Meet The Pastor
Lead Pastor Hiram Vargas
Several years ago, I was working in a high-end jewelry store in North Central Florida. At that time, I was in the middle of a major life transition. Since part of my job was to sell diamond rings, I was told that I would need to study the history of precious stones. As I began to read and study, I heard the Lord speak to my heart to pay close attention as the new information was vital to my calling. As I began to read, I discovered that certain GEMS were stronger than others. I learned the true name of a diamond is a "precious stone." I also learned that diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are the strongest of all precious stones. They could withstand tremendous heat and pressure without suffering damage. Finally, one day, I was reading Isaiah 54:11-12, and what I read forever changed my life.
"Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: I'm about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise, Lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, Your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones."
I learned God builds our lives with the absolute strongest stones. He laid our foundations with sapphires, constructed our towers or battlements with rubies, our gates with jewels, and our wall with precious stones. All these stones represent majesty and strength. They represent Jesus Christ, the Chief Cornerstone of the church and our lives. (Ephesians 2:20)
We are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple. (1Peter 2:5)
As living stones, we are called to be life-givers. That means everywhere we go, in every circle and circumstance we find ourselves in, we are to influence and radiate the life of Christ. Be it in our communities, the marketplace, or our neighborhoods, we are called to touch lives and make a difference. We are living stones that advance the Kingdom of God and bring life, grace, and change everywhere we go.