2005: Juana's example


Everyday we are touched by different stories, situations and people that come to the center looking for a pregnancy test, advice, or just someone to listen to them.  No matter what they are looking for, we want them to receive something more.  Centro de Vida is not only a ministry that looks to reach people through physical needs but their spiritual needs also.  We understand this is our mission to do as ministry. 
Please let me share with you the life of someone who touched our lives and hearts... 
You could tell by looking at the way Juana acted that this was not her first time visiting the center.  She said hi to people at the center with full confidence, smiled and acted as though we were lifelong friends.  At the counseling she said that she visited us last year for a pregnancy test and that's why she came back today.  This is her story...
Juana is a 22 year old girl and the youngest of a family of three brothers and sisters.  Her parents live in a town not too far from the city, but because of her studies she lives by herself in the city. 
The first time she came to the center, her pregnancy test was positive.  As a single girl, she knew things wouldn't be easy but still she wanted the baby and she would continue with the pregnancy.  Her boyfriend gave her support, but unfortunately, she had a miscarriage.  Her sister who is a doctor gave her medical assistance. 
So, during this second counseling time, she was sure that her boyfriend and her family  would be supportive in case she got pregnant again.  Her pregnancy test was positive and she trusted everything was going to be OK.  Also she decided to open her heart to Jesus and made a decision for Him.  Unfortunately things turned out different, her boyfriend not only left her leading with "her problem" alone, also cheated on her after three years of dating.  He was very clear that the only way he would help her is paying for an abortion.  She thought that her sister who the first time helped her would be one who would be at her side, but when Juana went to her for comfort, her sister got very mad at her because of her new pregnancy and told her that she would have to deal with another abortion like the first time.  Juana was devastated; the closest person to her left her alone and she couldn't believe her sister thought she had an abortion and now was pushing her to have another one. 
As she kept coming to the center to let us know how things were going in her life, it was a good time to encourage her, to pray with her and when she was gone pray for her.   One of the hardest things she had to lead with was when her ex-boyfriend and her sister went to her with some pills (cytotec - this is the most common type of abortion among Bolivian girls).  They tried to convince her in many ways that it would be the best for many reasons, but she stood firmly in her beliefs, she was going to defend her baby against everybody's position. 
I know many of you have been praying for her.  Well, the fact is that your prayers have had a tremendous effect in her life.  Two weeks ago was the last time she visited us, she let us know that her ex-boyfriend asked her for forgiveness and is committed to support her during the pregnancy and when the baby born.  Also her ex-boyfriend's family has shown full support to her and is very excited with the baby coming.  This is something that she would never have expected (honestly, neither us), but that's the way God works, in ways that we don't even imagine. 
Juana thinks that she wouldn't be able to face this by herself, but she knows that Jesus is her strength and when things turn out that make it seem that she is alone, she is not.  God is with her and He is in control of everything. 
Juana your perseverance and desire to please God amidst everything is an inspiration to us. 
Note:  The baby will be this year (2008) two years old.  Juana is living in another city at the moment and I haven't seen her and the baby for a while.  I wish you could know him, he is a beautiful boy.  I know I will see them again, they are already part of my family, I know they are your family too... one day we all are going to meet and celebrate His glory!

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