Our Background and Professional Training
Pastor Ezequiel Vélez was born in New York City to a Puerto Rican family, and Pastor Raquel Vélez was born in Puerto Rico; both grew up in a close-knit family
Cristiana. Pastor Ezequiel graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus (RUM), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. After completing his university studies, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to practice his profession as a chemist. He worked at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for over 20 years; he is now retired from that work and fully dedicated to the pastoral ministry. Pastor Raquel graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus (RUM), where she completed her studies in education. She has served as a middle and high school teacher in Puerto Rico at San Carlos School, and in Atlanta at Wesleyan School and Johnson Ferry Christian Academy.
God has blessed our pastors with two children: Yessenia Vélez and Giovanni Vélez
Their eldest daughter, Yessenia, is married to Erick Garcia, and both serve as pastors for the Youth Ministry (GXO); Yessenia also serves as the worship and praise leader for this ministry. God has blessed both of them professionally in their current roles. Yessenia holds a master’s degree from Georgia State University (Science in Communication and Disorders) in Speech-Language Pathology. Erick Garcia is a graduate of Emory University (Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics) and also holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech University.
His youngest son, Giovani Vélez, is married to Rebeca Vélez. He serves as an assistant pastor in the GXO Youth Ministry. Giovani holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Georgia State University and is currently practicing in his profession. Rebeca holds a master’s degree and is a certified speech-language pathologist. She is currently practicing in her profession.
Our Theological and Ministerial Training
Pastors Vélez are graduates of the Assemblies of God Theological Institute, having graduated in 2000; both completed their studies in Theology and Christian Education. In 2004, the Vélezes took on the challenge of furthering their training in Counseling and enrolled in graduate school. Two years later, both graduated with high honors. Ezequiel earned his Master’s degree in Counseling from Andersonville Theological Seminary, and Raquel earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from DOXA International University. Raquel continued her studies in Counseling in 2009 graduated with a Doctorate in Counseling from DOXA International University, where she worked as a Counseling professor. That passion and love for restoration led Dr. Raquel to found and lead the Counseling ministry Counseling Vidas, which has blessed countless individuals, couples, and families.
Our Ministry's History
They served as youth pastors at the Assemblies of God Missionary Church in Marietta, where they held that position for more than six (6) years. This couple’s passion, faithfulness, and integrity led the Assemblies of God Southeast Hispanic District to recognize them as Youth Pastors of the Year in 2000.
In January 2002, the Vélez Pastors answered the call to found and pastor a Hispanic mission at Smyrna Assembly of God Church in Smyrna, GA. Five years later, they established that mission as a church now known as Iglesia Senda de Restauración Inc., which they have been pastoring for over 20 years. Today, hundreds of people from more than 25 nations testify to how the ministry of these anointed pastors, together with the selfless love of many ministry servants, has transformed the future of many into an abundant life in Christ. Hallelujah!