Ericson’s Story
May 2025
A Step Toward Change
Ericson Baltazar grew up in Punta Gorda and spent his teenage years attending Kabod's youth group in town. At the time, he wasn’t particularly drawn to church—he saw it as a place full of people who talked about God but didn’t live according to the word. He had no real love for his community or desire to stay in his hometown.
He was ready to leave it all behind.
Everything began to shift when he met someone who changed his perspective—a man that looked like him and was from the same place who not only talked about Jesus but actually lived it out. Ericson watched this mentor invest deeply in the youth of the town, spending real time with them, guiding them, and genuinely caring for their lives. That authenticity sparked something in Ericson. Still skeptical but curious, he decided to give Machaca Summer Camp a shot in 2015 at around 16 years old.
He didn’t know it then, but that decision would change everything.
Every Heart Yielded to the Lord
Ericson arrived for orientation week, unsure of what to expect. A team from Oklahoma had come to help, and during introductions, one of the men shook Ericson’s hand and asked, “What would you do if God came back tonight?” Ericson said the man had "stumped him with that question."
The next week, camp began, and Ericson joined as a camper. The theme that year was “Every Heart Yielded to the Lord,” and the same man who’d asked the question in orientation week became his leader. Throughout the week, Ericson engaged in camp life, listening to the messages, worship, participating in the games and fun activities and forming a bond with his counselor.
On Thursday, a storm canceled the much-anticipated Machaca Madness--a high point earning midnight scavenger hunt. Instead, Ericson lay awake in his bunk, listening to his counselor sing worship on the porch in the rain. As the storm raged, the man returned, went to Ericson's bunk and asked again, “What would you do if God came back tonight?”
That night, the question hit deeper. Ericson surrendered his heart to the Lord and asked God to open doors so he could truly learn how to live for Him.
Open Doors and Next Steps
Not long after camp, God opened a door for Ericson to attend our discipleship school. Someone had fully sponsored his tuition without him even knowing. During the program, Ericson experienced what it meant to truly follow Jesus and gain a deeper relationship with his Heavenly Father.
He was surrounded by leaders who poured into him, spent time in deep study of the Bible, attended powerful lectures, served in outreaches, and went on mission trips. As the school came to a close, Ericson prayed about his next step. He clearly heard the Lord say,
“Stay and be raised up by John and Lisa. Be mentored by John, serve their vision, and you will raise up generations.”
So he stayed.
It hasn’t always been easy, but God has been faithful—continually surrounding Ericson with spiritual family and guiding him as he grows into the calling placed on his life.
Full Circle Impact
Now, nine years later, Ericson leads the very youth group he once attended. He serves as the Director of Machaca Summer Camp—the place where it all began—and faithfully leads the Machaca Ministry Team. Through his role on the Kabod staff, he’s had the opportunity to build new relationships while helping with events, church services, Band of Brothers Bootcamps and the Kabod School of Supernatural Ministry (KSSM).
God has completely restored Ericson’s heart for people and for the community he once wanted to leave behind.
As Ericson puts it,
“I am so grateful to the Lord for steering me to become part of the Kabod Family and be fathered by John and raised by him, Lisa, and their family. It’s been an amazing journey.”