Growing up in Costa Rica, Maria had a lonely childhood. Her mother told her that God loved her. But she thought that if God’s love was like the “love” she received at home, it must feel more like anger and shame than anything else. The years of generational trauma piled up, and eventually—because she felt pain and suffering were what she deserved—Maria started to hurt herself.
“I was not able to accept that I deserve love.” —Maria
Though she could “talk the talk” in public, Maria was achingly lonely inside. She knew others seemed to have a joyful relationship with God. But for her, though she could say the words, God was just a concept and faith was just an idea.
Eventually, Maria reached the point where she didn’t want to live anymore. But she knew she couldn’t leave her daughter without a mother. In the middle of this dark time, she reached out and found one of GMO’s online ministries, Explore God.
“I started looking at all the videos. It was a lot of information . . . and I was like ‘Wow! Yes! This is what I’m here for!’” —Maria
Maria followed the site’s prompt and connected with one of our dedicated volunteers, Jan. God led the two to each other and Jan was an incredible resource for Maria.
“The moment I met Maria, it was like talking to a sister.” —Jan
Jan began sharing Scripture, Bible studies, and messages of encouragement with Maria every day. Reading them became the first thing Maria does in the morning. With Jan’s help, she began to understand God’s love and purpose for her on a deeper level.
“The information that I’ve been getting through Explore God, for me it’s a game-changer. The opportunity to see my story not with resentment, not with pain, but with gratefulness knowing that every single part of it had purpose.” —Maria
Since connecting with Jan, Maria and her daughter have both been baptized! Jan and Maria continue to study Scripture together.
Lives like Maria’s are changed eternally because the body of Christ comes together here at Global Media Outreach. If you’re interested in learning how to become an Online Missionary yourself, you can learn more here.
