Day 31 – Dealing With Discouragement

Brother Stephen Aponte Sr began to learn about Jesus from his oldest daughter Rebecca Young in 1992.

He obeyed the gospel on February 25, 1995, and has since been a faithful member of the Lord’s church in Long Island.

His salvation, along with his wife Laura and that of his other 3 children, Rachel, Stephen Jr and Danny, were so important to him that he traveled with his family from Staten Island to Bay Shore/Central Islip every Sunday to worship for 10 years.

He has been married to Laura for 50 years and they have 12 grandchildren. His children’s spouses, Robert Young, Dasha Aponte and Meredeth Aponte are a blessing to his family.

Steve has spent much of his time in marriage counseling with his wife and encouraging brethren to live Godly, fulfilling lives and hopes to continue doing the same as an elder in the Lord’s church.

He enjoys spending time with his family, bike riding, golfing and traveling to keep up with his growing family.

Brother Robert obeyed the Gospel on March 26, 1995 at the Long Island Church of

Christ where he has served the majority of his life as a Christian. He has been married for nearly 25 years to his lovely wife Rebecca (Aponte) Young. They have three children, Leah, Hannah, and Robert Jr.

He most recently served the Long Island Church of Christ as the Family Minister, which involves teaching and encouraging the parents of the congregation to establish homes conducive to raising godly children. Over his years as a disciple of Christ he has served as a Campus Minister and City Minister.

As an Elder he helps the Eldership in the administration and logistics of those involved with children and family ministries at the LICOC.

Rob has a passion for preaching and teaching the Gospel and has enjoyed speaking in many states on the East Coast and in Puerto Rico.

When he finds an ounce of free time, he enjoys playing basketball, camping and road tripping.

Our brother Charlie was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States at the age of 15.  He first heard the word of God at Stony Brook University through brothers and sisters from the Long Island Church of Christ where he still serves to this day.  After years of atheism and confusion he was finally baptized into Christ in June of 1992.

Charlie has served faithfully in the college ministry at Stony Brook University and was used by God to start the Spanish ministry at the Long Island Church of Christ, where he also serves as an evangelist.

He married our sister Bernadette Gomez in 1998 and they have one son, Christian Gomez.

As an elder he seeks to teach, shepherd and guide every member of the congregation.

Our brother Charlie enjoys sports, reading, writing, acting, working out and spending time away with his family.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. ” 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Elder Kevin Booker obeyed the gospel and was added to the kingdom of God on March 20, 1996 and has since been a faithful member of the Lord’s church at the Long Island Church of Christ.

Kevin was married to sister Carmen Booker (who introduced him to the gospel) on March 25, 2000.  They have two children who are faithful in the Lord: Isaiah and Sophia.

Kevin has served in various ministries over the years, including the Children’s Ministry, Activities Committee, and Men’s Order of Service.  He has also served as a teacher for Bible Class, Devotionals, and Lord’s Supper Lessons.

Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and fellowshipping with the saints.

Brother Ray obeyed the Gospel on January 30, 2006 at the Long Island Church of Christ where he has served and worshipped since. He has been married for over 30 years to his wife Dina Gomez. They have two daughters, Shelby and Brittney.

Shelby, his oldest, is married to brother Walter Guerra and they have three children-Aubrey, Walter, and Adelyn.

He recently served as a Worship Director, which involves overseeing, coordinating, and preplanning a monthly schedule of the (Men’s Order of Service) brothers assigned to serving in different capacities on the days of worship. He also worked for many years preparing/finalizing the PowerPoint presentation for the assembly of the congregation. He facilitated in the Activities Committee Ministry in events planning throughout the year to encourage the brethren and visitors.

As an Elder, he helps the eldership in the encouragement, edification of each member of the congregation and in the operations, communication of the assembly.