Quizzing Against the Odds

Margarita Vázquez is blind. The ten-year-old girl is also deeply involved in the Bible quizzing program at First Church of the Nazarene in Guadalajara, Mexico. Her visual limitations have not kept her from learning about God's Word and memorizing large portions of Scripture.

The Vasquez family has faced the difficulty of having both a daughter and a son born blind. "We trusted that even in pain such as this, God was with us," said Sara de Vázquez, Margarita's mother. Their congregation in Guadalajara has provided encouragement and support. "They welcomed my daughter with much love," said Sara.

As a daily routine, Sara read Scripture passages with her daughter. Soon Margarita was learning the words and then memorizing entire books of the Bible. Nearly a year ago, the Bible Society of Mexico presented Margarita with a Bible in Braille.

Now she can read and study the Bible independently.

Margarita eagerly stands to recite verses when the church holds memorization contests and Bible quizzes. In addition to her participation in Bible quizzing, Margarita plays the tambourine and helped with puppets at a recent Vacation Bible School her church held.

"This child is an example for others," said her pastor, Rodrigo Peña López. "I am happy to see Margarita growing and developing in her knowledge of God."

Margarita has now begun to see silhouettes and shadows and can sometimes distinguish colors. It is possible that her sight may someday be restored.

Holiness Today, November/December 2005

Please note: This article was originally published in 2005. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.