Martha Smallwood, the longtime former Director of Missions at Pathway Church, Wichita, Kans., co-led a team this past summer from Pathway and Central Christian Church, Wichita, on a short-term trip to assist CMF and its national partners working in Mexico City. The Pathway Church is a partner with CMF in the work of “Zone 10:14,” a property in the greater Mexico City suburb of Fuego Nuevo used for the worship services of the Maranatha Church and for community development classes during the week. Here she shares a story of a 16-year-old young man, Diego, whose life has been changed by Zone 10:14.

Laughing eyes, an infectious smile and a spring in his step draws attention whenever Diego enters a room. Soon everyone knows that he is here. He greets everyone personally, leaving them with a smile and a lighter heart. Surely, one might think, this 16-year-old has a great life free of sadness and grief. However, talking with Diego reveals a very different and intriguing story.

His background is similar to that of many teens in Fuego Nuevo. His father, with whom he lived on the weekends, died when Diego was 10. It was an unexpected death and difficult for Diego. He was left lonely and searching. When he finished junior high he dropped out of school. The void in his life increased and he longed to find ways to express himself, feel loved, and escape his problems. He began rapping and it seemed to help.

One day he wandered into Zone 10:14. The warmth and acceptance of the other teens and the adults answered part of the longings deep inside of him. He found they would listen, encourage and challenge him. He experienced unconditional love tempered with eternal truths presented in an honest, loving manner, all in the name of Jesus. He also found that he enjoyed children and could use his natural leadership to encourage and help them. The deep pain was alleviated.

When asked why he continued to come to Zone 10:14 and the Maranatha Church, Diego’s eyes became serious and the smile faded into serious concern. He explained that he initially wanted to get away from his problems and express himself. Here he found love and acceptance. He discovered freedom to express his thoughts and seek life’s truths. Suddenly, the deep pain, loneliness and emptiness in this young man became very apparent. However, the hope for healing and true happiness was also evident within him.

What next for Diego? Rapping with his Zone 10:14 friends is an important part of his life. Music has become a way for Diego to express himself. He and his friends rap about mistakes they have made so others will not do the same. Diego works with the children and participates in the teen outreach.

Sharing and exploring the questions that rise from within him are important and it can be done at Zone 10:14 and Maranatha church. His dreams have not been squelched. Diego would like to finish school and go to university to study music and have a career in that field. An ultimate goal is to make the world better and to have a family.

God has not finished His work in this young life, or the lives of many like him in this part of greater Mexico City. Plans are being made to duplicate the community, health and evangelism program in other areas of Iztapalapa and Mexico City.   Transformation of lives and culture through Jesus Christ is being done, one person at a time.