Meet Óseas, a bright and resilient boy from Guatemala. His story began in 2012 when he was just 7 years old. Alongside his parents, he embarked on a treacherous journey, hopping onto the top of a freight train railcar, infamously known as La Bestia, or “The Beast.” This harrowing trek was their desperate attempt to escape the dangers of their homeland and seek a better life at the northern Mexican border.
Tragically, during this nightmare voyage, Óseas’ father was killed after being robbed in a shantytown where La Bestia often halts, allowing some passengers to rest while others board. Stricken with grief and fear, Óseas and his mother had no choice but to press on, their future uncertain
Upon arriving in Piedras Negras, they wandered the streets, hungry and desperate, begging for scraps until a kind stranger directed them to the Rey de Reyes mission. The mission was nestled in a colonia once controlled by drug cartels, a neighborhood where hope seemed elusive. Yet within this harsh landscape, Pastor Luis Torres—who, despite being confined to a wheelchair, had founded the mission—welcomed them with open arms and provided refuge.
The journey had taken a serious toll on Óseas’ mother, who fell gravely ill. The weight of her husband’s death compounded her suffering, and she soon learned she was battling full-blown AIDS. Despite the efforts of my home church members who took her to a government clinic, she succumbed to her illness just weeks after her diagnosis.
In her final moments, Óseas’ mother made a heartfelt plea to Pastor Luis: “Please, take care of my son. Don’t send him back to Guatemala.” With the help of her doctor, she signed a power of attorney, granting Pastor Luis custody of Óseas.
Luis diligently sought to connect Óseas with family in Guatemala, but only located one family member—an uncle, who had no interest to take him in.
Since that fateful day, Luis and Óseas have forged an unbreakable bond. Their relationship never ceases to amaze me. Despite the trauma he’s endured, Óseas has blossomed into a source of joy and energy, always attentive to Luis’ needs while serving travelers at the refuge with a heart full of compassion.
Yet, their journey is far from over, and the road ahead remains riddled with challenges. One of the most pressing is securing a birth certificate for Óseas. His mother never registered his birth in Guatemala, leaving him without legal identity in either country—essentially a ghost in the eyes of the law.
Over the years, we’ve sought help from several lawyers, but none have been able to make progress with the local government. The lack of legal documentation has not only limited Óseas’ opportunities but has also blocked his path to further education beyond primary school. Without papers, he remains invisible within the system.
However, the community hasn’t given up on him. Several local citizens continue to support Óseas, including teachers who took turns homeschooling him when they could. Others bring food and clothing to the mission, helping to keep them going. But since the onset of the COVID pandemic, local authorities have cracked down on missions like Rey de Reyes, shutting them down and casting refugees— mothers and children—back into the streets.
In the face of these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Óseas and Luis remain unwavering. Pastor Luis constantly reminds us of the greater purpose behind Óseas’ journey to Mexico, declaring that nothing is impossible for God. With faith as small as a mustard seed, he believes that God is both faithful and just, and that they will overcome this trial together.
Óseas’ story continues to be a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering faith in the midst of adversity. Together, he and Luis navigate life’s challenges, reminding us all of the power of hope, faith, and the strength of a compassionate community.
