When Mauricio Cando, an Ecuadorian exchange student, found himself alone and seriously ill, a group of strangers stepped in and became his family.
Members of the Western Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church in Croydon, Victoria, had never met Mauricio before, but when they heard about his situation, they rallied around him—visiting him in hospital, bringing meals, and offering both practical care and spiritual support.
For Mauricio, their kindness was life-changing. And for his family, still in Ecuador and struggling to get to Australia, the church’s love and generosity strengthened their faith in God.
Mauricio’s family had become concerned when his communication with them became infrequent. Days turned into weeks, and friends reported that he seemed deeply troubled—isolated, barely eating and staying in bed most of the time.
During brief video calls, Mauricio’s speech made little sense; it was as though he was disconnected from reality. Alarmed, his family contacted authorities in Melbourne, who found Mauricio alone and disoriented in his share house, having not eaten for days. He was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital, where doctors confirmed a devastating diagnosis: a 5cm brain tumour.
The situation quickly became overwhelming. With no family in Australia, Mauricio had no-one to care for him. Meanwhile, his loved ones in Ecuador faced financial and travel barriers that prevented them from reaching him.
In the midst of this crisis, the Western Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church became the unexpected lifeline Mauricio needed.
Church members began visiting Mauricio in hospital, ensuring he had companionship and emotional support. When his brother Marco and sister-in-law Gemma finally managed to travel to Australia, the church found them accommodation, provided meals and helped them settle into an unfamiliar country.
More than just providing practical help, the church offered the family a sense of belonging and faith. Marco and Gemma, who had never had contact with Adventists before, soon found themselves drawn into Bible studies, prayer meetings and spiritual discussions.
“From Ecuador, when we most needed a light in the midst of uncertainty, a church member visited my brother in the hospital,” Marco shared. “It was he who sent us the letter and offered us accommodation from Ecuador so we could travel to Australia. Thanks to that connection and the support of families, we not only found a place to stay, but we also learned about the church and, more importantly, deepened our relationship with God.”
Their experience of being embraced by a church that expected nothing in return was so transformative that Marco and Gemma have recently committed their lives to Jesus and were baptised into the Adventist faith.
“In the church we find the support of a family,” Marco said. “Not only were they people who prayed for us, but they truly became our family here. They were attentive to our needs and gave us their company in the most difficult moments.
“Additionally, through ADRA, we always received food, no matter where we moved. Every time we needed something, they were there. They showed us the love of God with actions, and that was something that marked our lives.”
Recognising the financial struggles the family faced—with no income and rising medical expenses—the church held a fundraising event featuring Latin American cuisine on January 26. More than $1000 was raised. A GoFundMe page was also created to provide additional support.
The Western Spanish Adventist Church is no stranger to community outreach. The church is involved in street ministry, nursing home visits and community prayer programs, always seeking to serve those in need.
For those who have been helping Mauricio and his family, the experience has been deeply meaningful.
“Supporting the family has shown us the power in prayer and how great our God is,” said church representative Kimberly Penate.
“Mauricio was given a 10 per cent chance at life and today he is walking and talking.”
Mauricio and his family are now preparing to return to Ecuador, though uncertainty remains about his continued treatment. While the road ahead is still unknown, they remain hopeful and trusting in God.
“Just as He has opened paths until now, we know He will also guide us in whatever comes,” Marco said. “We believe that He will continue to sustain and provide for us in this new stage.”
So far, Mauricio has undergone nine chemotherapy sessions and 25 radiation sessions. Thanks to the doctors’ efforts, the tumour has shrunk, but the road to recovery remains long.
“Knowing he’s battling such an aggressive cancer so far from home breaks our hearts and fuels our determination to do everything we can for him,” Marco said.
The family’s connection to the church remains strong. Every Wednesday night, they join the church’s prayer meetings over Zoom, sharing updates and expressing gratitude for the unwavering support they have received.
If you would like to assist the family, you can do so through the GoFundMe page.
