Catholics for Courage
Carlos's Story
His Story
Carlos's early childhood was marked by his father's absence — he remembers being at home with his grandparents and going long periods without seeing his mother, who had to travel for work. He spent most of his childhood in the small city of Duitama. When he was seven, his grandparents passed away and he came into his mother's care; they moved to a small municipality called Covarachía, where she worked most days of the week, leaving him alone much of the time.
That period, lasting about six years, was shaped by the books he read and led him toward a skeptical stance toward God. "During that time, influenced by the books I read, I began to adopt a skeptical stance toward God, blaming Him for all the evils that existed."
Self-confidence, often tied to a fear of failure, remains his greatest ongoing struggle. He says he works through it in prayer and by taking on the challenges God places in front of him, with the support of his leaders, family, and friends. Today he lives alone in Tunja during the week for university and returns to Duitama on weekends to be with his mother.
His Young Life Story
Carlos learned about Young Life at school through Brandon Linares and Eliana Ortiz, who introduced him to the ministry. Months later, after attending a camp, he received an invitation to join the leadership team and serve the youth at his school. He has now been involved four years as a camper and three as a leader.
"When I was at school, I learned about Young Life... Months later, after a camp, I received an invitation to be a part of the leadership team and serve the youth at my school."
He now serves as Club Director, organizing team meetings, supervising the leaders under him, leading Bible studies and club talks, and taking students to camp, across High School, Middle School Wyldlife, and college-age ministry for students 13 to 18.
His Catholic Faith
Carlos grew up disliking church and feeling little enthusiasm for going. After accepting Jesus, following his first Young Life camp, that changed — he now serves every Sunday as a Proclaimer of the Word of God at his parish and helps young people work through their doubts and grow in faith.
"After the Young Life camp, I began to feel Jesus closer to my life, and little by little He became my closest friend, helping and listening to me when I needed it most."
He describes a daily practice of prayer and conversation with Jesus, and says his church has become his second home, where he shows up every Sunday no matter what problems arise. "Walking with Jesus in my daily life is comforting... despite the problems that may arise, He is always there — even when it seems I cannot see Him, He appears."
His Goals and Future Vision
Carlos is studying social sciences with the goal of becoming a teacher and researcher, hoping to understand and help solve the problems of the society he lives in. In the DGL program, he wants breathing room financially so he can focus on his studies and leadership development, and hopes to grow young people in his city who don't yet know Jesus's message while conducting research into his country's realities.
"In the future, I plan to graduate and use my profession to help others. I also intend to help young people who do not know the message of Jesus come to know it."
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