Name: Yuriko Rodriguez.

Age: 20 / 3 years in Christ.

Sister Yuriko is currently attending University of California, Riverside. She is Majoring in sociology and Religious Studies. Yuriko has been a member of Obra de Orange for 5 years and is volunteering her time to the Obra de Orange Youth.

1. When did you receive Jesus Christ in your Heart?

Well, three years ago I received Christ, but I actually reconfirmed two Decembers ago.

1. When did you actually find out Jesus was for real?

When I was seeking him at night, I was desperate and crying, I was overwhelmed with problems and I felt his presence surrounding me, as if he were hugging me. I knew he was real at that instant!

I felt like he said you are going to be okay I'm here with you and I'm never going to leave you.

1. Would you say that experience changed your life at that time?

Yes it did, it increased my faith and the way I perceived the world it was no longer as if I was alone

1. What do you think helped you beat the obstacle of loneliness at that time? What would you say to someone that feels lonely right now?

I read Romans 8:35-39 “What will separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can trouble, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger, or violent death separate us from his love?

As Scripture says: "We are being killed all day long because of you. We are thought of as sheep to be slaughtered." The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties.

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation. This verse touched me.

It was saying to me that even though everything in life was against me even if the worst things were happening to me He was there. No one could separate us from His love; not even my family or me.

I was afraid of getting to know him because I thought he wouldn’t listen, but when he spoke to me thru those words, he lifted me up. He told me go and speak to others and tell them that I’m here!

1. So what is Yuriko's word of advice for people who are new to walking with Christ?

My advice is that despite all our flaws and weakness, God loves us, and if we really want to have a relationship, we must humble ourselves, and let him take control of our lives, give him everything.

If we want to be blessed, leave it all to be, be patient, and let him be glorified in our actions. I would say, to not be scared of getting to know Jesus like I was, because that kept me in darkness for 17 years.

Let Him purify your heart.

Even if our family is against us, He is always being there.

He is faithful, He is our best friend. God has promised us that even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death that we should not fear because He is with us, forever. When we are in His presence, we are fulfilled by His love and we are truly complete. Only in silence, our heart could wait and listen to the voice of God.

1. So what is the "can you deal with that!" Bible verse; that you would recommend to anyone that is going through tough times?

“ Don't be afraid, because I am with you. Don't be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand. Everyone who is angry with you will be ashamed and disgraced. Those who oppose you will be reduced to nothing and disappear.

You will search for your enemies, but you will not find them. Those who are at war with you will be reduced to nothing and no longer exist.

I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand and say to you, 'Don't be afraid; I will help you.'

Isaiah 41:10