Her greatest influence is her mom, who has come so far with the love of Jesus and shows her how much God can change people. Esperanza’s life verse is Joshua 1:9 (NIV), “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” During a particularly hard time in her life, Esperanza noticed a sign with this verse was hanging above her TV; it was like God was talking to her specifically. 

Growing up with a harsh background, Esperanza knew that she would have to find a way to cope with her trauma. With God’s grace, Esperanza began her healing journey. She said that going to church has played a key role in that. Her corps officer (pastor), Captain Christin Fankhauser, taught her about Jesus and faith. Attending The Salvation Army and learning new things about God eventually led her to a relationship with Jesus.  

Esperanza knows firsthand that life is not always easy. “When life gets hard, I just don’t give up. I keep trying,” she says. “I keep going to church, I keep asking people who know God questions and that helps me to keep from being discouraged.” 

Music has also been helpful. Esperanza says that she feels most connected to God during times of praise and worship. “I feel like you can connect to the Spirit when the music is happening.” She has participated in her division’s ENCORE program and the Western Music Institute. 

Esperanza has a passion for youth ministry. She is going to work at Camp Arnold in Washington state this summer. Her goal is to show the kids that they can have fun at camp and that while things can be scary sometimes, it can and will get better. She wants to show the kids that the friendships they make at camp can be lifelong—she has so many close friends that she made at camp. 

Having friends who also have a relationship with God has kept her on the right path. Through camp and other Salvation Army programs, she has made a tightknit group of friends who help her through the hard times. Spending time with them is one of her favorite things to do.