The following is an interview conducted with Pastor Al Valdez by Aldo Arguello, Media Specialist for VOSD.
What has been your greatest highlight in life?
I have had so many, but I can really say that my greatest highlights have been the births of my 4 daughters’. When my first daughter was born, I almost fainted right by the bedside of my wife. My mother in law had to hold me up for that split second. I always thought that was something that only happened in movies. Now I know that it’s real, I experienced it.
Another highlight was when my wife and I received the call to go into full-time ministry. We were sent to Bridgeport, Connecticut to open an Urban Training Center for young people and young adults. We traveled more than John Wesley, just kidding, but we really touched a lot of souls up and down the East Coast. Now we have 4 training centers in the East Coast, Los Angeles, Tijuana and Cape town, South Africa. It was the most fun time of our lives!
Also, I can’t forget the time I caught the first pitch at Dodger Stadium! I love the Dodgers, because I am originally from LA.
What have been some of the low times in your life?
Without a doubt, I can still remember how I felt right before I decided to come to church. I was 19 years old and I was desperately lost and hurting. I considered myself a very strange individual at that time because I had so many problems and had been so disappointed with myself from an early age. I was using drugs and carrying a gun. I became very violent. Everyday, I was involved in some crazy activity. My family was all broken apart and I had a terrible relationship with my parents and brothers. I can still feel the hurt from those days. I always want to remember what God saved me from. It was definitely my lowest time in life.
If you had any advice to give someone who was in your situation what would you say to them?
I would say, “Give Jesus a chance within your life!” I had someone tell me that one time at 2 a.m. and it never left my mind. This individual locked me in their car and made that statement. But it is so true. We try so many things to gain happiness, but we never try Jesus. All God needs is a small crack or opening in our heart, to do the work that He desires to do. Give Jesus a chance in your life, and I guarantee, your life will never be the same. It has been true for me and millions of others.
What have been some of the things that have kept you focused and growing through out your years of serving God?
I have to say that God’s Word has been my ultimate guide. Without his word, I do not know here I would be. From the first day I got saved, I developed this great hunger for His word. It is wonderful. My books are definitely another source of focus for me. I love to read now. The reason I say now is because I hated to read in school. I despised it, but now I cannot get enough. Reading and studying have really kept me close to God.
I also love new and exciting challenges in my life. I have never turned away from a challenge. Challenges keep me growing and depending on God. I do not feel that God has called me to live the easy life. I believe he has called my wife and I to take on each and every challenge that he has given us. Together we are are a great team. When we were asked to move to the east coast to start a new ministry, we did not hesitate. When we were asked to take the lead of the fastest growing church in Victory Outreach International, we stepped out by faith. Serving God is very exciting, but the challenges are what keep us growing.
What do you like to read besides the Bible? What kind of books do you have in your collection?
Well, I am embarrassed to say that I have a broad spectrum of reading interests, but I have to say that I love the book, The Making Of A Leader, by Frank Damazio, anything by John Maxwell, anything by Chuck Swindoll, anything by C.S. Lewis or Spurgeon. I also enjoy some of the new books in the bookstores. Robert Coleman wrote a book that has really impacted my life, God’s Master Plan for Evangelism. It is small but very anointed. But my greatest book interests are in scripture commentaries. I enjoy hearing the different scripture backgrounds and applications. The Bible is awesome!
As a Christian leader and a pastor, what brings you the greatest joy?
My greatest joy is to see lives transformed. When someone is able to experience Christ in a personal way and is able to tap into their potential in life is the reason I entered into the ministry. To me, there is no greater experience than to sit back and watch God work. It is amazing. When God is able to restore a marriage or a family, I can only say, “Wow”! I always tell leaders that we are in the business of people. Our greatest return is when God transforms people’s lives. There is nothing greater than that. And I have been fortunate enough to see it a lot in my 15 years of ministry. I have seen some pretty big miracles.
Who have been the greatest influences in your life?
This is probably the toughest question to answer, because there are so many. I would definitely say my wife. We met in high school. Georgina is a highly motivated person and a wonderful wife and mother. She is so active in the ministry. I love the way that she disciples women. She is very creative as well and loves children. She helps to keep me motivated, not only through her words, but also through her exampleship. She has been a great influence upon me.
I would also say my pastor, Sonny Arguinzoni. He was the very first drug addict reached by David Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz, way back when Teen Challenge first began in New York City. God has used him to raise up a movement of churches that are impacting the world. Every opportunity I have to sit with him and study with him has been life changing. He has been my greatest inspiration and has poured out his life into mine. After 40 years of marriage and ministry, He continues to work hard for the Lord. I desire to do the same.
Finally, Why should people get involved in church? What makes VOSD so special?
Well, I believe that all churches are special and unique. That is the wonderful thing about God and His church. Every church has its very own personality.
I believe VOSD is special because we have a vision to see lives transformed and that vision has been tested. We want to see miracles in families and individuals. We have been given an anointing to see these types of miracles in peoples lives. There is definitely gratefulness to God in the people of VOSD.
I also feel that VOSD is a very exciting church with destiny. We are on a journey for God and cannot wait to see the wonderful things that God is going to do in the future. Every week, you can feel the power of God in our services and our services certainly are not boring. They are very exciting. There is electricity in the auditorium every week. You can feel a sense of destiny in the building.
Pastor Al and Georgina Valdez are the Senior Pastor’s of Victory Outreach San Diego. Pastor Al received a Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry from Teologia Facultad de Triangular at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. Al and Georgina have 4 beautiful daughters and live in Chula Vista, California.
