On New Year’s Eve, Marco Estrada wandered the streets of Lima, Peru, overwhelmed by years of alcohol and drug dependence and a deep sense of loneliness. Returning home in tears, he knelt on his bedroom floor and prayed a desperate prayer.

“Lord, I can’t take it anymore. I don’t want to live like this anymore. I want to change… I won’t stop praying until You answer me.”

Exhausted, he fell asleep still on his knees—but that night marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

A long struggle toward change

It was a five-month struggle. As he drove his motorcycle taxi to earn a living, Estrada battled depression, cravings, and strong temptation. He recalls many moments when he cried while driving, walking the streets, or behind his closed bedroom door. Despite the emotional and spiritual struggle, he continued to pray and refused to give up.

During this time, he decided to attend the New Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Villa María del Triunfo district, in southern Lima. There he began studying the Bible and soon felt a growing desire to share how, step by step, he sensed God sustaining him in his journey of change.

At New Hope Church, Estrada met Eduardo Dueñas, a man God would use to guide him to the next step of faith.

"The Lord is sending me to have you baptized. You can be baptized tomorrow," Dueñas told him. Convinced, Estrada replied, "I prayed and told God I wanted to serve Him. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to be baptized."

From recovery to mission

Estrada’s first invitation to serve came through preaching at a rehabilitation center for people facing alcohol and drug addictions. He says that only with God’s help is he able to find the words to share his story and encourage others.

According to Estrada, many people at the center have been moved by his testimony and have decided to begin Bible studies. This year alone, 25 individuals have chosen to be baptized after hearing his experience and receiving spiritual support from both Estrada and Dueñas.

Today, Estrada's motorcycle taxi is his “missionary motorcycle.” With it, he visits homes and neighborhoods to offer prayer, Bible studies, and words of encouragement. For Estrada, daily work and mission are now closely linked.

He also expresses deep gratitude for the Adventist members who have prayed for him, saying he believes their intercession has been essential in his recovery and spiritual growth. In his view, what people see in his story is not only one man’s determination but what he describes as the transforming power of God.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site.