Migration is a complex process which often leads to anxiety, depression, stress and grief over the loss of a homeland, social status, relationships and culture.

Economic (poverty and unemployment), political (conflict and persecution), social (family reunification) and environmental (natural disasters) factors are the main causes of this issue.

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Every exodus, whether forced or voluntary, tells a unique story of resilience and hardship. One such story is that of Rafael Ruiz Díaz, a businessman from Paraguay who now lives in the Spanish island of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Welcome to the desert

It all began during the 2000 economic crisis in Paraguay, which led to one of the largest waves of Paraguayan migration to Europe, with Spain being the main destination.

Rafael left his country amid this recession and financial instability, and arrived on the island in 2003 with the hope of building a better future.

Although he had been raised in the gospel, he was going through a profound spiritual crisis at that time, which led him to identify with the biblical story of the prodigal son.

Question. How were your early days as an immigrant?

Answer. At first, it was very hard. I was undocumented for almost four years, but thanks to God, I never felt discriminated against or exploited. I met a fellow countryman on the island who initially helped me out, but then I had to find my own way.

 

Q. What was your life like before you came to Spain? Did your faith influence you during this process?

A. I knew Jesus from a young age. My grandparents were evangelical pastors and founded a church in Asunción. As a teenager, I developed a curiosity to explore the world because my family was so overprotective. When I turned 18, I decided to experience that world, which led me to live a reckless life.

Over the years, God kept me in His mercy, but those were moments that I am not proud of. I believe that the trip to Spain was an opportunity to start over and do things better.

I now understand that God wanted to separate me from my friends and many other things that were not right. However, I also moved away from what was important. I had a family, a marriage with children, but that distance cooled our relationship and I ended up getting divorced. I was alone.

 

Q. That must have been very hard. How old were you?

A. I arrived in Spain when I was 35. While I was able to improve the financial situation of my family here, I lost my bond with them. It was a very difficult time, but those experiences led me back to my faith. I started attending church, and became more committed to the Lord every day.

Over time, I learned that men like David and Moses also made mistakes, and I could see that God gives second chances. I think my experience is similar to the parable of the prodigal son.

Q. What was that second chance like?

A. It was a difficult process, but I decided to remain faithful despite my wounds and my lack of understanding during difficult moments. Today, I can see how God was with me every step of the way.

Over time, He restored my relationship with my children. He also gave me the opportunity to start a business. Those experiences are now my testimony, and I can speak about how God forgives, restores and uses you for the Great Commission.

A promised land

Today, at the age of 58, Rafael runs Rudifon Instalaciones, a comprehensive plumbing company based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The company offers services ranging from repairs and maintenance to fire protection systems, solar energy and the issuance of installation reports.

Q. Rafael, you have a well-known plumbing company. How did you end up in that profession?

A. I met a man at church on the island who took me to a plumbing company. I had never done any physical labour before, I had always worked in business. But when I entered that world, I liked it. Doing things you never thought you would do is also part of the migrant experience.

I worked at this plumbing company for five years until there was a downturn in the economy. That, along with the various economic crises that hit Spain, prompted me to retrain. I completed several training courses until I decided to become self-employed.

Q. How has the experience been?

A. Being self-employed sounds appealing at first, but it is complicated. However, despite the obstacles, I am convinced that with God in the equation, we can see the bigger picture.

It has been eight years of this professional plumbing adventure. We recently diversified to also offer renovation services.

Q. What do you like most about your work?

A.  As a child of God, I must think and work differently. A brother once told me that the pulpit accompanies you every day. Since then, I have taken on the challenge of bringing that pulpit with me to the office, the scaffolding and the ladder. In other words, I strive to offer neat, quality work.

I am currently working on a complex of buildings with four interior courtyards, and I really enjoy doing high-quality work, laying pipes in an orderly and symmetrical manner. That is also a way of bearing witness.

Q. As a businessman, how do you see the current situation in Spain?

A. There are businesspeople like me who want to expand, but sadly we cannot find workers.

These days, some young people are content to live off subsidies or unemployment benefits and do not prepare themselves for these types of job. There are many ways to learn a profession, such as free courses from the European Community, and if people are willing, there are many learning opportunities.

Despite this situation, I am not worried. I trust in God, and I know that those who are prepared will come in due course. I ask the Lord for wisdom to bring me people who do the right thing and who, like me, see opportunities for growth.

Rafael currently attends the Baptist Church of Gran Canaria, where he leads the men's ministry and serves over 50 men.

He is also a representative of the Gideons International movement in his region, and plays the keyboard and saxophone in the worship band.

This article was produced for the Líderes Empresariales section of Protestante Digital, an initiative of the Gospel, Economy and Business (Tres-E) group in Spain.