Diego’s Story

Diego had never even heard of ICI before a friend invited him. Once he started coming, Diego says he got really attached to ICI and just kept coming back. When asked why he kept coming, he responds, “You guys were explaining the Bible—and that was something I have a personal interest in. You leaders aren’t just leaders at ICI; you take interest in us outside of ICI and interact with kids outside of ICI [programs].”

Diego wasn’t always interested in God or the Bible. At first, he had very little exposure or experience with Christianity. Still, God was preparing the ground of his heart as he asked questions and sought truth. Diego eventually took a step of faith and surrendered his life to the Lord. Diego’s mom was not very enthusiastic when he started coming to ICI. She would often remind him that he didn’t really need ICI or that he could always go next week. As she has seen his changes, she now encourages him to go. He thinks she’d probably think something was wrong if he didn’t go.

Through ICI, Diego has experienced many firsts. The first time he came to church, he was overwhelmed and uncomfortable. However, like with ICI, he kept coming. Now, he enjoys the community and the worship, even adding Christian worship songs to his music playlists. Some of his favorite songs are “My Lighthouse,” “Graves into Gardens,” and “Waymaker.” Another first for Diego was camping, which is one of his favorite ICI memories so far.

Diego is going through our Leadership Development Program. He doesn’t have a father figure around, so he says that the guy leaders at ICI help show him things a father would and more. He was advised to stick to his word when making plans and follow through on them. He values this advice and the encouragement to act and be mature. He recognizes the importance of this in a way he might not have if it weren’t for the godly men intentionally stepping into his life. As part of the Leadership Development Program, he helps out at the elementary club, where he realizes, “what I’m doing at ICI – is an everywhere thing.” Diego was excited to see some younger kids he volunteers with outside ICI. They recognized him at Walmart over the weekend and stopped him to say hi. “It’s pretty cool,” he muses.