La Montaña is owned
and operated by
Latin America Assistance

Latin America Assistance (LAMA) is a dynamic Christian organization which began in 1976 in California as a non-profit corporation and began ministry in Costa Rica shortly thereafter. Its primary purpose is to equip youth leaders for aggressive evangelism and radical discipleship. The use of student leaders working together in a national youth movement has been key to fulfilling the vision. From 1979 to 2000, LAMA reached over 50,000 teenagers with the Gospel message. From the thousands that were discipled, many gifted leaders went on to full-time ministry, government and professional positions, with many of them serving in influential positions throughout Costa Rica.

In the late 1990’s, LAMA, in fulfillment of a vision of many years, shifted its focus to a camping ministry and founded La Montaña Christian Camps. With the same desire to evangelize and disciple youth, LAMA began to develop a premier Christian camp that would endeavor to work through the local church in reaching Costa Rica for Christ. Since its inauguration, La Montaña Christian Camps has reached over 30,000 young people, and thousands have received Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Over 50% of Latin Americans are 20 years of age or younger, which places LAMA in a pivotal role for the present and future of Latin America. Our passion is to reach this large segment of the population with the transforming message of Jesus Christ.

How LAMA was founded:
Latin America Assistance is a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1976 in California under section 501 (c) (3) as a Public benefit and is thereby authorized to issue tax deductible receipts.

LAMA is governed by a Board of Directors elected to serve voluntarily for a 5-year term, committed professional men who have proven their interest in youth evangelism and discipleship in Latin America.

LAMA'S executive director, Joseph B. Pent and his wife Clara are veterans of 40 years in youth ministry in Costa Rica and Latin America. Joe served 10 years on the board of MINAMUNDO, an international fellowship of youth workers, and is co-founder of Movimiento Cristiano Juventud Nueva, a growing inter-denominational youth movement in Costa Rica. He founded La Montana in 1998 and now works with his son Joe, the Executive Director of La Montaña Christian Camps, in the area of project development both in Costa Rica and around Central America.
In July 2000, Joseph Pent Jr. and his wife, Lori and their three children joined the LAMA team and took on the role of General Director of La Montaña Christian Camps for Latin America.

Basic Organizational Profile

• Organizational Name:
  Latin America Assistance, (LAMA)
  
• Year Founded: 1976
  
• Headquarters: Solvang, California
  
• Executive Director: Joseph B. Pent
• Latin & Camp Director: Joe Pent Jr.
• Director of Public Relations: Tom Doty
  
• Number of Full Time Personnel: 25
  
• Latin America Personnel & Volunteers: 100
  
• IRS Status: 501-c-3 Non-profit Organization