Rev. Manuel De Jesus Cruz, Jr.

He spent his younger years living between New York and Puerto Rico. At the age of 17, he moved back to Puerto Rico, where he met his younger sister’s best friend, who ended up becoming the love of his life; and at 18, his wife. After their marriage in 1980, they moved back to New York, where they had their four beautiful children.

He devoted his life to Jesus Christ after the birth of his only son. He held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. Manuel pursued his calling from God of becoming a pastor, and in 1993 he fulfilled his calling. He went on to purchase a residential/commercial property in 2000. He transformed the home on the property into a church, Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal M.I., Faro de Luz, located on 2870 Firehouse Rd, DeLand, FL, which stands to this day. Rev. Cruz was a selfless man of God and a pillar of strength to his family and congregation. He supported the U.S. military troops by sending care packages to deployed War Fighters during the holidays, donated to the wounded Warrior Project, aided the homeless community, and conducted missionary trips in third world countries. He trusted God completely and listened daily for God’s instructions.

On February 3, 2021, after battling the effects of the COVID-19 virus, God called for his shepherd to stand by his side. He was a very loving, hard-working, honest, loyal, empathetic, compassionate husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, friend, patriot, leader, mentor, and pastor. We already miss him profoundly; however, all the wonderful memories will live on in the hearts of those that knew him best. He was a great example of a man that followed the word of God, and there is no doubt that his legacy will live forever.

Manuel is survived by his wife of forty years, Zoraida; his four children Yajaira, Aileen, Emanuel, and Amy; his in-laws, Eleazar, Sarai, and Javier; his eight grandchildren, Alex, Aiden, Neelian, Francisco Isai (Jesse), Emma, Ethan, Amaries, and Adeline; and other living relatives.

“So, our bodies return to the earth, and the life-giving breath returns to God”, Ecclesiastes 12:7