My Journey With God

Story by Juan Cueto

Juan Cueto, Class of 2021 chaplain and Student Association sports coordinator, is a senior at Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA). Read how God has led him up to this point in his life:

When I arrived to the United States in 2016 at the age of 12, I didn’t know what to expect in terms of education. I attended a public school in New Jersey, and, after eighth grade, my mom gave me the option of going to a public high school or to LNAA. I didn’t think there was a difference, but I wanted to try something new since I had already tried public school and didn’t learn how to speak, write or read English.

When I started my journey at LNAA, something felt different. Students actually wanted to help, and teachers wanted to assist me in learning English. In less than two years, I was able to speak and read English—a total miracle!

LNAA is more than just a regular school; it is like a home where my fellow classmates are like brothers and sisters to me. It has helped me to grow mentally, and, most importantly, spiritually.

I am now a senior, and I’m starting to choose what career I want to pursue. As a competitive person, I wanted to be a professional soccer player, but now that I have decided that I want to give my life to Christ my Savior, I want to study theology and become a pastor to help others and bring the good news to the world. I used to think, When I grow up I want to be like Cristiano Ronaldo, but now I’m like, I want to be like Pastor Sterling—my school chaplain.

I have learned that God works in mysterious ways. No one can truly understand Him. But if we give our hearts and minds to Him, we’ll see that not everything in this world is black and white. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, there is Someone who loves you no matter what. Trust in Him, and you’ll see what He has in store for you.