Dismantling Barricades in Nicaragua

Franciso Obregón is a youth pastor in Mateare, Nicaragua, a small town just outside the capital city.

Many of the town’s youth get involved in gangs, finding value and community in gang life in the face of few job opportunities and difficult home situations.

These youth are often viewed as rough and tough, persons to be avoided and ignored. Yet, Obregón has seen a different side as he’s reached out to them in love.

“People told me I was wasting my time because these youth were completely worthless – they were never going to change,” says Obregón. “But I always had a conviction that God changes lives.”

Obregón participates in the Nehemiah Center’s training program on reaching out to at-risk youth.

The Nehemiah Center, a collaborative effort of local and international partners in Nicaragua, trains and strengthens local leaders for Christ-centered personal and societal renewal in all areas of life.

Obregón says he has been especially touched by two things in the Center’s youth ministry trainings – listening to and building relationships with youth.

“Do activities with them where they are and they will feel that they are taken into account and that there are brothers who love them, that want them, and that want to bless them and help them come ahead,” he says.

“Another part of that is to ask them what they want. What do they want me to do for them?”

The youth trust Obregón, who has spent time getting to know them and letting them know him. They’ve experienced his care and concern and know he will listen to them. Through earning their respect, he’s been able to challenge them to think and act differently toward God, themselves and their community.

One of the youths, Nixon, was addicted to drugs and alcohol and was known as a fighter. He had lost a chunk of his leg to a machete wound. One day, he approached Obregón while he was speaking to the youth on the basketball court.

“I told him through tears that I wanted to leave the life that I was living,” says Nixon. Since then, he has given his life to Christ and become a leader among his church’s youth.

Barriers between the youth and the community are coming down. The youth are making and selling hammocks, using the funds to hold events for neighborhood children, distribute food and provide for their families.

“People have noticed and they have a new perspective on these youth,” says Obregón. “The weeds and thorns that before pricked, annoyed, and bothered everyone, today are roses – flowers that adorn His beautiful town of Mateare.”