Name:
Isaias Gabriel
Job:
Youth Pastor/Worship leader
Location:
Hoya del Caimito, D.R.
Family:
Not married
Favorite Verse:
Matthew 6:33 & 1Peter 2:9
Prayer Requests:
- For my youth group to grow spiritually
- To organize the youth retreat in July
Bio:
Isaias, the youngest of six children, grew up in a Christian home that actively pursued Christ and their community. As the son of a pastor and former President of G.O. Ministries in the Caribbean, Isaias grew up in a home that facilitated G.O. Ministries’ teams for 20 years. From a young age his father involved him in ministry which further helped set him on a path to serving others.
At age 16, Isaias saw a need to restart the drama group at their church and was given the green light to take it over. Kids and adults became involved and his love and talent for both the arts and ministry emerged. From there, he discovered and pursued a “new” art--Christian rap music. A few years later he left his home in the Caribbean in order to attend Great Lakes Christian University in Lansing, Michigan and pursue a degree in youth ministry.
Isaias felt he could be most effective in ministry back home so, after graduation, he returned to the Dominican Republic. He knew first hand the challenges the youth in his area faced: Most come from a broken home and are raised by a single mom. Many must go to work at an early age and all live in an environment where they are surrounded by alcohol, gangs, and drugs, often with no restrictions placed upon them by their parent(s). He was compelled to reach out to these young people, to do what he could to keep them from making harmful choices, and bring them to Christ.
Today, in his late twenties, Isaias continues to minister in his church and community by helping young adults to know Jesus, mature in their faith, and become leaders in ministry. In addition, he incorporates his talent and love for Christian rap to reach youth by putting on concerts, retreats, and ministry outreaches featuring his band, Cristo Urbano.
