Called by His Name

Born prematurely as a result of a botched abortion, Patricia continued to experience tragedy and trauma as the years passed. She was physically and sexually abused as a child, married to abusive, unfaithful men; raped; and repeatedly forsaken.

After moving to America on a visa, Patricia was unjustly jailed because of her husband’s activities. Weary of struggling, she cried out, “If there is a God, what have I done to deserve this?” God answered miraculously.

In Patricia’s struggle to survive, she was unaware of how ill she was. Being unfairly jailed opened the door for her to receive critically needed medical care. Sent to the hospital, Patricia dozed in and out of consciousness. She heard a gentle voice say, “God loves you so much.” Suddenly, a comforting, healing presence settled upon her.

While the one who spoke was never identified, that one brief encounter changed her life forever.

Though her physical and emotional damage didn’t vanish overnight, over the years, Patricia has experienced the provision of God, the comfort of His friendship, the clear leading of the Spirit, and finally, miraculous healing from trauma-induced seizures! She’s discovered she can trust God to sustain her through any trial.

Patricia fortifies her faith through Inspiration TV and prayer. “I do get lonely, and Inspiration TV is an encouragement to keep doing right.” She also spends time in prayer daily to hear God’s personal words for her. Some years back, God put fellow believers who were backslidden and lost on her heart. “It made me sad, and I began praying about it. God used 2 Chronicles 7:14 to guide my thoughts”:

If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

“I asked God what I could do, and He showed me that my need to be encouraged was a need others felt, too. So, I began sharing what lifted my spirit with others – and found it blessed me. In the midst of my suffering, I couldn’t see an end to my pain, but now I can see God’s goodness and help others see it, too.

“Living in the projects is rough, but God put me in the middle of the enemy’s camp on purpose. He’s given me a love for tough people, and I can care for my fellow tenants. Jesus lives inside of me, and just like Him, I am anointed to bring healing to others (Isaiah 61). I am a vessel for Jesus. I couldn’t have made it without God – He has held my hand every step of the way. I want to give Him all the credit – and help others know Him, too!”

Twenty-five years later, she’s still living all out for the Savior she met that night. “My difficulties have given me a heart for people and helped me know, life’s all about Jesus.”

Recently, Patricia asked God for a way to share His love with more people. He brought to mind something she had seen only once many years before – a cross in a pocket. She began creating them with plastic canvas and yarn and finding people to bless and encourage. She’s now given out over 10,000 crosses to people from all walks of life – including all of us at Inspiration Ministries! We’re thankful and inspired by Patricia’s example of the impact one life can have for the Lord!