Where were you born and raised?
In the Dominican Republic, specifically in the capital of Santo Domingo. I lived there until I was 24.
How large is the family you grew up in?
Three boys and three girls. I am the second oldest.
When and how did you come to know Christ?
The year I was born, my father opened a ministry in our home, so I grew up around Christianity. By age 7 or 8, I had already accepted Christ. However, I did not really comprehend the importance of my decision until I was 32 and living in Massachusetts. That’s when I had a transformation. I was in a deep depression for about eight months, then I considered a different level of God’s love for me. Since then, my life has been completely different and I have been serving Him to the best of my capacity. I believe I was saved since I was a child and accepted Christ, but I was not clear about the issue of security. I began to see that I had always been leaning on my own efforts rather than on God’s grace.
What was the first job you ever had?
My mother used to have a laboratory and I helped her part-time typing the reports. However, when I was 18, I won a contest in college to be an assistant teacher. That took care of my tuition and expenses.
Where did you go to college?
The University of Santo Domingo, where I studied architecture. I earned the equivalent of a master’s degree in it.
When and to whom did you marry?
I married my wife Dorcas in September of 1984.
How many children do you have?
Three, a son and two daughters.
How did you get into ministry?
The Lord really moved me about the need of having a Spanish presence in our church. We had a Spanish Ministry here, but in 2001, it was about to go away. The Lord kind of touched my shoulder and said, “What are you going to do about it?” So, with His help, I recognized the need and tried to meet it. There is still a lot to do and I wonder if I can do it, but I know the Lord is with me.
Have you done any long- or short-term mission work?
I’ve been to Cuba twice with First Orlando and to the Dominican Republic with International Commission. But I really consider my main mission as being right here at First Orlando. We have 16 to 18 countries that are represented by the Spanish Ministry and we need to give the ministry a lot of attention. Recent statistics show that Orlando has a 24 percent Hispanic population, and we can’t ignore it.
What are your most memorable ministry moments?
Working in Cuba has been very important to me. Over there, you cannot freely move from home to home telling people about Jesus. We were basically there to rebuild a little chapel that was destroyed. The government graciously allowed us to come in and do that. We ended up building the first floor of that chapel, which eventually became a church. Right now, they are growing and enjoying worshiping. Another great experience for me has been the privilege that God allowed me to serve in the search team committee for our Pastor David Uth. Watching the Holy Spirit at work in this was overwhelming.
What was the turning point of your life?
Basically, that time in 1989 when I realized that I didn’t have to carry my burdens alone. I remember telling the Lord that night, “I don’t know how you’re going to do it, but I’m going to trust that You will do it. I have no ability to deal with my own issues.”
What do you like most about serving in the Spanish Ministry?
I like knowing that we have an opportunity in church to reach out to the Spanish community and that this church can share the spiritual food with them as well as God’s love.
What is your favorite verse or portion of the Bible?
I really enjoy Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” There is a great encouragement to release us from our burdens of sin that entangle us so easily and to fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ.
What do you like to do with your free time?
I enjoy basketball and baseball.
What do you do when you’re not serving here at the church?
I’ve worked in real estate for the past 18 years. But I’ve also gotten into financial counseling.
What brought you to First Orlando?
In 1991, we came to “The Singing Christmas Trees” and were compelled by the presentation. While we were there, someone tapped me on the back and said, “We have some Spanish people here.” So I came and joined. My wife has been in love with the church’s philosophy on children. My children have experienced the blessing of this church. We are very grateful.