By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Get on The Ark.

She lay awake at 2:30 a.m., eyes fixed on a glowing, see‑through man standing by her window, his robes shimmering like a glow stick. The figure didn’t move, didn’t blink, and when he finally turned, he vanished. That night marked the turning point for Renee Sanchez, a Detroit‑area paramedic whose spiritual quest had taken her from a non‑practicing Catholic upbringing, through tarot cards and Sufi gatherings, to a newfound relationship with Jesus.

Early Spiritual Curiosity and Dark Encounters

Sanchez grew up attending Catholic Mass only on holidays, admitting she “didn’t know much about my faith” and was drawn to the supernatural from a young age. Her teenage years led her into tarot, séances, and other New Age practices, seeking relief from what she described as “demonic torment.” After consulting a priest who dismissed her experiences, she turned to pagan groups, witches, and warlocks, hoping spells would end her suffering. None succeeded, and the more she spoke about her distress, the more intense the torment became, prompting her to retreat and reignite her Catholic faith through Confirmation.

Even after Confirmation, Sanchez felt a void, lacking a personal relationship with God. Her search continued, leading her to study the Quran, meet a sister at a local mosque, and briefly identify as a Muslim. A subsequent encounter with a spiritual leader in her kitchen—whom she claimed to see from the knees down—reinforced her belief that she needed a different path.

The Turning Point: Encounters with the Divine

While exploring an Arabic dating site, Sanchez met Fadi, a Christian who aspired to be a pastor. Their conversations quickly turned into debates about Jesus, which coincided with two separate reports from acquaintances who claimed to have seen Jesus in the spirit. One man described a battle between an angel and a demon, followed by Jesus embracing him, a story that lingered in Sanchez’s mind.

These accounts, combined with her own nightly prayers asking, “Who’s the real God?” led her to a decisive moment. She confessed her sins, accepted Jesus, and felt “a hand on my shoulder.” For three days she kept her new faith secret, describing the experience as “something special at that moment.”

Visions and Validation

Three days after her conversion, Sanchez prayed for a vision, saying, “God, whatever you want me to see, I will see it and I won’t be afraid.” She recounts a vivid dream where the sky displayed words spoken by Jesus, spelling out a message that opened her spiritually “like a jar always full.” That same night, she again saw a translucent figure at her window—this time she recognized the presence as possibly an angel or Jesus, noting the figure’s glowing pleats and calm demeanor.

She later called Fadi, asking, “Who was it?” and was told simply, “Why don’t you pray?” The encounter reinforced her belief that God was actively communicating with her, prompting her to pursue deeper study of the Bible.

Life After the Vision: Ministry and Mission

Professionally, Sanchez remains a paramedic, but her spiritual transformation reshaped her personal trajectory. She enrolled in Bible college, earned a license as a minister, and began sharing her story publicly. “Jesus really changed me. He delivered me from depression, PTSD,” she said, emphasizing that her newfound purpose includes helping others navigate similar struggles.

Sanchez is currently editing a book that will compile her experiences and practical advice for those seeking spiritual healing. Though the manuscript may be trimmed, she remains committed to the principle, “Freely we have received, freely we give,” reflecting a desire to pass on the grace she believes she has received.

Broader Implications for Faith Communities

Sanchez’s journey underscores a growing phenomenon: individuals moving across religious boundaries in search of authentic spiritual connection. Her story illustrates both the challenges of navigating doctrinal differences and the potential for personal renewal when a faith community offers acceptance and tangible support.

For churches and ministries, her testimony highlights the importance of outreach to those wrestling with doubt, mental health issues, and past traumas. By providing compassionate listening and clear pathways to discipleship, faith groups can become safe harbors for seekers like Sanchez, fostering transformation that extends beyond personal salvation to communal service.

As the conversation on Get on The Ark demonstrates, the intersection of personal struggle, spiritual searching, and eventual redemption continues to resonate with many Americans seeking meaning in a complex cultural landscape.

The full episode of Get on The Ark is available on OBBM Network TV.