WHAT’S UP WITH THIS GUY?

Discipleship, Friendship and Faith in the DR

In a busy neighborhood church in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, two young men named Darwin and Wellington are preparing for midweek ministry, probably laughing and poking fun at each other while they work. Sometimes, people mistake Darwin and Wellington for brothers. That’s how close they are and how much influence they’ve had on one another. And while they may not share any blood ties, they are undoubtedly brothers in Christ.

Darwin discovered Awana as a 12-year-old and, not unlike most kids, was primarily attracted by the games they played at their club each week. But he was also pulled in by the mystery of the young guy teaching the teenage group — this leader was so spontaneous and full of energy. What‘s up with this guy? Where did his energy come from? Darwin thought. And soon, he discovered the answers. Wellington’s enthusiasm came from his love of the Lord.

Early in Wellington’s ministry leadership, he felt drawn to teens, hoping he could help them walk with Jesus instead of joining the ranks of the street kids in the neighborhood. He went through Awana training and felt even more convicted; he came away equipped to dig deeper and make connections with teens.  One of the strongest connections he made was with Darwin.

As an Awana leader, Wellington got to know Darwin’s family and became something of an honorary family member himself. He became a mentor in Darwin’s early teen years and is still a safe place he can come to with questions about life. And while, with age and experience, Wellington himself often has sage advice to give, his most consistent response to Darwin’s questions is, “Let’s go to the Word about it.”

For Darwin, the local Awana club and the presence of a truly invested adult leader has provided a positive place to belong. And now he’s sharing that blessing with other kids. At age 17, Darwin is an assistant leader in Awana and Wellington has become the area director. They continue to grow together in faith and love like brothers, with the Bible as their guide for life.

That’s the vision we’ve always had for Awana leaders and Awana kids — relationships centered around love and trust in Jesus. We’re grateful for our partners who believe in that vision, too, and who help bring it to life through young men like Darwin and Wellington.

Your continued support today helps pave the way for more children to find their Wellington — caring adults who selflessly invest in kids’ walks with Jesus and help anchor them in His Word.