Drawn in by kindness, transformed by grace

Horianna was aware of Redeemer Church, but hadn’t given church much thought until she was invited the church’s English club. She was excited to be able to practice English with native speakers. At English club, she met MTW missionaries and church leaders who welcomed her and offered their friendship. She eventually tried out the worship service and home groups. Horianna marveled wondering, “What do these people believe in that allows them to reflect such natural kindness?” She was curious about Christianity but there was a lot going on in her personal life.

Horianna and her boyfriend, Cristhian, were living together, and she began to wrestle with knowing that wasn’t right, while at the same time wanting to draw closer to God. She leaned on MTW missionary Lorena McCall who studied the Bible with her and helped Horianna process her questions. Eventually Horianna surrendered her life to Christ. Still she worried about conversations she needed to have with Cristhian, concerned that he would think she was crazy.

Cristhian had grown up in a church in Venezuela, but it left him with complicated feelings and doubts about Christianity. When he saw Horianna going to church and getting more interested in drawing closer to God, it scared him because of his past experiences. But Cristhian noticed how God was transforming Horianna’s heart. One day they sat down and talked through everything calmly. He brought up the things she was already wrestling with regarding their relationship. Both agreed they wanted to get married. Providentially, Cristhian’s sister was getting married in Venezuela and they decided to take advantage of the opportunity and get married themselves.

For a time Cristhian continued to wrestle with full surrender, not convinced he needed Christ. But one night he had a panic attack, and his “perfect” life collapsed before his eyes. It had a profound effect on him, leading him to confess that he missed the God he knew in childhood, and to surrender his life fully to Christ. Since then, their joint faith has led to a unified, purposeful marriage. God has grown them closer to Him—and now they are parents. God has become their everything. Now they are eager to serve God through the church and share His love with others.

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