted.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” – James 1:27
29. Final Commitment
We understand that our lives are living testimonies of God’s love.
By serving in this ministry, we commit to honor Christ, protect our children, and walk in unity with our team—always with love, integrity, and respect.