Jul 24, 2024 God Never Gives Up

“I had a lot of negative experiences that led me to believe that I was a failure,” said Elmer, “but thank God, He didn’t give up pursuing me.”

Elmer retraced the steps of his life. Elmer grew up in Mitú, Colombia, along the Vaupés river that borders Brazil. He had dropped out of high school and used the free time to drink alcohol and make bad decisions. But when Elmer sobered up, he felt regret and thought a lot about his life. He concluded that the only way to break out of the destructive cycle he was stuck in was to change his environment completely. So, Elmer decided to join the army.

Elmer applied and was admitted to the army. Excited to find rest from his heavy emotional burdens, he tried to enjoy his new stage. However, just a few days in, Elmer realized military service was very different from what he imagined it would be.

Within a couple of months, he was transferred to serve in another department, where he made several mistakes that made him lose the trust with his superiors. Because of this, Elmer faced disciplinary actions which made his service in the army even harder.

Elmer often found himself exhausted by perpetual feelings of disappointment. He felt down about his life and about the service, so he decided to withdraw from the military.

Elmer returned home. He felt embarrassed and ashamed since he did not complete his service term honorably.

Sadly, within a few days, Elmer fell back into the old routine of drinking and partying. Sometimes he would sleep in the public squares and streets. His life was in total chaos, and on top of that, Elmer had sinking feelings of guilt. He felt like a failure. His younger brothers looked up to him as an example, and what could they look up to? He felt he hadn’t achieved anything.

One morning, Elmer heard a Christian radio program and became very interested. It was “Good Morning with Jesus,” led by an Adventist pastor in the area who is sponsored by Quiet Hour Ministries.

“I was so inspired by the hope that was shared in the radio program,” recalls Elmer. “I wrote down the phone number and decided to call right away.”

An appointment was scheduled, and the pastor visited Elmer and his family. They started studying the Bible together for several months. After a few months of Bible studies, Elmer’s parents made a decision for Jesus and were baptized. But Elmer decided not to continue participating in the Bible studies.

Once a week, when the gospel worker visited Elmer’s parents, sometimes he would see Elmer. He would tell Elmer he was still praying for him to have a personal experience with Jesus.

Finally, after several weeks, during one of the gospel worker’s visits, Elmer walked into the living room. He wanted to rejoin the Bible studies. Elmer’s parents were so happy they stood up and hugged him.

Elmer finished the Bible studies and made the decision to follow Jesus and be baptized. Praise God!

Since Elmer’s baptism, he’s been an active member in the Mitú church’s youth group, using his God-given talents to serve. Elmer wants to finish his education and learn how to preach.

“God’s love changed my life,” said Elmer. “I want to learn how to preach and share the Good News that transformed me.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11