While many young Christians will run fast to try and win the race– Ivan is proof that a slow, calm, but steady pace, is ultimately what it takes to have longevity as a disciple.
Chief Editor~ Ricky Jean
Ricky: Tell me a little about yourself?
Ivan: I was born and raised in Southern California. I lived there for about twenty years. I was met at a community school called Citrus College at eighteen. I did not grow up religious. My parents were very liberal in that sense. Once I saw the church of disciples– it really opened up my eyes. And I wanted to become a disciple as quickly as I could.
We studied almost everyday for two weeks and on August 2nd, 2015– I got baptized. Once I graduated a married couple (disciples) asked me if I wanted to go to Albuquerque, New Mexico to help plant the church out there? (Isaiah 6:8) I agreed, and even got accepted into the University of New Mexico.
Once I finished my Bachelor’s degree, I was looking to move on to the next stage in my life, that’s when I found a job here in Texas. I have a brother who also lives out here; and that’s what really motivated me to come. I did full time work for a while, then I eventually got a part time job in order to help out the church ministry (DFWICC).
Ricky: What are some of your favorite hobbies and something you would consider unique about yourself?
Ivan: I really like adventures! In college I enjoyed physical workouts, and I even took exercise classes every semester. I took multiple types of training in swimming, triathlon, polatese, etc. I also learned how to do archery, and I learned how to shoot while going to a gun range. Then very recently, while at a conference in New Mexico– I went zip lining for the first time.
Ricky: Describe your relationship with God prior to studying the Bible and how it has changed?
Ivan: I did not grow up religious. Although we were Catholic my parents only went to church occasionally. When I turned sixteen I got a little bit more curious about reading my Bible; that’s when my aunt took me to the Mega church she was going to. I felt very welcomed by the youth groups there, but whenever I tried communicating with the Pastors they didn’t really teach me anything.
This made me very bitter. Even though I was pretending to be a Christian at that time, my lifestyle was very different. No one over there ever tried to correct me, and help me live more righteously for God. It wasn’t until I met disciples, who sat me down and read scriptures to show me the right way to live, according to the Bible. That’s what really motivated me to become a disciple– witnessing them walking the walk.
Ricky: Which Bible story or book relates to you most and why?
Ivan: I really love both 1st and 2nd Timothy. I can relate to his plight, because of my own youth. Especially when it comes to being very inexperienced, and yet, still having to take on leadership roles. It also really encourages me as well, especially when I’m dealing with a lot of doubts in that regard. “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1st Timothy 4:12)
I like taking on this scripture as a personal charge to me. It gives me courage when we go out there and share our faith.
Ricky: What do you love about the Kingdom?
Ivan: One of the biggest things I love about the kingdom is that it’s international. I was even baptized at our Global Leadership Conference (GLC), where I got to see disciples from all around the world. The amazing thing is, it doesn’t matter what part of the world we’re from– the Bible is our standard. I like the unity, family, and connections.
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