The Testimony of Manuel Franco Álvarez
My name is Manuel Franco Álvarez. Before I came to know the Lord, my life was completely out of order, marked by sin, alcohol, and aimlessness. I spent most days on the streets, and, from a very young age, I did not obey my parents. Yet, even in the middle of that disorder, God was working in my life. I remember an incident from my childhood when I was fishing in a small stream under a bridge. A man passed by on a horse and asked me if I was sinning (“pecando”). He was actually inquiring if I was fishing (“pescando”), but I understood the word sinning, and it frightened me. At that time, I had already heard believers preaching the gospel and speaking about sin, and that moment stayed in my heart. Looking back now, I understand that God was calling me, even as a child.
During my teenage years, bad influences and friendships pulled me away from God’s purpose. At the age of 17, I became fully immersed in alcohol, music, and parties. By the time I was 21, I was thoroughly sick of living that way and decided to sincerely seek the Lord. I gave my life fully to Christ during a church service held at a relative’s home. That day, I made a firm decision to change the direction of my life.
Before that, I had planned to leave the country by boat for Puerto Rico, as many people around me were doing. But after God saved me, those thoughts disappeared. I began reading the Bible, dedicating myself daily to the Lord, and living with a desire to please Him. The change was so clear that even my former friends noticed it and were surprised by the transformation they saw in me.
After serving the Lord for several years in Villa Altagracia and attending another church, I met my wife, Jocelyn Franco, during a church visit. From the very first time I saw her, I felt God leading me to pray and pursue a courtship. We were married when I was 26 and she was 31. God has blessed us with three children—Abigail (19), Josué (14), and Lhia (13)—all of whom are actively involved in ministry at the Holiness Church in Km 32.
Due to work responsibilities, our family moved to another region of the country for a short time, but God was faithful to provide us with jobs and a home in Km 32, allowing us to return to the church. For more than 14 years now, we have continued to grow and develop spiritually here.
When Pastor Leiva arrived in 2018, I became more actively involved in various ways, including assisting people in need and providing support after church services. Over time, Pastor Leiva shared with me his vision of forming a “Men of Valor” leadership group to strengthen the men who regularly attended church and entrusted me with the responsibility of organizing and leading it.
Serving in this ministry has been a great blessing. We have held home services, open-air campaigns, and evangelistic services. Before the men’s fellowship began, only a few men regularly attended church. After it was established, many more began coming faithfully. Some, including Alejandro—a family member of my wife—and our brother, Bienvenido, gave their lives to Christ through these services. Others participated for a season but later moved out of the country for work; however, our joy is knowing that they continue serving the Lord wherever they are.
Today, through the Men of Valor fellowship, we also hold evangelistic services in the streets, inviting neighbors to attend. God has blessed these efforts with strong attendance and hearts open to hearing His Word.
I can confidently say that the best decision a person can make is to fully surrender his life to the Lord and walk in obedience to His Word. The blessings God has prepared are found only when we walk in His will. By God’s mercy and grace, we are now a family blessed both spiritually and materially, with employment that allows us to dedicate significant time to the work of the Lord.
If I had not obeyed God’s voice, my life would have ended in failure. That is why I encourage those who have attended church for many years to step out of comfort and share the love of Christ with families and homes in need. My life is now completely different, and I give all glory and honor to God for calling me and transforming both my life and my family’s future.