Sarai Mendoza's Spiritual Journey Inspires Children's Book

CLOVIS, Calif. — When Isarai Mendoza, a member of Clovis Seventh-day Adventist Church, sat down with her journal during one of the lowest points in her life, she never imagined she was about to become an author. Yet that raw, honest conversation with God led to a children's book that has touched readers from ages 4 to adult.

"I was going through a really hard time, and God gave me this story," said Mendoza. "It's a metaphor of my own life and my own healing."

Finding Beauty in Brokenness

Mendoza's spiritual journey has been marked by highs and lows, periods of doubt and moments of profound faith. During a particularly difficult season, she felt lost and in need of healing.

"I think the book was God saying, 'Hey, you may not see the beauty in your life. You may not understand your own journey, but I promise I'm going to make something really beautiful out of your life,'" she said.

The story that emerged from her journal draws inspiration from Jeremiah 18, which describes God as a potter molding clay into something beautiful. This biblical metaphor became the foundation for her book's message.

"That foundation of God being the potter in my life, if I allow him to, is what inspired me to write the book," Mendoza explained. "Even when I can't feel His love, I have to trust the hand that's molding my life."

Simple Story, Deep Impact

The book targets children ages 4 to 10, delivering a powerful message through simple language and imagery. The story teaches young readers they are special and loved, regardless of mistakes they make or hurts they experience.

"No matter what, they're special. They're loved. God has a plan for them," Mendoza said. "Even when we mess up our lives or someone hurts us, God is the ultimate potter. He can turn your story around."

Parents and teachers who have read the book to children report being deeply moved themselves. The story's accessibility for young minds combined with its profound spiritual truth creates impact across age groups.

"It's simple enough for a kid to understand God's love, but deep enough for an adult to also be touched by God's love and faithfulness," she said.

God's Faithfulness Through Writing

Mendoza, who has attended area churches for about 10 years and has been at Clovis Church for three years, never planned to become an author. The book's impact has been a testament to God's faithfulness.

She has been blessed to share the book through community outreach, including donation drives for schools. Spanish editions remain available.

"I put it out there in different ways," she said. "God opened doors I never expected."

Vision for Ministry

The book represents more than a publishing success—it embodies Mendoza's desire to share God's transformative power with others, particularly children who may be facing their own struggles.

Her message resonates with the core Christian belief that God can redeem any situation and create beauty from brokenness. Through her story, she hopes to plant seeds of faith in young hearts while encouraging adults to trust God's plan for their lives.

Availability

The book will be available at the ABC store during the camp meeting, currently in only Spanish, with English available later.

For a Clovis Church member who simply wanted to process her pain through honest prayer, Mendoza's journey demonstrates how God can use personal struggles to minister to others. Her willingness to share her story has created a tool for parents, teachers and ministry leaders seeking to communicate God's love to the next generation.

"God's the ultimate script writer," she said. "He can turn it around in a way that we never could have imagined."

Written by Justin Kim