BeFriend Los Diamantes

What is life like in Los Diamantes?
Los Diamantes is a developing area. The residents of the community do not own their property because they are still in litigation with the government over the legal status of the land. Many houses in this community are built of wood and have dirt floors.

Extreme poverty severely limits this community. A lack of basic necessities like electricity, drinking water, and public transportation make it difficult for people to thrive. Community services are absent, leaving many people without needed resources.

What challenges does Los Diamantes face?
Poverty harms the material, mental, physical, and emotional well-being of people in Los Diamantes. Education options are limited for children and young people, and some families do not have the financial means to pay for education. A general feeling of hopelessness and lack of self-esteem is felt throughout the community, but especially in women and children. Without basic services, people’s quality of life and physical health is harmed.

For many people in the community, their main goal is to settle the legal status of their land, which will enhance their lifestyle. The residents are waiting for the government to provide legal documents to establish their permanent residency. Without these documents, many people live in fear of eviction.
  
About Los Diamantes Christian Church
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Los Diamantes Christian Church was born. Extensive government restrictions left the community even more vulnerable. Many people lost their source of work and income, which meant that they were no longer able to provide food for their families.

A family from the community received Lifeline food during this dire time, and invited a local Lifeline pastor to visit the community. Shortly after, Pastor Antonio made his way to Los Diamantes to distribute food. From these encounters, the pastor began building personal relationships with people from the community. Eventually this resulted in the formation of the church!

For the last two years, the church has been building a strong foundation. About 30 members meet every Sunday and midweek to worship God together. Pastor Juan has stepped in to be the leader of the church.

Pastor Juan responded to his call to ministry in 2015, when he decided to enroll in the Bible institute. After graduating, he has pastored numerous churches, giving him experience with a variety of settings. Pastor Juan took a brief break from ministry in 2021, but returned shortly after to be mentored by Pastor Antonio. Now he eagerly serves the church in Los Diamantes!

BeFriend Project Goals
Los Diamantes Christian Church will focus on 3 key areas of transformation:

Economic Empowerment

• Achieve self-sustainability for the church through the growth of a kingdom business.
• Restore dignity through economic empowerment for 6 families in the community.

Discipleship & Multiplication

• Launch a garden discipleship program in partnership with another nearby church.
• Reach children in the community through VBS at least twice a year.
• Continue family Bible studies once a week.
• Take health services to the community once a year through mobile medical brigades.

Church Improvements

• Improve the physical conditions of the church and the surrounding facility.

How will BeFriend Los Diamantes benefit the church and community?
BeFriend will allow Los Diamantes Christian Church achieve self-sustainability. Through a kingdom business and family businesses, the church will benefit in the expansion of the kingdom of God in an integral way, where people will not only restore a spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus, but also improve their quality of life.

BeFriend will also help develop strong relationships between people in other countries, which will open up opportunities to get to know another culture and strengthen the family of God.