I grew up in a not very religious family – my mother is atheist, my father agnostic. However, thanks to God, they decided to send me to an Anglican school where I could learn about God and Jesus in religion classes. My parents were always open-minded and allowed me to choose my beliefs, and that is how, at the age of 10, I decided to be baptized and receive my first communion in the Catholic church, according to Chilean culture. I also brought my younger brother to do the same. Despite this, I didn't have an example, or anyone to help me maintain my relationship with God, attend services, or learn more about the Word.
Since childhood, I’ve always been very introverted. It was challenging for me to make friends and meet new people.
Sometimes, I felt very lonely and couldn't find meaning in life, but I always knew that Jesus was with me, listening to me, and that I had a friend in Him.
During my university years, I was gradually called by Christ. There were many moments when I felt the need to seek more and get closer to a Christian church. I lived with some friends, and one of them knew the Lord at that time. I felt drawn to go with her, but I always made excuses, mainly related to my studies. When I finally decided to go, she moved to Italy to live. Later, I moved to a new apartment, and next to it, there was a Pentecostal church that sang praises every Sunday. At first, I wanted them to be quiet, but after a few months, I was singing along with them in the shower.
And then also, a patient Christian came into my life during university. She gradually spoke to me about the Word, and I had such a thirst for knowledge that it was a tremendous blessing for my life. She slowly watered the small seed that was growing in me. She gave me my first Christian Bible. Despite that, I kept making excuses, perhaps out of fear of the unknown.
Until five years ago when I met Josh, my husband, who was born into the church. Thanks be to God, who has had mercy on us. Josh took me to his church, and in May 2019, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I fell in love, and I am still in love, not only with my husband but even more so with Jesus.
I had never felt so loved and complete. I understood the reasons behind many things in my life, sensations, and thoughts from my childhood, the feeling of not fitting in anywhere. Now, everything makes sense, and as Jeremiah 1:5 says: "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
I understood that there is nothing better than serving His purpose, His body, and making Jesus known to the world. He prepared every step of my life in order for me to come to Him at the right moment.
I had my discipleship with Pili in Chile, who was a great teacher to start me on this path of faith.
We’ve surrendered our marriage, our family, and our lives to God's will, and that's how He brought us here to Croatia. From the first moment of our marriage, we have seen how good God has been. We have never lacked anything because He has always been there, even in the toughest moments of the pandemic. Now, here in Croatia, we’ve always had food and a roof over our heads. We have learned to trust and depend on Him, to walk blindly following His Word. We have learned to rest in His Word and to have peace in the saddest and most difficult moments, solely because of His love.
We’ve learned that, yes, bad things can happen along the way, but everything is for the glory of the Lord. God opened a door for us to come here, without a job, without a home in Croatia. But thanks to God, here we are, trusting in His Word and willing to serve in His work.
Thank you, Jesus, for giving your life for us, for forgiving our sins, and for loving us so much. We know that a beautiful life awaits us after death, a life with Him, an eternal life.
But for now, we continue to trust in His Word, encouraged because we have the Holy Spirit in us. It's incredible how He changes us and helps us to stay close to God, seeking Him every day. I have been able to hear Him, not just to encourage myself but also to encourage other brothers and sisters in the faith. I thank God for using me as an instrument in His purposes and being a witness to it.
It’s only by the grace of God that I am being baptized here with you today, exactly one year and three days after arriving in Croatia, five years after knowing Him, not because I didn't want to before, but because God ordained it this way. For me, it is a confirmation to serve in this church and in this country, the land of my ancestors, the land of my father-in-law, and the land of our future children.
I know Claudia (Clo) would be proud to see me today. A kiss to the sky for you, my beloved sister-in-law.
God has been so good, He is and He will be! I have nothing more to do than to thank Him and shout to the world, "Jesus is alive! Come and get to know Him!"
