By Ximena Medrano
August 4, 2025

Cristóbal Pérez García, 39, has lived in the community of La Esperanza in Nicaragua for 24 years. Alongside his family, this husband and father cultivates staple grains on rented land, with 0.7 acres for their home, permanent crops, and a family garden.

His journey with World Renew’s local partner, CIEETS, began when a fellow community member told him about the leadership training opportunities available. Intrigued, Cristóbal joined a training session focused on community development and leadership. Eager to grow, he seized the opportunity offered to him by CIEETS staff to join a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) and a Farmer Field School (FFS) in his community.

Reflecting on his experience, Cristóbal says, “The FFS gives me the opportunity to grow, learn new things, and practice agriculture more suited to the times we live in. Analyzing planting calendars is very important; we have received plantain, cassava, and corn seedlings as part of diversification practice. Additionally, I have the chance to implement a beekeeping initiative introduced by the project as a revolving fund, which is now in its second phase.”

“Applying biblical principles to social leadership training has been very interesting to me,” Cristóbal shares. “I am in the community and want to support leaders in seeking solutions and managing our needs. The reflections have encouraged us to mobilize others.”

Thank you for your gifts that help World Renew and our Christian partners to equip people like Cristóbal with the skills, knowledge, and faith-based principles they need to help their families and communities to thrive.