Incoming Leaders

I was born and raised in a Christian household. My two beautiful parents are amazing role models who trained their children in the ways of the Lord. I’m forever grateful for my brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. I love my family with all my heart. My parents instilled in me the importance of having a real relationship with Jesus, applying biblical truths, attending church, and tithing. I knew at a very young age God had a calling on my life. I accepted Christ into my life when I was 9 years old. One of my favorite childhood memories is when Pastor Art Grey of Abundant Joy Christian Fellowship asked me this question, “Do you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and personal Savior?” I replied, “Yes, I do.” My response echoed in a joyous shout across the altar and the entire congregation applauded in praise. Growing up, I never knew how life could be so rewarding. My life has been transformed completely.

To illustrate, in 2007 I attended the University of California Santa Barbara. I pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering. I figured it was the right major because it seemed achievable. The classes were challenging, and I began to struggle. My grades hit an all-time low and I was placed on academic probation. I began to ask God, “What is your will for my life?” I was homesick and I missed my family and church. I felt like my relationship with God was strained because I did not have a church home in Santa Barbara. I was determined to find a Free Methodist Church and after an hour and thirty-minute bus ride, I visited the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. When visiting the church, I heard God’s voice and He said to me Chemical Engineering is not what I am calling you to. There was a deep sense of urgency to go back home, but at the time I did not know why. In 2008, I moved back home and attended Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. I graduated in 2010 and received my Associate of Arts Degree in Chicano Studies. Later that year, my four-month-old niece passed away from an aggressive form of liver cancer. Her passing had a positive impact on my life. This experience allowed me to press deeper in my faith and encouraged me to pursue my pastoral calling. The Lord blessed my sister with another daughter, and she is healthy and beautiful. Despite the passing of my first niece, I was determined to continue my education.

In 2012, I graduated from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Lastly, in 2016 and 2017 I had the privilege to attend a twelve-day mission trip to the Philippines. My life was transformed. Upon returning from the Philippines, I quit my corporate job to pursue full-time ministry.  Little did I know God was establishing my steps to become a pastor. I chose to follow Christ with everything I had within me. Twenty years later here I am chasing after God’s will wholeheartedly. I have stepped out in faith to embrace the gifts and talents God has blessed me with. I am so grateful that God’s hand has been upon my life and is guiding me every step of the way.

I was born and raised in a Christian household. My two beautiful parents are amazing role models who trained their children in the ways of the Lord. I’m forever grateful for my brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. I love my family with all my heart. My parents instilled in me the importance of having a real relationship with Jesus, applying biblical truths, attending church, and tithing. I knew at a very young age God had a calling on my life. I accepted Christ into my life when I was 9 years old. One of my favorite childhood memories is when Pastor Art Grey of Abundant Joy Christian Fellowship asked me this question, “Do you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and personal Savior?” I replied, “Yes, I do.” My response echoed in a joyous shout across the altar and the entire congregation applauded in praise. Growing up, I never knew how life could be so rewarding. My life has been transformed completely.

To illustrate, in 2007 I attended the University of California Santa Barbara. I pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering. I figured it was the right major because it seemed achievable. The classes were challenging, and I began to struggle. My grades hit an all-time low and I was placed on academic probation. I began to ask God, “What is your will for my life?” I was homesick and I missed my family and church. I felt like my relationship with God was strained because I did not have a church home in Santa Barbara. I was determined to find a Free Methodist Church and after an hour and thirty-minute bus ride, I visited the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. When visiting the church, I heard God’s voice and He said to me Chemical Engineering is not what I am calling you to. There was a deep sense of urgency to go back home, but at the time I did not know why. In 2008, I moved back home and attended Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. I graduated in 2010 and received my Associate of Arts Degree in Chicano Studies. Later that year, my four-month-old niece passed away from an aggressive form of liver cancer. Her passing had a positive impact on my life. This experience allowed me to press deeper in my faith and encouraged me to pursue my pastoral calling. The Lord blessed my sister with another daughter, and she is healthy and beautiful. Despite the passing of my first niece, I was determined to continue my education.

In 2012, I graduated from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Lastly, in 2016 and 2017 I had the privilege to attend a twelve-day mission trip to the Philippines. My life was transformed. Upon returning from the Philippines, I quit my corporate job to pursue full-time ministry.  Little did I know God was establishing my steps to become a pastor. I chose to follow Christ with everything I had within me. Twenty years later here I am chasing after God’s will wholeheartedly. I have stepped out in faith to embrace the gifts and talents God has blessed me with. I am so grateful that God’s hand has been upon my life and is guiding me every step of the way.

I was born and raised in a Christian household. My two beautiful parents are amazing role models who trained their children in the ways of the Lord. I’m forever grateful for my brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. I love my family with all my heart. My parents instilled in me the importance of having a real relationship with Jesus, applying biblical truths, attending church, and tithing. I knew at a very young age God had a calling on my life. I accepted Christ into my life when I was 9 years old. One of my favorite childhood memories is when Pastor Art Grey of Abundant Joy Christian Fellowship asked me this question, “Do you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and personal Savior?” I replied, “Yes, I do.” My response echoed in a joyous shout across the altar and the entire congregation applauded in praise. Growing up, I never knew how life could be so rewarding. My life has been transformed completely.

To illustrate, in 2007 I attended the University of California Santa Barbara. I pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering. I figured it was the right major because it seemed achievable. The classes were challenging, and I began to struggle. My grades hit an all-time low and I was placed on academic probation. I began to ask God, “What is your will for my life?” I was homesick and I missed my family and church. I felt like my relationship with God was strained because I did not have a church home in Santa Barbara. I was determined to find a Free Methodist Church and after an hour and thirty-minute bus ride, I visited the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. When visiting the church, I heard God’s voice and He said to me Chemical Engineering is not what I am calling you to. There was a deep sense of urgency to go back home, but at the time I did not know why. In 2008, I moved back home and attended Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. I graduated in 2010 and received my Associate of Arts Degree in Chicano Studies. Later that year, my four-month-old niece passed away from an aggressive form of liver cancer. Her passing had a positive impact on my life. This experience allowed me to press deeper in my faith and encouraged me to pursue my pastoral calling. The Lord blessed my sister with another daughter, and she is healthy and beautiful. Despite the passing of my first niece, I was determined to continue my education.

In 2012, I graduated from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Lastly, in 2016 and 2017 I had the privilege to attend a twelve-day mission trip to the Philippines. My life was transformed. Upon returning from the Philippines, I quit my corporate job to pursue full-time ministry.  Little did I know God was establishing my steps to become a pastor. I chose to follow Christ with everything I had within me. Twenty years later here I am chasing after God’s will wholeheartedly. I have stepped out in faith to embrace the gifts and talents God has blessed me with. I am so grateful that God’s hand has been upon my life and is guiding me every step of the way.