Raymond Barrera was the Founder and Pastor of Foundation of Everlasting Faith Ministry church which is today Truth Foundation Church. Pastor Raymond was ordained in July, 1983 and served as Associate Pastor of Teaching Word Faith Center Church for eighteen years. He was also a 1988 Emmaus Bible School Graduate and for two years had been a student at Jack Hayford's School of Pastoral Nurture. In August, 2005 he became a certified counselor at The Therapon Institute. Pastor Raymond had a track record of being involved in prison ministry for a period of sixteen years. He also loved youth ministry and served in that ministry for eight years.
Raymond Barrera was born on July 31, 1951 in the city of Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up with two brothers and four sisters, his mother and father in the south part of the city that was predominantly a hispanic neighborhood. That neighborhood had some rough life styles and rough characters in it and growing up in that type of environment made Raymond Barrera street wise and tough. It was during his high school years that Raymond met his precious wife, Sylvia. A short time later she became instrumental in bringing her husband, Raymond, to Jesus Christ. On October 31, 1978, Raymond Barrera surrendered his life to Jesus and never looked back! He remained faithful until the end!
Pastor Raymond was a very active person. He enjoyed sports and he himself often participated as a runner in marathon races. He also like baseball and was the head coach of the Fort Worth Eagles softball team. He proudly led them to city championship in 1998. He was also often seen sitting ringside at his son-in-law, (former Two-Time World Champion) Paulie Ayala's fights. He and Paulie had a very special relationship, he was not only his son-in-law but also a disciple who Pastor Raymond loved and spirtually mentored.
Pastor Raymond Barrera is well remembered for his bold and straight forward preaching style. He was uncompromising when it came to integrity and moral living. He had certain personal convictions concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ and on these he was unwavering, unyielding, unmovable and solid. He also had a unique laugh which if you heard it, you would laugh also! No one else had that laugh, it was God's special adornment to Pastor Raymond's personality. He loved Jesus and also loved his family. He had a favorite phrase that he always quoted, "God Is Good! All The Time!" He also authored the inspiring phrase, "God is for us! Jesus is with us! The Holy Spirit is in us! And the angels encamp around us!" Pastor Raymond taught his congregation and his students to always focus on "Kingdom Living", that is to live and think pertaining to the Kingdom of God and not to human religious philosophy. His example and leadership is reflected by those he discipled.
Pastor Raymond Barrera died peacefully on November 14, 2005 at his home in Fort Worth, Texas, following a courageous battle with cancer. He practiced what he taught "Don't Give Up, No Matter What" right up to the moment that he was promoted into his Heavenly home. He is survived by his beloved wife Sylvia Barrera, who carries both his name and his legacy as Senior Pastor, a daughter, Leticha Ayala, who serves in administrating, along with her husband Paulie; a son, Raymond Barrera, Jr. who participates in praise and worship, sound, and other behind the scenes services along with his wife Henrietta. He also has three wonderful grandchildren, Paul Anthony Ayala, Aleah Ayala and Andrew Barrera. The Raymond Barrera legacy and vision continues, as it will until the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We are so grateful to God that we continue to press forward as a church and that Pastor Sylvia has accepted the challenge to step into her beloved husband's place as our Pastor and Shepherd. Not to replace her husband, but to continue the work that God had begun in them as a couple. What an awesome testimony to God's endless grace and mercy!
As a congregation we have mourned together, prayed together and laughed through the memories. The key word in that statement is TOGETHER! There may have been a diabolical plan to destroy F.O.E.F., but we stood strong with Jesus through our storm. We make great efforts to assist Pastor Sylvia as she continues to lead us in the race that her husband, our Pastor trained us to run for God's glory. He would always say to us, "DON'T GIVE UP, NO MATTER WHAT!" Pastor Raymond was a great coach!
In Loving Memory
July 31, 1951 - November 14, 2005
Founder:
Foundation Of Everlasting Faith Ministry
2001-2005
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