From Past Pain to Present Peace: My Story in Soquel

Miguel Ángel during his baptism

SOQUEL, Calif. — Miguel Ángel Martínez Pérez, born in Oaxaca, Mexico, is 30 years old. In 2023, he arrived in the United States with a single purpose: to settle a deeply personal score.

Miguel grew up in a humble home with two siblings. As a child, he learned that his mother had emigrated to the U.S. in search of a better future—to send money home and help her children thrive. But soon, the family received devastating news: she had entered into a relationship with a man in the United States who initially promised happiness, but eventually became abusive—physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

Sadly, Miguel and his siblings eventually discovered that this man had played a role in their mother’s death. The loss left Miguel devastated and struggling to cope. As a teenager, he fell into unhealthy habits and destructive choices, burdened by grief and hopelessness. Overwhelmed by anger and resentment, he resolved that one day he would come to the United States to confront the past.

Years passed, and Miguel became deeply addicted. He lived on the streets, learned to survive by force, and continued his search for the man who had taken his mother’s life. Eventually, his journey led him to the Santa Cruz area in California.

It was there that Miguel was admitted to a clinic due to his addictions. There, he met Dr. Rebeca Vergara. Her compassion, patience, and medical assistance made a lasting impression—but even more transformative was what she introduced him to: the message of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Vergara invited Miguel to explore the Gospel, to begin reading the Bible, and to take steps toward physical and emotional healing. By then, years of addiction had severely damaged his body. Though he feared for his life, Miguel realized what he needed most wasn’t medicine—it was peace: peace of mind and peace with God.

Dr. Vergara referred him to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Soquel, and soon after, two individuals reached out to him—missionary couple Pepe and Alma Hernández. Their kindness and sincerity reflected the same warmth he had seen in Dr. Vergara. They took time to listen to him, meet with him, and share the hope found in Christ. For the first time, Miguel saw true joy in others and wanted to experience it for himself.

Alma and Pepe Hernández alongside Miguel

Pepe and Alma invited him to attend Soquel Bilingual Seventh-day Adventist Church. There, Miguel was welcomed with open arms—even after members became aware of his struggles and relapses. Instead of judgment, he found prayer, love, support, and mentorship. Slowly, he began to understand the grace and forgiveness offered through Christ.

Through this community, Miguel began to smile again. He learned to embrace others with genuine Christian love. Then came the moment he never thought he could face: the day he met face-to-face with the man who had murdered his mother.

Overwhelmed by a rush of emotion, Miguel stood at a crossroads. Would he fulfill the vow of vengeance he had carried for so many years—or choose forgiveness?

In the days that followed, Miguel poured out his soul in prayer. He recalled promises from Scripture, shared by his pastor and church family, that brought peace to his restless heart:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10

The Holy Spirit was already working. Miguel’s heart softened. He found the strength to forgive. Tears flowed—not of pain this time, but of healing. Looking into the eyes of the man who had shattered his life, Miguel said:

“May God forgive you, just as He has forgiven me. I came to avenge myself—but God found me and saved me. He rescued me. I now choose the peace of Heaven. I choose to prepare for eternity. I choose to live in peace with my new Adventist family.”

Today, Miguel’s outlook has radically changed. He is inspired by Hebrews 12:15:

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, Miguel was baptized at his church in Soquel. From the baptismal pool, he saw tears of joy and smiles from those who had walked with him on his journey of transformation.

Today, Miguel has a mission: to help others who are walking through the same darkness he once knew. He dedicates his time to sharing the hope of Jesus. He has a job he treasures, a humble home to rest in, and a loving church family that welcomes him every Sabbath at Soquel Bilingual Church.

Dr. Rebeca Vergara and her family with Miguel

By Pablo Maldonado, Pastor of the Adventist Churches of Watsonville and Soquel