By Carolina Copa Caseres of Cochabamba, Bolivia
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)
I would like to tell you a little about a very special person, Mirian. I met her in 2012. She decided to become a member of Community of Christ with her three children in 2016. Her entire family was baptized. She had progressive diabetes that was consuming her life. What touched me was her positive attitude, her joy in overcoming the problems she faced, and her unconditional help to others.
Her courage and strength allowed her to continue fighting for her children. As a widow, she had to carry the entire burden of supporting her family and being active in church activities. It made me wonder, how does she do it? Why is she happy? Where does all that strength come from? She truly touched me and reminded me that with unwavering faith, everything is possible. Her heart was full of kindness and generosity. I felt like what I was doing, leading the church and being a healthy person, wasn’t enough. Mirian’s attitude showed me that life is so precious that with a simple act of kindness and gratitude, you can have peace in your heart.
Mirian took every trial as an opportunity to continue strengthening her faith, to keep her blessing alive to share with her children. I remember her with great respect for the actions she took to show her love for God and all she was able to do, thanks to that love. If we have the opportunity to help unconditionally, DO IT; it will be reciprocated. God does not forget God’s children. The challenge I set for myself is to continue giving according to my means and the opportunity to help others, especially children and young people, to share moments of knowing the love of our God through us, showing what God has done in our lives, transforming them into something good.
During my childhood, we lived with only my siblings. The responsibility came to me at 14 to take care of my siblings. Our finances were not stable. Something I will never forget is how God provided in different ways to take care of us. I know this because one day we had nothing to eat, and suddenly, out of nowhere, I ran into my aunt, and she said, “I have too much food today; could you take some?” She didn’t know we needed to eat. What happened? What touched her to offer what she had?
I am very grateful to God for the change in my life. I decided to dedicate myself to teaching children at 20, teaching them about what God does for us, that God fills us with blessings if we allow it. It’s not just saying I believe, but accepting and acting, being God’s example. The Spirit transforms lives.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.