Introducing our new Pastoral Intern, Emilio Vazquez-Goñi

The other day, Salt Creek member Logan Brandon sat down with our new Pastoral Intern, Emilio Vazquez-Goñi in order to share a little about Emilio's story so you can get to know him better. Here's what Logan wrote:

For the past five years, Emilio Vazquez-Goñi has been a faithful member of Salt Creek Baptist Church. While teaching the church’s youth, coordinating the worship team’s audio and helping out fellow members, Emilio’s represented an inspiring dedication to the Lord’s work.

Recently, Emilio and Pastor David Curtis identified a need to serve Spanish-speaking believers in Polk County. Emilio felt the Lord calling him to serve, and he joined Salt Creek Baptist Church’s staff as a Pastoral Intern.

“I understand the (Hispanic) culture,” said Emilio, “I feel God moving me to become more involved in ministry. I want to do more than just go to church on Sunday. I want to grow and do God’s will – whatever that may be.

“Pastor David saw something in me,” he added. “It wasn’t just me saying, “I can do this!’ This isn’t a one-person vision. Salt Creek Church is a place for us to do this together. I’m open to whatever God wants for me. It may not be with just Hispanics; God can take me in His direction.”

Prior to meeting his future wife, Emily, in 2013, Emilio didn’t have a strong relationship with the Lord. But when Emily and a ministry team began building houses for the needy in Mexico, Emilio witnessed God’s divine influence in his region.

“I saw their faith while they worked in Mexico. I saw the body of Christ and I was challenged to believe,” he remembered.

Through Emily’s guidance, Emilio committed himself to the Lord. His wife challenged him, and Emilio realized he was a “lukewarm Christian.” Prior to his baptism, he recalled God telling him, ‘You’re either in or you’re out.’

And Emilio replied, “I’m in.”

Emilio’s immigration to the United States proved a challenge to his faith and patience. Constant issues acquiring a visa tested the young couple’s bond, but Emilio credited the trial for strengthening his marriage and relationship with Christ.

“First, God let me know I wasn’t in control of anything,” he said. “As a married man, I felt like I was supposed to take care of my family. With my engineering degree, I thought I would make bank.”

As God delayed his residency, Emilio learned to completely depend on Him. Emily’s career lifted the couple financially, Emilio said, and they were never in need. “It was eye-opening. We were always provided for.”

Emilio’s hobbies include walks with Emily, playing with Ebbie, his black Labrador, surfing, enjoying food with family, and learning new things.

When asked about his new direction in the church, Emilio replied, “God is always taking care of me. Everything has fallen into place. Blessings after blessings have come to me and Emily, and will continue to come.”