Karla's Story

We were overjoyed to receive this joyful email from Karla. Read on for a personal and heartwarming account of Karla's testimony—finding hope in Jesus through a Palau luncheon.

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God had this planned for Karla long before we did. He saw her need and reached out to meet her. What a blessing it is to be part of her journey!

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From Karla:

I was privileged to attend a pre-festival luncheon in June 2004 where your Luis spoke, sharing the Gospel with me and hundreds of other people. That luncheon changed my life.  Some time before (my recollection is a week or so), one of my colleagues came into my office stating he had 20 tickets to an upcoming event and asking if he could share them around the office. He described that it was a faith-based luncheon for business leaders prior to a two-day Luis Palau Festival.

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I was ignorant to most of what he shared including who Luis Palau was and what a festival would be like, yet I felt an overwhelming sense that the right response was, "Yes." I gave my approval on one condition—that I could have one of the tickets. It happened that I was leaving town for the weekend, so I would be unable to attend the festival, but gratefully, I was able to attend the luncheon.

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I trusted this colleague, whose name is Fred. Two times previously, Fred had prayed over me when something challenging happened to me or when tragedy struck in my life. I felt the power of prayer on those occasions, but I couldn’t hear, and/or I denied any truths shared because I was entrenched in my independence. I lived with high walls protecting myself and was opposed to any hint of needing anyone or anything. The occasions of Fred praying had grown my trust in Fred and my curiosity about the peace I felt during his prayers.

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Those years were hard—in marriage, in work, and in my desperation to have a baby. I was experiencing struggles and lack of control for the first time in my adult life and, at 35 years old, was getting to the end of my rope. At no time did I think religion or faith was the answer. Yet somehow, I knew to say yes to Fred and yes to the luncheon. After all, it couldn't hurt.

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The day of the luncheon arrived, and we made our way to the convention space where the luncheon was taking place. I have no memory of what was served or who was at my table. I remember the accented voice and sheer presence of Luis Palau, and I remember rising to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior when he made the invitation.

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I was giddy leaving the banquet room. Giddy, the rest of the day. Giddy, telling my husband that evening. The following Monday, Fred invited me to church and told me about a discipleship group for new believers. I went to both!

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I started reading the Bible and making connections with other Christians.  I have never looked back from learning about God. My faith journey to experiencing God has been more difficult and has been one characterized by, “I believe, help my unbelief.” There have been so many pivotal moments of experiencing God’s presence and provision. I cling desperately to those experiences and to God’s word and promises.

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Many people have been instrumental in mentoring me and being the hands and feet of Jesus in my life during the past almost 19 years. There is a special place in my heart for Luis Palau and his obedience to the call God gave him. As a parent, I can only imagine the sacrifice your entire family has made to bring the Gospel to the world—including a broken woman in Reno, Nevada, one of the most unchurched cities.  

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Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am now 54 years old and cannot imagine my life without Jesus and His people. I know God loves me, and I am learning to believe I am loveable. By His transforming power, I strive to help other women know about and experience God. May God bless you and keep you as you move in obedience to your call.

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Yours in Christ, Karla