Mirta Pérez, a dedicated teacher and Haggai Leader in Paraguay, serves her community through ASCIM (Asociación de Servicios de Cooperación Indígena Menonita), working with indigenous youth.

Mirta’s journey began while she was teaching in a secondary school, where young students from various cultural backgrounds come to learn the Bible and English. Although many of these students come from Christian families and have heard biblical stories, Mirta observed a significant gap: the church had become more of a tradition than a living community centered on a personal relationship with God.

Motivated by this reality, Mirta embraced the call to participate in restoring that connection. She believes in the classroom, the Gospel is not just a subject, but a living message. Through Bible stories, she illustrates how God cares deeply for His children and seeks a personal relationship with each of them. The emphasis is on God’s restorative love, transcending cultural differences.

Over the past year, Mirta’s commitment bore fruit in a special way. She led a Bible study group with 12 girls living in the school dormitory. These young women made the life-changing decision to follow Jesus, marking a significant spiritual milestone for the community.

By sharing how Jesus transformed her own life, Mirta models faith in action. This openness has encouraged students to embrace faith more deeply, with some choosing to be baptized.

One student’s story stands out: struggling academically and burdened by difficult personal circumstances, she found solace and support through Mirta’s care and prayers. Though her academic progress is slow, Mirta remains hopeful, trusting that God’s work in her life is ongoing.

Another student from the Bible study group, coming from a Mormon family, reached out seeking guidance on how to continue reading the Bible and grow closer to God. Her desire to learn about Jesus and walk in faith shares the transformative impact of Mirta’s ministry.

“God reminded me of the need to restore our relationship with him, go back to him every time the Holy Spirit tells us that we are going in the wrong way,” says Mirta. Through faith-driven education, leadership development, and youth engagement, leaders like Mirta embody Haggai International’s mission to equip and inspire.

Her journey is a powerful testament to the difference one committed leader can make in nurturing faith, hope, and love in the next generation.

Written by Zoë Webb