I’m a Guatemalan immigrant who grew up in Long Beach, California. I didn’t get into much trouble, because I had great parents who took us to church and bought us cable television. I have a heart for people of all ages, especially youth. I feel a call to journey with them as they experience a God who is gracious, compassionate and loving. At all stages of life, people long to see where God is at work in their lives and in this city; my job is to help nurture their faith experiences, care for them and point them to places where the Holy Spirit is active. I am a huge soccer and basketball fan; my West Coast spirit shines as I cheer for the Galaxy and the Lakers. I am also a craft beer nerd. I love all styles of beer, especially IPAs and sours.

Hometown
Long Beach, California

Education
Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry
Azusa Pacific University

Master of Divinity
Master of Arts in Christian Education and Spiritual Formation
Princeton Theological Seminary

Family
Wife, April—who for some reason loves (well, tolerates) my 13-year-old’s sense of humor. We have a chihuahua named Shuri who loves people but terrorizes other dogs.

My Favorites
Movies: The Sandlot, The Shawshank Redemption
TV Shows: Freaks and Geeks, Friday Night Lights, How I Met Your Mother, The Good Place
Books: Tattoos on the Heart, by Father Greg Boyle; Life of the Beloved, by Henri Nouwen