Chris Dearnley came to Costa Rica some 17 years ago. A Harvard MBA graduate, he traded large corporations and business for his vision of life focused on our country, to plant a Vineyard church and help those most in need. Since then, Chris, Andrea and their children have been a blessing to our community.
After their arrival, he soon opened Fundavida. Their vision is to break the destructive effect of poverty by bringing hope in God to at-risk youth in the city’s toughest neighborhoods. Here you can meet Chris in action and get to know a little of his passion, because it could be ours too.
Today Fundavida is celebrating 15 years since its founding, as well as celebrating the transformation of many lives. The impact of an organization like the one created by the Dearnleys is the product of a life commitment to God, taken to the very extreme of total surrender.
When the Dearnleys arrived in Costa Rica, they began their project with the opening of Bible studies. The first one began in our home, when we lived in the Callao Condominium in Trejos Montealegre. Then they started open services with the goal of opening a different Christian church. Thus was born the Vineyard of Escazú, which every day is of greater impact for many people.
In fact, in my path this church was providential in a very difficult moment, a turning point in my life and the place where I took a new personal direction. It was in the Escazú Vineyard where I finally accepted God at the center of my journey, without losing competitiveness or business growth, quite the contrary. Although the story of the Openhouse is from another book, here is a moment of connection that is worth remembering.
Fundavida is a reality thanks to the effort, work, contribution and sacrifice of many people and organizations, under the leadership of Chris Dearnley and the inspiration that can only be found in God. I invite you to learn more about Fundavida and Viña Escazú, you could very well find there spaces to grow spiritually, to help others and therefore, for your integral development.
To 15 years of Fundavida, cheers!
