For Pastor Daniel Rios Lezcano, gratitude is more than something to express. It's something to live out.
As the pastor of Conecta Christian Church in Bello, Colombia, Daniel knows firsthand how the generosity of others can open doors that once seemed out of reach. Through scholarships supported by faithful Mesa Global donors, he has been able to pursue theological education that might otherwise have been beyond his reach. But Daniel doesn't see his education as a gift meant only for himself. He sees it as an opportunity to give back—to share what he's learned, equip others for ministry, and help his community experience the transforming love of Jesus.
Daniel's journey into ministry began with his own experience of transformation. Growing up in Colombia, he faced struggles as a teenager before encountering Jesus and discovering a calling to ministry. His faith grew into a passion for studying Scripture, and he eventually became a youth pastor before planting Conecta Christian Church. While Daniel had a heart for ministry, he recognized that he needed deeper theological training to serve his congregation well.
Coming from one of the lowest-income communities in the Medellín area, the cost of higher education presented a significant challenge. Financial assistance through local government programs was unavailable to him, making his dream of attending seminary difficult to pursue. Through the generosity of others, however, Daniel was able to begin studying theology at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia, a Mesa Global partner institution.
"That is why it has been miraculous that I have been able to study at the seminary thanks to the help of generous people who help me make ends meet each semester," Daniel shared.
His studies strengthened his understanding of Scripture and equipped him with practical tools for pastoral counseling, leadership development, and discipleship. Daniel was intentional about putting that training into practice, investing what he learned into the lives of others.
At Conecta Christian Church, which serves approximately 20 families representing 60–70 people, Daniel's ministry extended beyond Sunday services. The church reached neighbors through community outreach, prayer, and practical assistance, including a monthly "basket of love" that provided food to local families experiencing hardship. Daniel also invested in developing leaders within the congregation, equipping them to guide discipleship groups, children's ministries, and community outreach efforts.
"With the training I received, my goal has been to multiply what I learned," Daniel explained.
For Daniel, theological education was never meant to remain in the classroom. It was meant to shape the everyday life of his church and create opportunities for others to encounter Jesus. Sometimes, those opportunities came in unexpected places.
Daniel's passion for physical fitness opened one such door. While exercising at a local gym, he met a young man named Juan Carlos, who considered himself an atheist and had little interest in religion. After their workouts, the two began having conversations about faith. When Daniel revealed that he was a pastor, Juan Carlos was surprised. He had imagined pastors as older and unapproachable, but Daniel challenged those expectations simply by being himself.
As their friendship grew, Juan Carlos became curious about Daniel's faith and eventually accepted an invitation to a small Bible study group. He began attending church, placed his faith in Jesus, and was baptized. He also became an active member of the congregation, serving alongside the community that welcomed him.
Juan Carlos's story was one example of how Daniel's theological training bore fruit beyond his own life. The support Daniel received strengthened his ministry and equipped him to invest in the lives and faith of others.
"Financial support has not only been a personal blessing, but also a direct investment in the spiritual and pastoral growth of the entire church," Daniel shared.
Today, the impact of that generosity continues through Daniel's ministry. Families receive practical care, people like Juan Carlos discover faith, and emerging leaders are equipped to serve their communities.
At Mesa Global, we are grateful for leaders like Daniel, the institutions that equip them, and the generous partners who make this work possible. His story reminds us that gratitude is not only expressed through words, but through the ways we use what we've received to bless others.
And through Daniel's life and ministry, we see how one gift of generosity can become a blessing to many. That is something worth giving thanks for.
