Ruben Daniel Bernal

Childhood

Pastor Ruben Daniel Bernal was born on August 11th, 1953 in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. He was the first-born son to Ruben and Josefina Bernal. Everyone would call him Daniel to distinguish him from his fathers name. Growing up in Nogales was difficult. He always maintained a closeness to his family, especially his grandparents Maria and Jose Osuna and his grandmother Carlota Bernal and “nana” Martina Flores. His family would often travel from Mexico to Arizona and California to work in the agriculture industry during the different agriculture seasons.

While living in California, Ruben and his family began new family traditions that would last well into his adult years, Deer hunting and Fishing! The family would often take fishing trips to Moss Landing and Monterey Bay and hunting trips to Los Padres National Forest, Yosemite, California and Carson City and Reno, Nevada as well as Cleveland National Forest in San Diego. He would eventually pass these family traditions down to his children and continue to enjoy them with his father and brothers through the years.

Message of the Gospel

Ruben received the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ during a visit from a preacher by the name of Miguel Valverde. Pastor Valverde continued to minister to the Bernal family and soon they started attending services at the Apostolic Church in Gilroy, California. Ruben was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ by Minister Mike Valverde Jr, at midnight on January 1st,1968 at the age of 14 years old.

The family finally settled in the small town of Gilroy, California. As a young man, Ruben joined a boxing gym and soon began to compete. He won 2 consecutive gold medals in the California Amateur Boxing Championships, in the fly-weight division. Ruben was advised by his Pastor that although he was good at boxing, he would eventually have to make a choice to commit fully to Christ or commit to his sport. Ruben continued to box in secrecy from his Pastor until one night one of his fights was televised. It was broadcasted live and watched by many, including a man who happened to be receiving Bible studies by none other then Pastor Mike Valverde.

Ruben decided to give up boxing and commit his life to the service to Christ. He was set aside for the ministry at a convention in Northern California District at the age of 16 years old. He also continued to work with his local church youth group which had a total of 5 members including his sister Elizabeth and the pastors 2 daughters, Yoly and Lydia. He was assigned to minister at the San Martin Mission in San Martin, California. The congregation consisted of a few brethren from the church of Gilroy and only 1 member, Brother Nacho.

Ministry

Although school was difficult because of a language barrier, Ruben was able to preserver and graduated from Gilroy High School in 1971. He also kept a close relationship with one of the pastors daughters and on December 16th, 1972 he married the love of his life, Lydia Valverde at the age of 19.

Pastor Bernal was ordained to the ministry at a District convention in San Diego in 1973. The young couple remained in Gilroy working and ministering. In 1974 they had there first child, Ruben Miguel III and in 1977 there second child Daniel was born. While still in Gilroy, He took interest in coaching baseball and along with his father, coached his 2 younger brothers, Able and Joel and his nephew Rene Vargas. The now young family decided make a new life for themselves in the city of San Diego, California.

In 1980 Pastor Bernal continued to work in ministry and serve the church of San Ysidro, California under the direction of Senior Pastor David Contreras. He served in many areas of ministry including Co-Pastor and sunday school superintendent. Pastor Bernal was also an avid softball player. He played on the mens team and where he competed in many games against the youth team and the New Life Center team. He would often where the colors of his favorite baseball team, The Los Angles Dodgers. Living in San Diego gave Pastor Bernal the opportunity to work for as a boiler repairman on many U.S. navy ships and aircraft carriers such as the USS Nimitz and the USS Kittyhawk. In 1982 God blessed the family with one more child, a baby girl they named Liliana. Pastor Bernal was proud to have the daughter he always wanted.

Called to Arizona

In 1989, after 9 years of serving as co-pastor in the church of San Ysidro, Pastor Bernal was called to become a senior pastor in the city of Surprise, Arizona. He served as senior pastor for 5 years ministering, teaching and completing many church construction projects such as construction Sunday school classrooms, a new church parking lot and church sign and built a pastoral house. It was during this time that God, gave him his first song, “No me Dejes”.

Oh Canada

One night in 1995, at about 3:00 in the morning his son Ruben heard a sound coming from the his fathers office. He investigated and found Pastor Bernal praying and asking God for direction for his ministry. Shortly after, the family moved to London, Ontario, Canada where Pastor Bernal would serve as Bishop Supervisor over the country of Canada. During his four years in Canada, Pastor Bernal ministered in the churches of Toronto, Hamilton, and London, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec. The family also had to adjust to the cold Canadian weather, the French language and new cultures. Also during this time, Pastor Bernal was diagnosed with diabetes. Heartbroken and discouraged, he asked God for help. God responded by giving him a new song called “Ante tu Altar”.

Back to Arizona

After 4 years in the mission field it was time for the family to return home. In 1999 Pastor Bernal would return to Arizona to pastor the church of Cashion. He would spend the next 20 years preaching, teaching and ministering in all levels of service. He was also elected as Elder for Sector 1. He started a sector softball league that lasted for several years. He was also elected to 2 terms as the Arizona District Treasure. God also granted Pastor Bernal one of the greatest joys a man could ever have, Grandchildren! They are and will forever be his pride, joy and life-long legacy. On January 1st, 2019 he baptized his oldest granddaughter, Alexa. This would be the final baptism he would ever perform.

Going Home

In the early morning hours of March 28th, 2019 Pastor Bernal was called home to be with the Lord. He is survived by his wife Lydia Bernal. His children and their spouses Ruben & Mara Bernal, Daniel & Jacquelline Bernal, and Liliana & Robert Garcia. His 7 grand children; Alexa, Joshua, Robert, Andrew, Daniel, Carlee, and Micah. His Mother Josefina Bernal. His siblings: Elizabeth Reyes, Carlos, Abel, and Joel Bernal, Mother in law Isabel Valverde, 2 brothers in law Sam and Steve Valverde, and 4 sisters in law: Solia Lobato, Esther Mena, Maggie Vargas, and Yolanda Almanza. Countless uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.