My name is Yadira Toledo, and I would like to share some of the things God has done in my life. I grew up Catholic and attended church regularly but felt that what I was hearing did not help me. I filled my life with parties and always enjoyed socializing. Yet, I felt empty and unsatisfied with life.
A few years ago, my family and I were looking for a house. When we entered this one particular house, I had the impression that this was the right house for us.
“This is the house I want,” I told my husband.
Little did we know that God was orchestrating his plans behind the scene. We found out later that one of our neighbors was Pastor Juan Wall and his family. During the 2016 vacation Bible school, which included a class for mothers, they invited us to attend.
I never expected it, but when I attended the church, it was such a wonderful experience. I could have never imagined that God had such wonderful plans for me and my family. I never imagined that by purchasing this home, we would find God and be saved.
During worship on the second Sunday that we went, we were singing a song about how beautiful the Lord is and I knew then that this was for me. It was during this service that the Lord touched my heart, and I was born again.
It hasn’t always been easy since, especially with my extended family and friends who have opposed the new direction of my life. They do not understand why I am changing, and they want the old Yadira back. But the old Yadira does not exist; Jesus has transformed me into a new person. The Lord has kept me strong. I know the Lord is with me, and with him all things are possible.
I thank God every day for touching my heart and the hearts of my family. My husband gave his heart to Jesus recently, and I am so grateful. My son, who is 7 years old, is such an encouragement. He is very public about his faith and challenges adults to do the same. He prays at school for lunch and is unashamed of his newfound faith. I am so blessed to be able to say that God lives in our hearts and in our home.
I encourage everyone that has not given their heart to Jesus to turn to the Lord.
Yadira Toledo lives in Selma, California. She and her husband, Oscar, have two children, Jasmin and Jonathan. The family attends Iglesia Fuente de Vida, a USMB congregation in Parlier, California.
