Meet The Team

 

Pastor Abel Vasquez, Senior Pastor

 

Pastor Abel and his wife, Bertha, have pastored Bethesda since 1976.  Since that time the church has grown from just a handful of people to a vibrant and thriving church ministering in both English and Spanish.  His wisdom, experience and insight makes his preaching and teaching relevant, applicable and practical to those he ministers to.   One of Pastor Abel’s passions has been to travel the world preaching the gospel and encouraging other pastors.  His mission’s work has taken him to numerous countries around the globe including Nicaragua, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and India.  Here’s a little more info about pastor Abel.

Hometown: Weslaco, Texas

Education: Latin American Bible Institute, Graduated 1974.  Southwestern Assemblies of God University, BS Church Ministries.

Family: Married for 36 years to the love of his life, his best friend, and mother to their four children, Bertha.  7 grandkids and still counting.

Favorite Saying: “Do Something.  Lead, follow or get out of the way!”   “El que no sirve, no sirve!”

Favorite Movies: Quiggly Down Under;  Shreck

Hobbies: Carpentry, Fishing, Hunting

Favorite Childhood Memory: Swimming in the canals of the Rio Grande Valley

Interesting Facts: Is the 7^th child out of 11 children and married the 7^th child out of 10 children.  God’s perfect number!

 

 

Pastor Robert Flores, Lead Pastor

 

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Education: Southwestern Assemblies of God University, BS Church Ministries

Family: Married his high-school sweetheart Isela in 1999, has two beautiful children, Yasmin and Isaiah, and a mischievous dog named Ginobili.

Favorite Saying: “Dynamic ministry flows from intimate relationship.”

Favorite Movies: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Madea Movies, Ernest Goes To Camp, School of Rock, National Treasure

Favorite TV Shows: Friday Night Lights, First 48, The Voice

Favorite Food or Drink: Starbucks Caramel Machiato;  The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom plate from Chuy’s;  Beaver Nuggets from Buckee’s.

Hobbies: Attending sporting events, especially the Spurs, Cowboys and Longhorns games.  Playing the keyboard.  Playing with his kids and enjoying the Texas Hill Country with Isela.

Interesting Facts: Once tried crossing the street before an oncoming car would hit him.  It didn’t work.  The car did hit him and it landed him in the hospital for a month with a broken arm and a broken leg that was in traction.

 

 

Pastor Jake Arredondo, Executive Pastor

 

Pastor Jake, along with his wife Joy, joined the ministry team at Bethesda as youth pastors in 2009.  Before coming to San Antonio, they served as youth pastors in Victoria, TX.  In 2013 he transitioned into the executive pastor role.  Pastor Jake is also a talented musician actively involved in music ministry.  He plays the drums, bass, guitar and has even been known to excel in the kazoo! Pastor Jake has a passion to reach and mentor young people.

Here’s a little more info about Pastor Jake.

Hometown: Bishop, Texas

Education: Southwestern Assemblies of God University, AA Biblical Studies; BS Psychology

Family: Married to Joy, his teammate in life and ministry and father to triplets Emily, Allison and Seth.

Favorite Saying: “I don’t say things just to say them.”“Settle Down!”

Favorite Movies: Star Wars Episodes I-IV, Tombstone, Goodfellas, Gone in 60 Seconds, Waynes World, Billy Madison, Wedding Singer, Just Go with It, Tron.

Favorite TV Shows: River Monsters, Deadliest Catch, American Pickers, Man vs. Wild, Horsepower TV, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmer, Taboo, Kill it and Grill it.

Favorite Food or Drink: Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Whataburger, an ice cold Coke!

Hobbies: I enjoy all types of fishing, playing music, going to muscle car and rat rod shows, more fishing, and spending time with my family camping in the woods or on the beach.

Interesting Facts: Absolutely loves antique shopping, traveling, and picking with my wife.Would love to have year round cold weather.Prefers small town country living to city life. Collects vintage Star Wars memorabilia.

Pastor Evie Olivo, Children’s Pastor

 

Pastor Evie’s earliest childhood memories involve her traveling with her father, a well known children’s evangelist known as Payasito Olivin.  Having known and experienced children’s ministry all her life, it is no surprise that she would pick up the torch and continue ministering to children.  In 2009, Pastor Evie, and her husband Paul, joined the ministry team at Bethesda.  Her ability to teach and minister to children in a fun, interactive and entertaining way allows her to gain access into the hearts and minds of children to effectively impart God’s word.  Here’s a little more info about Pastor Evie.

Hometown: Lamesa, Texas

Education: Currently a student at Bethesda School of Ministries and at Baptist University of the Americas earning a BA in Spanish.

Family: Married to her knight in shining armor, Paul and has 3 great kids.

Favorite Saying: “Smiles are free so give them away.”

Favorite Movies: The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry; Letters To God

Favorite Drink: Sweet, Sweet Ice Cold Tea…Very Sweet with Lots of Ice.

Hobbies: Reading, singing, making craft items, visiting the elderly, having lunch with her best friends.

Interesting Facts: As part of her ministry, Pastor Evie dresses and performs as a clown and her husband accompanies her performing as a squirrel. So…the clown married the squirrel.