Maria’s Purposeful New Path
From Resentment to Redemption
Generational trauma and childhood abuse left Maria convinced she only deserved suffering—until a digital search for answers revealed a God who transforms pain into purpose.
Growing up in Costa Rica, Maria’s childhood was marked by a lack of affection and a cycle of abuse. Her mother, who had not received affection in her own youth, treated Maria poorly, leading Maria to associate the concept of God with the anger and shame she experienced at home. By the time she became a mother herself, Maria was hiding behind a mask of religious language while harboring thoughts of ending her life.
"I had been hard on myself since I was really young,"
Maria recalled. "I was not able to accept that I deserve love. All this time I was thinking, 'I deserve this suffering.'"
Breaking the Mask
At her lowest point, Maria realized she needed a change for the sake of her daughter. She turned to the Internet and discovered ExploreGod. She immersed herself in the articles and videos, finding a clarity she had never known before.
"I was like, 'Wow, this is amazing,'" Maria shared. "I thought, yes, this is what I’m here for!”
The Gift of Forgiveness
Maria followed a prompt on the site to connect with a volunteer and was paired with Jan, an Online Missionary. The two quickly formed a bond that felt like a sisterhood. Jan began sharing daily Scripture and encouragement, helping Maria navigate deep-seated struggles, including the shame of having children outside of marriage.
"Walking through her with that was such a privilege,”
Jan observed. “When we talked about the way God forgives our past sins, Maria was so moved. She couldn’t believe that God would actually forgive her.”
A Game-Changing Transformation
Through consistent discipleship, Maria began to see her life through a new lens. The resentment she felt toward her past was replaced by a sense of gratitude and the realization that God had a purpose for her all along.
"The information I’ve gotten through ExploreGod, for me, it’s a game-changer," Maria said. "I’m so thankful for the opportunity to see my story not with resentment, not with pain, but with gratefulness, knowing that every single part of it had purpose.”
The Exponential Impact
Maria’s transformation culminated in her and her daughter being baptized. Her story demonstrates how digital evangelism and discipleship can penetrate years of generational trauma to offer real, lasting hope. Your partnership helps provide a path for seekers like Maria to finally know God’s heart.
Will You Provide Hope For Someone Like Maria Today?
- Become an Online Missionary and walk with seekers from doubt to discipleship.
- Give a gift to help more Gospel ads reach people in their moment of need.