Pura Vida! My name is Diego Zúñiga. I live in the coastal town of Parrita, Costa Rica, though the Lord often sends me across the globe to Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe to preach the Gospel. This is a very special season for me as I recently got engaged to my fiancée, Amy. We are getting married later this year, and I am so excited for her to join me here in Costa Rica as we serve the Lord together. Over the last ten years, God has also blessed me with three young men—Gabo, Chad, and Kevin—who live with me and have become like sons to us.
Before I knew Jesus, my life was defined by selfishness. I was living what I thought was the "normal" college experience—filled with parties, alcohol, and drugs. I spent years trying to fill a hole in my heart with things that never worked. In 2014, just as I graduated as a veterinarian, I decided to spend two months volunteering at an after-school youth program.
At the time, I didn’t even believe in God. But as I looked at the young men in that program who had no opportunities, my heart broke. I started to pray a desperate prayer: "God, if you are real, give me a sign, because I want to help them, but I don't know how since I am even worse than they are." Six weeks later, he answered. He filled my emptiness so completely that I knew I couldn't do anything else but serve Him. I walked away from my career as a vet, left my family, and moved to Parrita to follow wherever He led.
My mission is to make disciples of all nations by walking closely with them and being a living example of Jesus. My days are full and intentional; they start with Zoom Bible studies with disciples worldwide and continue with local house church meetings, community visits, and even playing soccer as outreach. Every Saturday, my disciples come to my home for breakfast, and we spend the day serving our community together.
Currently, I am focused on reaching young people through their talents. We offer classes in boxing, art, English, and computer skills to provide healthy alternatives to the gangs and drugs that often plague our streets. I also have the privilege of traveling with my discipler, "Soup" Campbell, to teach other leaders the same model of disciple-making that changed my life.
Short-term Goals: In the next 6 months, I see an expansion of 3 more house churches and a group of at least 30 students regularly attending classes. As well as 2 more soccer teams.
Long-term Vision: In 5 years, I want to establish an internship program where disciples around Costa Rica and the world can come to live in my community and see the model of disciple-making. Establish a training program for key leaders of churches at a Christian camp in Costa Rica. To give pastoral care to the different house church pastors leading the different church plants.
Expansion: My goal is to expand to other coastal communities of Costa Rica, and with the disciple- making network we already have, expand to other Central American countries. Multiply disciples, ministries, and home churches.
Amy and I are stepping into a beautiful new chapter, and we would be honored to have you stand with us:
Your support helps provide the resources needed to reach the youth of Costa Rica and train leaders across the nations.
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