Church Bells from the Guerras

“It’s time for the child to grow up,” Mrs. Guerra said, her voice resonating with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. “To leave home and thrive on its own.”

The "child" she spoke of was not a person but the Boston Trinity Academy (BTA), the Christian school she and her husband, Mr. Guerra, had dedicated decades of their lives to founding, nurturing, and leading. From its inception, they envisioned BTA as a place where academic excellence, faith, and community merged seamlessly. Today, retired and living near Cape Cod, they reflect on a journey marked by devotion, challenges, and unwavering purpose.

Mr. and Mrs. Guerra

Beginnings of Faith

Mrs. Guerra’s path to faith began outside New York City in a family that identified as Episcopalian but practiced religion more as tradition than conviction. “It wasn’t until my older siblings returned from a Christian camp on fire with their faith that everything changed,” she recalled. She would later attend the same camp in eighth grade, where her own faith took root. “That camp experience opened my eyes to a personal relationship with Jesus, something deeper than the ritual of attending church.”

Mr. Guerra’s story diverged greatly. Raised in a secular environment in New Jersey, religion was not on his radar. “When I arrived at Harvard, I would have called myself an atheist, though really I was an agnostic. I was skeptical and honestly, indifferent,” he admitted with a reflective smile. Harvard, with all its intellect and ambition, exposed him to both hypocrisy and his own shortcomings, pushing him toward something greater. “I had this moment of clarity in my junior year. I surrendered to Christ. It was like stepping into a different dimension, seeing life through a new lens,” he said, invoking the imagery of the ‘red pill’ from The Matrix.

Their love story began at their respective Christian fellowships at Harvard and Wellesley, with their paths crossing at campus meetings and later during summer camps. “We didn’t even remember meeting at the same time,” Mrs. Guerra laughed. “But God had a plan for us.” Their relationship grew stronger through shared faith and service. “The Bible says when a man and woman marry, they become one flesh,” Mr. Guerra noted. “We’ve experienced that—not just in marriage but in our mission. The Holy Spirit creates a unity that transcends our differences.”

Boston Trinity Academy

In the 1990s, both Guerras felt a divine call to start a Christian school in Boston. It was a daunting task. “We had no money, no building, and only a vision,” Mrs. Guerra said. Yet their conviction was strong. “Our mission was clear—to build a school grounded in faith, that embraced academic rigor and a diverse student body.”

The early days were tough. “Raising funds was a constant challenge,” Mr. Guerra recalled. “There were times we didn’t know if we could keep going.” Their faith never wavered. “God provided,” Mrs. Guerra added. “Every time we took a step, the path opened up.”

The Guerras were determined to break stereotypes about Christian education. “There’s a misconception that Christian schools can’t be rigorous,” Mr. Guerra said. “We set out to prove that wrong. Our goal was to nurture students holistically—mind, body, and spirit.”

The fruits of their labor spoke volumes. BTA became known not just for academic excellence but for fostering a community that embraced diverse backgrounds and perspectives. “We believed that diversity reflects God’s kingdom,” Mrs. Guerra said. “Our students came from every walk of life, and we saw the richness it brought.”

Mr. Guerra During Homecoming

The Guerras’ journey was marked by both high points and deep valleys. There were financial challenges, the heartbreaking loss of a beloved faculty member, and the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. “During those years, I became the pep-talk-giver-in-chief,” Mr. Guerra joked. “Faculty were struggling. Morale was low. I had to remind everyone why we were here—to serve and love these kids in Jesus’ name.”

The couple leaned heavily on their faith. “Stepping out in faith means God meets you there,” Mr. Guerra said. “We experienced that time and again.” One particularly difficult moment was the sudden passing of a faculty member. “We were devastated, but the community came together in a powerful way. We grieved together, prayed together, and carried on together,” Mrs. Guerra said.

The school’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic stands out as a testament to their leadership. “It was the hardest period of my career,” Mr. Guerra said. “But we innovated, adapted, and stayed true to our mission.”

Retirement: A New Chapter

After decades of service, the Guerras stepped back, believing it was time for others to lead. But their work is far from over. Their Cape Cod home has become a sanctuary for weary leaders and friends. “It’s a place of rest and renewal,” Mrs. Guerra said. “We’ve hosted former colleagues, friends, and young leaders who need space to breathe.”

The Guerras also continue mentoring educators and supporting Christian schools worldwide. “We listen for God’s next call,” Mr. Guerra said. “Faith isn’t static. It calls us to new heights, new places.”

Reflecting on their journey, the Guerras express gratitude for every challenge and triumph. “God’s work isn’t ours alone,” Mrs. Guerra said, her eyes shining with conviction. “We are privileged to be part of it. We step back now, knowing it’s in good hands.”

As our conversation ended, I was struck by their enduring commitment to faith, to each other, and to every student they’ve touched. The Boston Trinity Academy was their labor of love—a testament to their belief that education, faith, and community can change the world.