Our Team
“For the body is not one member, but many.” 1 Corinthians 12:14
Our Team
THOMAS AND JENNIFER ATWATER (Wisconsin, USA)
FOUNDERS OF 911 LIFE MINISTRIES
In 1995, Tom and Jen were college students headed to Colombia to teach English as a second language in a small school in Cartagena. While they were strolling the cobble-stoned streets of the old city one evening, they saw a paper bag up ahead. As they approached it, ready to kick it out of their way, they saw to their horror that there was actually a young child sleeping inside!
They evaluated their options. Should they take him to their hacienda for the night? Would that possibly be even worse for him, knowing the comforts of a soft bed for one night? What else could they possibly do to help? SOMEONE had to help this child! Finally, understanding that there was nothing permanent they could do to help this child, nor the countless other street children they had seen begging on the streets during the day, they carefully tucked some money underneath him, said a prayer for his safety, and continued on their way, forever impacted by this experience.
In 2011, 16 years after the seed was sown in their hearts, Tom and Jen moved their young family to Medellin, Colombia, to serve as Directors of a center for at-risk children and families in Medellin. During the 7 years that they served as directors of the center, God was building a larger vision not only for the care of at-risk children and families, but also for the training and equipping of believers worldwide. In 2018, they followed God’s leading and founded 911 Life Ministries.
To help support Tom and Jennifer Atwater, click here (Please scroll down to Tom and Jen Atwater).
GABRIEL ATWATER (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
MAINTENANCE & PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Gabriel is a gifted young volunteer with a passion for Jesus and a genuine desire to serve others.
ALEJANDRA CATAÑO (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
VOLUNTEER
Aleja is a dedicated and passionate volunteer who loves missions, Jesus, and serving others.
LINA ANDREA ECHAVARRIA (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Lina serves as an Administrative Assistant for all of our programs. She is a passionate lover of Jesus and follows Him with all of her heart.
TATIANA FIGUEROA (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Tati joined 911 Life in 2022 as our Project Coordinator. She has enthusiasm and perseverance, as well as a LOT of experience as a Social Worker. Having her with us at 911 Life is a huge blessing!
JHOAN GIRALDO (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
ACCOUNTANT
Jhoan joined 911 Life in August 2019 as our new accountant! He came to us in a most unusual way...he felt God pressing him to quit his job in order to volunteer at 911 Life. Within weeks he became so necessary that we had to hire him! Jhoan has a missionary heart, and is always ready to lend a helping hand in whatever capacity he might be needed. When he's not working, Jhoan loves to read, travel, and hang out with friends. We are THRILLED to have him with us at 911 Life!
NOHELIA GUERRA (BARRANQUILLA, COLOMBIA)
PROGRAMS & PROJECT LOGISTICS ASSISTANT
Nohelia's adventure in Medellin began in 2020 as a student in our Supernatural Missions course where her life and relationship with God were transformed. She began to volunteer in our Youth Center, and now works full-time helping with all of our programs. She is an extroverted and creative person who is always smiling, and she is grateful to God for bringing her to 911 Life.
MARCELA LONDOÑO (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Marcela is one of the hardest-working people we know, and is an EXTREMELY capable Administrative Assistant! We are THRILLED to have her with us at 911 Life! Fun fact: She is married to Jonathan Sanchez, another amazing 911 staff member.
MARIA MARCELA MENA MOSQUERA (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ANALYST
Marcela is passionate about safety and making sure businesses and ministries run efficiently, smoothly, and aligned with legal guidelines. She loves to exercise and spend time with her son.
MANUELA ORTIZ GALEANO (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
PSYCHOLOGIST
Manuela loves serving God and the families in Medellin through her experience as a social and clinical Psychologist. She is thrilled to be working and growing at 911 Life!
SANDRA QUINTERO GALLEGO (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
HOPE HOUSE LEADER
As a professional Social Worker, Sandra loves missions, learning about people and cultures, and serving others. Sandra enjoys clowning, and uses her character "Dreamer" to bring the message of Jesus to children.
ANGELA RODRIGUEZ PEÑA (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
YOUTH CENTER LEADER
Angela loves working with children and imparting Jesus' love to them. She is a dedicated wife and mother, and a passionate follower of Christ. Angela loves working at 911 Life where she can grow in intimacy with Jesus.
JONATHAN SANCHEZ (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
911 WORSHIP COORDINATOR / YOUTH CENTER ASSISTANT
Jonathan is an incredibly gifted worship musician who plays mutliple instruments, sings, and records music! He currently helps run the Worship Room and serves in our Youth Center full-time. We are THRILLED to have him with us at 911 Life! Fun fact: he is married to our amazing Admin Assistant, Marcela!
NATALIA ZAPATA OVIEDO (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
FEARLESS YOUTH LEADER
Natalia dreams of a world without orphans and is passionate about empowering vulnerable families. She is a "Paisa" (from the local region) who enjoys nature and adventure, and loves Jesus with everything she has!
Our Amazing Volunteers
We have an AMAZING group of volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about seeing Jesus glorified in all that they do! They are a SUPER integral part of 911 Life and each one helps raise the quality of everything we do through their love, support, and ideas.
