Claudia's Story

Janet Goreham

She was raised by her grandfather, whom she called “Dad.” But, in 2003, when Claudia was 15, he was diagnosed with cancer and died. Problems with her family, particularly her mother, led Claudia to start spending time with older guys and doing drugs. She also left school before they could kick her out. “They didn’t like me because of my behaviour,” said Claudia. “I was a pain in the neck and I didn’t study or work.” Claudia’s mother used to tell her that if there was a box of fruit, Claudia was the rotten apple.

She didn’t go to school for three years, but instead spent her time with friends who had also dropped out of school. They’d stay up late and sleep into the afternoons.

Claudia heard about missionaries coming to Las Violatas to buy a house and work with teenagers. She didn’t pay attention, but when they started holding activities and lessons, she gradually became interested and went see what it was about. At first she caused trouble and refused to cooperate, and Andrea remembers that Claudia shied away from personal contact and would not accept a hug.

But, one afternoon Claudia’s life changed forever. Even now she remembers every detail of the meeting: the big group, Raul talking, her quietly sitting in a chair by the door. Raul spoke about Jesus, and though Claudia didn’t understand everything, she remembers Raul talking about knowing God. When Raul made an invitation to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour, Claudia accepted.

“I understood that this was not just about religion,” said Claudia. “This was something personal from God. When I made this decision I realized that I didn’t want to be the same person I used to be. And, I started changing little by little.” Claudia began going to church with Raul and Andrea and got baptized. She also returned to school. Her relationship with her family even improved—she and her mother began to get along and her brother noticed a difference in her. He even helped her pay to take the bus to church.

Now Claudia actively helps the younger teens at El Refugio and church. She is always looking to get others involved, and even took responsibility to build the volleyball court so that others would want to come and play.

Before Claudia met Christ she said that her life was pointless. Now she dreams of having her own apartment or house. She also hopes to become a missionary with OM, first in Argentina and then anywhere God might take her. “I know that [in the future] when I travel it is not just to look around, but to take the Word of God to other people,” said Claudia.

Claudia is the only Christian in her family, and faces difficulties helping them understand her new life in Christ. Please pray for her as she grows in her relationship with God, finishes school, and helps develop the ministry in El Refugio. Please also pray for Andrea and Raul Muller and their work with teens in Las Violetas, that the Lord will continue to use them to change lives.

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