Seriously: I need a job

After 15 years of faithful service in Latin America, I and my family are prayerfully seeking the Lord's direction for us as we make the transition from Costa Rica to the United States. In early 2011 we will be turning over Eastside Church here in San José, Costa Rica, to the leaders that God has raised up through this very same ministry. And then we will be moving back to the United States (you can read some of the details of this move in our update letter from March, 2010).

What that means in practical terms is that "I need a job" when we get to the States in 2011. Obviously we are excited about God's new direction for us and we are (by His grace) faithfully following Him as He leads back "home." But, I am also praying that He would lead me to ministry He has for prepared for me in the U.S.

As I have stated many times before, I am confident of my call as a pastor-teacher, and God has confirmed that call time and again through His provision (for me to minister as a pastor-teacher) and through the fruit that He has borne through the ministry here. Therefore, I'm praying that God would open a door for me to continue to preach and teach the Bible wherever and with whomever He would desire.

• Bi-vocational Ministry: I am open to returning to an accounting job (like I had before we left for the field) and then preaching on the streets during my off-time. I love preaching on the streets. I can't get enough of that! The most Spirit-filled experiences of my life have been open-air preaching.
• An Existing Church: I am also open to accepting a call from an existing church to be their pastor or to work on a pastoral team. There are many churches out there without pastors, and if God would choose to send me to a "flock without a shepherd" (or to a growing flock that needs another shepherd!), I would love to serve Him there.
• Planting a New Church: And I'm also very open to starting a new church. If God would desire to move us to an area where there is a need for a new church, I'm all for it. My passion for biblical ministry is very simple: intentional evangelism, biblical discipleship, expository preaching, sound Bible teaching, and missions (both foreign and domestic). I've always said, "Here am I, God; send me!" And I'm still saying that.

I would covet your prayers for us as we walk with the Lord during this time of transition. May we remain faithful to Him and follow Him as He leads us!

If you are interested (or know of someone who might be interested), I've listed below some of my experience, education, etc.

• You can see an overview of our ministry here by following this link.
• My past experience
• My education
• My specialty

Past Experience

Founding & Senior Pastor  at La Iglesia del Este (Eastside Church)

2002 –  2010  (8 years)

Our ministry focus is evangelism, discipleship (and leadership development), expository preaching, and systematic teaching of the Bible.

All of our discipleship material can be viewed and downloaded here: www.discipuladobiblico.com.

I have also had the privilege of writing five books in Spanish, three of which are completed (Signs and Wonders in the Church, How to Study the Bible, and The Sevens Study), one of which is in the last stage of proofing (a commentary on the Book of Revelation; about 350 pages), and another that is written but lacks proof and correction (a commentary on the Book of Esther with a focus on the typical aspects of the book; about 500 pages). All of my books are written in 11-point type on letter-size paper (8.5x11 inches) in order to facilitate printing either by individuals or professionally.

All of my written works have been published as "eBooks" in order to offer them free of charge, in downloadable and printable PDF format, with a written waiver of the copyright held by the author (me). Anyone is free to download our materials, print them, and distribute them for free.

I have also developed a practical application seminar to teach Christians how to apply the principles in one of our key discipleship courses that deals with our life's mission of evangelism. All of this material, along with "how-to" videos is made available free of charge on the following dedicated web site: www.evangelismobiblico.com.

Associate Pastor at Iglesia Bautista Emanuel (Emanuel Baptist Church)

1997 – 2002  (5 years)

I worked under the leadership of the senior pastor, Oscar Pereira (a Costa Rican national), and was in charge of developing a discipleship ministry and core Bible institute curriculum. During my years at Emanuel I had the privilege and opportunity to preach regularly to the congregation, teach in both the church and the Bible institute, evangelize door-to-door, develop several discipleship tools (books, studies, conference material), and write a number of courses for the Bible institute (covering subjects such as the Book of Romans, Church History, How to Study the Bible, and Eschatology). Emanuel Baptist has continued to use the materials the Lord allowed me to develop, and they have also added much more since I left to start La Iglesia del Este.

Missionary at Iglesia La Biblia Dice ("The Bible Says" Church)

1995 – 1997

Bogotá, Colombia. Here I learned Spanish and began the "cultural adaptation" process of a missionary on the foreign field. At La Biblia Dice church, after learning some Spanish, I had the privilege of preaching during the evening services, working with the youth, and teaching a course on how to study the Bible and expository preaching. I also visited several of the church's mission works in other cities in Colombia with the purpose of outreach and edification (I still maintain close contact with one of these satellite churches, La Biblia Dice of Medellín, Colombia, pastor Fernando Garrido).

Accountant & Computer Network Administrator at Blue Hills Homes Corportation

1991 – 1995

Kansas City, MO. Worked as an accountant and computer newtork administrator. I have experience with various software packages including (but not limited to) Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel, and Access), Novell networking software, and Linux (I am current with several distributions and can install, configure, and maintain Linux workstations and servers).

Auditor at Price Waterhouse

1989 – 1991

Kansas City, MO. Worked in both the auditing and tax departments.

Education

Central Missouri State University

1987 – 1989

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration (Accounting)

Shepherds School of Ministry

1991 – 1995

Four-year, local-church based Bible Institute (http://shepherdschool.org/).

Luther Rice Seminary

1995 – 2001

Master of Arts, Theology and Biblical Studies

Columbia Evangelical Seminary

2009 – Present

Master of Divinity with Biblical Lanaguages (Greek and Hebrew)

Specialties

Fluent in Spanish.

Info - Needs