When Soledad left Bolivia for the United States, she thought she was coming simply for her education. Instead, she found herself on a journey of faith and transformation that would change her life forever.
She grew up in a Christian family, but church commitments were often hard because of financial struggles. Still, her mother was always her encourager, faithfully pointing her to God. So when her mother became seriously ill, Soledad’s world was shaken.
“No doctors, not even the best ones in town, could heal her,” Soledad remembered. “Even our relatives were giving up on her.”
One Sunday, Soledad went to church heavy with grief and worry. That day, the pastor read the story of the bleeding woman from Luke 8. The woman, desperate after 12 years of suffering, reached out to touch Jesus’ cloak, believing He could heal her. Jesus turned, noticed her, and said, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”
“That passage broke me,” Soledad said. “All that woman wanted was to come to Jesus. I realized I needed a faith like hers— the kind that is found only in Him.”
That day, Soledad accepted Christ. She began praying with new faith, asking God if it was His will to heal her mother. In His mercy, He did. Soledad had no idea she’d one day learn how to share this testimony with others.
Arriving in the U.S. in 2023 to fulfill her higher education dreams, Soledad still felt like a “baby believer.” She longed for community and deeper roots in her faith. That’s when she connected with IFI through a pumpkin carving event. What began as a fun evening of chili, laughter, and introductions soon grew into something much greater.
“Through IFI, I finally had a place where I could ask questions and grow,” Soledad shared.
Soledad’s involvement deepened over time through Bible discussions, friendships, and mentoring. She was learning that loving God must always come first, and then out of that love, to love others.
“IFI helped me see that my time in the U.S. wasn’t just for academics, but also for spiritual impact.”
That reality especially sank in when she was invited to the World Changers Conference by IFI staff, where international professionals shared how they lived boldly for Christ.
“God blessed me with that invitation,” she said. “I was so inspired to see others trusting Him.”
Her journey to maturity continued, and one moment that reflects this was her birthday. Friends from IFI and her new community came together to celebrate her, as well as listen to her powerful testimony.
“I didn’t know how many friends I had until that birthday party!” Soledad laughed. “I felt so thankful, and it reminded me that God had given me a new family here and brought me through so much.”
Today, Soledad is boldly sharing what she has learned with friends both in the U.S. and back in Bolivia. She often encourages others:
“Be open and give Jesus a try. If you’re looking for answers to your questions, He is the best source. God is just waiting for you to come.”
Looking back, she is filled with gratitude— for her mother’s healing, for the community she found through IFI, and most of all, for the transformation Jesus brought into her life.
“I will always be thankful to every IFI partner,” she says. “Because of you, many international students like me are being transformed by God’s love.”
*Student photo changed to protect privacy
