Testimonies

My name is Sonia Verrette, I am 36, married and have 4 kids. I began using drugs when I was 17 and stayed in that lifestyle about 5 1/2 years. I was always going in and out of jail. My life was spinning out of control. Born in India, I knew the Lord at a young age, but continued to run. One night out of my drug desperation I approached a man at a gas station and told him I lived in a motel with my 3 kids and they were going to put us out if I did not pay them for the day. He handed me $50.00 and said the Lord told me to give this to you Sonia. I was startled when he knew my name and said the Lord had told him to do this. I refused the money and he insisted that I take it. He ended the conversation saying "God Bless You". I was so utterly convicted and tired in my situation. I was disgusted because I was raised in one of the finest houses and parents, and I realized how low I had become. I went back to the car, and drove to the drug location. My friends said come on Sonia, and I told them I was sitting this one out. As I sat staring at the stars my spirit was so grieved, I cried out to God and said Lord, if you can hear me please help me, I can't help myself. I said that I was gonna either die, or spend eternity in jail...well the next day came and I was arrested . As I sat in my cell alls I could hear my kids calling me to read to them. Once again I began calling out to God and said Lord if you can hear me please help set me free. I made a vow to God that if he let me get out I would never turn my back on him again. Within an hour they called my name for release.

The next day I got into a Christian Rehab. I began reading the Word and after much time in prayer I realized that God had never left me for a moment. By this time I had lost custody of my children. I started to comply with all I needed to do and got them back within 9 months. My husband and I relocated to the city of Corona and started a new life. We both began to look for jobs. We were not having much luck and my husband landed many temporary jobs. I decided to get on welfare, and remained on it for about 5 years. Then my husband got a full time job, and we got involved in a full Assembly of God in Norco. I eventually received a part time job that turned into full time. I made the horrible mistake of not reporting my income. I felt that if I let of welfare we would really struggle. I did not fully trust that God would provide all my needs according to his riches and glory. There was a detective who became involved with my life, and when I finally met with him eh said I needed to turn myself in. I knew this was God, because he told me God was getting his church ready and I was carrying excess baggage. I turned myself in and they took me into custody without any notice to my family. As I sat once again in a cell, I pleaded with God to pay back every cent if he made a way for me. The hardest pray for me was Lord your will not mine in my life.

I was sentenced to 16 months in in Chowchilla State prison. What I failed to see is that I had just signed a paper that said possible for deportation. I began to cling on to God like never before. My heart was so heavy to think I may never see my husband or kids again. Through many nights and days of crying out to the Lord, he began to work in me like never before. I got rooted in the Word and compared myself to many old Testament women. On Oct 28th God had favor and I was released. Now I live a very grateful life, and have a calling to go back to the places I was and minister the Gospel. I have become involved with Aglow in our area and they have really blessed me. I went back to work the following week and continue to praise God for all he has done for me. I have learned that life is a collection of decisions. I know now the value of right choices, and I choose to look at the prospects and not the problems; his resources, not his reservations; and his opportunities, not his obstacles. God has definitely touched my life and today I stand very grateful.