Moved by the Gospel: A Cuban Pastor’s Urban Transformation

By Nilza Oyola

Gospel in Life is privileged to share stories from Redeemer City to City (CTC)—stories of gospel-changed lives and communities (like the one below). Gospel in Life is a ministry of CTC, which was co-founded by Tim Keller. CTC exists to multiply churches and Christian leaders committed to a shared vision for gospel movements in the great cities of the world. Through a worldwide network of regional affiliates, CTC accomplishes this by training, coaching and equipping local leaders and pastors to start and strengthen churches and initiatives that serve the flourishing of their cities. Please pray that God will continue to bring about gospel change through this worldwide network of leaders and trainers. To learn more, visit their website: redeemercitytocity.com.

Wilfredo, a pastor radiating warmth and deep love for his Miami community, has been a pillar in Allapattah for over 12 years. This Cuban-born family man — devoted to his wife, Rebeca, and their children Gabriella, Caleb, and Lucas — embodies a faith journey marked by personal renewal and a passion for his city.

Allapattah, a vibrant neighborhood with a rich cultural tapestry, faces significant economic challenges. Over 34% of families live below the poverty line, a stark reminder of the deep needs within this community. Yet, amidst these struggles, Wilfredo’s story shines as a beacon of hope and transformation.

While faithfully leading Iglesia Sharon, a church in Hialeah, a sense of divine discontent stirred within him. He sensed a call to deeper engagement, to a church that was more than just a Sunday sanctuary, but a vibrant force woven into the fabric of the community. This yearning, coupled with a growing awareness of the needs around him, sparked a desire for a new approach to ministry.

This led him to the City to City Miami Iglesia Floreciente (IF) training. IF challenged traditional ministry models, emphasizing the dynamic cultural landscape of Miami, especially within the Latino community. Wilfredo’s understanding of the gospel deepened, including holistic community flourishing as an outgrowth of personal salvation. He envisioned a church actively collaborating with all of Allapattah to create a vibrant expression of “shalom.”

Emboldened by this vision, Wilfredo planted Community Disciples of Christ three years ago. This wasn’t without its challenges. Some from his previous congregation disagreed with his new direction and left, but Wilfredo remained anchored in his calling.

This gospel-centered transformation has permeated every aspect of Wilfredo’s life, including his work. God has placed him in a position of leadership within a government social services agency in Miami-Dade County. Now, every family he serves receives more than just assistance with their needs; they encounter the love of Jesus through his compassion, prayers, and genuine care. This radical love, once dormant, has awakened within him, compelling him to connect people not only to vital services but also to a relationship with Christ, inviting them to his church or other local congregations. He’s become a champion of organic discipleship, presenting a Jesus who is reachable and relevant to all.

This transformation has also impacted his church. Karla, a pillar in Community Disciples of Christ, shares how it’s become her place of belonging and purpose: “I feel like I have a very important part. … If I’m not there, it’s a big piece that’s missing.” She’s actively involved in serving the community, her faith deepening with each act of service.

Rider, a physician and church member, also experienced a transformation. “Having this experience completely shifted my priorities … into wanting to demonstrate the love of Jesus through my service as a physician,” he shares. Inspired, he now dreams of establishing a free mobile clinic for the community.

Wilfredo’s impact extends beyond the walls of the church. Last year, collaborating with community partners, he organized a health fair providing free clinical services to this underserved area. This year, he hosted a holiday dinner, transforming the church into a restaurant-like setting, with his team serving over 100 guests and providing each family with a Christmas dinner basket. His team, embodying the spirit of the event, wore shirts proclaiming, “The Gospel Moves You.”

Today, Community Disciples of Christ is a beacon in Allapattah, a testament to the power of the gospel to transform lives and neighborhoods.

Wilfredo’s story is a vibrant illustration of God’s work through ordinary people. It’s a story of courage, faith, and a pursuit of God’s kingdom that inspires a deeper engagement with the gospel and its power to bring renewal to individuals, churches, and communities. As Micah 6:8 declares, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse beautifully encapsulates Wilfredo’s journey, a testament to the transformative power of the gospel when lived out in a spirit of justice, mercy, and humility.

This Month's Featured Book

Cultivate a Deeper Prayer Life

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God offers biblical guidance as well as specific ways to pray in certain situations, such as when dealing with grief, loss, love and forgiveness. In the book, Dr. Keller helps you learn how to make your prayers more personal and powerful through a regular practice of prayer.