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My journey this week takes me to a brother-in-Christ and old friend, Pastor Jose Carmen Licea. As a family man and servant to the Lord, he excels.
“I was born in Guanajuato, Mexico. While I was growing up, I served in a church for many years, thinking I was close to God," Licea said. "I was so far away from him. I later found out that religion doesn’t save us; it is only through accepting Jesus in our hearts.
“In my teenage years I made my living playing in many Spanish secular groups; but one day in the small town of Blanco, a man of God was having a tent revival — really my only purpose in going was to criticize," Licea said. "But God had another plan. I gave my life to Jesus Christ on that day, July 7, 1983. From that day forth I have served my Lord. I have had the privilege of being a part of Rejoice music ministry and of the music ministry of New Life Church. I then went on to be ordained and became co-pastor of a bilingual non-denominational church in San Marcos, named Agape Ministries started in 1986. During that time, my family and I were able to minister at multiple churches, nursing homes and even in some detention centers.
"After much prayer and fasting, the Lord led me to another opportunity, pastoring Holy Ground Church (est. 2011)," Licea said. "After several moves, we now have a permanent church home under construction in Martindale.
“Through the years, I have been able to study and become a licensed plumber, which has provided the resources to be a bi-vocational pastor. My wife, Irma and children Rebecca and Juan Carlos, and their spouses, Peter and Samantha, are very supportive and have blessed me with two grandchildren, Emiliano and Isabella Rose," Licea said.
“I am so grateful to the Lord for what he has brought me through and I feel humbled that he chose to use this scrawny kid with a guitar to bring honor and glory to his name. No matter what is accomplished in this life, I will never be able to repay Him. When my time on earth is through, I hope to fulfill my favorite scripture," Licea said.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7”
