A FACE AMONG THOUSANDS
In Costa Rica, Damaris and Marco encounter countless migrants from South America and around the world who are risking everything to escape violence, poverty and political instability. The route to the USA leads through the life-threatening Darién Gap – an undeveloped jungle between Colombia and Panama. Passing through almost all the countries of Central America to the notorious and extremely dangerous Mexico, full of corrupt police and ruled by cartels. Kidnappings, extortion and violence are part of everyday life on the journey. Nevertheless, many venture along this route, guided by their heart's desire for safety and a better future.
Encounter on the roadside
A young migrant stands before us. We are on duty, encountering refugees on the street. Who is this man? What has he experienced in his young life? Why is he here now? What should we do for him? How can we help him? If only we were millionaires; we would give each and everyone...
‘What's your name?’ ‘Luis.’ ‘Where are you from?’ ‘Venezuela!’ ‘How old are you?’ ‘About 18. Or maybe 19?’ ‘What was the Darien like? How long were you on the road? Were you robbed or threatened?’
These are standard questions we ask almost all migrants travelling from South America to the US. And we have seen thousands of them over the last three years. We counted over 40 nationalities. Most of them were Venezuelans, followed by many Colombians and Ecuadorians.
We help where we can: with food, clothing, shoes, sun hats, sometimes with mobile phone credit or medication. And with the Bible, tracts, prayer and open ears when they tell us about their tragic experiences or their whole lives. Many are traumatised, exhausted, hungry, thirsty, dirty.
Not so Luis. This young man seems to be a seasoned veteran. No wonder, since he was ‘sent away’ from home at the age of fourteen to find work abroad and send money home. He lived alone for many years in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Chile. Everywhere, he barely survived, and not much more. Now, like countless others, he wants to go to the USA. After a few weeks, we don't see him anymore. He has moved on. Like so many others. I wonder what became of him?
Reunion.
‘Damaris, look – isn't that Luis?’ We asked ourselves a few months later, in the same place where we hold our street services. ‘Yes, of course, it's him!’ ‘Luis, what are you doing here?’
The American dream has been shattered. Luis didn't make it in and was sent back to the southern border in Mexico. Several times. Now he lives here again, somewhere in the ghetto. With shady people. We are dismayed.
We decide to help him return to Venezuela. Damaris spends hours and hours making inquiries, gathering information, weighing up options, contacting the embassy, looking for flights, buses and accommodation.
Back into the unknown.
A few weeks later, the time has come. He travels illegally to Nicaragua and goes to the Venezuelan embassy there. He gets the necessary papers. Shortly afterwards, he flies to Venezuela via a roundabout route. And is arrested immediately upon arrival. A nasty prison with inhumane conditions.
This can't be true! LORD, what is this? Thank God Luis is released after a few days. However, he must pay a fine because he left the country as a minor.
For three months, he had to bring printer paper and ink cartridges to the local police – a reflection of the corrupt system. We cover the costs. He would never have been able to do this. Even with a steady income, life in Venezuela is hardly possible. Without one, as in Luis's case, it is unimaginably difficult.
Not only his mother and sister were waiting for Luis to return, but also his four-year-old son, whom we knew nothing about. There is no mother. The grandmother is raising the little boy.
Venezuelan refugees travelling on foot towards the USA.
(image: imb.org)
A homecoming without arrival.
Luis has now been back for many months. He has no job, no prospects, no income. At least he attends a Christian church. Many there prayed for him while he was away. A happy ending? Unfortunately not. Jesus has not yet reached Luis' heart. We continue to hope and pray!
I asked Luis several times what he wanted to be. There was no answer. Thinking about his career is somehow too distant, too utopian. Survival is the motto.
He is still so young! He could still learn something so that he doesn't have to remain an unskilled labourer for the rest of his life.
Hope.
A few days ago, we received a WhatsApp message from Luis. He said he was travelling to Ecuador with a group of Venezuelans. A relative could find them work on a construction site. A bus journey lasting several days. Illegal border crossings.
How will his life continue? Only God knows. But one thing we are certain of: no matter how broken or chaotic a person's life may seem, there is nothing more important and better than getting to know Jesus Christ and accepting Him as Lord and Saviour. He alone changes the present, the future and eternity! We continue to pray for Luis.
And we continue to be there for people who are fleeing. People who long for something better. And we help where and how we can. With God's help. Trusting that God knows their ways, touches them and draws them into His peace.
When hope has died before you and hope behind you in your country of origin promises nothing good, where will you find the strength to carry on?
We know only one answer: Jesus Christ!
Damaris and Marco Chilese
Damaris and Marco have been living in Costa Rica since 2021. Every day, they encounter traumatised migrants (mainly Venezuelans) and support them with food, clothing and medicine. By sharing their faith, they give hope and confidence to people who have fled their homes. Every Sunday, they organise an open-air church service for children and adults.
#SMG, Project 158501 - Support Chilese D. and M.
