Edwin’s Story
The Aceves Navarrete family is just like any other family but their story is unique. They were born and raised in the city of Tijuana, in the community of Zona Norte. We came across this family 10 years ago when one of their daughters was having health difficulties and the Hope Zone team intervened to try to bring some relief to the situation. Little did we know that this family was one of the most influential families in the area. God makes no mistake and through this family, the doors of Zona Norte were opened to us. As we got to know this family more, we learned to love them, see them through the eyes of God and look beyond their challenges. They truly became a part of our family.
Years passed, and we began to see Arturo, the father of this home, change from a violent, wild man into someone that feared the Lord, recognized the presence of God in his life and desired to lead his family into a lifestyle that honored God. Two years ago, Arturo lost his life due to an ongoing sickness however we believe that he is in a better place as he made himself right with the Lord before passing. After his death, his family entered into a dark season of not only grieving but it also caused them to return to some of their old ways. During this challenging season, we received a phone call from Edwin, the oldest son, expressing that he was ready for change and hungry to experience more of Jesus. He expressed his desire to have what our Hope Zone team has and in return we presented him with the idea of doing a Discipleship Training School with Youth With a Mission through University of the Nations. He gave his yes and because of his yes, Edwin is marking new territory and setting a path for more people from Zona Norte to step into the fullness that God has for them. He was the first person from our Hope Zone community to take part in this program. Since taking that step forward, Edwin has graduated from a Discipleship Training school as well as a secondary level school within YWAM and is soon committing to staff full-time at YWAM San Diego/Baja.
We believe that Edwin choosing to leave his community, leave the old behind and focus on becoming all that God intended for him to be is a huge victory that God was constructing behind the scenes all this time. With every battle in this life, comes a victory won by God. We are celebrating Edwin and his obedience and looking forward to all that’s to come as he continues to say “yes” to God.