Chad & Marlana's Story
Guatemala Country Director, Chad Smith, joined the World Orphans team in 2017, in order to lead a team of Guatemalan nationals, seeking to develop and grow them in the areas of leadership and spiritual growth, while strengthening pastors and local leaders to answer God's call to care for the vulnerable of society. Chad holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Youth Ministry from Cornerstone University and a Master’s Degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Seminary. Marlana is the Guatemala Communications Director, providing spiritual companionship for the ladies of the team, as well as using her previous business experience to provide communication updates.
After a decade of work in the public sector, Chad, Marlana, and their kids moved to Guatemala in 2008, in order to serve a two and a half year term at a children’s home. While living and serving there, they learned that 85% of children living in institutional care have at least one living parent. With this knowledge, they felt God leading them into orphan prevention, working towards preserving vulnerable families. Chad then developed the department of protection and restoration and served as the vice president for AMG International in Guatemala until 2017, when he accepted the above mentioned role with World Orphans.
They relocated back to the US in 2020, due to Chad’s ongoing health issues, coupled with the risks of COVID-19. While their location has changed, their roles have not. Working virtually is very effective when leading from afar, as they are able to spend intentional, face-to-tace time to equip the team and the churches in caring for vulnerable families. Chad and Marlana are eager to travel to Guatemala regularly, once the situation stabilizes.
Chad married his bride, Marlana, in 1999, and they have five children in elementary, middle, and high school. Emmet loves baseball, being a leader, and is amazing with children. Arianna is studious, helpful, and loves to read and tutor children in Spanish. Aleia is adventurous, creative, social, and enjoys being outdoors. Anabella loves math, making crafts, and being a helpful sister to her younger brother. Sam is an energetic boy who loves to sing, dance, and read books with his older siblings. When Chad isn’t working, you may find him bow hunting whitetail deer in Michigan or watching the 49ers and Detroit Tigers, while Marlana may be found playing the saxophone or journaling. They absolutely love spending time with their five children, taking their dogs for walks, drinking Guatemalan coffee, and eating Indian food.
You can hear more about their story in this short video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6PzLeK5qIM&t=