Boy, there is something about the 40s that is humbling, at least for me. As I took a long walk in some nature trails in Fairbanks, Alaska, I started thinking deeply about the men that were and are spiritual leaders in my life.

      I have had supervisors in jobs, good spiritual friends, team captains, etc. but the men that I will honor with this article are the men that God used and is using the most in my life as minister.

      Before I continue, let me establish that what I am about to do has a strong biblical foundation. Romans 13:7 tells us,

Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. (NASB)

      The word Render simply means, “To give or to do something necessary in fulfillment of an obligation or expectation.^[1]” Out of this definition we gather that Romans 13:7 is not just a recommendation, but also a necessity and, further more, an obligation.

      On this article I will only deal with giving honor to whom honor is due. The word Honor is the Greek word τιμή timḗ; meaning, “to pay honor, respect.^[2]” First Timothy 5:17 tells us,

The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. (NASB)

      The word Honor here is exactly the same word Honor that we see in Romans 13:7. So I conclude that the men that I am about to honor in this article, by necessity, I have the obligation to give them double honor because they were and are Elders and because they influence me with their preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

Based on this strong Biblical foundation I give honor to:

1. Elder Doug Berrenguer: (http://www.sav-a-child.com/welcome.htm) This is the man God used to bring me to the feet of Jesus. He is an example of humility, service and love for God’s Word.

2. Apostle José Bosque: (http://jaxchristian.com) With this man I learn to persevere in ministry. I learn a passion for worship and the prophetic flow. Because of this man I got involved in prison ministry and active writing.

3. Pastor Deon Vanstaden: (https://www.facebook.com/dvanstaden?fref=ts) Pastor Deon is the man God used to ordain me publicly as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Deon is a great example of humility, hard work and service to God’s people.

4. Pastor Wallace Phillips: (http://carpentersshopchurch.blogspot.com) Pastor Wallace trusted me with pastoring a small Hispanic congregation that later became a bilingual ministry. This man saw me, first hand, in my ups and downs, but never doubted me as a minister. Pastor Wallace always encouraged me to use my gifts for the Lord, especially writing.

5. Pastor Jonathan Rissmiller: (http://www.abundanthopeonline.com) Perhaps he is the one that found me at my lowest, but even when he did not know me, his love for restoration in my life was evident. Even as we did not totally agree in doctrinal issues, outside of my parents and close family members, nobody has shown me more love that this man.

6. Pastor Sandy Outlaw: (https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Vision-Ministries-of-Murfreesboro/115102738547996) God used Pastor Sandy Outlaw to give me that second wind. With Pastor Outlaw I saw my full restoration; not only the return to the passion for ministry, but levels that I had never reached before. Pastor Sandy Outlaw is a great example of an uncompromising love for God’s people.

      Out of these six men, two are of predominantly Cuban descent, one is African descent, and three are of predominantly Caucasian descent. I pray that this fact be a direct reflection of my multi-cultural heart.

        These six men have seen the good, the bad and the ugly in me; nevertheless they have loved me through it all, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I pray to God that one day I can make it in somebody’s list as a man that impacted somebody’s life as you guys did mine.