A Bumpy Start

Just before 8 o'clock on a weekday morning, a backpack-laden sixth-grader walks down the street toward Colegio de las Americas. At first glance, he is a typical student, but Roberto carries some very unique challenges to school with him in addition to his books. 

Until age 10, he had attended public school. That year, he explains, "I left school to go be with my friends. I smoked, I drank, and I robbed. My life was ugly and boring." Roberto had turned to the streets as life at home became tumultuous in the years following his grandfather's death.    

A Beacon of Light

In many regards, Roberto's story is not unusual. With no stable father figure present, his mother works several days each week to support her children and aging mother, Rosa.   In their home, the few walls and ceilings are in disrepair, but on a bed covered with blankets that are stained and worn, Grandma Rosa sings hymns and teaches Bible songs to her grandchildren. Her faith in the Lord invites His presence into a home that is otherwise spiritually dark. In this unlikely place, God is laying a foundation for what one day could become a legacy of faith. 

Sis. Rosa and her late husband Bro. Roberto Sr. began attending church after Bro. Loren Schrenk performed cataract surgery for her. They repented and were baptized. Later, however, Bro. Roberto Sr.'s death from cancer shook the family, especially young Roberto. Losing his grandfather, to whom he had often looked for security and wisdom, caused Roberto to rebel, eventually leading to his drop-out from school. 

In March 2013, Roberto was enrolled in Colegio de las Americas through a private sponsor in an effort to keep him off the streets. Today, the influence from school has exceeded that intial intent. While Roberto still faces his share of uncertainties, he has an educational opportunity that will hopefully enable him to find meaningful work as an adult. Even more importantly, he has found a support system and accountability. He says, "Since I began attending the Colegio a year and a half ago, my [new] friends have told me that I should not smoke or drink or rob. Thanks to them, I've stopped doing those things. Today... I have lots of friends at school." This boy who once talked about ending his life now makes jokes and plays soccer with his buddies. And, some of the time, he even does his math homework.

Back at school, the 8 o'clock bell rings and the students line up in preparation for their opening routine. Like Roberto, many of these eighty-nine children carry personal loads and challenges. However, not many of them have a grandmother like Roberto's, who is serving the Lord and acting as a ray of hope in a home where hardships abound. It is evident that although her health is failing, God is still using her to teach Roberto and his two siblings, Erik (5) and Alondra (2) about Himself. Her work here is not yet finished.