Reina Rios grew up in a nurturing home with parents who were both college professors. She was part of a synchronized swimming team for 10 years and did a lot of traveling for competitions. On the outside, she appeared to lead a normal life, but inside she was hiding a secret.
“At a very young age I was taken advantage of, and I didn’t know how to cope with that or talk about it,” Reina said. “So I started using drugs at the age of 22, on and off for 13 years. I tried so hard to get clean on my own.”
One night she was out getting high, and it felt like her life was over. She was ready to give up. The next day she went to work at Subway, still feeling hopeless, and out of desperation she called out to Jesus. What happened next would change her life.
“I said, ‘Jesus help me,’ and within the hour two ladies walked into the restaurant. As I was making their subs they looked at me and said, ‘God sent us here for you.’”
These heaven-sent women introduced Reina to Big Fish Ministries (BFM). It was here that she began her journey of healing and growing closer to the Lord. She experienced many ups and downs, but she kept moving closer and closer to God’s intended purpose for her.
During her time in BFM’s residential recovery program, Reina was asked to intern at Big Fish Thrift Shops. She graduated from the program in November 2021 and was then promoted to store manager.
“Big Fish Ministries is absolutely amazing,” she said. “I love them and I consider each one of them family. They’ve been there in ALL my mess and ALL my accomplishments.”
Reina is currently engaged to her best friend, Steven, and she has a beautiful 9-year-old son named Raphael.
Please consider partnering with us to help more people like Reina find true freedom in Jesus.
