‍

“Getting to know Jesus is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Jerson says. “Even the way I express myself has changed. I’ve learned more about Jesus through the Steiger Florencia team, and even about the church—something I never thought I’d be part of.”

‍

Jerson Ferrer, known in the rap scene as Ascencio, was at first just another face in the crowd—battling a sense of purposelessness and a life revolving around mere survival. Through the friendship and mentorship of the Steiger city team, he began attending devotionals and Bible studies. Over time, his heart softened, his perspective shifted, and in 2023 he decided to follow Jesus. He was baptized after completing an intensive discipleship training in 2024.

‍

He’s not alone. Other rappers like Zack and Sacrilegio have expressed a new hunger to know God and even reference Him in their lyrics. Vanessa, a young woman who came just to watch a battle, left in tears after hearing someone pray for her, reminded that she is loved despite her pain and abuse. “Thank you,” she said. “That’s exactly what I needed.”

‍

In the heart of Florencia, Colombia, freestyle rap isn’t just an underground art form; it’s a lifeline for a generation searching for meaning. Freestyle Revelaciones Caquetá (FRC) was born in 2022 out of a burden to reach young men entrenched in a dark and often destructive scene. Many of these highly talented youth face struggles with addiction, depression, and hopelessness. But through the bold, creative witness of Steiger’s city team and local partners, the rap scene is being transformed from within.

‍

This April, FRC held its biggest event yet: the official qualifier for FMS Under—a prestigious national rap competition in Bogotá. Thanks to three years of relational investment, FRC gained membership allowing local rappers to compete nationally. The screening event on April 27 brought together 22 rappers from across the region, with high-quality stage production that drew an enthusiastic crowd of 500 young people.

‍

But this was more than a battle for talent. Near the end of the event, the team boldly shared a message of hope and invited the audience to discover the love of Jesus. For many, it was the first time they heard the Gospel presented in a way that made sense to their world. Conversations continued long after the mics were turned off—on the streets, online, and at Casa Parche, the city’s cultural and creative outreach space.

‍

Casa Parche has become a hub where young people wrestle with topics like faith, science, and mental health in a safe, open environment. Many who come for a rap battle or open mic return for deeper conversations, meals from the food bank, and Bible studies designed for people who don’t consider themselves religious.

‍

Jerson’s story is just one example of the first fruits of a growing movement. Young people are encountering Jesus in their own language, in their own space, through people who truly see and love them. The transformation is real, both in the music scene and in the hearts of those stepping into a new life.

‍