Jun 10, 2021 The Road from Survive to Thrive.

Young Luis’s quiet rural life turned up upside down when his family relocated to Mitú, a small city in Colombia. His life focused on helping to support his family in this unfamiliar environment. There was not much time to explore things beyond day-to-day survival.

Then one day, when Luis was in his teens, a gospel worker visited his home. Luis was awed by this well-dressed, educated man with polished shoes and a briefcase in hand. The idea that man had a purpose beyond daily survival enamored Luis.

Luis and the gospel worker became fast friends and met regularly. Luis asked many questions and learned about God and His great plan for salvation. Then one day, the gospel worker was assigned to another location and left town. The two fell out of contact.

But God was not finished revealing Himself to Luis yet! This friendship planted a seed of hope!

Then, Luis met Irene, a beautiful, vibrant young woman who had grown up in a fatherless home. She had the same can-do spirit that Luis, and soon the teens fell in love. It wasn’t long before Irene was pregnant. In the communities of Mitú, most people do not find marriage necessary, so the two moved in together to start their little family. Luis worked harder than ever to support the three of them.

On a job one day, Luis met Silfredo, an Adventist missionary who had come to Mitú. Their time together was brief, but it reawakened his longing to learn more about God and His plans for His children. Luis began thinking about Irene and his growing daughter and the hopes and dreams he had for them.

Then a work accident brought Luis’ endeavors to a halt. His injuries lingered and he was disappointed when he learned he would have to transfer to Bogotá for advanced treatment. He felt hopeless and frustrated. It was hard to know that he would not be able to support his family.

Shortly before he left Mitu, missionaries visited Luis at the hospital. They prayed with him and reminded him that God had plans for his life and that He works all things together for good. Once again, they shared the eternal hope we have in Jesus.

In Bogotá, there were few life distractions. Instead, Luis and Irene spent their time reflecting on how God had guided their lives. Even before they realized it, God had blessed them with each other and a beautiful daughter. They studied the Bible, exploring God’s character, the love He has for us, and His eternal plans for us with a gospel worker there.

When Luis and Irene returned to Mitú, they had decided to give their lives to God and be baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Luis and Irene also wanted Jesus to become the center of their family. So on their baptism day, and in harmony with the will of God, they sealed their relationship in marriage before their friends and family. What a joyous day of celebration for new beginnings!

Luis is now starting a new job as director of the boys’ dorm at the public school that operates in his community. He wishes to teach what he has learned about Jesus. Irene, who didn’t finish high school, is excited that their daughter will get a better education than what she had and have the opportunity to know Jesus for most of her life!

God does, indeed, work all things together for good. He turns survive into thrive. And Luis and Irene can’t wait to share that good news with everyone they meet!

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Inspiration Moment: Make Me a Deal

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