Lorena – From 2010 to 2014
Ten years ago, I was invited to visit Lorena’s orphanage. When I saw all the orphans I wanted to help every single one of them to learn about the love of the Lord and His way of life. Therefore, I offered to give six months of training to about twenty five of their top orphans. Lorena was one of those whom they chose for this training. Here is her story.
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Lorena and I am 27 years old. I first met Mr Gothard in February of 2005 when he visited my orphanage in Mexico. I will never forget that day. He met with our directors and offered to train 25 of our outstanding orphans in Character and in the English language. He would cover all the expenses.
There were 400 in my orphanage. The person in charge of choosing the orphans decided to send 25 of the ones who had the worst behavior rather than the best. This decision made me qualified to go.
When I was told that I was chosen, I had a hard time believing it. I immediately said yes! Not just because I wanted to go to the United States, but because I was so hungry and desperate to know God’s love for me.
When we arrived in America we went to the Indianapolis Training Center. There I received the best spiritual training I have ever had. It completely transformed my life. I clearly remember my first appointment with Mr. Gothard. He asked me about my relationship with my parents. I said “My parents don’t love me, that is why they left me at an orphanage.” At that moment I experienced a deep bitterness in my heart against my parents. We talked about it and he showed me how I could forgive them and be reconciled to them.
I thought to myself, “This is the most impossible thing I have ever heard.” During the previous eighteen years they have never visited me in the orphanage. However, as I learned of God’s love for me I became a believer in Christ and also forgave my parents.
Six months later when I returned to Mexico, I had a whole new perspective on life. I had found my identity in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I contacted my mother and we started a reconciliation process as mother and daughter. During my time in Mexico I kept in touch with Mr. Gothard and in February of 2010 I became a member of the Headquarters staff. I had the opportunity and honor to be personally trained by Mr. Gothard and learn more about the ways of God.
During my time at the Headquarters, Mr. Gothard always showed a godly behavior toward me. He was very respectful of me and everyone around me. I would tell him that he was my spiritual father because that is what he is, and for the rest of my life I will always be grateful to him for believing in me and investing in my life.
Today, because of his investment I am traveling to other parts of the world to bring hope to those who need it. I am sharing with them the Biblical principles that changed my life for Jesus Christ which I learned through Bill Gothard.
Lorena