God Won the Battle

By: Ana Maria Crocker, Mesoamerica Region NMI Coordinator

After months of living with a pandemic, many people have lost family members, friends, jobs, and have experienced other hardships. It has been no exception for leaders serving in ministry. Among them is Ana Maria Crocker, coordinator of Nazarene Missions International (NMI) for the Mesoamerica Region who after seeing 22 family members affected by Covid-19, five of whom died, can say, “God won the battle.”

Recently, one of her children, Oscar, was diagnosed with Covid-19 at almost the same time that one of Ana’s brothers, Fredy Crocker, sadly passed away in September 2021 from the disease. However, Oscar recovered. “God won the battle for my son Oscar,” Ana Crocker said. Oscar thanks the church for their prayers for the family during this difficult time. “I give glory to God; I was tested (21 days after first knowing he had contracted the virus) and God won the battle! I no longer have Covid,” he said. “The Lord continues to work miracles in our family not because we deserve it, but because of His grace and mercy.”

When Oscar talks about miracles in his family, he is referring also to the fact that even though his wife and children had direct contact with him while he had Covid-19, they never contracted it.

“God has been, is, and will continue to be our God of miracles,” says Ana Crocker. She is sure, as well, that from the beginning of the pandemic God has worked intentionally to unite the Mesoamerica Region through times of fasting, prayer, and crying out to the Lord for those who have been infected. “Although many did not overcome the illness,” Ana adds, “many others did, and they can give testimony to the power of God.”

“In these times of difficulty, let us continue trusting in God. Let’s continue crying out as one to God who is merciful and loving, and who we know has already won the battle,” she said. She also shared the following bible verse: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)