Diana Gonzales Pastor Wife Women's Ministry Leader
John 8:36
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
This verse holds a special place in my heart because I know what it feels like to be bound by things I couldn’t overcome on my own. The chains of sin and hopelessness kept me trapped, wondering if change was even possible. But through God’s grace, I found freedom and a new life in Christ.
My Story
As a teenager, I got involved with drugs and a lifestyle that only spiraled deeper as I got older. I eventually married someone who shared that lifestyle, and we had four children. Unfortunately, because of the choices we were making, my children were placed in state custody. That moment led me to leave an abusive relationship, and it felt like my life had hit rock bottom.
During that dark time, I met Hector, someone who was also struggling with hopelessness. We were both in a bad place emotionally and spiritually, but God had a plan for us that we couldn’t yet see. After a series of events, we both ended up incarcerated—me in LA County Jail for a year, and Hector sentenced to nine years in prison.
Everything Changed
Separated and unaware of each other’s decisions, we both gave our lives to Jesus. For me, it was August 1994, when everything changed. I was confronted with the overwhelming reality of what Jesus endured on the cross for my sins. He was beaten, mocked, and tortured—all for me. He took the punishment I deserved, carrying the full weight of my sins, so that I could be forgiven and free. When I realized that He suffered and died to break the chains that kept me bound to sin and death, it shattered my heart.
In that moment, I understood that Jesus didn’t just want to forgive me—He wanted to take my broken, empty, and hopeless life and replace it with His treasures: peace, joy, love, and true purpose. That realization humbled me to my core. I fell to my knees, surrendered my life to Him, and felt His love and grace flood every part of me. The anger, pain, and hopelessness that had defined me for so long were gone, replaced by the life and freedom only Jesus could give.
A New Beginning
Through God’s grace, I was able to regain custody of my children and rebuild my life. Hector and I got married, had three more children, and have been serving in full-time ministry since 1999. Over the years, we’ve faced challenges, but we’ve also seen God work in ways that only He can.
Today, I live with gratitude for what Jesus has done in my life. While I’m still a work in progress, I trust that He is faithful to complete what He started in me.
How About You?
I’d love to hear your story and how God has worked in your life. Feel free to share—it’s such a blessing to encourage one another in Christ.
Alive in Christ,
Diana Gonzales
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
This verse holds a special place in my heart because I know what it feels like to be bound by things I couldn’t overcome on my own. The chains of sin and hopelessness kept me trapped, wondering if change was even possible. But through God’s grace, I found freedom and a new life in Christ.
My Story
As a teenager, I got involved with drugs and a lifestyle that only spiraled deeper as I got older. I eventually married someone who shared that lifestyle, and we had four children. Unfortunately, because of the choices we were making, my children were placed in state custody. That moment led me to leave an abusive relationship, and it felt like my life had hit rock bottom.
During that dark time, I met Hector, someone who was also struggling with hopelessness. We were both in a bad place emotionally and spiritually, but God had a plan for us that we couldn’t yet see. After a series of events, we both ended up incarcerated—me in LA County Jail for a year, and Hector sentenced to nine years in prison.
Everything Changed
Separated and unaware of each other’s decisions, we both gave our lives to Jesus. For me, it was August 1994, when everything changed. I was confronted with the overwhelming reality of what Jesus endured on the cross for my sins. He was beaten, mocked, and tortured—all for me. He took the punishment I deserved, carrying the full weight of my sins, so that I could be forgiven and free. When I realized that He suffered and died to break the chains that kept me bound to sin and death, it shattered my heart.
In that moment, I understood that Jesus didn’t just want to forgive me—He wanted to take my broken, empty, and hopeless life and replace it with His treasures: peace, joy, love, and true purpose. That realization humbled me to my core. I fell to my knees, surrendered my life to Him, and felt His love and grace flood every part of me. The anger, pain, and hopelessness that had defined me for so long were gone, replaced by the life and freedom only Jesus could give.
A New Beginning
Through God’s grace, I was able to regain custody of my children and rebuild my life. Hector and I got married, had three more children, and have been serving in full-time ministry since 1999. Over the years, we’ve faced challenges, but we’ve also seen God work in ways that only He can.
Today, I live with gratitude for what Jesus has done in my life. While I’m still a work in progress, I trust that He is faithful to complete what He started in me.
How About You?
I’d love to hear your story and how God has worked in your life. Feel free to share—it’s such a blessing to encourage one another in Christ.
Alive in Christ,
Diana Gonzales