Fernando's early life in Central California was characterized by gang involvement, commencing at the age of 10. The subsequent 15 years were marked by engagement in drugs, crime, and violence, resulting in periods of incarceration within Juvenile Hall, the California Youth Authority, and the California State prison system. Faced with a potential life sentence under California's Three Strikes Law, Fernando opted for deportation to Mexico due to his undocumented immigrant status.
Upon his relocation to Mexico, Fernando experienced depression and disorientation. His circumstances led him to Ebenezer Bible Church in Tijuana, where he underwent a religious conversion, understanding the Gospel after previously ignoring it.
Following his conversion, Fernando pursued theological education, graduating from the Instituto Bíblico de la Gracia after seven years of study and service. He was subsequently appointed Pastor-Teacher at Ebenezer Bible Church, a role he fulfilled faithfully for 13 years. Concurrent with his pastoral duties, he enrolled at UNECH Christian University in Mexico, earning a Bachelor's degree in Teaching Sciences in 2021 and a Master's degree in Theology in 2024.
Currently, Fernando is actively involved in a leadership training program in Costa Rica, where he assists in the development of pastors and leaders. He also serves as a pastor at Iglesia Bautista Arraigados in Costa Rica, is leading a church plant initiative, and directs a marriage ministry. He is noted for his dedication to discipleship and teaching God's Word. Fernando has been married to Silvia Tapia de Rocha for 24 years.
Upon his relocation to Mexico, Fernando experienced depression and disorientation. His circumstances led him to Ebenezer Bible Church in Tijuana, where he underwent a religious conversion, understanding the Gospel after previously ignoring it.
Following his conversion, Fernando pursued theological education, graduating from the Instituto Bíblico de la Gracia after seven years of study and service. He was subsequently appointed Pastor-Teacher at Ebenezer Bible Church, a role he fulfilled faithfully for 13 years. Concurrent with his pastoral duties, he enrolled at UNECH Christian University in Mexico, earning a Bachelor's degree in Teaching Sciences in 2021 and a Master's degree in Theology in 2024.
Currently, Fernando is actively involved in a leadership training program in Costa Rica, where he assists in the development of pastors and leaders. He also serves as a pastor at Iglesia Bautista Arraigados in Costa Rica, is leading a church plant initiative, and directs a marriage ministry. He is noted for his dedication to discipleship and teaching God's Word. Fernando has been married to Silvia Tapia de Rocha for 24 years.