The Year Everything Changed: A Miracle at Sea and a Call to Serve

A New Year Like No Other

It was January of the year 2000. They said it would be chaos—that the world would end—with computers failing and systems crashing. But for me, it would be a year I would never forget for several reasons.

I remember it clearly. We had as guests two couples of pastors who came from Mexico City to spend New Year’s with us. And since we lived in Acapulco—a beach town that fills with tourists during Christmas break—we were ready for a memorable time.

After watching the fireworks on the night of December 31, 1999, we made plans to get up early the next morning and spend the entire day at the beach, enjoying the sun, sea, and sand. We were three families, all with children, ready to soak in the joy of the season.

A Day at the Beach Turns Dangerous

I love the ocean. I’ve always thought of myself as a good swimmer. So after we gathered everything we needed for a full day at the beach (which took quite a while), I was already desperate to get going. The beach we chose was a bit farther from home—it was too crowded near us—and we headed to an open-sea beach known for surfing, where you could rent a surfboard.

When we arrived, the beach was packed, but I couldn’t wait to get in the water.

I didn’t even help unload the car. I went straight to rent a surfboard and ran into the sea, feeling confident. I believed I was a good swimmer, so I went deep into the water. But what I didn’t realize was that this time of year brings strong currents that pull you farther and farther from the shore without you noticing.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

I had swum out so far that I could no longer see the beach. I couldn’t even see the sand—just water in every direction.

I tried to swim back toward the shore, but I wasn’t making any progress. In fact, I was getting pulled even farther away.

And honestly, the first thing that came to mind was: “I just ruined my pastor friends’ vacation.” I kept trying to get back, but every effort only took me farther from the beach.

Crying Out to God

So I did what every child of God should do—I began to cry out and ask God for forgiveness for my recklessness. I kept praying in tongues and in my understanding. I wept and told my Eternal Father, “I am in Your hands.”

I didn’t let go of the board. My arms, shoulders, and legs were in pain. I was so thirsty. The sun was burning hot, and I was exhausted. Still, I kept praying.

Suddenly, God sent me three waves. And not just any waves—waves that weren’t naturally possible to rise the way they did. It was a miracle.

I held on to the board. The second wave helped push me, but the third one pushed me under. I couldn’t take it anymore. I was desperate. I tried to swim but got more disoriented. When you're that deep underwater, you don’t even know which way is up. You completely lose your sense of direction.

In that moment of despair, the board’s leash got tangled around my neck. I was choking myself underwater. I was drowning.

The Voice of the Holy Spirit

And then, I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit in my heart—calm, sure, and clear.

He said:
“First, untangle the rope from your neck. Let go of the board. When you see where the board floats, follow it, and you will reach the surface.”

Only with the help of the Holy Spirit could I do that. And I did—it was supernatural. I was so relaxed, even as I did everything He told me.

I didn’t crawl out of the ocean—I walked out.

Tears ran down my face, and I thanked God. I kept praying.

Meanwhile, Back on Shore

Meanwhile, my wife Silvia had already gathered people to pray for me. It had been a long time, and she didn’t even know I had gone into the sea. They were searching for me up and down the beach. She felt in her heart that something had happened to me.

I think I exited the beach about a mile and a half from where I had originally entered the water.

I cried out to the Lord—and He answered me.

By His grace, here I am.

A Year of Miracles and Calling

And in that same year—in the month of May—God gave me a trip to Israel. The trip was exclusively for pastors, and it was there that I had the blessing of meeting several ministers. Some of them invited me to be part of their ministries in their home countries. One of them was even the principal director of Campus Crusade, whose headquarters were in Seattle.

Of course, before anything, I had to speak to my pastor about all the invitations I had received from these men of God.

God already had His plan.

In the month of June, God called me into full-time ministry. I left behind my business, which had been financially very successful.

In the same year I nearly died, God blessed me abundantly. I told my pastor I would accept the call to serve the Lord full-time.

Our Family’s Journey of Faith

My family and I had received Jesus as our Lord and Savior on October 21, 1993.