A formal introduction to our pastors...

Abel Maldonado

Abel is the resident Tex-Mex favorite! He was born in El Paso, Texas, but was raised in Los Angeles, California for most of his tumultuous teens. His biggest regret was not knowing his Savior, Jesus Christ, at an earlier age. Many of the consequences of his life stemmed from a broken home and addiction to gang-banging. After years of street living, Abel found himself in Folsom State Prison facing attempted homicide charges. What institutional living couldn’t change, the power of Jesus Christ could. Four years later, he visited Calvary Chapel Montebello with the intention of killing any pastor. But the Lord grabbed his heart and changed his life miraculously while attending a church service.

The man whose aim was to kill the senior pastor, ironically became a pastor. Abel currently serves and oversees many areas of the church including the Prison Ministry, Men’s Ministry and Hospitality. His biggest success was making peace with God, through which he is now able to witness Christ’s transforming power in the lives of other people. By the grace of Jesus Christ, Abel now enjoys eating his mom’s green chili burritos (which he can’t live without) and spending time with his two grandchildren.

Carlos Mendoza

Carlos’ affinity for running is deeper than just physical. He is perpetually running towards the cross each and every day. His love for the Lord can only be rivaled for his wife Katherine and three sons. He finds great joy in serving God’s people as an associate pastor overseeing Children’s Ministry, Grounds Care and marital advising.

After soul searching and seeking peace in a chaotic world, Carlos and Katherine visited Calvary Chapel Downey in 1987 and accepted the Lord into their hearts. Both vowed to serve the Lord and raise a family in His ways. His greatest regret is not continuing with his education; but his regret has fueled a sincere hunger and drive to learn and absorb all he can about God, His people and living a victorious life through Christ. Most people can find him eating his favorite food (beans and chili), fellowshipping with members of the body and laughing heartedly at his fellow pastors.

Derek Limon

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John Paul Jones

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Juny Manzo

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Loren Lew

On June 17^th, 1977 a young Chinese-American boy accepted the Lord into his heart and he has never been the same. Born to Chinese émigrés living in Los Angeles, Loren’s big concerns were what to play at recess and imitating Wolverine from the X-Men. He was raised in the church, but never fully understood the gospel until his vacation bible schoolteacher carefully explained God’s love. His belief in God, however, didn’t match his faith in God until he was a young adult. When his belief and faith merged, his life was dynamically changed and purposed with a desire to serve Christ unabashedly.

Loren is a loyal Mac user, self-proclaimed Foodie, and PS3 Super Star. Loren’s favorite thing about his job is being a witness to God answering prayer in the lives of His children. One major prayer answered in Loren’s life was convincing his wife Alma to marry him. He claims his charm and wit won her over, but we all know it’s God’s grace and mercy answering his cry.

Willie Salcido

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