Rios Family
Jair and Maria come from different faith backgrounds but are now a part of our family here at Freedom Church! Jair grew up in a Christian home and knew of Christ; however, Jair felt lost after experiencing many hardships. During that time he turned to Christ and found redemption. Jair shares that he felt reclaimed and finally found he had a purpose in 2023. As for Maria, who grew up in the Catholic faith, felt as if she knew OF Jesus but did not truly KNOW his character until 2022 after experiencing hardships in adulthood.
From “day one”, the Rioses felt like Freedom Church was their “home” because of the congregation, Pastor Cameron, and everything Freedom Church is! Despite their personal “hard exterior” and walls they had built up over the years, sermons shared in Freedom Church spoke straight to their hearts bringing confirmation that this was right where they needed to be. They specifically remember their first time speaking to Pastor Cameron on a Wednesday night at a small group meal. He and others they met that night made their attachment feel genuine and so loved.
Even with being so busy with life and serving at Freedom Church, one way the Rioses keep their marriage cup full is by reminding one another who they are doing it all for. Being kind and understanding is a focus for them but most importantly working together as a team. They find that a good 10pm Taco Bell run followed by a prayer of gratitude to be what recenters their life in the midst of it all. The Rioses aspire to model the unity, love, and teamwork that they have seen in other strong couples.
When asked where they see their family in three years they shared that they see their family “growing, healthy, and full of love and grace” while serving alongside their children. Including seeing / helping their children as they walk into their own individual callings. One value the Lord has impressed upon their hearts about their own children growing up in a church serving family, is “to be intentional and if you can give your kids one thing, give them Jesus.”
Jair and Maria would like to say to other couples that are feeling the call of servitude, but are hesitant, is that Jesus doesn’t ask you to be perfect, He only asks that you be willing. “We all fall short at the feet of Jesus. For example Paul persecuted Christians but after meeting Jesus and believing in him he went on to write half of the New Testament.”
One testimony the Rios family would like to share to Freedom Church is this:
“God has been incredibly faithful to our family! Even during challenging times, we have so many incredible stories to share. But our favorite would have to be that as a family, we have all invited or led someone to our church, from grandparents to our closest friends who now call Freedom Church their home as well!”
