Hi everyone, my name is María, and I’m saying yes to a calling that’s been on my heart for years. This year, I’ll be going on missions with Circuit Riders — a movement that exists to reach the lost, revive the saved, and train a generation to live fully for Jesus.

Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon. I worked hard all through high school studying long nights, working part-time, and giving my very best. I graduated top of my class and was accepted into my dream school, the University of Florida.

When I got that letter, I thought everything I had prayed for was finally coming true. But when I found out I couldn’t afford to go— even after all my scholarships and effort — my heart broke. I remember crying out to God, asking, “Lord, I’ve worked so hard. I’ve prayed for this. What am I supposed to do now?”

That was the moment He started to gently shift my path. I came to understand what Proverbs 16:9 means when it says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” I had my plans — but God had His, and His plan was better.

In that season, I faced deep depression and anxiety. I felt lost, defeated, and hopeless, and I even reached a point where I tried to end my life. But right there, in the middle of that darkness, Jesus found me. He showed me that my story wasn’t over. That I still had purpose.

He gave me a second chance.

Through His mercy, I started going to Gateway Church in Dallas, and everything began to change. My family and I found healing and unity after years of distance. We started praying together, worshiping together — we became a family again. Later, I found a home in Upperroom, where I learned what real love looks like a love that is patient, kind, and selfless.

That’s when 1 Corinthians 16:14 became the verse I live by:

“Let all that you do be done in love.”

I want to live a life that reflects that  one where people can see Jesus in me, where every action, word, and prayer is filled with love.

When my dreams for school fell apart, I thought I had failed. But God reminded me of Ephesians 3:20 that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. The dream I had for my life wasn’t gone; it was just being transformed. He replaced my desire to save lives with a new purpose: to save souls through love and faith, and if God in His timing wants me to keep my dreams of going to medical school then let His will be done.

Now, through Circuit Riders, I get to live out Matthew 28:19, where Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

That’s my calling — to make disciples, to pray for people, to bring hope to those who feel forgotten, and to show them the same love that once saved me.

If you feel led to support me through donations, prayer, or even just sharing my story know that your support means so much. You’re helping me walk in obedience to God’s call on my life: to carry hope, light, and love to every heart I meet.

Because through Him, I have life again and I want to help others find that same love and hope too. 🌿

María