In the face of a health crisis, a woman learns lessons in endurance.

Hello, my name is Luz Gladis Barreto, but most people simply call me Luz. About eight years ago, a movement called Hebrew Roots infiltrated our local church in La Unión Valle. This caused division, confusion and even family fractures. Tragically, my husband stopped attending church and began working on the Sabbath. Eventually, our church closed, and I felt spiritually adrift.

Soon after, my husband and I were in a motorcycle accident. While we survived with only minor injuries, the accident revealed something far more serious—a malignant tumor in my breast. I was devastated.

I endured numerous chemotherapy sessions and surgeries. Each treatment left me weaker, determined to reclaim my faith. During this time, I returned to church and finally found peace in the arms of my Savior once again. 

I chose to make a public commitment through baptism. My beloved uncle, Miguel Echeverry, an elder, baptized me—an answered prayer that brought me profound joy. It was a moment of healing, even amid my suffering.

After a period of remission, the cancer returned. Now, a new tumor has formed in my spine and is spreading aggressively. My doctors say the cancer has metastasized throughout my body. These past months have been a spiritual crucible: I ask God daily for the strength to endure and for clarity on His will for my life. 

I have had vivid dreams of a man dressed like a shepherd who gently tells me, “Luz, prepare yourself to meet Jesus.” Whether the Lord will restore me or allow me to rest until the resurrection, I want to be ready. My deepest heartache is not for myself—but for my son and husband. I long to see them return to God, just as I have. That would be my
greatest joy.

God has been giving me strength to be able to attend church. My body is weak, but my spirit remains steadfast. Like the apostle Paul, I say with confidence: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.

Luz’s story is not just one of pain—it is one of unwavering faith, unshakable hope, thanks to the miraculous power of God to redeem a soul even in the valley of death.

The church in Colombia faces many challenges. Communities are fractured by false teachings, economic hardship and spiritual confusion. There are too few lay members, too few small groups and many like Luz waiting for someone to guide them home.

You can be part of the miracle. Your donation can help support Bible studies and discipleship training, coordinate small groups and outreach ministries, and provide resources for rural congregations. Even a small donation can help bring the hope of Jesus to those in despair. Let Luz’s faith move your heart—help us continue the work of healing, reaching and restoring souls for God’s kingdom!

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Location
Colombia

Author
Narrated by Luz Barreto to Juvenal Galo who is the director of the Bible and Evangelism Department at Fundación Las Delicias.

How You Can Help
Pray that if it is God’s will, Luz will be healed. Pray for her husband and son to come to know Jesus through all of this. 

Give to the work in Colombia by sending your donations marked “Colombia Evangelism” to:

Mission Projects International
PO Box 237
Kirksville, MO 63501

To give securely online, visit: www.missionspro.org/donate

Thank you. Fundación Las Delicias says “thank you” to all the MPI supporters for your contributions to God’s work in their part of the world!