My life before accepting Christ I would define as sad and depressing. I did not have a
fun upbringing as a young child, my parents got separated when I was eight years old, and my
mom raised my three-year-old sister and I by herself. We used to live in Chicago and my mom
took us back to Puerto Rico and had to start from scratch by herself and she did the best she
could to make ends meet to provide for us. God has been beside me despite my fallings, hard
heart, and anger just as the Scriptures teaches us “For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in
Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38-39).1 I firmly believe that God has orchestrated good out of
my poor choices and painful experiences, just like it reads in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in
all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his
purpose It is through trials and hardships that one's true character is revealed, and I am grateful
for the transformative work that has unfolded in my life as a result of these challenges.
These experiences have not only equipped me but also helped prepare me to embrace the
responsibilities of being a good father, a devoted husband, and a conscientious citizen,
representing the Lord's will in this world. The central theme of my story revolves around the
profound truth that God never abandons us, regardless of our choices. Through the highs and
lows, God remains steadfast, always ready to forgive and lift us up. My journey is a testament to
the merciful, loving, and compassionate nature of God, as beautifully expressed in 1 John 4:16,
Ephesians 2:4-5, and Lamentations 3:22-23. These verses illuminate the depth of God's love and
His enduring commitment to us, even when we stumble. It is a narrative of redemption,
showcasing the boundless grace of our merciful God.
1 Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New International Version.
1
Life Before Christ and Conversion
The turning point in my journey towards conversion initiated when my mother brought
my sister and me back to Puerto Rico, marking a fresh start for our family after my parents'
separation. Through the hardships we faced during this period, I was introduced to the concept of
God from an early phase of my life, in many ways I would consider this a blessing, thanks to this
I was spared from a life of wickedness by allowing me to convert at an early age 2. My mother, a
believer in God who avidly read the Bible, instilled in us a profound understanding of
spirituality. Despite not congregating with any church, our relationship with God was intimate,
shaped by my mother's conviction that true connection with the Divine transcends the walls of a
traditional church setting. This early exposure laid the foundation for my spiritual awakening and
set the stage for the transformative journey that was yet to unfold.
Coming out of the challenging experience that no child should endure, I found myself
grappling with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. The harsh circumstances left me
prioritizing others' opinions over my own, desperately seeking approval instead of embracing
self-love and cherishing the Lord's love for me. As I entered high school, encounters with
individuals inviting me to mass became pivotal. God must have been working in my heart
because I recall feeling extremely troubled and concerned about eternal life. Over time, as I
delved into learning about God and matured spiritually, my self-worth began to blossom. I
started to grasp the profound truth that the Lord loved me and consistently cared for me. This
revelation marked a turning point in my personal journey, bringing purpose and meaning to my
life. With a newfound understanding that God fights my battles, I embraced a positive mindset.
No matter the obstacles I faced, I found solace in the knowledge that I need not fear, for God was
2 Dave Earley and David Wheeler, Evangelism Is (Nashville: B&H Academic Publishing Group, 2010)
Chapter 30.
2
with me.3 Every single detail in my life the Lord has control and there is a reason for everything
even if I don’t understand his will, I will believe and keep on marching in victory!
Recovery
After my conversion, an overwhelming joy replaced the weight of depression as the Lord
took hold of my life. A newfound seriousness in following Christ emerged, and my spiritual
formation accelerated through active participation in our local church. While I recognized that
God was at work within me, a significant external catalyst for my profound connection with the
Church and my walk with God was my mother.
My mother's tireless efforts and sacrificial dedication to my sister and me left an indelible
mark on my heart. Witnessing her unwavering commitment, I was inspired to acknowledge and
honor her hard work. I became determined to show her that her sacrifices hadn't gone unnoticed.
Motivated by a desire to be a man of integrity and goodness, I committed to living a life that
honored the Lord. My journey became not only a personal pursuit of faith but also a testament to
the impact of a mother's love and devotion on shaping a life dedicated to God.
Honestly, God has been orchestrating incredible things in my life. While I've never been
one to meticulously plan my path, the Lord has consistently placed angels – guiding influences –
to direct my decisions or position me where I'm needed to share His words and bring light to
those in darkness. In high school, I found myself presented with opportunities to engage in
community work. During these occasions, I seized the chance to speak about the greatness of the
Lord and share how He has profoundly impacted my life. It became clear that these moments
were not coincidences but divine appointments, aligning with God's purpose for me to be a
vessel of His love and light in the lives of others.
3 Kenneth Boa, Conformed to His Image: Biblical, Practical Approaches to Spiritual Formation, Revised
Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020), 13
3
After high school, a chance encounter between my mother and a college recruiter became
a divine intervention, enabling me to pursue and complete my bachelor's degree despite
economic challenges. This was another instance where I witnessed the Lord's unwavering
provision in my life.
During my college years, I had the privilege of meeting my present wife—a wonderful,
God-loving woman with whom I now share my life and the joy of raising our daughter.
However, our journey took a challenging turn when Hurricane Maria devastated our island in
2017, followed by earthquakes that further shook its foundations. My wife, grappling with the
emotional toll, needed a change for mental recovery and I sent her to Connecticut. In the face of
separation from my family, I chose to stay in Puerto Rico to support my mother until it was safe
and secure for her.
In the midst of the storm, the Lord continued to watch over us, as written in scriptures
Isaiah 41:10:"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen
you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." I found a job in Alaska as
a Military Police, and by God's grace, my family and I were reunited. Living in Fort Greely,
Alaska, has been a true blessing. The sense of community here, where everyone supports each
other, has been a source of strength. Engaging actively in the Chapel, my family and I continue
to worship the Lord and spread His love within this close-knit community. Our journey, marked
by challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the faithfulness and providence of our loving God.
Conclusion
4
Through my suffering and pain, God has fashioned a unique purpose for me in His
service. Every trial and challenge have become a steppingstone for growth and maturity. As I
approach the completion of my studies, paving the way for a commission into a Military
Chaplain role, I can now discern how my past experiences are shaping and preparing me for this
calling. What was once painful has now become a source of strength, equipping me for a role of
service.
In this journey, I have found peace and a profound desire to serve the Lord through
chaplaincy. My painful experiences, instead of being wasted, have played a crucial role in
building the man I am today. It is a remarkable realization that God can take something terrible
and turn it into something good. Without God's presence in my life, I wouldn't be where I am
today, and those difficult experiences would have been in vain.
Reflecting on my past, I can clearly see how God never left my side. He never imposed
anything upon me but gently reminded me of His love, forgiveness, and compassion. Looking
back, I recognize the divine guidance that shaped my journey, and I am grateful for the steadfast
presence of God, leading me to a place of purpose, peace, and a strong desire to serve Him.4
Bibliography
4 Nathan Smith, Watch: Romans 12 and the Transformation of the Mind (Video) derived by
https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/329822/pages/watch-romans-12-and-the-transformation-of-the-mind?
module_item_id=34946827
5
Dave Earley and David Wheeler, Evangelism Is (Nashville: B&H Academic Publishing
Group, 2010) Chapter 30.
Kenneth Boa, Conformed to His Image: Biblical, Practical Approaches to Spiritual
Formation, Revised Edition. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020), 13
Nathan Smith, Watch: Romans 12 and the Transformation of the Mind (Video) derived
by https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/329822/pages/watch-romans-12-and-the-transformation-of-
the-mind?module_item_id=34946827__________, Watch: Theology of Discipleship (Video),
derived by https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/597855/pages/watch-theology-of-discipleship?
module_item_id=61102721.
Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New International
Version.
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