Like many kids of Salvation Army officers (pastors), Isabela has attended The Salvation Army as her church her entire life. But it wasn’t until the start of high school when she began to dive into His Word. And it changed everything. 

“I was going through a lot of changes in life, like figuring out a lot of things about myself,” she says. “I started to do Bible studies on my own, for myself, in hopes to find some calm in the storm.” 

When she moved away from her childhood home to attend a university in Florida, she was initially hesitant about navigating a new city alone, but she found a place to call home at the Lakeland Corps. 

“From the [first] time I stepped foot in the church building, the officers have been so amazing,” Isabela said. Seeing her heart for service, the officers provided  her with numerous service opportunities and the support she craved. “Driving me to places like the airport or church, taking me out to lunch, inviting me to participate in conferences for young adults without needing to pay out of my own pocket, those are only a few out of many ways that the Lakeland Corps has shown me love.” 

She’s relied on growing her circle at her new church home, like spiritual mentors; one being Emaniel Brifil (E.B.). “Ever since I moved to Florida, he has welcomed me into opportunities [at the corps] that would impact me spiritually and as a person.” In the previous year, she wasn’t sure how to navigate a particular situation, especially alone in a new city and her parents living far away. “I knew that he was the person I should call to help me,” she shared. “E.B. is someone that I can always rely on when I need someone to help me and see a situation in different lighting and help me walk through it without having to figure it out on my own.” 

Isabela encourages those struggling with their faith, especially those in a new environment, to remain as patient as possible. And to also put in the work to knowing more about God to know Him in your own way. She’s always relied on her faith and passion for understanding God’s Word. As  a verse that was presented to her at her corps cadet graduation in 2023, Psalm 28:7 hits home. “Looking back at my life, where I have come and how I’ve grown, this verse has always followed me even when I didn’t realize it. I trust that the Lord is my strength. I will continue to praise Him in any way I can and every way I can.”

Isabela likes to show her faith outside school and church through the items she wears. “It seems really simple, but I like to do something simple and put on a shirt with a Bible verse or reference so that people can get a sliver of the Lord even when they don’t realize it,” she said.

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