K-LOVE’s Positive People – by Rafael Sierra, Jr. (complete podcast available) (more Positive People stories)
When Gilberto Corredera first came to America, he never imagined how God would change his life. Today, Gilberto is lead pastor of Prestonwood En Español, the Spanish outreach of Prestonwood Baptist Church in the Dallas area. But the path from his native Cuba to the joy of sharing faith in Texas taught him a major life and heart lesson.
“God is not finished with you yet. If God is calling you to follow Him and you are going through a tough time, a difficult time, don’t forget that God is not finished with you yet. He has a plan; He’s working his plan.”
“I was a pastor in Cuba for 12 years, everybody knew me there; but when you get here, you start from zero. Nobody knows you; you can’t speak the language.” Facing this new reality, the only place where we could find work was at a church, washing dishes.
“I have to confess that I cried a lot. Almost no sleeping, just crying and praying and asking the Lord, ‘why I am here.’” But despite the hardship, Gilberto knew that God had a positive plan that would impact not only his life, but the life of others.
“God was helping me to understand, the Spanish speaking community that works in workplaces like that – kitchens, restaurants – that later on, He was planning to use me to minister to them.” Gilberto says, sometimes what we see as a ‘big failure’ is an opportunity for God to “to take us where He wants to take us.”
“When I look back (at) my life, every day, I am so grateful.” Gilberto says he gives all the glory to God and tries to serve Him with all his heart. He’s certain of this because he knows the Lord rescued him, knows that He is blessing him, and knows that God loves him very much.
Click the full interview below
Pastor Gilberto also has a lot to share in this ‘I Am Second’ film, offered in Spanish. Please check it out.