Life on this earth includes going through testings and tribulations, sometimes even atrocious ones. We may ask ourselves daily why these things happen or “why me?” We know one of the reasons is to test our faith and to see what we will do with what the Lord has commanded us to do.
A lot of times Mariuxi has asked herself, “Why me? I am trying to be good!” There can be many questions we can’t answer on our own, but they come up when our hearts are broken and we believe life has no meaning or purpose. At age 28, Mariuxi understood that even the best minerals need to be refined to get rid of impurities. Being good is not enough if we want to be like our Savior.
It’s interesting how the Apostle Paul used the term “brief tribulation”. This was coming from a human being that had been beat up, humiliated, stoned, imprisoned, and who had suffered many other trials. Not many would categorize times of testing as brief, however, compared with the blessings and growth received in this life and eternity, our afflictions are truly nothing.
Here in Ecuador, it is very evident how society has corrupted the youth and children to the point that they are blinded to the truth of who they are in Christ. But God’s plans are so perfect and good. He used Mariuxi’s past and redeemed it, and now she gets to share His message of salvation, love, faith, hope, and how to be an overcomer through her testimony. Because of her past, she is much stronger now, knowing how valuable she is to God. Mariuxi knows she can do all things through Christ, who gives her strength. God is incredible!
Right now, Mariuxi serves with a team full-time in 3 communities where only 1% of the inhabitants are evangelical believers. Through the creation of clubs, they are discipling and reaching many young people so they can:
- Learn to recognize God
- Receive healing for the wounds of their hearts
- Have their true identities restored
- Develop their own personal relationship with their heavenly Father
They believe that as they reach the youth, those young people will also be used as an extension of His Kingdom.
