Leadership
Alison Howard
Alison grew up in Washington State and felt a strong call to missions from the age of six. She served with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), World Vision, Wycliffe Bible Translators in Colombia, Mexico, and El Salvador. Since 2010 she has lived in La Ceiba, Honduras, where she and Fernando Sabio were married and had their son, Jonathan, in 2014 and daughter, Amy, in 2015. Alison serves in project management, administrative support, and other supportive roles alongside Garifuna brothers and sisters.
Pastor Elvis Barelona
Elvis, from the community of Rio Esteban, received Jesus as Lord and Savior in 2009 and was discipled by Fernando Sabio. Elvis received theological training through the Mua Buiti Garifuna Bible school and grew into a key leader in supporting pastor training. Pastor Elvis planted a church in Rio Esteban, where he serves with his wife, Yosely, and two children. Now as director of the Bible school, his passion is encouraging and helping pastors, especially in remote locations, in addition to supporting the administrative aspects of construction projects and other outreach.
Pastor Gilberto Arzú
Gilberto is from the community of Sambo Creek, where he and his wife, Brenda, raised their five children and accepted the challenge of pastoring a local congregation. Gilberto began participating in the Mua Buiti Garifuna Bible in 2012. He currently serves as president of the Garifuna Missions Association and assists with Bible school activities, motivated by his heart for shepherding and encouraging local believers in the gospel.
Nadia Valentín
Nadia became involved in youth outreach with the Garifuna Missions Association and, later, earned an accounting and business administration degree, which she uses to serve in a variety of ministry areas. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence are a gift to all involved in these projects, from donors to recipients. She and her husband, Carlos, have two children.
Structure and Governance
GFI is a 501(c)3 incorporated in 2025. It is led by a four person Board of Directors, serving 1 year renewable terms. Board members are Christians with expertise related to ministry, missions, &/or non-profit organizations who have a heart for the Garifuna people.
Board President: Mark Harvey
Board Vice President: Paul Nordlund
Board Secretary: Alison Howard
Board Treasurer: Cynthia Wright