Kevin’s story begins with the absence of his father, which left him questioning his worth and searching for answers when he was just 10 years old. To help them have a fresh start, his mother’s father brought their family to the city. However, the sudden change left Kevin battling with self-blame, believing he had done something to drive his father away.
When he moved again from Mixco to Villa Nueva, just one year after coming to Guatemala City, he heard two men inviting kids to join their soccer team. With only one pair of shoes, Kevin fearlessly embraced the opportunity. Joining the Champions program at the age of 11, he discovered a passion for the sport that ignited his spirit. However, his limited resources and a lack of proper equipment threatened to hinder his progress.
Nevertheless, the most impactful event was about to happen in his life. Despite being deemed too old for camp at 15 years old, fate intervened, and he was given an opportunity to attend. Within 30 minutes, he prepared to embark on a life-altering experience. Arriving at El Faro, Izabal, Kevin felt a deep sense of purpose and belonging. He says his first thought after getting off the bus was “My life definitely has meaning.”
“I’ll never forget how the volunteers at camp made me feel. With them, I felt safe.”
He describes his experience at camp as truly life-changing. He had never met strangers that were eager to hear his story and love him. When he hurt his foot, he remembers how the volunteers took care of him. When he was sad, they hugged him. When he wanted to celebrate, they were ready to celebrate with him. “I knew they cared about me”, he said. “Which is crazy because we had just met.”
The impact of Kevin’s journey didn’t end there. Empowered by his own experiences and the support he received, he felt a calling to make a difference in the lives of others. Combining his passion for soccer and his newfound faith, Kevin recently embraced the role of a mentor, sharing the gospel with other kids younger than him. His journey inspired him to become a beacon of hope for those facing similar struggles, just as his mentors had been for him.