By Lindsay Segura and Tianna Haas

Printing business owner, Renato, decided to follow Jesus when making a delivery to the office of Sports Friends Peru, a ministry of SIM.

The life-changing moment came when Renato brought a large map Sports Friends ordered as an office decoration. When he arrived, he came face to face with Sports Friends Peru director, Paris Segura, who he had known for some time.

Paris could tell that he was struggling with something. He asked him what was going on, and Renato explained that he was distressed by the coronavirus pandemic. The first case of COVID-19 had arrived in Peru that week. Renato continued to explain that he was at an overwhelming stage in life, and the added stress of the virus caused him to experience even more inner turmoil.

Paris explained that God can comfort him and began to share his personal testimony. After hearing Paris share the gospel, Renato knew he needed the Lord to transform his life. Right there, Renato believed in Jesus and asked him to forgive his sins.

Renato said: “I immediately felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt incredible peace.”
Paris first met Renato several years ago through a parenting outreach, which stemmed from a church soccer ministry. Paris invited the parents and family members of kids to play soccer and to enjoy fellowship. Many brought friends along, too, as the gathering grew. Short-term mission worker, Erico, asked Renato to come along and join the group.

Renato returned after his first visit, and Paris began to build a relationship with him while they participated in friendly competition each Monday night. As their friendship grew, Paris spoke with Renato about his faith in Christ, though the conversations were short. Paris said: “I told Renato, ‘One day, I’m going to tell you my testimony.’”

Within a few days of Renato’s delivery, Peru was under lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus, so Paris couldn’t visit his new brother in Christ in person. Instead, Paris has been contacting Renato over the phone and discipling him.

Renato also joined the Seguras’ church small group, which is meeting online. Since Renato is still processing the difficulties of his circumstances, he has called Paris for counsel and prayer.
Paris said: “I can see that God is working in Renato and his family. Renato told me that he can feel a difference. He feels peace. Not just with COVID but with life in general. He said he’s praying every day.”

PRAY: 
• Renato to grow in maturity as he’s discipled and to develop a love for scripture.
• Paris as he counsels Renato.
• SIM Peru to continue sharing the gospel while following safety precautions.
• the spread of COVID-19 to cease.

GIVE: 
Do you want to support SIM health ministries during COVID-19? You can give to the SIMaid COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund here.