Gustavo and Niviana

Before coming to Champion Forest, Gustavo had a very clear picture of what success looked like. For him, it meant financial achievement, professional growth, and reaching a position that proved his worth. But even as he accomplished things, something was always missing. He lived in a constant pursuit that never truly satisfied his heart. That drive slowly turned into pride. He felt the need to prove himself, to show he deserved to be where he was. He knew about God, but he did not know God personally.

Niviana began attending church first, invited by a neighbor. Gustavo would bring her, but he stayed in the car in the parking lot. That became the routine until one day, a woman from the church felt led to go outside and invite him in. That simple act was the push he needed. He walked in, heard the message, and something shifted. It was the moment he surrendered his life to the Lord and allowed God to lead him.

From that point on, the dissatisfaction that had defined so much of his life began to fade. In its place came peace. One of the ministries that has most deeply impacted him is the men’s ministry. At first he came to receive, but over time God allowed him to serve and witness other men being transformed as well. What used to be pride turned into humility. What used to feel empty became filled with purpose.

For them, Champion Forest is not just a church. It is home. It is a family where they have grown, learned, and learned to trust the Lord more deeply. They have seen His faithfulness as their provider again and again. They understand that everything they have comes from Him, so generosity is simply giving back what already belongs to God.

Today, they look toward the future with expectation. Just as they were reached and changed, they know many other families are still waiting to experience that same love, community, and truth found in Christ. For the MacCraghs, being part of NEXT means joining what God is doing now to impact generations to come.

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