A New Beginning

The most profound experience for me as a Christian took place when I was eighteen years old while I participated in a devotional program with my church.

The program consisted of forty days of prayer and reading the Bible. At that time, I was studying chemical engineering in Peru, and my goal was to become an engineer. But sometimes God’s plan for our lives is different from ours. He has a better plan.

One morning, as I was on my knees praying, I cried out to God, “Can You take away all the pain from my heart? Please help me forget the trauma I experienced during my childhood. Help me, Lord!” God answered and took away my anger and healed my pain from the sexual abuse I had endured, and He helped me forgive the brother who abused me.

In return, I told God, “I want to serve You, Lord. You have forgiven me and given me the opportunity to start a new life!” For two years, I asked God for direction. Then, one day during my personal devotions, I found an answer in Luke 5:1–10.

As a result, I decided to study theology after completing my chemical engineering degree and become a fisher of people for God. Shortly after I earned my theology degree, God opened a new door and gave me the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in geology in the United States of America. Before I left Peru, my brother asked me for forgiveness.

I assured him that I had already forgiven him and that I prayed relentlessly that he would meet Jesus and follow Him. God restored my life, and by His grace and love, He healed the deepest wounds from my heart! I was like a trampled flower on the ground, but Jesus found me and gave me new life. He is making me more compassionate, resilient, determined, generous, and persistent. My dedication to Him continues to grow stronger.

Through the education God miraculously provided, despite the adversity I sustained in childhood, and through the God-given victory and healing I have received, I intend to help broken children and women find healing. I want to serve God and praise Him forever! My friend, God is always there to heal and give us a new beginning! With Him, everything is possible!

Raquel Bendita Larico