S1E6: Hope on the South Side | David Gaona

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.Subscribe now to stay up to date on The Go and Send Podcast!Contact us at [email protected] & Links:Lifeline Youth Ministries: https://www.elkhartlifeline.comWord of Life Bible Institute: https://wordoflife.eduTBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention): https://child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbriDon’t Waste Your Life by John PiperWhat Are You Going to Do with Your Life by J.D. GreearJust Do Something by Kevin DeYoung 00:00 – Introducing David Gaona and Lifeline Youth Ministries01:00 – Why David Cares Deeply About Youth Ministry02:30 – Lifeline’s Holistic Programs: After School, Construction, Business05:00 – Impact of Consistent Relationships and Summer Camps07:00 – Preparing for Executive Leadership in Ministry08:00 – David’s Testimony: From Chaos to Church10:00 – The Power of One Faithful Neighbor12:00 – A VBS Invitation That Changed Everything14:00 – The Faith of David’s Mom and Her Bold Evangelism17:00 – Her Daily Devotion Life and Its Legacy19:00 – Transformation in the Whole Family21:00 – David’s Rebellion and the Pit of Emptiness24:00 – Coming to Christ at 19: A Midnight Knock27:00 – Early Growth, Factory Work, and Temptation28:30 – God Opens the Door to Word of Life Bible Institute30:00 – Discipleship and Ministry Training at Word of Life32:00 – Returning to Elkhart with a Burden for Youth34:00 – Divine Appointment: Meeting Lifeline at a Summer Camp36:00 – Joining Lifeline in 2016 and Reaching Youth38:00 – Programming That Connects: JDC, Diversion, Trades40:00 – How TBRI Shapes Their Approach42:00 – Reaching Gen Z with Music, Mentorship, and the Gospel45:00 – Using Christian Hip-Hop to Reach Incarcerated Teens48:00 – Rethinking Mission: Every Believer is Sent50:00 – Empowering Parents Through Lifeline’s Upcoming Programs52:00 – The Christmas Store and Preserving Dignity53:00 – Internships and School Partnerships55:00 – What David Sees in the Next Generation To learn more about SonSet Solutions, go to our website or follow us on social media @SonSetSolutions.Website: https://www.sonsetsolutions.org