The Story of Fundación Pioneros: Eyson & Karson’s Ministry Journey
The Beginning: A Shared Calling
Karson arrived in Colombia as an intern, working with missionaries serving university students. Eyson, a local leader, was already active in the ministry. Their paths crossed while translating for a short-term mission group, and their friendship quickly deepened as they served together.
“I always knew I wanted to start my own ministry,” Karson reflects. “Eyson felt called specifically to work with the kids of Filandia since he started to know the community through the church. We started to see how there wasn’t much that the town of Filandia offered for kids and teens and we felt called to have an after school program!”
The beginning of a dream—Eyson and Karson, just as Fundación Pioneros was taking shape.
The Early Days: A Step of Faith
Determined to serve the children of Filandia, Eyson and Karson started small. A friend offered her living room for Sunday school. During the week, they taught English, tutored students in their homes, and prepared meals for the homeless.
But they faced a major hurdle—finding a space to rent for their growing program. When their search came up empty, they turned to the mayor’s office for guidance. Instead of offering a location, the officials introduced them to three rural farm schools that could benefit from their work.
“For a while, we were really struggling,” Karson admits. “We didn’t have money, and we were going into debt. We came home one day very defeated and talked about just moving to Georgia and getting jobs. Shortly after, we found a place to rent and we got a larger donation that helped us get back on our feet! We were going out to the schools 2-3 times a week, having our after school program, Sunday School. The openness and gratitude of the community and God’s faithfulness really helped to keep us motivated! ”
The start of the mission—reaching kids in rural farm schools who had little access to educational support.
A Community in Need
Eyson often saw kids wandering Filandia’s town square, unsupervised and without direction. Many were struggling in school, and single mothers—working tirelessly—had little time to help.
“This is really what made us feel called to start working in Filandia,” Eyson explains. “Since then, we try to be very in tune with the needs we see and what God is calling us to do. We have seen many situations over the years and we have always just felt called to help in whatever way we can, whether it is through providing psychological care, groceries, praying with someone, or just a place where kids can come and feel safe.”
Defining Moments: Faith in Action
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pause on in-person programs, but Eyson and Karson didn’t stop serving. They adapted—preparing activity kits for children, delivering groceries, sharing virtual devotionals, and assisting at the local food bank.
“It wasn’t what our ministry usually looks like, but we’re always adapting to the needs in front of us,” Karson says.
Over in Colombia, Karson and Eyson are pouring their energy into planning an exciting student retreat happening this June. Their youth group has been growing at an incredible rate, to the point where they are quickly outgrowing their current space. Seeing so many young people eager to participate and engage is a testament to the positive impact they are making in the community.
One of our student leaders, Mariana, who we are helping go to University, sharing with the other leaders.
How Village Reach Partners with Fundación Pioneros
In 2017, Chase, the co-founder of Village Reach, was traveling the world on an 11-country mission trip called the World Race. During his time in Colombia, he met Eyson and Karson and served alongside them, forming a lasting friendship. Years later, when Chase and Katlyn founded Village Reach, they knew they wanted to bring Filandia into the mission and partner with Eyson and Karson as Dreamers. The heart and vision of Fundación Pioneros aligned perfectly with Village Reach’s mission to empower local leaders in their God-given callings.
What’s Next for Fundación Pioneros & Village Reach
Exciting growth is ahead for Fundación Pioneros! In June, we will partner to host their second annual Student Leadership Retreat, a time of deep connection, leadership development, and spiritual renewal. The students talk about it all the time, eagerly anticipating this special event.
Additionally, Village Reach and Fundación Pioneros are launching a program sponsorship initiative. This effort will help cover the costs of their ministry and allow them to save for a permanent, larger space. They have already outgrown their current space, and they’ve had to turn youth away due to capacity limitations. The goal is to create a place where even more young people can find support, mentorship, and community.
Looking Back & Moving Forward
One of the greatest blessings has been seeing their students grow into leaders.
“It’s incredible to see kids who once sat in our Sunday school now flourishing as student leaders,” Eyson shares. “If we could tell our younger selves anything, it would be to stay consistent and faithful to the Lord.”
Fundación Pioneros started with a calling, a borrowed living room, and unwavering faith. Today, it’s transforming lives—one child, one leader, one act of service at a time.
