Ellis Flores Is Ordained
BY ARAYA MOSS
“I knew that God had called me to ministry when, after much searching and asking,” Pastor Ellis Flores said, “I heard God’s voice through the words of Ecclesiastes 11:1: ‘Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days’ (KJV).”
At the age of 19, Flores accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. Soon after, he contemplated how he could share the gospel with others. While reading Ecclesiastes one day, Flores was at first not sure what God was asking him to do. But through the guidance of the Holy Spirt, His message became clear: “Preach the Word.”
This pivotal moment in Flores’ life happened in late 2002 as he grappled with choosing between pursuing a career in education or answering the divine call to ministry. Though he sought advice from elders, church leaders, and pastors whom he trusted, Flores knew he needed to hear from God Himself. The following year, by God’s direction, he enrolled in the religious studies program at La Sierra University. God’s call on Flores’ life was affirmed 20 years later at his ordination service last December.
During the ceremony, after receiving his new credential and certificate signifying his newly ordained status, Flores thanked the various influences throughout his journey: his family, spiritual mentors, and members from the previous congregations where he served. His wife, Patty, and sons, Ellis and Ethan, also gave special music during the program.
For years, Ecclesiastes 11 has remained influential in Ellis’ ministry. “Ministry can be really challenging and at times you can get discouraged if you don’t see that outcomes that we humans expect,” Flores shared. “The words of Ecclesiastes 11 are always a reminder that my only duty is to be faithful to the message and the preaching. God takes care of the rest.”
Gustavo Mendez Is Ordained
BY ARAYA MOSS
In a full-circle moment, Gustavo Mendez was ordained to the gospel ministry at the very church he began his ministry as a youth pastor 10 years prior.
Though Mendez recognized from a young age God’s call to ministry in his life, he still had doubts growing up. At 15 years old while at a youth camp, a near-tragic accident changed his perspective. While swimming in the river, he began to drown but was saved by four young people. Mendez wondered to himself, “Why did God save me?” He understood this event as a response to his questions in childhood. That day, Mendez dedicated his life, his dreams, his plans—everything—to God’s service.
From Tabasco, Mexico, to Chicago, from Los Angeles to Andrews University and back to Los Angeles again, Mendez‘s relationship and understanding of God continued to grow. He acknowledges how God has placed mentors and colleagues in his life to shape and mold him as well.
“My faith allowed me to believe that God had called me to serve Him far away from my homeland,” Mendez. recalled. “Like Abraham, I went forward by faith into a land unknown. I left home. As Abraham left his land with faith, knowing that God had called him and that God Himself would be with him, I humbly listened to God’s voice.”
Mendez was deeply moved and humbled by the overwhelming support at his ordination service last December. He knows God has called him to bring to the feet of Christ those who are suffering, who are in need, who are weeping, and who are alone in a dark world.
“The role of the pastor in our day is becoming more and more relevant,” Mendez said. “The pastor is called by God to lead His people to the promised land.”
