It is a privilege and an honor to be the pastor here at Praise Community Church (since December 8, 2014). It is a great joy to carry out the responsibility to preach regularly, provide pastoral leadership and promote the vision of the church. Prior to my call to ministry, my career path was in business. I attended college at the University of the Philippines and also graduated with my MBA at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.  After 15 years of experience in the business and financial field, I pursued and earned my Master of Divinity degree at Fuller Theological Seminary in 2005 in Pasadena, California.  I prepared for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and received ordination in my first ministry call as Chaplain for Mission Hospice in South Pasadena in 2007.  I moved on to Lexington, Kentucky in 2010 where I served as Chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital while studying for my doctorate at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.  I graduated in 2019 at Asbury with a PhD in Biblical Studies (New Testament).  I am grateful to the Lord for my wife, Jill, a native of Minnesota, and our three wonderful children. I enjoy watching Christian concerts with my wife, basketball, hanging out with my kids, Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, and working out using home fitness programs.

My favorite bible verse: Jeremiah 31:3b “I have loved you with an everlasting glove. Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

I grew up in Covina and was brought up in the local Presbyterian Church. I worked for the phone company (GTE/Verizon) for 37 years and I have two grown children. In my spare time, I enjoy genealogy and spending time on ancestry.com, researching my family history. I have been at Praise Community as a member since 2004, served as a deacon for six years and am currently a ruling elder. I have been doing the bookkeeping & other administrative duties at PCC since 2012. I am happy to be able to serve this church with other members who are also committed to our Lord Jesus Christ.

My favorite bible verse: Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”

A summer filling in at Praise Community Church as church pianist in 2017 led to the blessing of my joining the ministry staff at Praise Community Church where I serve in multiple music ministries: church pianist for worship services and special events- choir accompanist and section coach – worship “Combo” keyboardist/vocalist- Founder/Director of PCC’s Music Conservatory, which offers free, weekly music lessons to church family and community members of all ages.
A classical/jazz pianist, violinist, violist, and native of California, I received my Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Azusa Pacific University in 2018, and am in my final semester of graduate studies in Piano Performance at California Baptist University where I am on scholarship as Resident Vocal Accompanist. Lord willing, I will perform my final lecture/recital in November 2020, and graduate with my MM in Piano Performance December 2020.

My favorite quote: “I play the notes as they are written but it is God who makes the music.”- Johann Sebastian Bach

I am so blessed to be a part of the staff here at Praise Community Church. I come from a large, very close-knit, family with children of all ages. Most of my childhood included attending church every Sunday. My elementary to middle school years I attended a private Christian school, and as soon as I was old enough, I volunteered in my church as a junior leader. For 7 years I helped teach children Bible lessons and assist the teacher in any way I could. I was then promoted to Sunday School Teacher where I continued for an additional 3 years. I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Theatre Arts and Theology in May 2020. In my time at APU my love for the Lord grew and I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could teach others about the love of Christ I have come to know. I have always loved children, and teaching the word of God, so I am incredibly grateful to have this opportunity as the Children’s Ministry Director where I can combine my passions.

My Favorite Bible Verse: Joshua 1:5 “You’ve got someone standing beside you that’s stronger than the one standing against you.”