12/31/2023
"The Day I Gave God My 'Yes'"
During the pandemic, my skincare line business crashed. I was dejected, confused, and devastated as I was not the only one affected by this since many other companies were struggling and in fear of shutting down.
My husband and I decided to start helping small businesses by supporting them, marketing them, and encouraging them not to give up. My family and I started making care packages for our homeless communities and families in need throughout the San Fernando Valley, Sylmar, and Los Angeles. Many felt hope and were grateful for what we were doing. Every morning when I woke up, I would start thinking about how to do more as there was a high demand for food and other essential items.
One day, I sat at the table with my daughter and told her, "What if we start our very own non-profit?" The idea had been lingering in the back of my mind for a while now, as we would be able to help so many people and spread so much love and hope. Her eyes lit up, and she said: "Yes, mom, let's do it!" Together, we brainstormed and wrote down all the amazing ideas we could do to support our families in need — without yet knowing what God had in store for us.
The following month, the church finally opened, and I told my husband I felt empty and needed to attend no matter what. I remember standing there six feet apart from everyone wearing my N95 mask. As I stood listening to my pastor, he said, "Before I continue, is there anyone here who's been wanting to start their non-profit? God is saying: What are you waiting for? The time is now!" I immediately felt my hands shaking, my heart beating fast, my body getting hot, and tears pouring down my face. I felt like God was speaking to me through my pastor. It was the most beautiful feeling ever as I felt the Holy Spirit's presence in the room, and I promised God right then and there that I would start my non-profit tomorrow.
The following day, I woke up excited to start my non-profit and created the "Ignite the Light of Hope Foundation." I had no idea where to start as I had no storage unit or space, so I said, " Okay, well, I guess I'll start in my garage." I received a call the same day and was invited to meet in Castaic. That's when I met Robert. He had a vacant warehouse and said no one was using it. He gave me a key and said: take it and run with it! I cried and was beyond speechless as I knew God had a plan based on His divine timing. Since then, Ignite the Light of Hope and Jesus Loves You International partnered up, and together, in the last two years, we have helped over 77,000 people Worldwide. We provided food, water, shelter, and prayer to all those in need of hope and love. The warehouse is being sold, but I’m not going to let that stop me. My mission is to continue to help struggling families throughout Los Angeles, Mexico, and wherever the love is needed.
If you wish to join this amazing cause visit www.ignitetlh.org
Thank you,
Lorraine Aceves
President
