Ericka Esteban, a member of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries child sponsorship program, recently traveled to Paris, France, to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games.

At just 10 months old, an accident left Esteban in a two-week coma, fighting for her life. She eventually recovered, but the trauma led to a lifelong diagnosis of cerebral palsy. As a preschooler, Esteban began to experience regular seizures that affected her social, physical, and academic development.

During this challenging health journey, her family enrolled her in a child development center at a local Church of the Nazarene. The family knew the program’s holistic care would benefit her, and the connection to a personal sponsor would remind her of Jesus' love. With funding from her sponsor and other program supporters, Esteban gained immediate access to improved medical care.

Esteban thrived through her connection to the local church and development center. At age 15, she entered a school for children with disabilities and special needs while continuing to be monitored by a team of medical professionals. Esteban continued to grow and learn with each step—whether starting new therapies or medications or improving enough to discontinue others.

In 2017, Coach Marvin Tuma noticed Esteban’s talent for running and volunteered to train her in track and field. Soon, Esteban was representing her country in para sports competitions.

Esteban’s running journey has taken her across Central and South America, the United States, and Japan. In 2021, she competed in the Paralympic Games in Tokyo as Guatemala's first female Paralympic athlete.

She traveled to Paris, France, in September for the 2024 Paralympic Games. On Friday, 6 September 2024, Esteban ran in Heat 2 of the T38 Women's 400m, breaking her record with a personal best time of 1:11:79. She had the honor of carrying the Guatemalan flag in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the games.

"Jesus gave me the desire to run," Esteban said. "God has given me the strength to be at each event."

When Esteban is not racing for her country, she serves faithfully in her local church—the same one that helped open doors for her to learn and grow as a child. She works with children in Vacation Bible School and other church events, serving snacks to hungry attendees. Esteban is also learning to play the guitar and regularly attends prayer meetings and other activities.

Esteban continues to reach for new achievements outside of sports. She is enrolled in cooking courses at a vocational training center for people with disabilities—another opportunity made possible by the sponsorship program. Beyond cooking, Esteban’s biggest dream is to teach other young athletes about the joys of sports and running. Until then, she will keep serving in her church, training, and racing.

Esteban’s family and Nazarene leaders in Guatemala gathered at the airport this week to welcome Ericka home from Paris. Watch the joyous reunion here: ncm.org/welcomehome.