"I feel liberated"

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Instead of telling what we thought about Roots "experiential learning" conference in Costa Rica, we'll let you read some of the feedback from the participants (translated from Spanish):

• This has been an experience of spiritual refreshment, where I could rest and work through some issues that have been affecting my life. It renewed my vision and gave me new energy.


• Completely exceeded my expectations! It was a unique experience in my career of faith and ministry. I felt accompanied, motivated and valued as I learned from and enjoyed each activity. What I think is most valuable is that all this wasn't manufactured as part of the program, but was made possible through the atmosphere of authenticity of each team member and the nature of Christ formed in them. Thank you for being models worthy of following.


• This experience has affected me so much that I can't even begin to imagine the impact it will have. Being here was an oasis. My vision has broadened thanks to what we did "building knowledge together," hearing other's testimonies and life experiences, and making new friends.


• This was a simple experience, in the sense that it was how I imagine Jesus ministering in the everyday, yet it was profound. It has allowed me to reassess some paradigms that have governed my life and ministry. I feel liberated and empowered to continue to serve as a tool in God's hands for the salvation of our world.


• I am leaving with the commitment (and prayer) to understand, internalize, live and share the following: to raise up leadership who understand the full orbed implications of salvation and model holistic spirituality which leads them to implement holistic discipleship, for the glory of God.


• Everything was excellent! I want you to know that washing the tired feet of these youth leaders will have repercussions on work with youth around the world.

Walking Alongside Youth Leaders

For years, together with the rest of the leadership of Roots training ministry for youth leaders, we have dreamed of reuniting key leaders in the movement. This dream has been made a reality in large part through the support of the Latin American campus of Torchbearers (located in San Jose, Costa Rica) which has provided free room and board for the 25 participants from 12 different countries who have gathered for 10 days of refreshment, learning and mentoring.

Each of the participants was hand-picked for their strategic involvement in youth ministry and training youth leaders in their country or region. And as we near the end of our time together each one has expressed deep gratitude for what they’ve experienced. Most of them were absolutely spent at the end of a long year and needed rest and a fresh infusion of vision for a strong start for the new year. One of the girls even told me that she had had been thinking that she needed glasses because she was frequently dizzy but after a few days here she realized that she was just exhausted.
A real treat for us has been spending time with Veronica, the youth leader from our church in Mexico, who we haven’t seen for two years. She’s been having a rough time lately…the pastor who had been a great support to her ministry left the church last fall and the new leadership does not value her or her approach to youth ministry. So we’re very grateful for the chance to accompany her for a few more steps of life’s path.