Lost Things

One of the greatest joys of our ministry is seeing how God’s Word comes alive for the children and youth we serve. This year, our two youth pastors taught a 13-week series called Cosas Perdidas (“Lost Things”) in parallel at our Santa Fe and San José Pinula centers.

Walking through the Gospel of Luke, the series explored what it means to be lost, and more importantly, what it means to be found in Christ. Each week was anchored by a biblical story and an image, which together formed a giant stained-glass window reminding students of the truths they were learning.

From Luke Dove, Youth Pastor – Santa Fe Center

Every week, as we walked step by step through the journey, our students painted part of a stained-glass window, filling it with color and meaning as the series progressed.

We began with Jesus “lost” in the temple, and painted a church on a hill as a reminder to make God’s house our home. Later, flowers symbolized Jesus’ call not to worry. When we studied Lazarus, we left the sun unpainted, just the light shining through the empty space to remind us that God often works through grief and loss.

The students loved watching the images come together: the lost coin showing their value in God’s eyes, the contrast of Peter and Judas revealing the power of true repentance, and the sobering story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, reminding us that eternity is real.

We closed with the Prodigal Son, both the younger son who returned to grace and the older son who stayed but was still far from the Father’s heart. The final image was of the Father, arms open wide. By the end, our window was complete, and so were the lessons: what was lost can be found, what was dead can be made alive again.

From David López, Youth Pastor – San José Pinula Center

I saw how this series had a powerful impact in the lives of our students. It wasn’t just about what was taught, but how the students received it and applied it to their lives.

When we studied “Lost Loved One,” students shared their own stories of grief, and many realized that God could use their pain to help others. During “Lost Sheep,” they saw themselves pulled by false friendships and social media, but also saw how the God who loves them never stops seeking them. In “Losing Worry,” they found comfort knowing that their heavenly Father provides for their needs.

The Prodigal Son was especially powerful. Several students admitted they had wandered away from God, but were now able to realize that He was waiting for them with open arms. One young man shared that after months of being far from God, he returned and felt peace and joy again. Another girl testified that her family, once marked by conflict, had found peace as their dad began serving the Lord.

Ultimately, this series became so much more than a study; it developed into a life-changing encounter with the God who seeks, forgives, heals, and restores.

From the Students

Ana - Throughout this series I learned many things, some arriving at just the moment I needed them. One lesson that touched me deeply was “Lost Loved One.” It helped me see that God often uses our pain to help others who face the same struggles, and to bring Him glory. Another lesson that impacted me was “Lost Sheep.” Sometimes false friendships, family influences, or social media pull us away, but God continues to call us back. Revelation 3:20 reminds me that Jesus is knocking at the door of our hearts, waiting with open arms. This series brought me hope, peace, and faith that even in my greatest pain, God never abandons me.

David - The story I liked was when Jesus was lost in Jerusalem and found in the temple, teaching the elders and priests. His parents were worried, but they discovered Him doing the will of His Father. I learned that God has a purpose for our lives, it’s not about our size or status, but about a heart that gives itself entirely to Him.

María - What I learned from Lost Things is that God loves us. I often worried about my possessions and daily needs, but I realized we need to trust Him, just as the flowers do; they don’t worry, and yet God takes care of them. I also reflected on the Prodigal Son, who left but was welcomed back by his Father with open arms. That’s how God is with us. A few months ago, I had drifted away from Him and felt empty. But when I returned, He welcomed me, forgave me, and filled me with joy. God always loves us, but that doesn’t mean we should take advantage of His kindness.

Sofía - The lessons that touched me most were the “Lost Sheep,” the “Father,” and the “Older Son.” I realized that just like the Father in the story, God searches for us, heals our wounds, and calls us back even when we are far away. Before, my parents used to fight a lot, but now I see how God has transformed our family. He has given my Father a gift for ministry, and I rejoice in what He has done in our lives. To anyone reading this, I encourage you to keep moving forward despite trials and struggles, because after the storm comes the calm.

Lucía - This series has been a great source of learning for my life. It led me to reflect on how I act and how I respond in difficult situations. I realized that many of the experiences I have lived—such as the loss of a family member or a friend, and the emptiness they leave—are more common than we think, and that they can be faced with hope in God.

I also understood that even while being in church, I can still lose my way; my faith can be weakened, and despite my desire to follow God, sometimes I make mistakes that pull me away from Him. However, this series helped me reflect on the causes of that distance and how I can avoid it.

Most deeply, I was reminded that my Father is always waiting for me with open arms, rejoicing, just as the shepherd rejoices when he finds his lost sheep. More than just words and teachings, this has led me to change my decisions, the way I think, and the way I want to live.

What encourages me most is that these lessons are how those we teach are letting God's word transform their lives. You can see it in the way our students think, pray, and respond to God’s Word. In each testimony we see that He is at work, calling the lost to be found and bringing healing where there was once hurt.

None of this would be possible without your prayers and support. Every gift you give and every prayer you pray makes it possible for us to disciple the next generation, equipping them with the truth of God’s Word and the hope of the Gospel. Thank you for being part of this story of transformation and for helping us reach “lost things” with the love of Christ.

Sincerely, Timothy Martiny

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