In the small village of La Sabana, New Concepción, Escuintla, there’s a bright light named Pastor Hannibal (second from the left). As the leader of Iglesia Maranatha (Maranatha Church), he’s known for his cheerful spirit, contagious energy, and deep love for his community. But behind his ever-present smile, Pastor Hannibal has been walking through a season of unexpected suffering.
Last year, Pastor Hannibal’s health began to decline. What started as simple discomfort soon became a battle that shook not only his body but also his spirit. In October 2024, he began experiencing severe gastroesophageal reflux and symptoms of gastritis. Meals became a source of fear, and nights turned into battles as reflux would rise into his esophagus, making it hard to breathe. There were terrifying moments when he genuinely thought he might die.
Although he managed to scrape together enough for an initial specialist consultation, he couldn’t afford the medications he needed. Instead, he relied on whatever pills were within his reach, providing only temporary relief. As the nights wore on, fear took hold — fear of eating, fear of sleeping, and overwhelming attacks of paranoia fueled by the constant, unrelenting pain.
When we sat down with Pastor Hannibal in January to check in on him, his family, and his church, he opened up about the immense struggle he was facing. He desperately needed an endoscopy to get a clear diagnosis, but the Q1,800 ($230 USD) needed for the procedure was out of reach.
Thanks to your generous support through GSG Missions, Pastor Hannibal received the funds he needed. He was able to get the endoscopy and consultation with a gastroenterologist. The diagnosis: erosive gastropathy — a painful condition where the lining of the stomach and esophagus is injured and can even bleed. But with a clear diagnosis came hope. Pastor Hannibal was able to purchase the right medication — including a gastric protector and proton pump inhibitors — and today, he is feeling much better, praise God!
There’s also a deeply touching moment we want to share with you, from Nurse Rocio (first on the left), who has walked closely alongside Pastor Hannibal through this journey. She recounts:
“One Monday night, before the pastor had his endoscopy, he called me, crying and terrified. He said, ‘I beg you to tell me what to do. I can’t stand it anymore. I can’t sleep. I’m so afraid.’ I was at home, far from him, and felt completely powerless. Even if I suggested a medicine, there were no pharmacies nearby, and he had no money to buy it. That night, I knelt by my bed and prayed with all my heart, asking God to bring him peace and relieve his pain. The next morning, Pastor Hannibal called to tell me that about an hour after our call, he finally felt peace and was able to sleep through the night for the first time in a long while.”
God answered those prayers — through His peace, through your generosity, and through the care of people who refused to let Pastor Hannibal fight alone.
Today, Pastor Hannibal is not only healing physically, but his joyful spirit is returning. He continues to faithfully shepherd his church and bring hope to his village.
We’ll continue to update you on his recovery. Thank you for being part of his miracle. You are making a real difference in lives like Pastor Hannibal’s every single day.
