From Uruguay to Quebec, from Despair to Faith

The future looked grim for Roberto, Viviana and their children. After three hard years in Canada, their refugee claim had been denied. Afraid to return to Uruguay, they drove to Sherbrooke, Quebec where Viviana had family.

Driving was not easy for Roberto on that wintry day. He was so tired and as he drove, he felt his eyelids close. He sensed that someone, somehow, was helping him to drive the car. When he opened his eyes, they had arrived! It was just the beginning of God’s miracles in the life of this husband and wife.

In their first French language class, Lucy Roca noticed how disheartened Roberto and Viviana looked. She learned that after several months in Sherbrooke, they were still without work and their money was spent. Lucy prayed for an opportunity to invite them to the church gatherings.

The Spirit nudged Lucy during her sermon preparation. God spoke clearly to her, indicating that this message was for Roberto and Viviana. Lucy replied, “Lord, you say this message is for them, but I have not invited them yet!” As the House Church worship began that week, a knock came at the door. It was Roberto, Viviana and their children!

While Lucy preached, Viviana knew that God was talking directly to her. At the end of the meeting she and Roberto prayed the prayer of faith and from that moment on met with their new community faithfully. Viviana, fascinated by the Biblical stories, often read late into the night. One such evening, she was surprised to see the word “Ruth” on her alarm clock. With Lucy’s help she found the book of Ruth in the Bible. The words “So Boaz said to Ruth, ‘My daughter, listen to me. Don’t go and glean in another field … Stay here with my servant girls.’ “(Ruth 2:8) spoke clearly to her. The family was preparing to move to another city; it seemed that God was telling her that they should stay in Sherbrooke. Was it here that her family would find provision, with God’s servants, Lucy and her sister, Betty?

When she told her husband what had happened, they knew they needed to stay. For the first time in many years they were filled with hope. They could laugh again. God was not finished with Roberto and Viviana.

A prophetic word was passed on to Lucy from the Mennonite Church in Colombia. “God knows all about the difficult situation of this family. The Lord is with them and this will be a learning experience, because they are called to serve as pastors. Viviana is a “Deborah” and God will also establish Roberto. In the midst of a prayer meeting, Roberto had a vision. Jesus stood in the room with his arms wide open and when Roberto prayed for those sitting beside him, Jesus touched them. Jose Fernando, sitting next to Roberto, was healed from severe epilepsy. In later examinations, doctors found that an infection in the brain that had been causing his seizures and constant dizziness, was disappearing. Jose continues to thank the Lord for good health.

In September 2007, Roberto and Viviana returned to Uruguay, full of hope. They visited the Mennonite church there, and as they continue their prayer ministry with families, their faith grows stronger. They are still hoping to return to Canada, but are listening to God for direction. The Sherbrooke congregation prays that they will return to Quebec. Lucy testifies, “We thank God for all He has permitted us to live through with this family. They were transformed and we wait with faith for the seeds to bring forth good fruit. To God be all honour and glory for ever. It is a privilege to preach the resurrected Christ in these foreign lands of Quebec.”