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About five years ago a young man named Sebastian Diego, in his early thirty's, left his home
in rural Guatemala, his wife and three children to come to the United States. He had a dream of
starting a new life for himself and his family in the United States.
He took a job picking oranges in Florida. For six months he worked hard making money to
send back to his family and trying to build a secure foundation so that one day he could bring his
family to join him and provide a better future for them.
One night, on his way home from working a long day in the orange groves, his dream would
be shattered and his life and the lives of his family would be tragically changed forever. Having
just received his pay, he was on his way to send money to his family. While walking down his
usual street, Sebastian was confronted by an individual with a gun. Sebastian was told to give up
his money.
Fearing for his life, Sebastian turned away to escape. At that moment a shot rang out, he was
shot in the back. The bullet hit his spine and he collapsed immediately. The shooter escaped,
but Sebastian was alive. At the hospital, Sebastian was told that he would never walk again.
With no source of income, he came to Grand Island, NE to live with his brother-in-law who
ultimately did not have the resources to care for Sebastian.
Pastor Jorge Santamaria at Cristo Cordero de Dios became aware of the situation and offered
to help. Sebastian lived in a bedroom in the parsonage there where he received food, liquids
and personal help from members of the congregation on a daily basis. A broad-based
community effort was developed to help Sebastian with his living and medical expenses as well
as trying to get him back to his family in Guatemala. An account was established at Five Points
Bank in Grand Island where individuals, the Mission Committee and the Board of Elders at
Trinity Lutheran Church contributed to his fund. Sebastian became a member at Cristo Cordero
de Dios and was confirmed there in the Lutheran faith under Pastor Santamaria's instruction .
Contacts were made with LCMS missionaries in Guatemala to explore the possibility to
facilitate Sebastian's return home to his wife and children. Living in a city in Guatemala would
allow Sebastian access to medical care, therapy, and the possibility of employment.
Sebastian ultimately traveled back to Guatemala after receiving settlement funds from a state
governmental agency in Florida due to his injuries. About a year following Sebastian's return
home, the Lord took him to his eternal home.
During the time Sebastian lived here in Grand Island, church members attended to his daily
needs and carried him wherever he had to go: to the doctor, worship services, Bible study and
special meals with fellow members in the church's fellowship hall.
Recently, the congregation made plans to install ADA access for those with limited mobility
to all three buildings on the church's campus: the church, parsonage and family life center, by
means of elevated sidewalks and inclines to the church and parsonage plus an electronic
platform lift in the Family Life Center. All buildings will soon become readily accessible for
persons with limited mobility like Sebastian Diego.
In 2007 the congregation completed
a raised walkway and ramp with
beautiful landscaping in Sebastian's
honor making the church and the
residence where he once lived accessible
for persons with limited mobility.
The remaining plan to install an
electronic lift with modifications
costing approximately $8,000 in
the family Life Center will complete
making all buildings on the campus
ADA accessible. Gifts and donations
are being encouraged to make this
projects possible. Funds may be
sent to Cristo Cordero de Dios
(Restoration Fund) 512 E. 2nd St.,
Grand Island, NE 68801.
The memory of Sebastian Diego will continue to live on in the lives of countless people, and
his life demonstrates God' assurance, love and grace to all who call upon Him in the time of
trouble.