My Testimony

When I announced my baptism, one of the main responses I got was “I didn't know you were saved! When did that happen?!”. And the truth is, I really can't give you a set date or time. It was gradual, like water brought to a boil; the particles getting ever more excited until it finally bubbles over. 

I was raised in a Mexican Mennonite home, which is a Christian-based upbringing. We attended church every Sunday. I was taught by my parents to pray when I eat, pray before bed, and pray when I wake in the morning. I was taught right from wrong, and that wrong was sinful.

      At 16 years old, I had a fallout with my parents, and ran away from home. I began drinking heavily, smoking cigarettes, and swearing excessively. I battled with depression, attempts at taking my own life, and an eating disorder. I would actively mock God, and even dabbled briefly in witchcraft. 

      Then I met Danny. Danny was raised in a home deeply rooted in faith. When I met his family, I couldn't help but admire their relationships. The parents spoke gently to the children, the adults respectful of each other, and there was SO much love. This called me to internal reflection. How could I have that same happiness that they did?

     I also began communicating regularly with my aunt Ned. She was such a shining light in my life that over time, I couldn't help but want to be like her, to lead an exemplary life following Jesus.

      When Danny and I got engaged, we were invited to 5 premarital counselling sessions with our pastor, Kelly Stickel. He also displayed the same compassionate characteristics and kindness that Jesus calls us to. The sessions we had with him led me to realizing something all of Jesus’ followers have in common: peace and joy.

      Shortly after our wedding, we bought a new house. A last-minute emergency caused significant financial strain. As the stress overwhelmed me, I prayed. Less than 5 minutes later, I received a phone call that changed everything. From there the worries faded away as everything fell into place. The power of prayer opened my eyes and I collapsed on the front step of our new home, in tears as I prayed in thanks and awe of His glory. 

      God’s almighty hand in that moment left a voice in my heart that would not be quiet. I began sharing my story with everyone. I started telling family, then friends, and even clients about it while working for them. I wanted everyone to know; HE IS ALIVE! I was awe-struck, and suddenly overwhelmingly aware of how the Lord is present in our everyday life. 

      A person named Mae West once said “I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it”, and I think that is very fitting for me. Which brings me to October of 2024. Two of my sister's very close friends, twins named Benny and David, had lost their lives in a car accident here in Alberta.

      A month and a half later, another accident happened. Two families collided head-on, and my mother recognized the woman as Helena, someone she used to know.

      On November 26th, yet another accident happened, this time claiming the life of my sister's best friend Lena. Shortly after, the news spread that the person in the other vehicle, a man named Peter, had also passed away.

      All of these lives, so suddenly taken from this world in such a short period of time. Each at their own stages in life, still so young, leaving behind their families with not a moment's notice.

      As my family discussed the recent tragedies, my dad mentioned that it was a wake-up call to all of us, to be ready because we never knew when our time would come. The weight of that message stayed with me, and something inside me awoke. God was shouting my name, calling for me.

      I began communicating more deeply, praising His name more openly, and living a life that served Him. As I dove deeper into what it meant to live for Jesus, I created a plan, which I named ‘A Call To Action’. This blueprint, originally intended only for myself, was meant to be more. I wanted to share it with anyone who wanted it, in hopes that others may also find it useful.

      With each day, I searched for new ways to improve my life and spread His word. One night, my search led me to the significance of baptism, and as I read further, I heard once more His unmistakable call. A true call to action. Why HAD I put it off for so long? As the morning light started to seep through the blinds, I made the decision to declare my faith in Jesus to the world.

      The next few days flew by. I received an invitation to join three others in baptism the following Sunday. Of course I accepted. And in between the busy Christmas preparations, I prepared myself for a new life. Sunday morning came, and it was like preparing to have a baby. You see, when a mother approaches her due date, she is both excited and nervous. And the moment she is handed that new life, she rejoices, and is filled with happiness. Baptism is the same; you are excited, you might be a bit nervous, but when it happens, you are handed a new life and you are filled with delight.

      Now I stand before you, with a new life, and a new heart. By the grace and mercy of God, I have been washed clean of my sins and wait in anticipation of the day that he will call me back to His kingdom for eternity.

      In closing, I would like to share a verse from the Bible. Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Glory To God (Photo Courtesy of Angele J on Pexels)