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“There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned
away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even
one.” “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of
vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet
are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they
do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Romans 3:11-18
F
or many of the poor children
at Pastor Casio Carrasco’s Life
and Liberty church in Lima,
their life story is written in
tears, anger, and frustration.
They come from families that have been
ruined by corruption, infidelity, physical and
mental abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse, rape,
and depression.
This is where the story would end...If God
was not the one writing the book of life.
God does not write tragedies. He is not
satisfied with sorrow and hopelessness
being the norm. God is in the business of
revival and He writes happily ever afters.
The children at Life and Liberty church have
all had their challenging life stories turned
into tales of God’s grace and mercy.
Dayron, a five year old boy, had problems
both at home and at school. But overcame
his family struggles and circumstantial
paradigms through immense prayer. Now,
he earnestly prays for the children in the
Children of Jesus ministry.
Dayana, whose father was sick from
diabetes and their family struggle to pay
for the medical bills and home expenses.
God healed her father and their financial
situation. But he also touched Dayana’s
heart, removing her selfishness and
stubborn nature. Now, she serves the
church and others with joy.
Matias, a ten year old boy, who secluded
himself from everyone at church and
was often silent and distracted; He was
suffering in secret. But through prayer and
the Father’s love, he has changed and he
faithfully strives for God. God does not
write tragedies. He brings life to the dead.
These children, all touched by God, each
received a beautiful testimony. But they did
not want to keep it to themselves; they had
to share it with everyone.
Groups of the church children, ages seven
to eight, visited homes of sick people to
pray for them. They shared the word of
God and celebrated in His miracles.
Their youth group would collect clothes,
toiletries, and toys to distribute to children
living in the slum outskirts of the city. The
church established a mission team, who
would take the message of Salvation to the
utmost parts of Peru; places where cars
could not take them, but only pack animals
could.
They sang songs, performed dramas,
played games, and danced dances; bringing
the joy of God wherever they went. The
team encouraged pastors and lifted up
the brothers and sisters of Christ in the
churches they visited. God writes life into
our personal history. Regardless of where
anyone started: broken marriages, shattered
relationships, loss of childlike faith, abuse,
or addiction, God can and will restore
peace, love, joy, and happiness.
These elegant stories of redemption and
restoration are meant for more than a
personal archive; they are all parts of
the incredible storybook of God that is
designed to be shared with believer and
non-believer alike to proclaim our
Great God.
www.coj.org
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