Ana Julia Vílchez Orozco:  Nicaragua Field Director

We have enjoyed watching Ana Julia Orozco grow from one of our first sponsored students and blossom into our Field Director in Nicaragua. What Ana Julia does for JOO knows no bounds, and we are proud of her and are excited about God's continued work in her life. Ana Julia is passionate about her work, and her duties range from interviewing potential students, organizing mission trips, curriculum development, and accounting to connecting with village leaders and inspiring pastors in their work. Ana Julia is likely our best investment to date. ​

I was born in 1993 and grew up in extreme poverty in Las Avellanas with nine siblings, including my brother Roger. In 2004, my brother Roger built us a house in Sebaco, which improved our lives and brought us closer to the city. In 2006, I completed elementary school and began to see evidence of God's unique plan for my life. In 2007, while studying at Ruben Dario High School, I met my friend Jazmina, who invited me to a home bible study where I accepted the Lord and began my spiritual walk. I was later baptized at the Sebaco Gerizim Christian Center and plugged into church life, where I joined the church choir and taught small groups in the parsonage. I learned to become a leader and realized you must go in search of those to serve to bring souls to Christ; Pastor Allan always involved us in outreach activities. I have come to know that God knows each person's purpose.

I moved to study at the Christian school Lily of the Valley, and in 2011, I graduated from high school, always putting God first, and knew Roger desired to support me in my education. In 2012, I felt nervous because I started a new stage in life with great responsibility; I decided to study for a degree in international trade. Roger was my guide through the process, and I eagerly listened to every suggestion and motivation he had for me; with Roger's help, he kept me strong and encouraged a desire in me to excel. I understood that other young people need the same opportunity God gave me. In 2012, Roger, through Just One Opportunity, built a training center in the city of Sebaco, where he offered me the opportunity to become involved in his plans in remote Nicaragua. In 2014, we started to carry out the vision of Just One Opportunity in Nicaragua, and then I spoke with Jazmina, beginning to mentor her. Jazmina learned fast, and we have become a great team. In 2016, I graduated, obtaining my bachelor's degree in International Trade at the University UCAN- Matagalpa. Thanks be to God for the support I received from Mary Blake, Roger, and you through Just One Opportunity. If God allows me, I want to continue my work with Just One Opportunity, where my mind and heart can remain focused on serving others.

​Jazmina Elizeth Sequeira -
​Project Coordinator

​I was born in the city of Rama on the coast of Nicaragua in 1990, the daughter of Candida Rosa Sequeira and Visitacion Garcia; I have six brothers. When I was five, we moved to Sébaco, where I spent my childhood. I began my studies at the Christian school New Jerusalem, where I excelled academically. When I was nine years old, I met Jesus, and two years later, I chose to become baptized. I worked as a Sunday school leader, was in the church choir, and formed a small group where we would invite my neighborhood and speak about Christ. In one such small group, I met my friend Ana Julia, whom I invited to my home. That day, while I was preaching, she decided to give her life to Christ; soon, we worked with the youth in our church and went to the streets to visit children who had no home to speak of God and share food with them.

 I started working at 18 while studying at the Eddy Alonso Institute. I was exhausted and stressed, so I decided to work, leaving my education behind. After reevaluating my life, I re-planted my priorities and chose to resume my studies, and in 2014, I graduated.
 
Ana often spoke with me about the possibilities of working with Just One Opportunity, and I became curious about the organization. I loved what I was doing and told Ana Julia I wanted to collaborate but had no experience. She guided me and instructed me in computer skills, which I appreciate, and this was my beginning with Just One Opportunity. It has been a great experience, and I learned a lot from the training in education, evangelism, and practical skills. I share and help with children and distribute school supplies within the communities. Just One Opportunity has been a blessing in my personal life, and it has given me the opportunity to grow as a person.

Jarid Ramirez Sequeira  -
​Marketing Specialist

​My name is Jarid Massiel, and I was born on September 5, 2002, at the Matagalpa Regional Hospital, Nicaragua. I am the eldest of three children born to my father, Leyman Uriel, who works in masonry, and my mother, Arlen Jeanneth Sequeira, a housewife. 

Growing up in Sebaco, I began school at the age of five. Excelling in school, I attended Rubén Darío public school, where I  completed high school. While in school, I competed in competitions, such as Language and literature, public speaking, and best student; these great experiences marked my life.

Every year, while on vacation, my father and I collect "mamones" (a Spanish lime plant) at my grandmother's house in a community called Chaguitillo; I would gather up to two buckets full of "mamones" and package them to sell. I was motivated to raise funds to buy notebooks and pencils so that it would be possible to attend class the following year; in this way, I reduced my parents' expenses. Knowing my family has limited resources makes me strive every day to get ahead and be a professional in the future to help my family and community.

In my last year of high school, I studied twice as hard after setting my goal of entering a public university. My effort and dedication paid off as I passed the admission exam; thanks be to God. I wanted an English degree but needed more resources for a private university. I am fortunate to be supported by Just One Opportunity, which allows me to continue my university education.

In my internship, I provide support as a teacher assistant for teachers teaching multiple subjects. This year, I will graduate from university with a degree in English, hoping to God for success.