Our family celebrated Easter early this year, and amid the food, laughter and grandchildren searching for the Easter eggs, I was overcome with gratitude for a multitude of reasons.

Jesus’ life, burial, and resurrection – the gospel – is a gift of incredible proportions. Without a doubt, my life is different because of Jesus. 

If there’s a theme to my life is that I’ve been blessed far more than I deserve.

I thank God for Uncle David and Aunt Nena and the Hernandez cousins who played a huge role in our family coming to understand and grasp the gospel. They were, and still are, living testimonies of transformed lives.

I married a PK – preacher’s kid, and the Gonzalez family helped our family grow in knowledge of the Bible and painted a beautiful picture of how to be faithful followers of Jesus. 

I’m thankful for a youth pastor, Lorenzo Pena, and his wife, Santa, who took an interest in a 14-year-old kid and helped him grow spiritually. 

And there have been so many others that God has blessed my life with – opportunities, both in the marketplace and in ministry. Friendships that have lasted decades. Godly extended families that our two beautiful daughters have helped to create with their marriages.

Not to mention, five of the smartest and best-looking grandchildren.

Blessings have come my way in abundance throughout my life, and in the middle of a family Easter celebration, gratitude reigned in my heart.

I still pinch myself at the opportunity I now have, to lead Christian Community Action (CCA) and together with a passionate staff, serve so many vulnerable families in our communities. It really is a job bigger than me, but I’m grateful that families are being loved and cared for through our efforts.

We have served thousands of families during the pandemic, and I hope and pray that they see Christ in us as we care for them.

My prayer for all of us is that we continue to focus our eyes on Christ and that we would be grateful for the blessings that His life, death and resurrection brings to each one of us.

Happy Easter, everyone! Our Lord is risen!

Gilbert Montez
President and CEO

P.S Help us raise $150,000 this month for families who need help. Thank you.