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Puentes de Cristo provides a wide variety of programs. Its Self-Development
of People program includes job training and offers opportunities
for people to develop their self-esteem. The nutritional program
feeds malnourished children daily, while clinics treat adults
and children. In addition, Puentes de Cristo emphasizes evangelism,
preventive health, educational activities, and prenatal care.
Life on the border is a challenge for the Medinas. Gilberto writes,
"To live and testify our faith in Jesus Christ at the border
between the United States and Mexico is a great challenge. In
many places along the border, the manifestations of the demonic
powers of hunger, poverty, prejudice, and hopelessness seem to
be the normal determiners of human life."
Prior to their assignment to Puentes de Cristo, Gilberto and
Maria served ten years in Venezuela. The couple trained pastors
and lay people in evangelism at the request of the Presbyterian
Church of Venezuela. Gilberto assisted in evangelism training.
Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Gilberto attended the University
of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. He received an MDiv degree from the
Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico. He has studied for a master's
degree in sacred theology at Pittsburgh Seminary in Pennsylvania
and has held pastorates in Puerto Rico at Aguadilla and Ponce.
He was organizing pastor of a new church in San Juan Presbytery.
Before his appointment to Venezuela, he was a part-time professor
of religion at the Inter-American University in San Juan.
Maria was born in Muanabo, Puerto Rico. She earned her RN at
the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Puerto Rico and
a BS degree in nursing at the University of Puerto Rico's School
of Medicine. She has held positions as general nurse, head nurse,
and pediatric nurse at hospitals in Aguadilla, Ponce, and Caguas
in Puerto Rico. Before her appointment to Venezuela, she was associate
director of nursing at the San Rafael Hospital in Caguas.
The Medinas have four adult children: Marimigda, Gilberto, José
Victor, and Elba Mari, and two girls still at home: Ariyuris and
Auríanny.
Birthdays:
Gilberto - September 20
Maria - April 20
Ariyuris - July 19, 1985
Auríanny - September 16, 1986
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