20 years ago , seven-year old Mayra Llanto Chombo attended the small church in the village of San Martin de Porres with her three younger siblings . However , it was not easy for them to go to church on Sundays because their father did not want them to go to church . He would intentionally give them an absurd amount of chores .
Mayra had to clean the house or wash clothes quickly so that her siblings and she could attend church . But the chores were too overwhelming and by the time they finished , they were either too tired or it was too late for them to go . However , Mayra strived to attend church as often as she could ; she loved the Bible history lessons . These were trying times for Mayra and her siblings .
In 2004 , when she was fourteen years old , her church became a part of the Children of Jesus ministry . Mayra and her siblings received uniforms , shoes , and school supplies they needed to attend school . With their parents ’ income , it was impossible to purchase any of these necessities , but even then , their parents would prevent them from attending church more often . Her passion for Christ would be ignited when she attended the Peru to Christ Rally in 2005 where she was one of fifty thousand children at the University of San Marcos Stadium . Ten of thousands hands were lifted and they gave their lives to God ; Mayra raised her hand eagerly . Happiness was restored in her life . She felt the message touch her heart and her hate of her parents melted . Since that memorable day , Mayra ’ s life underwent a spiritual revival . She returned home and shared the peace and joy she had in her heart with her father . Her father came to thank God for His mercy and gave his life to Jesus that night . Their hearts were transformed to receive the Lord Jesus Christ . With the help of COJ , she was able to complete her education . She found herself a nursing job and started to help the family financially .
In May 2015 , her father passed away unexpectedly and the family was left devastated . Her mother struggled to make ends meet . But Mayra sat her frustrated mother down and spoke , “ Mom , you saw what God has done in my life . God knows all our circumstances and He will not leave us as orphans . Please believe !” Her mother came to have faith and receive Jesus in her heart . Although the family still has struggles , they are confident that Faithful God will provide .
Last year , Mayra ’ s pastor offered the youth and adults an opportunity to get baptized . Mayra was first to line up . The brave seven year old young girl has now grown to be twenty-six year old beautiful lady . She is the Sunday school teacher at the Luz y Vida ( Light and Life ) church . After nineteen years , and by God ’ s amazing grace , Mayra went from being a student struggling to a teacher guiding many other children and youth to fall in love with God . www . coj . org 15