Raised in Church, But Not in Christ
In his personal testimony, Isaiah Saldivar shared that he had an easy life growing up. His parents, whom he describes to be incredible people, also raised him in church, which makes it seem impossible for Isaiah to ever become an atheist.
But just as he said, anyone can be raised in church but not raised in Christ. And that was his story for the most of his young adult life. He was 16 when he started to believe that God isn’t real. He also had a big life plan–become a police officer, get married, become successful–but God was never really part of it.
His Near-Death Experiences
Isaiah lived his teenage days without acknowledging the presence of God. But little did he know that while he was brushing off his faith, God kept showing up in his life. When he was 12 years old, he accidentally hung himself in a large metal chain at an old barn.
It was supposed to be just for fun but the next thing he knew, he had his neck completely tight on the chain and his body was hanging in the air. He really thought he was dead but a miraculous thing happened. Instead of being choked to death, someone saved him.
“I felt what I could only describe as the softest hands I’ve ever felt. I don’t know what other way to describe it, I’m 12 years old. But I felt hands go into that chain and pull that chain open.”
The doctors confirmed it was a miracle that he was still alive. He should have died that day, but God spared his life. And that wasn’t the only instance wherein he had a near-death experience, yet God continued to show up during those moments. At one point, Isaiah’s aunt said that he must have a special calling in his life because of those experiences.
Hearing God’s Audible Voice
For many years, Isaiah stayed out of church, making sure to have nothing to do with religion or God. He lived a double life as well by showing to people around him an image that looks “good” on the outside but on the inside he was really depressed, angry, broken and apathetic.
He had a younger sister though that never gave up on him. She kept inviting him to go to church until such time he finally decided to go out of obligation. He had no desire whatsoever to know God, but little did he know that it was in that moment that God would give him a spiritual breakthrough.
During the altar call, Isaiah felt like someone was pulling him to go to the altar. And then he said, “God, I don’t know if I can believe in you…but if you’re real, I’ll give you everything. I’ll lay down my life…”
It was then that he heard God’s audible voice say, “I’m going to use you…”
Atheist to Revivalist
Since that supernatural encounter with God, Isaiah has never been the same. His life turned around 180 degrees and it was like he was born again. He slowly and passionately made radical changes in his life.
That was in January 2011. Today, he continues to globally share his testimony of deliverance and reach people through social media. His ministry reaches 6 to 8 million people per week. The boy whom the enemy kept trying to destroy is now the same boy that the Lord has been mightily using for the advancement of His kingdom.
