For 23 years in Tacna, Peru (on the border with Chile), Nora La Rosa, an active member of the Miller Seventh-day Adventist Church, part of the South Peru Mission (MPS), has been offering Bible studies in a rehabilitation center for people seeking to overcome drug addiction, alcoholism, and gambling.

In the year 2000, Nora observed in her environment the need to provide hope through the Gospel to people submerged in addictions, beginning her missionary work as director of JA (Adventist Youth) in her local church and involving more people in this mission. Over the years, she has held various positions, and despite the great challenges, she continues her volunteer activities at the Solidaridad y Vida (“Solidarity and Life”) Rehabilitation Center.

The number of people who decided to give their lives to God and be transformed by the Holy Spirit is inexact due to the years that have passed, but from January–October 2023, 50 baptisms have already been registered. These numbers optimistically reflect the fruits of this missionary work over time, and in fact, several of those who have joined the church did not stay in Tacna but took their testimonies to other regions of the country, such as Cusco, Puno (Juliaca), Lima, and Arequipa, among others.

An Organized Missionary Work

With the respective authorization in the facilities of the rehab center, every Thursday, Nora organizes six groups of discipleship classes, each one with leaders (operators) trained for the mission that consists of collaborating during evangelistic campaigns and helping new companions in the study of the Bible. Spiritual topics and recreational games are also scheduled.

Church members have noticed an increase in the number of cases of adolescents who have been admitted to the rehab center for gambling addiction; it is important to pay special attention to this group in order to be able to help them. "We have to fall in love with Jesus, because what we do is not only to rescue a life; it is also because we believe in a God of love, of new opportunities; it is a path of blessing where we go," said Nora.

A New Project in the Ica Region

For the past year (2022–2023), following the initiative of Brother Rodolfo H. and with the support of the leaders of the Central de Pisco Church and the Central South Peru Mission (MPCS), Bible studies have been conducted for 38 people in the Nuevo Amanecer Rehabilitation Center, located in San Andres. In this place, the "Meeting Jesus" project represents a new beginning and hope through the Word of God.
The gift of Christian service is born of authentic love for God and all His creation and is manifested through seeking opportunities to help others.

The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.