Bolivian Pastor Augustin Luna has been a friend and pastor to myself and my family now for more than four years.  Orphaned at the age of eight, (when a truck carrying his parents along Bolivia's famed 'Road of Death' overturned killing them both); Augustin and his brother were raised by American Missionaries in a small northern community of the Yungas. 

Raising himself out of poverty to complete school and seminary; Augustin has now been a pastor for over 30 years in various parts of Bolivia.  Presently, he serves as one of 20 lead pastors in a local Santa Cruz church called, Igleisa de La Plenitude.

Of equal importance to us; Augustin serves as Head-Pastor of Vertical Life Ministries; giving counsel in our own personal growth & discipleship; further, involving himself in every operational aspect of Vertical Life Ministries which makes no decision apart from his approval. 

Weekly, Augustin & I meet to confess sin, weakness & fear; then praying together for one another.  Many of these meetings and times of prayer have been incomparable 'diamond moments' for both of us; wherein God has fused us more-and-more together, both with each other, and with Himself. 

I cannot imagine Vertical Life Ministries, or my own present life, being what they are at this moment without Pastor Augustin's genuine friendship.  What I have experienced in our relationship is a love that has exceeded more than I could ever desire.  I love him dearly.  And without him, we would be nothing.