South American Division

Peruvian Adventist Student Recovers from Rare Illness After Yearlong Prayer Campaign

Told he would never walk or talk again, Jhader Cueva returns to school and is baptized following nationwide support and spiritual commitment.

June 12, 2025

Peru

Thais Suarez, South American Division, and ANN

Jhader's baptism, where his parents witnessed the miracle they had long cried out for.

Photo: Northeast Peru Mission

In the face of medical uncertainty and the emotional toll of watching their son’s health decline without explanation, one family in northeastern Peru turned to the only source of strength they had left: faith. This is the story of Jhader Cueva Infante, a young Adventist student whose remarkable recovery defied medical expectations through the power of prayer and a supportive faith community.

Raised in a home grounded in biblical values and daily prayer, Infante attended José de San Martín Adventist School in Tarapoto, northeastern Peru. His parents hoped to see him thrive both academically and spiritually. But in June 2024, those hopes were shaken.

A Diagnosis that Never Came

Jhader with his mother and frequent visitors. Adventist Church leaders were also present throughout the process. Photo: Northeast Peru Mission

It began with subtle changes. Infante became unusually quiet and fatigued. Gradually, his once energetic body became paralyzed without a clear cause. His parents visited multiple clinics and hospitals in search of answers, but despite numerous tests, no diagnosis was found. One thing was clear: his condition was worsening.

Moved by compassion and conviction, Infante's teacher, Judith Flores Pérez, proposed a spiritual response. She recommended three actions: fast for 40 Sabbaths on his behalf, fully surrender the child to God, and make a covenant with the local church.

A Church United in Prayer

Jhader's teacher, Judith Flores, with her classmates, aware that miracles happen in Christ. Photo: Northeast Peru Mission

The family embraced the challenge. They gave a special offering, dedicated every Sabbath to intercessory prayer, and extended their fast to a full year. Despite their faith and persistence, Jhader's condition continued to deteriorate.

With support from the Northeast Peru Mission, the regional headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northeastern Peru, Infante was admitted to the National Institute of Child Health. There, he was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis, a serious and fast-progressing neurological condition. Doctors warned the family that Infante would likely never walk or speak again.

As hope waned, the Adventist community rallied. Church members, pastors, school staff, Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs, and listeners of Radio Nuevo Tiempo, the Adventist Spanish radio and TV channel in South America, united in prayer for a miracle.

A Remarkable Recovery

Jader's family, a living testament to the fact that miracles do exist. Photo: Northeast Peru Mission

What happened next stunned everyone. Infante began to speak again. Then he moved. Eventually, he walked. Today, he is fully mobile and back at school, running, laughing, and living like a healthy child.

But his story didn’t end with recovery. Remembering the promise made during his illness, Infante chose to take another step of faith. On Friday, May 30, 2025, during his school’s Spiritual Emphasis Week titled “The Gift Within You,” he was baptized, publicly committing his life to Christ.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.