Carroll Bishop
Carroll came to Guatemala to teach missionary children in July 1999, which she did for two years at the Christian Academy of Guatemala in San Cristobal. During this time, she saw many children in desperate situations as they wandered the streets looking for ways to survive. The abuse was horrendous, and she developed a deep desire to do something to help these kids find hope for something better in their lives.
Carroll and Joanne Simpson Hartley discovered that the same desire brooded in their hearts. The idea to start an orphanage presented itself, and they sought the Lord for a plan. He had one! Carroll and Joanne founded the James Project of Latin America in 2002. The vision grew, and they established a permanent site on 15 acres of land for the children.
The Project expanded to include the Evangelical Freedom School for the kids and the Redeemed Women for widows and women with children who lived in poverty. Boys became part of the population. A transition program was developed for girls over 18 who desired to continue their education. Casa Maria serves violated pregnant girls between the ages of 12-16.
The plan in Carroll‘s mind included a commitment to be in Guatemala for life. As a result, Tiffany Applegate and Gerber Rivera are the directors of JPoLA. Still, there are many ways in which Carroll stays plugged into the Project and community.