Ever, a native of El Salvador, was living in poverty and migrated to the United Stated of America looking for a better life. In pursuit of a better life, he turned his life over to God.
This is an inspiring -feel good- true story. A testimony of what God will do in our lives when we say “Yes!” to Jesus. I’m happy and honored to share this awesome testimony with you. Here we go!
Ever in his own words…
I was very poor in El Salvador. I remember when growing-up, my sister, brother and I shared one egg for our meals. When I was 26 years old I decided to leave my country and move to the United States of America to look for a better life, just like many.
When I came to the U.S. I worked one month doing landscaping, then three months doing concrete work. From there I got a job at the McDonald’s and worked 11 years.
I didn’t speak, read or write English and I remember at the employee’s orientation I was given a stack of papers in English and they showed a video. My eyes were glued to the video. The Manager asked me, “Do you understand?” I said, “Yes!”
My McDonald’s Career
Although my English was very limited, that didn’t stop me from learning, working hard and doing the best job I could do. My Managers were impressed with my work ethic and how quickly I learned.
I first started working in the kitchen, flipping burgers. After six months I was promoted to Crew Trainer and did the store inventory. I love numbers and I’m very good with numbers. In El Salvador while in High School I studied accounting so I was very comfortable working with numbers. I inventoried everything that came in and out of the store and provided inventory reports to my Manager. He was impressed with how fast I worked and the accuracy in my reports.
Then I was promoted to Kitchen Manager. I was moved around and worked in 15 locations. I’m very thankful to God for the opportunities I was given at McDonald’s to grow and develop my God-given skills and talents, and to learn how to run a business and how to manage. All the lessons learned greatly helped me in my own business.
While I was working at the McDonald’s I worked hard and long hours. After 11 years I thought it was time for a change, I wanted better. This is what led me to the concrete business. I did the math, if I worked 12 hours in the concrete business, I’d make the same pay as working 18 hours at the McDonald’s. So I decided to make the move.
Concrete For Ever, LLC
Eight years ago when I started working in the concrete business, I started out with a back breaking job. I’ll be honest, I was treated bad and yelled at. But that didn’t stop me from learning the business. I paid close attention to everything. I took mental notes and learned the techniques and intricacies of the concrete stamping craft. At the same time I learned other skills related to the concrete business that helped me become more well-rounded in this business.
A Pastor who knew my work kept encouraging me and my family to start our own business. One day this Pastor invited us to his home. After we had refreshments he told us that he was going to help us register our business on-line and we did it right there. It all happened so fast we could not believe it. All we could do is thank and praise God for doing what only He could do. And this was how “Concrete For Ever, LLC” started.
My Christian Journey
Don’t talk to me about God!
Growing up in El Salvador, my Mom (may her soul rest in peace) who was a Christian, would always talk to me about God and I didn’t want to hear it. I’d tell her, “Don’t talk to me about God! I don’t want to hear about Him!”
As I got older, my Mom’s words would come to my mind. I realized that I can’t do anything without God and I fell in-love with the God I once despised. This is why Job 5:17 (NLT) is one of my favorite verses, “Blessed is the man whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” This verse is so personal because I once despised the discipline of the Almighty.
My walk with God
Because God is a loving and merciful God, that is no longer my story. That’s why John 3:16 (NLT) is my other favorite verse because it’s my new story. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” “Believes” is the key word, and I believe in Jesus! I said “Yes!” to Jesus and my life changed for ever.
In 2005 my walk with God began and my life changing journey began. I was baptized in 2009. I dedicate my life and business to God. Everything I do is to honor and glorify God my Father and Jesus my Savior. And the Holy Spirit guides me.
I run my business with honesty, integrity and the highest work ethic. My team and I work hard and long hours to deliver the best looking top quality work. Without my team this would not be possible and I thank God for them. I value each customer and the work I do for each one is as if I was doing it for myself.
When I look back on my life… with God all things are possible!
I’ve had my challenges, personal and business, but God is with me and has gotten me through each one and I know He will continue to do the same because He loves me. I love and trust God!
Now, at 43 years old, when I look back on my life, I think about all the things I’ve been through… I think about my journey from poverty to where I am today. I’m amazed! All I can say is… with God all things are possible!
I’m a living testimony that with hard work, effort, honesty, integrity and putting all in God’s hands, there are endless possibilities.
And there’s more about Ever…
Ever is happily married to Maria and are members of El Perfecto Amor de Dios church. Ever and Maria hold weekly worship and praise meetings at their home. Too awesome! He is the proud father of three adult children and grandfather of two grandchildren.
Deb: Ever is my brother in Christ
God was all up in my business (as always)
God was all up in my business (as always) and sent Ever via Silvia and Danny (dear friends/family) to Carlos (my husband) and me. Ever came to do concrete stamping work at my home and now I have a brother in Christ.
As I told Ever, God has a way of connecting His people. He wants us to love, encourage, uplift, comfort and help each other. We are here for each other. We make each other stronger and better where we are weak, i.e., you may do some things better than I do and can help me in the areas where I am weak. And the times when we feel weak we make each other feel stronger and better, i.e., I may be going through a tough time and need encouragement. That’s what we are called to do! We got to remember, we are all God’s children.
God gave all of us gifts
We must also remember that God gave all of us gifts. When given the opportunity to use and develop our gifts, and we take the opportunity (free-will and do our part), we can rise and shine in whatever we do. Just like Ever.
Ever, just like you, is filled with many gifts, i.e., wisdom, photographic memory, detail-oriented, ability to accurately do mental calculations, estimate, design, create, analyze, visualize, plan, organize, quickly grasp new concepts, quick think and problem solver. And he has done a great job in using and developing them. He said to me several times, “I don’t know how my mind works the way it works and how I do the things I do. But one thing I know… I couldn’t do what I do without God!”
The United States of America offers the opportunity to Rise and Shine
This is what the United States of America offers to anyone and everyone who comes to this country… the opportunity to rise and shine. This country not only gives you the opportunity to dream BIG but to make your dream come true.
As my mom would say, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Ever certainly proved that. Ever is a man of God. He is a good and humble man and God will continue to bless him in ways he never imagined.
Ever, continue to rise and shine every day!
“This the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NLT
Visit Concrete For Ever, LLC
Bible Reflection
“When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:34 NIV
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”” Matthew 19:26 NIV
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” Matthew 25:35 NLT
Say & Believe this powerful message: “Greater is Jesus in Me!”
From Deb’s 
to yours…
Your comments are welcome! I love hearing from you! If this message or any other message touched your heart or fits your situation, please leave your precious comments.
Go to GiJiM Facebook Page: Read – Like – Comment – Share!
Go to GiJiM Twitter and Follow!
Please share my messages with family, friends and on your social medias. This message may not be for you but it is for somebody! Share! And Oh by the way, go to “Articles” and find more inspirational messages just for you!
