Julio

Julio, the eldest of three brothers from Matagalpa, Nicaragua, shows maturity well beyond his years. His childhood home was filled with conflict and even violence. Due to the disfunctional relationship of his parents, Julio was forced to grow up quickly and attempted to shelter his brothers from the full weight of their home life. They spent most of their time at their grandparents' house who stand to this day as fundamental pillars in his life. As Julio reflects, “thanks to God, we have managed to move forward and continue with our studies even though our financial situation was dire. I describe my childhood as full of suffering, but at the same time, surrounded by good memories provided by my extended family.”

Though invited to Young Life camp many times by friends, Julio refused until he finally ran out of reasons not to go. He heard about the life and love of Jesus that week at camp and began a relationship with Jesus that would change the trajectory of his life. Following camp, his leaders walked alongside him and taught him to pray and included him in opportunities for service which ignited a vision for ministry which only grows as his faith deepens.

Now a Developing Global Leader, Julio is studying public accounting and finance at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua. He is compelled to serve his community through the professional development he is acquiring at the university as well as through ministry in his neighborhood. Julio leads with a willingness to help anyone that God places in his life and desperately wants to share Good News with the people of his community.