One of our teams encountered 8-year-old Federico in his barrio during a Gospel presentation in Paraguay. Federico, who had been unable to walk for three years due to an illness, experienced a breakthrough after a prayer for healing—he took three steps, something he hadn’t been able to do in years.

Federico and his family attended a festival where he bravely shared on stage. With assistance, he managed to take a few more steps.

His family shared that five years ago, Federico had fallen ill, and for the past three years, he had been completely unable to walk and could only crawl.

Despite seeing multiple doctors and even consulting a neurosurgeon, no one had been able to provide answers or solutions. Yet, now, he was beginning to stand and walk.

During a follow-up home visit to Federico’s house, the family admitted to our discipleship team that they hadn’t practiced walking much because of the cold weather. However, something changed that day. With a renewed sense of determination, Federico declared, “This is the day I will be healed.” He then stood up and, with assistance, took 15 steps—the most he had walked to this point.

As his father initially supported him, Federico suddenly declared, “I can do it by myself,” and proceeded to take a step on his own. The team encouraged him to keep practicing, aiming to take at least one more step each day.

In this incredible moment, a church leader who was receiving training from our discipleship team and who was also struggling with mobility due to losing several toes from diabetes made a pact with Federico. They agreed to walk together and believe for their healing, even expressing faith that they would one day play soccer together!