Pedrito Prays

Pedrito (ped-REE-toe) lived with his mother and father in a small house in a little village in the northern part of Paraguay [Help children find Paraguay on a map of South America.] Those who live in this village are native people of Paraguay. They are often called Indians.

Many families lived in this village, and Pedrito’s grandfather was the village chief. When Pedrito turned 7 years old, his grandfather (the chief) wanted him to go to a school where he could receive an excellent education. The chief heard about a school called Escula Adventista de Coaaguazu (Adventist School of Coaaguazu). Some people told him that his grandson would receive a very good education there.

Going to School

The chief and Pedrito traveled many hours to reach this Adventist school. After they arrived, Pedrito and his grandfather were shown around the school, including the dormitory where Pedrito and the other schoolboys lived. Then his grandfather said goodbye and went home.

At first Pedrito was a little lonely, but that didn’t last long because he quickly made new friends with the other children, and with the teachers too. He learned to read and write, and to do arithmetic. But even more important, he learned about the God who loves him. Pedrito also learned that God gives us good things, including food. He learned that that’s why before we eat, we pray and thank God for the meal.

Back at Home

The first few weeks at school went by quickly for Pedrito, and soon it was time to go home for a short break. When he came home, Pedrito was so excited to see his family! He could hardly wait to tell them all about his school and the many things he had learned there—especially what he had learned about God.

When it was time to eat, Pedrito sat down together with his family. At school, he had become so used to having prayer before meals that Pedrito was surprised when everybody just started eating. Feeling awkward, he bowed his head alone and offered a silent prayer of thanks.

“Why are you doing that?!” thundered Pedrito’s father. “We don’t do that! If you want to pray, then take your food, go outside, and eat alone!”

Obediently, young Pedrito took his food, went outside of their humble home, sat on the ground, and started eating.

Before long, Pedrito’s grandfather came by and asked Pedrito why he was eating outside. “My daddy doesn’t want me to pray for the food, so I came out here,” replied the boy.

Being Thankful

Pedrito’s grandfather went into the house and talked to his son, who was Pedrito’s father. “Why are you doing this to your son?” he asked him. “You should be happy that he wants to pray! He has changed, and you should be thankful for that! I’m going to visit that school and ask them to come to our community and teach us what Pedrito has learned.”

The grandfather went back to the Adventist school and told them how happy he was with the changes he had seen in Pedrito. “Would you be willing,” he asked, “to send someone to our community to teach us about your God?”

Friendly Witness

Happily, the school sent a pastor to the community, where he became friends with the people and taught them from the Bible for three months. Pedrito’s grandfather, his mother, and 17 other people from their community were baptized.

As time went on more baptisms were held and now more than 40 people are baptized members of the new Seventh-day Adventist church in this community—a church planted by a little boy who wanted to thank God for his meal.

While he isn’t baptized yet, Pedrito’s father often goes to church with his family. Because of Pedrito’s testimony, seven more children, including his younger brother, are now attending Escula Adventista de Coaaguazu. Thank you for giving your mission offerings so that more boys and girls like Pedrito can learn about Jesus.