Your testimony, your healing will free somebody else.
Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain
On Wednesday’s Voices Against the Grain radio show, we heard a powerful testimony of healing and restoration from sexual trauma and self-hatred shared by our blogger/devotional writer, Ana Martinez. For 22 years, she stuffed feelings of shame and guilt, starting with being molested at age 8, statutory rape at age 13, and raped again at 15. Growing up in her parent’s church and loving the Lord, she then walked away from God and His call upon her life. Today, she is a mom and bold woman of God involved in several ministries and has received freedom by sharing her story with others—so they too can heal. The episode, entitled “Christ: Your True Heart Healer, Soul Lover” conveys how deep, wide and unconditional Jesus Christ’s love for us. He is our special Valentine. No matter how horrific and dark your past or present situation, He LOVES YOU more than you can imagine. He died, rose and lives so you may experience true freedom, joy and peace —not bound by things of this world that enslave.
We were joined by Noel Bouché, president of pureHOPE, a ministry that provides Christian solutions in a sexualized culture. Noel discussed how they provide strategies to equip parents to help their children navigate in this digitized world, where images and messages of sexual immorality are rampant. pureHOPE envisions a world free of exploitation and brokenness. As a new partner with pureHOPE, Voices Against the Grain will join them to fight the proliferation of porn and sex trafficking in our society. To win this fight, Jesus Christ is our HOPE.
Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Blogger
Noel Bouché, President of pureHOPE
Immediately following the airing of Wednesday’s show, the calls, emails and text messages poured in from listeners (some in tears) who were positively impacted by the conversation. We could not have planned the perfect formation of elements that has begun the healing and restoration process for many since our discussion. God’s perfect timing unites situations, people and willing hearts to accomplish His purposes. Not a day sooner or later. Right on time.
Words cannot adequately convey what I feel in my spirit. In simplest words, I have a spirit of gratitude and humility that such a big God chooses to involve us in His greater plan. Thank you Lord. We love you.
Satan hoped that Ana would remain silent, ashamed and bound by her past. But God’s plan was already at work. In John 10:10 Jesus says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” As referenced in Jeremiah 29:11, which furthermore says, “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,” “plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
As Ana says, “No matter your situation, your story, know that GOD can restore you. HE can heal you. HE is our Redeemer. He has a bigger plan for your life greater than you know. He will turn around the darkest things in your life and make them beautiful.”
Just like Ana, sharing your story, your healing will help somebody else.
Listen to the show here.
Voices Against the Grain 
I must say it is a blessing to read this blog and listen to the radio interview. Little by little we are shown God’s grace amidst a world of lies and deceit. We see compassion amidst a “do your own thang” society, whose title must be credited to the creator of Voices Against the Grain, Ms. Nicole Hayes. I am excited to see how The Lord proliferates the ministry of pureHOPE, while simultaneously turning VATG into a groundbreaking station that reaches tons of listeners. What an amazing interview and blog. To God be the Glory. Amen
Thank you Herbert for your words and support. Praise God for how He is moving through His people to transform areas of darkness and deceit into places of light, love, hope, truth and restoration. We are grateful and blessed to be in His service with you. Thank you Herbert for how you are equipping this generation to navigate in a “do your own thang” society.
Thank you for sharing! I work in a Christian university and hear stories like these. God can and continues to heal and redeem.
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for reading the post. We serve an awesome God. He is able to restore what was stolen and bridge lost time. Amazing! May God continue to bless as you serve your students as campus pastor.
Thank you!
Will check out your blog. Important topics you are discussing on sexual faithfulness.
you are more than welcome. it is a topic that means so much to my wife and me. I welcome your input.
Will do. What you are sharing is very necessary.