Profile: David Zea, Master Barista
Melodie and I first met David in a basement meeting hall in Portoviejo, Ecuador on June 12, 2023. He was a tall, lanky, well-dressed young man with jet-black hair, dark skin, and a brilliant engaging smile. During the 6 days of our visit, that description always fit perfectly, with the frequent addition of a barista’s apron. The occasion was a meeting of local church leaders to discuss youth ministry in that city as well as the nearby city of Jipijapa. David spoke passionately about the great spiritual need, and ways that need can be met. We knew then that we had met an exceptionally gifted young man.
He has not had an easy life. Born in Jipijapa in 1996, David Zea grew up without his father. He gave his life to Christ at a young age, and by age 14 a dream was growing within him of families and youth serving his Lord together through theater, drama, choreography, and camps. That dream was eventually put on hold as his life took unexpected turns.
In 2015, David interrupted his university studies to work with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) in Chile, through which he eventually ministered in at least 14 countries. During that time, he became highly skilled in the art of brewing coffee. When he left YWAM in 2020 to return home, coffee and barismo (a practice of producing high-quality coffee drinks) were used by God to lift him out of a depression that he was suffering at the time. He now participates in (and often wins) national and international coffee brewing competitions.
Back home in Jipijapa, he found that the dream had blossomed and grown. Now the dream includes his professional working career. It also now has a name: “La Cathedra” (The Cathedral). We are anticipating an announcement of the launch of his dream ministry.
In the meantime, David is completing his degree in Civil Engineering and is employed by La Prosperina at “Estación PRO-CAFÉ” which is part of “The Hat” in Jipijapa’s Central Park. There, he spends his time brewing fabulous coffee beverages served with a generous helping of the love of his Savior, Jesus Christ. Through La Prosperina, which has a contract with the city to operate and manage The Hat, David and others are enabling several other entrepreneurs to grow their businesses alongside the coffee shop.
Who is David Zea? In his own words, “… my heart burns for discipleship, for the ways in which we can walk with people and see the fruits with time and the giving of God's Spirit….” When not studying or working, he is hosting Bible studies and discipleship groups in his own home. In every area of life, we see David living out the love and care of his beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Big Picture…
David’s story and ministry are tied to Prosperina Mission (via La Prosperina Foundation) in a very special way. David brews and promotes coffee grown on the Hacienda La Prosperina farm, which is owned by our founders, Ron and Nicki Coil. That farm is the future site of Naomi’s Village, which will house and care for many sexually abused girls. It is our shared hope that the coffee farm will begin to earn profits which can ultimately be used to help financially support the village. God has a special plan to reach the people in Jipijapa, the province of Manabí, and all of Ecuador. David is part of that plan!
