A diverse community of believers

My beginnings

I was born in a humble small town in Venezuela, being the fifth of ten children. Our family was very poor, but my parents taught us invaluable values: work, responsibility and the importance of studying, even when resources were almost non-existent.

At the age of 12, I left my home to go to the city of Barquisimeto to study high school. I lived with my older sister, but a mixture of frustration and rebellion grew in my heart. It hurt me to see how others had what I couldn't reach. That material lack became an emotional wound. At home I became rebellious; At school, I was shy and insecure. Even though I got good grades and dreamed of being a professional to help my family, I felt empty.

 

The Encounter with God

Since I was 10 years old, one of my brothers, Aristides, had accepted Christ and sometimes spoke to me about God. When I finished high school, the desire to continue studying was still firm in me, but I had no money. It was then that Aristides got me a temporary job in a company where the owners were Christians, and they helped me and encouraged me to study, to trust, to move forward, for the first time I saw a spark of hope; But I was still very uncertain in my life about what the future would have for me and I didn't know how to move forward.

One day, in a small meeting at work, someone shared a brief message from the Bible about God's love and our need for Him. At the end, they asked if anyone wanted to pray to receive Christ. At that moment, something awakened inside me. I felt that invitation was for me. With humility and an open heart, I raised my hand and prayed, "God, if You truly exist, I receive You. Help me, please." I will never forget what I felt afterwards: a peace that I had never experienced before and a deep joy that came not from the circumstances, but from the innermost part of my being.

 

The Purpose in Christ

From that day on, my life began to change. I began to read the Bible, to pray, to seek God sincerely. Gradually, my insecurities began to dissipate and my vision of the future was filled with hope. I graduated from college with two majors, while working and serving as a volunteer missionary in the church. I then earned my bachelor's degree in Theological Studies. God was guiding me, forming me, preparing me.

Over time, I clearly understood my purpose: to glorify God with my life. He has blessed me with a beautiful family, professional accomplishments, and most of all, the call to pastoral ministry. Today I continue to serve the Lord with passion and gratitude, because He continues to be faithful every day.

 

 

​

​