In Río Azul, Costa Rica, many young people grow up surrounded by instability. Drugs, addiction, and destructive influences are part of daily life, and for some teenagers, the question is not just what kind of future they will have, but whether they will find one at all.
ThriveWorx first connected with Río Azul several years ago through Ken Lander (CIO, Thrive Farmers) and a project supporting foster homes and local churches in the area. Those early relationships led to one of the first community camps in Río Azul and opened the door to something deeper: walking alongside local leaders who were already investing in the people around them.
Leaders like James.
James is a financial analyst, entrepreneur, worship leader, husband, and father. More than anything, he’s the kind of person who makes people feel seen. One of our partners described meeting him this way:
James greeted each of us with the biggest smile and hug, asking thoughtful questions and making everyone feel instantly known and welcomed. He was joyful, social, and full of life, yet at the same time deeply intentional.... [He] leads with humility, serves with joy, and loves people deeply.
That depth was shaped through difficult seasons in James’ own life. Years ago, he walked through significant personal and financial hardship that tested his faith and forced him into a season of rebuilding. But instead of withdrawing, he kept moving forward. Around that same time, a key leader in our network invited him to Leader Summit, where we first met him.
Instead of withdrawing, he kept moving forward.
As we got to know James, we saw both God’s gifting on his life and his heart for his community. He became a consistent part of leadership development opportunities through ThriveWorx, serving with camp teams, participating in financial seminars, attending Leader Summit, and joining the Redemptive Leader Initiative. Along the way, we watched his confidence and clarity as a leader continue to grow.
Through this time, James began paying closer attention to the young people around him. He saw how many were carrying hopelessness and instability, and he wanted to reach not only the teenagers already connected to his church, but the ones outside of it too.
After months of prayer and preparation, James and a small team launched the Chosen Youth Christian Camp in 2025. What began as a three-day camp became something much deeper: a space where young people could feel safe, known, encouraged, and connected to hope.
Young people are beginning to imagine a different future for their lives.
And the impact did not stop when the camp ended. Some of the same students who first attended are now inviting friends, participating consistently, and stepping into leadership themselves. Families have begun reconnecting, and young people are beginning to imagine a different future for their lives.
Today, James is developing ongoing training for the youth in Río Azul centered on leadership, finances, and other life skills.
At ThriveWorx, we believe that investing deeply in the leaders will, over time, increase their ability to serve others well. So, we are honored to continue walking alongside him to help strengthen his leadership, expand his capacity, and connect him to relationships and opportunities that support the work already taking place in his community.
James understands what it feels like to walk through instability and rebuild. That’s part of why young people connect with him. He’s not speaking to them from a distance. He’s walking with them from experience.
And in Río Azul, that kind of presence is beginning to make a difference.
