Meet DGL Alumnus, Mario Berrios Castro

By Toni Morse
jun. 18, 2020

Meet Mario Berrios Castro, a medical graduate of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Nicaragua – Leon, a Developing Global Leaders (DGL) alumnus working in the field of medicine. Mario currently serves as a physician in an orthopedic ward of a local hospital in Chinandega, Nicaragua. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, he has been sheltering at home and consulting with patients via video conferencing. “Without a doubt, being a part of DGL was the work of God’s hand in my life,” Mario said with joy in his voice, as he reflected on the impact of his time in Developing Global Leaders. Mario recently took time to share his story and how his time in DGL allowed God to prepare him and use him in this unique season.

Growing up, Mario’s parents were the biggest supporters in his life. His father is a farmer and his mother is a shopkeeper. Going to school and studying were some of Mario’s favorite things to do. Mario appreciated his parents always encouraging him to not only do well in school, but to set goals and pursue his dreams, especially his dream of becoming a doctor. Even in his early childhood, this was a dream of Mario’s … his favorite toy was a miniature ambulance that he had received as a gift! ​

Mario first heard about Young Life as he was finishing high school, when a friend invited him to an event. Thinking back to his first experiences with Young Life, Mario said, “I was going through a bad time, things were hard financially and my life was kind of a mess. The leaders were so available to listen to me.” ​ Mario connected with these leaders in a way that would change his life forever. “I felt like God touched my heart and brought me back to life, a life filled with hopes and dreams again,” Mario said with excitement. God began to open Mario’s eyes to the incredible ways he would be used to impact others’ lives through his own God-given gifts. ​

Mario’s dream of becoming a doctor was a big dream, but he continued to pray that God would equip him and provide for this to happen. “Coming from a family with very limited resources, college was out of reach; I could only dream about it,” Mario reflected. Even when things seemed impossible, Mario was reminded of Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,” and he felt peace that God was working even if he could not see it. When Mario was given the opportunity to be a part of DGL, it was an answered prayer. In Mario’s words, “Thanks to my Young Life Developing Global Leaders sponsor, I was able to attend college and pursue a career in medicine.”

As someone who works in the field of medicine, this pandemic has especially affected the way that Mario does his job. He has been video conferencing with patients while sheltering at home for the time being. This unique season has also allowed Mario to have more time to walk with the Lord. In Mario’s words, “This time of being at home has given me the opportunity to develop a more prayerful life. Every morning I spend time with the Lord thanking Him and asking Him to bless my mind and my life.” Mario is so thankful for the way he is able to help others, and in his words, “It is such a great blessing to be His instrument. I try to approach each patient in a manner asking myself, ‘How does Jesus see this person?’”

Now married and with one son, Mario continues to dream and set goals for his future. This year he would like to specialize in orthopedics in his medical career. He often looks back on his time in DGL and the huge impact it had on his life, and dreams to give that same opportunity to someone else one day. He said, “My dream is to be able to support another young person so that they can have the opportunity to study and impact lives wherever they go and tell others about Jesus.”

Mario is a great example of how Alumni and Friends of Young Life are world-changers as they continue to follow and serve Jesus with their lives. Mario’s heart for others and his desire to support a DGL student in the future is an inspiration. If you are interested in learning more about Developing Global Leaders and possibly supporting a student like Mario, click here!