In 1995 Pastor Ruben and Cynthia Cortez were sent out from Calvary
Chapel Santa Maria California to the City of Guadalupe, a small
coastal community on the central coast of California to plant a new church.
After twelve years of ministry the Lord began to impress upon Rubens heart
that his work was done in this city. After several years of resisting the Lords
call, Ruben and Cynthia began to prepare for the next step of faith that the
Lord had for them. After much prayer and waiting, the Lord through various
circumstances led them to the City of San Leandro California.
In the fall of 2008 Ruben and Cynthia drove through the streets praying and
seeking confirmation from the Lord. After speaking with a few area
Pastors, they were received with open arms and encouraged to come and
plant a new Calvary Chapel. On Sunday September 6, 2009 Pastor Ruben
preached his last sermon to the congregation of Calvary Chapel
Guadalupe. After 14 years of fruitful ministry he resigned as senior pastor
and turned over the church to pastor Rogelio and Frances Parra.
In September 2009 Pastor Ruben began the relocation process. He and
his family are excited about the work that the Lord has in store for them.
Pastor Ruben brings along with him his daughter Christianna Cortez who assists
with worship and Children Ministry as well as his wife, Cynthia Cortez who has a gift for
administration and the Women’s Ministry. In just a few months they have grown to
love the people of San Leandro.
The vision the Lord has given him is to reach the unchurched. There
remains thousands of hurting and lost people who need their lives deeply
touched and transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.