From New Age to New Life: Ashley Duvendack’s Journey to Jesus
Author: Jess Dahl
September 19, 2025
What does it look like to go from searching everywhere for meaning to finally finding truth and healing in Christ?
That is the incredible journey of Ashley Duvendack, whose story is marked by resilience, surrender, and God’s unexpected grace. I had the privilege of hearing her share her testimony on the Say Yes Anyway Podcast, and her words will stay with me for a long time.
A Childhood of Challenges
Ashley’s story begins with deep pain that shaped her early years. Her father’s suicide attempt left an imprint of instability and unanswered questions, the kind of childhood trauma that can set the stage for a lifelong search for peace. Like so many, she turned to the places that seemed to hold answers.
Her search led her into the world of New Age spirituality. From crystals to energy work to sexuality practices, Ashley explored it all, hoping each new layer would bring lasting fulfillment. For a while it looked like she had found the path, but deep inside she still felt the ache for something more.
A Near-Death Experience and a New Path
Everything changed in 2020 when Ashley had a near-death experience. In an instant, her world shifted. That moment of coming face-to-face with her own mortality cracked something open inside of her. She realized that no amount of striving or seeking in her own strength would bring the peace she was chasing.
Not long after, she felt a strong inner prompting to travel to Costa Rica. It didn’t make logical sense, but she followed the nudge anyway. That leap of faith became a turning point.
In Costa Rica, she encountered God in a way that forever changed her life. What she thought would be another chapter in her spiritual searching became the beginning of a brand new story.
Healing, Transformation, and Alignment with Christ
Ashley describes what happened next as nothing short of miraculous. She experienced physical healing and an emotional breakthrough that gave her new vision for her future. For the first time, she felt grounded not in her own efforts, but in the love of Jesus.
Her work as a mentor for women shifted, her relationships transformed, and her purpose became clearer. What had once been a restless search became a steady walk with God. She realized that saying yes to Him meant laying down the need to control and instead stepping into alignment with His plan.
Her testimony is more than a story of change. It is a story of redemption, freedom, and the kind of healing that only God can orchestrate.
What Ashley’s Story Teaches Us
Ashley’s journey invites us to reflect on our own. How often do we chase after things that promise fulfillment, only to find ourselves feeling empty? How many times do we hesitate to follow the quiet nudges in our spirit because they don’t make sense on paper?
Her life is a reminder that God meets us in the middle of our searching. He can take even the most painful beginnings and turn them into testimonies of grace. And sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when we are willing to say yes to His invitation, even when it feels risky.
Saying Yes to God’s Plans
Today, Ashley lives with a renewed sense of hope, grounded in the reality that God’s plans are always better than our own. Her story proves that no matter where you have been or how far you have wandered, it is never too late for a new beginning.
If you are in a season of searching or uncertainty, Ashley’s testimony is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible and God’s love is closer than you think.
Connect with Ashley
Follow Ashley’s journey and mentoring work on Instagram: @ashleyduvendack
And connect with me on Instagram too: @jessdahl_
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Listen to the full episode here, leave a review and tag me if you share =)
Keep saying yes to the moments that ignite your soul.
Jess Dahl
Listen to full episode here.
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