Felipe and Janelle deWaard-Silva

The click of an unlocked door marks the beginning of another busy day at Fǎrǎ Limite Climbing Gym. Chalk instantly covers hands, and clouds of chalk dust fill the air. Music blasts as kids scale the walls for the next seven hours. Cheers of encouragement and warm embraces provide a glimpse into the family they’ve built here, a stark contrast to many of the kids’ lives outside the gym walls.

Felipe and Janelle work with Roma youth in the Jiu Valley to build trust, perseverance, character, and courage through rock climbing. In a town where poverty forces many parents to move for work, this ministry provides youth an environment where they can experience safety and respect, develop life skills, pursue education, and come to know the love of Christ. Felipe and Janelle have also planted Anchor Church, which is building a strong core of disciples and hosting a diverse education program five days a week.