Cristian Melendez - A Revival Through Businesses: The Emprende Blueprint in Latin America
In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest friends from Honduras, Cristian Melendez—CEO of Serve Hope International and Lead Pastor of Esperanza Viva Church.
Cristian shares a powerful testimony of running from God’s calling, identifying idols in his own heart, and finally surrendering in October 2017—only to receive a phone call two weeks later that opened the door to Serve Hope. What started as a team of four has grown to 50+ team members serving Honduras and Guatemala.
We talk about how Serve Hope is more than a nonprofit—it’s a disciple-making organization building long-term relationships through multiple initiatives: home builds, clean water, soccer, a coffee shop, local churches, and more.
Then we jump into Emprende, a Kingdom entrepreneurship program launched in 2018 that trains entrepreneurs in identity in Christ, business fundamentals, and discipleship, culminating in a “Shark Tank”-style pitch for seed capital. Cristian shares real stories of transformation—including entrepreneurs building thriving businesses, creating jobs, and breaking poverty cycles through faith + excellence.
If you’ve ever felt the tug of God’s calling… or wondered how the marketplace can become a platform for revival… this episode is for you.
Support Serve Hope (Homes + Seed Capital for Emprende):
➡️ Visit servehope.international and give (note “Emprende seed capital” if that’s your focus)
Key Moments:
Surrender and the “thousands are waiting” calling
What Serve Hope actually does (discipleship through initiatives)
Cost to build a home (~$13,000) + why it’s generational impact
Emprende curriculum: identity-first, Bible-rich, practical business training
Seed capital “Shark Tank” model and success stories
Vision: revival through businesses across Latin America
Book TWO16 Consulting as a business coach here - www.two16consulting.com
Purchase our new book, The Joseph Culture on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hXacpU3
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