SOCIAL
GOSPEL
MINISTRIES
Applying Biblical Teachings
To Everyday Life!
ABOUT MY JOURNEY
Born to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, I grew up the youngest of three children in the Washington Heights section of New York City. My parents were working class people and we lived in a rent-controlled apartment for most of my youth.
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Although I grew up attending church every week I never really had a personal relationship with Jesus. I stayed out of trouble, for the most part, but I never showed an interest in studying God's word. All of that changed in 1986 when I was baptized at the Altamonte Springs Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Florida. Prior to my baptism I had no interest in studying the Bible - much less teaching it's principles and valuable truths. It was immediately after coming out of the baptismal waters that I felt a strong urge to study the Bible and help others understand God's wonderful message of love found in the scriptures.
First, I began with my immediate family members. Then I extended my efforts to my friends. Lastly, I began to teach Bible class at my church. I have always been fascinated by the truths found in God's word. However, it wasn't until the early 2000's that I began to hold regular Bible study groups on a weekly basis - both at home and at my church. I've been doing it now for over 20 years!
People have always shared with me how much they enjoyed how I engaged in the biblical exposition of God's word. After many years of teaching Bible class, I finally decided to own that role and be intentional about it. It is the reason I have created this website.
The Bible teaches us to love one another as God has loved us. But what does that love look like in everyday life? The Bible also asks us to apply love in our communities. But how can we practically do that without an understanding of God's word? I founded Social Gospel Ministries with a mission to give others a better understanding of how to love God and how to love each other.
Please take some time to explore the site, read something interesting, and bless others with what you learn here.
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May God bless you richly as we journey together exploring God's word.
I earned my doctoral degree in sociology from the University of California Riverside with an emphasis on social justice, criminological theory and community mobilization.
Over the past 30 years, I have served my church in various roles including Youth Director, Sabbath School Teacher, Small Groups Facilitator, Prayer Ministry Coordinator, Church Board Member, and Church Conference Delegation Representative. I have been a member of CrossWalk Ministries in Redlands, California for the past 18 years.
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I have authored a book on building social capital for low income and minority youth as well as various articles in academic journals and peer reviewed publications on social justice and inequality. My latest book, Love Well: Sharing God's Love Through Social and Political Activism, is coming out soon! I've been married for 14 years and currently live in Southern California.
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