Pastor Juan Antonio Juarez

Pastor Juan Antonio Juarez was born on February 10, 1954 in McAllen Texas but his life began in earnest the day he surrendered his life to Christ, but surrender was not a word he was much accustomed to considering he grew up on the tough streets of east Bakersfield. Although feared and respected in a sinful and violent world he finally confronted a love he could not resist in the person of Jesus Christ. His love and commitment to the Lord would ignite a vision and passion that has touched untold many and has spanned several countries. Pastor Juan's life was a storied journey of redemption and passion; a man, who by many estimates, should have been incarcerated or bound to a lifelong addiction. Against the odds, Jesus graced him with the ability to build a beautiful fellowship that would serve to heal the hurting and provide refuge to the lost.

However, the God-orchestrated life of Juan Juarez was set in motion in 1976. While imprisoned, Pastor Fernie Mancillas came to visit the troubled young man and led him to Christ. Shortly thereafter, in an unexpected decision by a compassionate judge Pastor Juan is offered rehab instead of a 10-year prison sentence, and in his own words jokingly quipped,"it didn't take me long to think about that". He would spend the next 12 months in Teen Challenge, the Lord molding and shaping his life and character. After successfully completing the program he accepts a position with the organization. It is during this time that another significant turning point occurs. He meets the love of his life, Kathleen Archuleta. They marry in 1978 and are soon off to the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Pastor Juan enters the world-renown Rhema Bible Institute in Tulsa Oklahoma. This once street

thug steps into a formal and academic life unknown to him. Still, he thrives showing the metal of his heart and mind and graduating full of faith and a vision to advance God's kingdom. The wayward son returns home. After graduation, and a young family in tow. Pastor Juan returns to offer the same hope that escaped him. With few resources and a fearless heart Pastor Juan founded Valley Faith Fellowship, originally Delano Christian Center, on August 3, 1983. Like his passion for sin from days gone by, he dedicated himself to serving a desperate and forgotten people. Although few words can ever capture the influence of his person, his life's work covered over 30 years, some 5,000 services, Christmas, Easter and special event rallies and dedicated 15 years to the ripe mission fields of the Philippine Islands. The enormity of his leadership will serve as an inspiration for all who are left behind to aspire to. We can truly change the world for Christ if more Pastor Juans' graced the corridors of this earth.

He is survived by his wife Kathy, their sons Chris and Eric, and daughter in-law Yoli Juarez. Two wonderful grandchildren, Nicole Denise Juarez and Christopher Ethan Juarez. Also, two brothers Rudy Juarez and Ysidro Juarez Jr. He will be deeply missed.