Dr. Varela: RGBC's VP of Academic Affairs

    Dr. Julio Varela has served as an interim on our staff for sixteen months.  His role has been as Interim Spanish Language Ministry Associate.  Bro. Varela was a God-sent servant to us in a very timely way.  God has used him to co-shepherd the Spanish Language Ministry for a very important season.

    Dr. Varela has accepted a new assignment as Vice-President of Academic Affairs for the Rio Grande Bible College in Edinburg.  We congratulate him in this very important role and we are confident that he has both the qualifications and skills to help the school succeed as it prepares Latino ministers to serve in the Spanish-speaking Americas and beyond.

    We are so thankful to both Julio and Alma, who have been Calvary members, and have served selflessly in various ways.  They accepted our invitation to serve at the beginning of 2020 when we were saying good-bye to the long-time Pastor for Spanish Language Ministries, Dr. Rolando Aguirre, and as we entered into a fourteen-month-long period of pandemic.  These were critical times for our church, and in particular for the Spanish Language Ministry.

    Bro. Varela cared for the sick, walked along those who lost loved ones, provided pastoral counseling, preached in the preaching team rotation, worked closely with leaders of ABFs, home groups, Calvary's training institute in Spanish, WIT en español and Men's ministry in Spanish.  He was instrumental in leading many people to follow the Lord in believer's baptism or to join by transfer during these past months.  He has been a blessing to our staff and to our congregation.  Alma has provided support, has continued to participate in the Spanish service's worship team, and has been among the leadership of the WIT en español ministry.  We are very thankful for them both!

    Although Dr. Varela has already begun his role at RGBC, he has graciously agreed to stay on staff for the rest of the summer as the search committee continues to work in filling this vacancy.  He will continue in the capacity of Interim Associate for Spanish Language Ministry at a full-time level through July 15, after which he will serve on a part-time basis through August, helping us make a smooth transition as we care well for our Spanish Language Ministry.  The Varela's plan to continue to serve as Calvary members beyond Julio's staff season.

    We are confident that God's timetable is always perfect.  He sent Julio Varela to us at the perfect time.  Now as God is moving him to a new ministry assignment, we are confident that God will provide the pastoral leadership we need for our Spanish Language Ministry.  We ask you to pray for the Varela's in this transition, for the search committee for the Pastor for SLM discipleship, and for the Spanish Language Ministry at Calvary.