Sometimes our plans are suddenly interrupted. My husband passed away after 20 years of marriage, just as we were fully dedicated to the Lord's work. We were both leaders in our congregation and led one of the branches of the Assemblies of God Multicultural Theological Institute. We had many plans for the ministry.

He was one of our congregation’s Worship Leaders and Assistant Pastors. We often shared ideas for sermon series and activities for the youth in our church. My husband also helped me with ideas for the women's ministry I was leading at the time. We preached together, translating from Spanish to English for each other during services.

When my husband fell ill with cancer, everything changed drastically. It was a very difficult time. I am the mother of three beautiful children, and my youngest was only eight years old at the time. Questions like these plagued my mind. What will become of me? How will I move forward? How will I take care of my home and family?

  One night while I was trying to sleep, I felt afraid. Suddenly, I felt like a house without doors or windows, unprotected, and I began to cry in my room. I couldn't pray; I just cried. The Holy Spirit reminded me of the Scripture: "A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows." My room was filled with the Lord's presence, and the fear disappeared.

  My tears of fear turned into tears of gratitude toward God, who never abandons us, as His Word says. Through grief and change, I have seen God's hand at work in my life. He gives strength, and He Himself is our inexhaustible source of power. My three children serve the Lord; the youngest, 17, is a musician in the church.

  I'm an Associate Pastor, working in various ministries, offering support and showing that, even in difficult times, God can use our lives for His glory.