By JP Petines
As the former leader of GCF Durham, I have had the great privilege of knowing, learning and working with Luis especially around ministry leadership. He has a God-given vision bigger than himself and the church.
Luis is a Christ-filled pastor, concerned with building God’s kingdom to see his congregation grow into fully mature disciples of Jesus. He looks after the interests of others, never failing to give words of affirmation. He has the unique ability to connect people’s natural passion and identity with God’s calling, that leads people to flourish at church.
It’s a natural part of the makeup of who he is, so empowering others comes easily and freely.
In a vocation which few remain, Luis chose to be a shepherd to the flock. His work knows no time or locational boundaries. Luis works hard to serve not only our congregation but everyone he meets. Helping his neighbours is second nature. Oftentimes, he would be mowing their lawns or shovelling snow from their driveway. He would even build backyard decks for them! One time I asked him, “Why do you do so much for them?” He replied, “They are non-believers, and I want them to feel the Christian love. Who knows, maybe one day, they would come to our church.”
During the pandemic, Luis and his wife Jeanna started a Sick Care Package Program where they delivered food, medicine, and an uplifting “Get Well Soon” card to sick church members. This initiative continues to this day.
But there are also many things that he does that go unnoticed. He prefers it that way because he does not want to be the centre of attention.
At GCF Durham, Luis has fostered a culture of life and created an encouraging environment. He treats everyone as family. In the summer, he would invite everyone at their home and host a barbeque party. His is a position of service and servant leadership. He genuinely wants God’s best for his congregation.
About Luis Cruz
Luis Cruz planted Greenhills Christian Fellowship (GCF) Durham in Ajax in 2018 and continues to serve as Senior Pastor of the congregation. He previously pastored churches in the GTA and the Philippines. He received his education at the Master’s Divinity School (Bachelor of Ministry in Interdisciplinary Studies), Tyndale University (Master of Theological Studies), and Master’s International University of Divinity (Doctor of Biblical Studies Major in Biblical Counselling). Luis and his wife Jeanna married in 1982 and have three children.
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