Sister Nelcy's Journey of Perseverance and Faith
Overcoming Economic Hardship, Battling Oppression, and Finding Refuge in Costa Rica
I am thrilled to share the remarkable story of sister Nelcy, a resilient Colombian woman whose unwavering faith and courage led her family on a journey of survival and hope. From enduring economic turmoil in Venezuela to escaping the clutches of violence and oppression in Colombia, Nelcy's unwavering spirit serves as an inspiration to all.
After years of struggling amidst Venezuela's economic decline under President Maduro's regime, Nelcy made the difficult decision to return to her native Colombia with her Venezuelan husband and grandchildren. The hope was to establish a new life in rural Colombia, where they faced the grueling challenge of making ends meet. However, their circumstances took a devastating turn when Nelcy's sisters, along with their children born in Venezuela, joined them, exhibiting symptoms of malnutrition due to the dire conditions they faced.
Unfortunately, even in her own country, Nelcy and her relatives encountered hurdles when seeking medical attention. The Colombian medical system turned them away, citing missing documents as a reason for denial. Undeterred, Nelcy took a bold stand, gathering eighteen family members and staging a protest in front of a public hospital, demanding the healthcare they rightfully deserved as Colombian citizens. Moved by her bravery, the medical authorities relented, providing the necessary care for Nelcy and her family.
While one might hope this marked the end of their tribulations, a new chapter of hardship awaited Nelcy. The region in Colombia where they sought refuge once again fell under the influence of former guerrilla lords, emboldened by the socialist regime led by President Petro. These violent groups, motivated by monetary gain from drug lords rather than political ideologies, targeted children aged twelve and older for recruitment.
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| Nelcy makes it to her adult son in Costa Rica |
Faced with the grim prospect of her loved ones falling victim to the guerrilla lords, Nelcy made the painful decision to leave Colombia. Guided by the preacher in her rural Colombian town, she felt called to relocate near the Heredia Church of Christ in Costa Rica. Compelled further by the fact that one of her adult children had already established himself as a taxi driver in Costa Rica, Nelcy embarked on a solo journey as a refugee, flying to Panama before entering Costa Rican territory.
Nelcy initially resided with her son in the town of Turrúcares, situated in the Central Valley, a three-hour bus ride from the Heredia Church of Christ. Despite the physical distance, she remained steadfast in her faith, never missing a Sunday service. While Nelcy awaited her family's arrival, her husband Felipe, eldest son Will, and five grandchildren embarked on a perilous journey on foot through the impenetrable Darién jungle, separating Colombia from Panama.
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| Nelcy's son Will going through the Darien jungle |
Their path through the treacherous terrain was fraught with danger, as they witnessed the tragic loss of lives and encountered the remains of those who had succumbed to the harsh conditions. Braving the perilous mountains, rivers, and untamed wilderness, they persevered and eventually reached Panama. From there, they boarded a bus bound for Costa Rica, finally reuniting with Nelcy.
Nelcy emerged as the unwavering leader of her family, securing a rental house in Heredia and leading them to attend services at the Heredia Church of Christ. Their presence has been an immense blessing to the church, serving as a shining example of courage, resilience, and unwavering faithfulness to the Lord.
The Heredia Church of Christ stands in awe of Sister Nelcy and her family, embracing them wholeheartedly and celebrating their incredible journey of survival and hope. Their story serves as a powerful testament to the strength that arises from unwavering faith and the transformative power of God's guidance, inspiring all who hear it to face their own challenges with unwavering trust in the Lord.
