In this episode of The Go and Send Podcast, hosts Mike Tapia and Cody Hall sit down with David Gaona, Assistant Executive Director at Lifeline Youth Ministries in Elkhart, Indiana. David shares how his life was transformed from a troubled youth searching for identity to a disciple-maker passionate about reaching the next generation.
David recounts his early exposure to church through a persistent neighbor, the profound impact of his mother’s faith, and his journey through rebellion, restoration, and eventual calling into ministry. Now a leader preparing to step into the Executive Director role at Lifeline, David brings a unique perspective on holistic youth ministry—offering after-school programs, trade skills, mentorship, and the gospel to kids across Elkhart.
From starting Bible studies in juvenile detention centers to hosting Christian hip-hop concerts that spark genuine change, this episode shows how God can use anyone, right where they are. It’s a moving reminder that missions doesn’t always mean “going far”—sometimes it just means staying close and staying faithful.
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Resources & Links:
00:00 – Introducing David Gaona and Lifeline Youth Ministries
01:00 – Why David Cares Deeply About Youth Ministry
02:30 – Lifeline’s Holistic Programs: After School, Construction, Business
05:00 – Impact of Consistent Relationships and Summer Camps
07:00 – Preparing for Executive Leadership in Ministry
08:00 – David’s Testimony: From Chaos to Church
10:00 – The Power of One Faithful Neighbor
12:00 – A VBS Invitation That Changed Everything
14:00 – The Faith of David’s Mom and Her Bold Evangelism
17:00 – Her Daily Devotion Life and Its Legacy
19:00 – Transformation in the Whole Family
21:00 – David’s Rebellion and the Pit of Emptiness
24:00 – Coming to Christ at 19: A Midnight Knock
27:00 – Early Growth, Factory Work, and Temptation
28:30 – God Opens the Door to Word of Life Bible Institute
30:00 – Discipleship and Ministry Training at Word of Life
32:00 – Returning to Elkhart with a Burden for Youth
34:00 – Divine Appointment: Meeting Lifeline at a Summer Camp
36:00 – Joining Lifeline in 2016 and Reaching Youth
38:00 – Programming That Connects: JDC, Diversion, Trades
40:00 – How TBRI Shapes Their Approach
42:00 – Reaching Gen Z with Music, Mentorship, and the Gospel
45:00 – Using Christian Hip-Hop to Reach Incarcerated Teens
48:00 – Rethinking Mission: Every Believer is Sent
50:00 – Empowering Parents Through Lifeline’s Upcoming Programs
52:00 – The Christmas Store and Preserving Dignity
53:00 – Internships and School Partnerships
55:00 – What David Sees in the Next Generation
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