Welcome!
My name is Mariana
I am originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I grew up being the oldest of 8 siblings from a blended family. My early childhood years consisted with many fights, alcohol bottles, and visits with my father in prisons. I know my parents loved me, but God was no where to be found at the center of our home.
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After the passing of my little sister, my parents decided it was best to go their separate ways. My father packed up and moved out of the country. I remember begging him to stay, but he came to the conclusion that I was just one person. He had more family in Puerto Rico and preferred to be there. As a nine year old, the only words I heard loud and clear that day was, you're not good enough.
2 year old Mariana
Shortly after, my mother got a knock on our front door by a woman sharing the hope of Jesus to anyone who will welcome her into their home. Little did we know, this would be the start of God redeeming and healing my story.
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When I was nine years old, my mother remarried to my step-father and they quickly grew our family of 4 to a party of 7 (not including having a sister from my father in PR). It definitely took some time getting used to one another. But God was in it.
As a little girl, I started to wish on my birthday candles that I would follow God's plan for my life. I never imagined it would look like this..
My 10th birthday
Our family started going to church every Sunday. My parents got me involved in Missionettes. This was a program similar to girl scouts, except it's focus was empowering young girls to share the gospel. As I got older, I got extremely involved with our church youth group. I remember signing up to be a Campus Missionary. I would hand out magazines that shared the story of the gospel throughout the pages. Little did I know, God was preparing me for my future.
My 28th birthday
My Missionette years
Unfortunately, as I got into my later teen and early adulthood years I started to turn to other things in this world. I began desperately searching for affirmation, validation and acceptance. This desire isn't a wrong want. I believe we were created to need these things. The problem was where I was looking and where it left me.
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"Who is that girl?"
I clearly remember asking myself one night staring back at my reflection in the mirror. I was completely lost. I didn't know the person I had become nor do I remember how I got here. What I did remember was hearing that God was apparently in the business of redeeming broken people. I was a broken person.
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A memory from a Sunday service came to my mind. There were guest missionaries whose work involved rescuing women from the sex trafficking industry.
"I want to do hair for those girls. I want them to know they are loved and beautiful."
That memory played over in my head. I had forgotten about that. I had this desire to love and serve these women, but I wondered how anyone could even get involved. And look at me? I've gone so far. How could God use me? I don't even know who I am. I cried out to God for the first time in years.
"Immediately, Jesus reached down and grabbed him (Peter) saying, 'you of little faith, why did you ever doubt?'" Matthew 14:31
This verse jumped out the pages of my bible that night. I knew God was saying He's got me. He will still get me there. Maybe, I just needed a taste of what it feels to be lost so I can have compassion to those I will serve one day.
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I would be lying if I said my life went smooth sailing from that moment, because it definitely didn't. I did however, begin to take small steps to redirecting my life from my hands, into the hands of my creator.
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I got involved with the church again. Joined young adult groups and surrounded myself with encouraging believers. One night at small group, a friend of mine suggested I join Youth With A Mission (YWAM). He explained the program and opportunity to travel, grow in my faith and possibly even use my trade skills as a means to reach people.
I searched bases worldwide and I discovered YWAM Pittsburgh, which 'happens' to be the only base to offer cosmetology track. I was ecstatic. This is it! My foot in the door to get that dream to come true...
Street evanagelism in Bogota, Colombia
...Then the pandemic hit. But God was STILL faithful.
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I was able to complete my schooling like nothing happened. God redefined who He was in my life during my DTS. He has become my firm foundation, my deliverer, my identifier, my father and friend.
Our team spent 2 months in Colombia, South America. We had an incredible time ministering to as many people that would welcome us into their space. Whether it was on the streets or in their homes.
Since finishing my DTS experience, I have felt the direction to permanently pursue a life of ministry. My life has had so much fulfilment since. I constantly am meeting new people. I get to take bold steps and creativity to reach the people of Pittsburgh and other cities; nationally & internationally. Within the last year, God has used me to co-lead groups in the Bronx, NYC as well as Belize, Central America. In recent months opportunities have also opened to begin operating in the dream of working with rescued women.
Never under estimate the chapter you're currently in your story. God will see you through it. He is forever faithful to us, even when we struggle to be faithful to Him.
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Blessings,
Mariana
