In Mexico, one man’s journey reveals the deeper work of restoration

When we share stories of your impact around the world, we often talk about things you can see and measure: poverty reduction, savings, thriving farms, and restored forests.

But within every fertile farm and thriving savings group, lives are being renewed.

Spiritual renewal isn’t something easily captured on a graph or summarized in a statistic. It’s expressed in the way people begin to see themselves, their neighbors, their community, and the world around them. At Plant With Purpose, we believe restored relationships are at the heart of what we do. 

In the community of Chichilaco, Mexico, a man named Ismael offers a beautiful picture of spiritual renewal and its expression in his testimony of a changed life.

How Do You Define Success?

For much of his life, Ismael was driven by ambition.

He wanted more for himself, more for his family, and more respect in his community. But underneath that drive was something heavier; fear, disappointment, and a constant sense that he was falling behind.

“I felt fear, frustration, and guilt about what might happen in the future or about decisions I I had made in the past,” said Ismael.

Like so many people searching for opportunity, he believed success had to look a certain way.

“I thought I had to be super successful, known by everyone, or hold an important position,” he said. “I used to think that the only way to get ahead was to go abroad to work, since I felt that I couldn't progress here.”

It’s a familiar story in rural communities around the world, when opportunities feel limited, it’s easy to believe hope exists somewhere else.

But through his involvement with his Purpose Group, Ismael learned a new way of living.

“I saw that the people from Plant With Purpose had a sense of calm in their work. This motivated me to work in service to others, which makes me very happy and gives me peace of mind.”

Little by little, Ismael’s definition of success began to change.

From Ambition to Service

Today, Ismael has become a servant leader within his Purpose Group and now finds joy in helping others grow.

“I often help to run the meetings,” said Ismael. “My colleagues know how to conduct the meetings and keep records, but they sometimes get nervous, and I support them. I want to help them have more confidence in themselves.”

Ismael now understands that real leadership doesn’t demand attention. It creates space for others to flourish. “The relationships we have with our colleagues, family, and community are largely based on the way we think,” he added.

Seeing His Community with New Eyes

As Ismael changed, so did his view of his community. “I have seen changes in my community since we started working with Plant With Purpose,” said Ismael. “We started an initiative to do garbage collection. The mothers also bring their children to the activity, and they like to participate because it helps their community and the environment.”

This simple cleanup effort also deepened the connection. “These activities help us to be more united. It’s also social, since after collecting garbage we share a small snack together.”

Sometimes renewal looks like a restored hillside, and sometimes it looks like neighbors sharing food after serving together.

Finding His Way Back to God

Ismael has renewed his relationships with himself, his neighbors, his environment, and God.

“One of the biggest decisions I've made in my life is joining a Christian church and getting baptized, because before I knew God, my life was based on assumptions, on my own way of seeing what is good or bad,” said Ismael.

“I was depressed, and that led me to a life of addiction,” he continued. “Thank God I met people who helped me overcome that problem. I became involved with the Christian Church, and while there, I realized that many people need help and hope to keep going.”

Today, Ismael’s life is marked by purpose, peace, and a desire to serve. “I am now dedicating myself to serving my family, colleagues, and community. I would like to share my way of thinking now that I have grown closer to God. I want to spread the word of God and bring people closer to Him, so that their lives may improve as mine has.”

Impact that is felt and seen, more than measured

At Plant With Purpose, we celebrate the data that proves that poverty is being cut in half and the environment is being restored. But stories like Ismael’s remind us that the deepest transformation is evident in a changed heart. Ismael concludes by saying, “I realize that with God's help, everything is possible.”