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This month we are
highlighting
a precious family whose names and faces are already familiar to most of
us, the Doctolero family.
Al and “CC” Doctolero
met at a Santa Barbara Christian church and were called to marriage while
in preparation for a missionary trip to the Philippines. Viewing the
marriage as evidence of God’s calling upon their lives, Al and “CC” were
overjoyed when God blessed their bond and enlarged their family with the
gifts of their two children, Micah and Rebekah Leiani.
Al and “CC” spent a special wedding anniversary onboard a cruise to Alaska
with Dr. John MacArthur, who recommended that the couple look for a home
church on the Master’s Seminary website. That website search led the
Doctoleros to trek over the hill from Goleta to Community Church of the
Santa Ynez Valley. “CC” remembers seeing the familiar faces of Scott and
Gina Aiken on her first Sunday and laughing, “So THIS is the church you
were talking about!”
That Sunday was during the summer of 2004 and Al and “CC” have continued
faithfully to worship and
fellowship with their
brothers and sisters at this church ever since and they feel blessed to be
here.
Both Al and “CC” were raised Catholics and came to know the Lord as
adults, Al in 1985 and “CC” in 1993. “CC” had been drawn by the Holy
Spirit to learn more about Him for a time but came to a point of
repentance and acknowledgement that Jesus was Lord while participating
with Y.W.A.M. in Yosemite.
Looking back, she remembers walking the fence at times and an early
inconsistency in her growth as a believer, but attests to God’s hand in
her life, even before she came to know Him personally.
Al was ministered to by a persistent friend who shared the gospel over a
period of months. Al was drawn into a relationship with the Lord and his
growth was slow but sure. He points to his baptism as
a turning point for
him and the beginning of a steadier and surer commitment on his part.
Al and “CC” continue to be amazed at what God has done in their lives and
most especially, what He is showing them about Himself. They are at a
point in their Christian walk in which they are learning to “think
biblically” in all things and to properly discern between a world-view and
a Christian view. They understand that they live in a world which is
infused with modem philosophy and teaching and admit that sometimes, even
for a believer, it can be challenging to walk in truth.
The Doctoleros cling to Colossians 3:16 for direction:
“Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one
another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in
your heart to the Lord.”
— Interview by Anjie Park
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