A Living Testimony

Only days after undergoing a complex life saving surgery, Pastor Esmerito Reyes was back in his church preaching.

Still weak, adjusting to the loss of his arm, and already living with blindness, any person in their right mind would have stayed home. But rather than doing that, Pastor Emerito began doing what he has always done: preaching the Word of God with conviction and repeatedly declaring Glory to our God. For those who know him this was remarkable, but not at all surprising. Weeks prior, we were unsure if he was going to survive. Now, he's spreading the love of Christ to others. But the most extraordinary part of Pastor Emerito’s story is not simply that he survived. It is the faith with which he faced everything he went through. Even when confronted with possible death, he never stopped praising God. And today, despite being blind and with only one arm, he tells us that his joy in the Lord is stronger than ever. If there's one thing I know about that type of faith, it's that kind of faith does not only affect one person.

When members of the community see Pastor Emerito continuing to worship, preach, and serve with joy after everything he has endured, they see the power of God at work. Seeing the Holy Spirit so active in that village encourages people to enter a church for the first time, strengthens believers facing their own struggles, and inspires others to serve their neighbors. Through his faith, the community of Bacacan sees that Christian faith is much more than sitting in a church for an hour a week on Sunday.

Over the past month, that same spirit of faith that lives in Pastor Esmerito reached over 20 communities thanks to our evangelical efforts. 10 people decided to follow Christ, and four others began Discipleship training to prepare for baptism. The power of the Holy Spirit within our leaders and students provided over 900 hours of tutoring, 570 hours of caring for the elderly, and 152 hours dedicated to providing basic health care. These numbers are not separate from Pastor Esmerito's story. It is all part of the same work: Ending the cycle of poverty in the remote villages of Nicaragua through the practical expression of Christ’s love.

Pastor Esmerito's recovery is not yet complete, but his testimony is carrying a powerful message in the remote villages of Nicaragua.

Please continue praying for Pastor Esmerito’s healing, strength, and comfort. For those who would like to continue supporting his recovery process and the work of Just One Opportunity, you can donate through our website

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