David and Gracie Mendez accepted the Lord in June of 1977. Their young faith was tested on December 29, 1977, at the birth of their son, Abel. Diagnosed with a birth defect that would require leg braces to be worn throughout his early childhood brought his parents to their knees, entrusting him to the Lord for His perfect will to be done. The next day, Abel was examined. The surprised doctor could find no defect! "Are you Christians?" he asked David and Gracie. "Yes, why?" they responded.
His parents faithfully stayed in fellowship at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. Abel accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at a Jr. High Summer Camp on Catalina Island during his seventh grade year. His faith, however, was not based upon a true relationship with His Lord. During high school he turned instead to the way of the world. The Lord, however, had a different plan for his life.
During his senior year, while camping with his family, Abel met Christina Mort. She was a godly young woman, who became his best friend, and later, his wife. They graduated from Poly High in Riverside, California in 1996. A year later, after moving to Oceanside, they attended Greg Laurie's Harvest Crusade. God drew Abel to back near to Himself. Abel was broken and surrendered his will to God. An usher at the Crusade told Abel and Christina about Calvary Chapel Oceanside. Abel and Christina have been serving Him faithfully at CCO ever since.
Abel and Christina participated in a weekly college group at CCO. Six months later, Abel served as a sponsor in the Junior High Ministry. To their surprise, the Lord called upon Abel and Christina to be married, ahead of their plans to complete college, become financially independent, etc. Although it was a step of faith, they were married on June 26, 1999.
Since then God has blessed Abel and Christina with three children, Brayden, Adysen and Camryn. Abel enjoys spending time with his family, surfing, graphic art, playing guitar, mountain biking, running, and just staying active with the youth!
Abel came on staff as the Junior High Pastor in June of 2000 and currently oversees the High School Ministry. |
