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).
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!
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.
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!
CLAUDIA MARCELA SALAZAR (MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA)
PSYCHOLOGIST
Claudia first began as a volunteer at 911 Life. She is now a full-time staff member and has been a great blessing to the foundation. She is characterized by the love God has put in her for women and children. Her experience as a Psychologist is a great blessing to 911 Life!
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.
