Faith Stories: Yara Dorantes

Since I remember, we were always moving from one place to another. My parents got divorced when I was three years old. In order to provide us with a better future, my mom decided to come to this country when I was nine years old. It was very difficult to adjust to a different language, people, and a way of living.

To provide what we needed at home, my mom had three jobs and that left my brother, my sister, and me at home most of the time alone. I don’t remember going to church every Sunday or having a Bible at home but what I do remember was feeling lonely, scared, insecure and with no purpose at all until a year ago, my friend Rosa invited to me to Highland Park Church.

I went with her and that's when I knew that I was a sinner and that Jesus paid the penalty for my sin and by receiving Him, I could have eternal life. I asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart and change me. Every day I’m learning more about Him and how He wants me to live and be with others. I still struggle with some issues, but now the difference is I’m not alone. I am safe in Christ and everything I go through is to help me grow in Christ and best of all, He has a plan for me.