History

In the winter of 1986 Fred Roguske stepped out in faith to join a short term construction team to Brazil. Enthused by the experience, a year later he teamed up with Nelson Perkinson, a Wisconsin pastor, for a project in Guatemala. They took along several friends and fellow church members. From that experience Perkinson decided to become a full time mission worker in Guatemala. Fred went on to lead numerous short term teams on three continents for many purposes while Nelson hosted an even greater number of teams into Central America for an equally broad range of purposes. They worked together at times in Guatemala.

Both understood that the greatest benefit of short term mission teams is the change of heart experienced by the team members. However, the two began to realize that a great benefit can also be bestowed upon the mission IF and WHEN the team members are called to utilize and share their specific spiritual gifts and life skills. It also became clear that a "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval" is badly needed in order to identify effective ministries from among the many good works projects and even occasional scams that are consuming vast well intended ministry resources. Both men developed a passion for connecting lay people with ministries where the needs of each could be fulfilled. During the summer of 2001 Global Development Services, Inc (GDS) was formed as a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization to further those passions.

As a result of more than ten years of association with the Agua Viva Children's Home, the need for vocational training became obvious. After investing in the lives of these children for sixteen years, without a vocational skill, they were destined to return to the poverty from which they had be rescued. Raised in the Christian faith, these young people along with many other Christian youth are the hope and leadership of Guatemala's future.

On November 1st, 2002 after months of patient negotiations, GDS purchased a ten acre facility originally constructed as a time share which includes the Villa Grande Hotel. Located on the edge of Chichicastenango the profitable hotel operation will pay for the purchase of the facility. In the mean time the unfinished portion of the facilities will be converted into a vocational facility and the Casa de Ray Mission Center.

The career training center held its first classes in October 2003 with 24 underprivileged youth from several children's homes and ministries participating in an English emersion program. Wages are double and jobs much more readily available for those who are bilingual. The first vocational classes started January, 2004.