Welcome back to Garage Testimonies!

In Episode 9, we sit down with Pastor Ivan Rubio to hear one of the most powerful testimonies we've had on the podcast.

Pastor Ivan shares what life was like growing up with fear, instability, and depression—and how, at just 14 years old, he reached a point where he no longer wanted to live.

After opening up to his mom, being invited to church by an unexpected friend, and encountering the Gospel, Ivan made a bold statement to God:

“I’ll give you a month. If you don’t change me, I’ll kill myself.”

What happened during that month completely changed the trajectory of his life.

Ivan takes us through his journey of encountering Jesus, learning what it means to truly know God, discovering his calling as a missionary, learning to hear God's voice, and eventually meeting his wife through a story he believes God had been preparing long before they met.

We also talk about something many Christians struggle with: balancing our relationship with God, ministry, marriage, family, and everyday life. Ivan shares how God taught him that ministry can never replace his responsibility to love and prioritize his wife and children.

We also dive into the importance of having a “secret place” with God—and how spending time with Jesus can look different in every season of life.

And at the end, we ask one of our favorite questions:

Who is Jesus to you today?

Ivan's answer is a powerful reminder of what Jesus can do in a person's life—from a young man who once hated himself and didn't want to live, to someone who can now say, “I believe He loves me, and I love who He's made me.”

If you're struggling with fear, depression, loneliness, identity, hearing God's voice, relationships, or simply wondering where God is in your story, we hope this testimony encourages you.

Jesus still changes lives.

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” — Revelation 12:11

In Episode 8 of Garage Testimonies, Nina shares how years of prayer, hardship, worship, and trusting God shaped the faith she carries today.

Growing up, Nina watched her family walk through incredible challenges. From her younger brother's serious brain injury and the loss of two siblings, to financial hardship and her father's battle with depression. But in the middle of it all, she also watched her mom refuse to stop praying.

Those prayers became the foundation of Nina's faith.

We talk about her first encounter with the Holy Spirit, why worship became her response even in difficult seasons, the importance of developing a private relationship with God beyond the platform, Kingdom friendships, childlike faith, and what it looks like to remain faithful while you're still waiting for the answer.

Today, Nina describes her life with one powerful statement:

"I'm living in days that I prayed for."

Her circumstances aren't perfect, but when she looks at her family, her brother's healing, her father's restoration, and everything God has done, she can see His faithfulness woven throughout the entire story.

If you're still waiting on an answered prayer, this episode is for you.

Azzhire shares his story of growing up in church, running from God, and discovering that even in his darkest seasons, God never stopped pursuing him.

In this episode, we talk about father wounds, healing, forgiveness, rebuilding after brokenness, the purpose of community, the danger of unforgiveness, and what it truly means to find rest in Christ.

This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and full of practical wisdom for anyone who feels far from God or is learning to trust Him again.

No matter where you are in your journey, we pray this episode reminds you that God is still pursuing your heart.

In Episode 6 of Garage Testimonies, it's just us.

No guest. No testimony interview.

Just an honest conversation about what God has been teaching us through this podcast, through School of Ministry, relationships, insecurities, community, stewardship, singleness, and learning to trust His timing.

We reflect on some of the moments that have impacted us most from previous episodes, the struggles we're currently navigating, and the ways we've seen God's hand at work throughout every season of life.

Whether you're wrestling with insecurity, waiting on God's timing, trying to build healthy community, or learning how to trust Him more deeply, we hope this conversation encourages you to keep pursuing Jesus.

Because growth doesn't stop after salvation—it continues every day as we learn to walk with Him.

In Episode 5 of Garage Testimonies, Ariadna shares her testimony of growing up as a Cuban immigrant, walking through church hurt, addiction, partying, witchcraft, and the pressure to be perfect. Through dangerous moments and hidden struggles, God’s grace kept pursuing her. This is a story of protection, freedom, and being called out of chaos into purpose. 

In Episode 4 of Garage Testimonies, Jasel shares her testimony of growing up under pressure, searching for love and belonging, and losing herself in performance and unhealthy relationships. In the middle of heartbreak and isolation, Jesus met her personally and began restoring her identity. This is a powerful story of healing, freedom, and learning what real love looks like.

In Episode 3 of Garage Testimonies, we sit down with Oscar as he shares his powerful story of searching for purpose through drugs, rave culture, and spiritual experiences before encountering Jesus.

After years of addiction and chasing temporary highs, Oscar reached a breaking point that led him to cry out to God for help. What followed was a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit that completely transformed his life.

This episode is a story of redemption, freedom, and the reality that no one is ever too far gone for God.

Episode 2 features our first guest — our dad — sharing his testimony of addiction, relapse, and restoration through Jesus. We talk about backsliding, shame, forgiveness, and why God invites you back even when you feel unworthy. If you’ve ever felt too far gone, this one’s for you.

Welcome to the very first episode of Garage Testimonies.

This podcast was created for the stories that don’t always make it to the main room — the moments that get stored away, overlooked, or left behind. But nothing is forgotten, and restoration is always possible.

In this pilot episode, we’re sharing our testimonies for the first time together — our childhood, how we grew up in faith, and the turning points that brought us back to Jesus.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The real meaning behind Garage Testimonies and why we started it
• Cesar’s life-changing motorcycle accident (and the miracle that followed)
• Veronica’s journey through trauma, depression, and how God brought healing
• Why you don’t have to be “perfect” to come to church — you come as you are
• How God uses what’s hidden to bring freedom, purpose, and transformation

If you’ve ever felt like your story is too messy, too painful, or too far gone — this is your reminder: God still restores. God still heals. And your story still matters.

📌 New episodes every third wednesday — subscribe and stay tuned