📖 John 7:37-38 📖

'On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’'

About Us

Welcome! Whether this is your first time visiting or you've been part of our family for years, we are so glad you’re here. Our story is a testament to God’s faithfulness, and we pray it encourages you as you walk with Him.

Our Journey: Following God’s Call

In the spring of 1998, my wife and I felt a clear calling from God to leave a thriving church in Rochester, NY, and move to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Leaving behind everything familiar, we stepped out in faith, trusting that God had a bigger plan.

Our journey began with small gatherings in our home, where we prayed, studied the Bible, and shared meals together. Through a local Christian radio station, we launched a daily program called 'Comfort Ye My People,' and God began to move in powerful ways. His presence filled the airwaves, and hearts across the island were touched.

Before long, a group of believers began to meet regularly for worship, prayer, Bible teaching, and fellowship. As the church grew, an incredible opportunity arose—a local pastor approached us and asked if we would consider taking over his congregation and building. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to share the space while they searched for a new pastor.

This marked a significant new chapter for us. Shortly after, we relocated to 122 Condondo Avenue in Santurce, PR, where we met for Sunday afternoon services for about a year before quickly outgrowing the space.

A Growing Church Family

In March 2000, God opened the door for us to lease a 12,000 sq. ft. space in Los Jardines Shopping Center, a local mall. Over the years, God continued to bless and expand the ministry, growing our space to over 24,000 sq. ft. as more people joined us in worship and discipleship.

However, in 2012, my wife developed adult asthma, and after two hospitalizations, doctors advised us to leave the island due to the air quality. The Saharan Desert Sands, a natural phenomenon carrying dust and fine particles from the Sahara Desert in Africa, was causing respiratory issues for many on the island.

After much prayer, we made the difficult decision to leave Puerto Rico and trust God with the next steps. We left the church in the capable hands of our wonderful staff, including Pastor Jason Dennett, who became the senior pastor.

God’s Leading: From Puerto Rico to New York

We relocated to Murrieta, California, where we were warmly welcomed at Calvary Chapel Bible College. I had the privilege of teaching the Pastoral Epistles for those preparing for full-time ministry, and later the Book of Revelation to Bible students.

In 2014, after much prayer, my wife and I felt led to return to Rochester, NY—bringing us full circle to where we had originally started in 1998. We were warmly welcomed by Pastor Bil Gallatin and the local pastors. Pastor Ray Tompkins and his wife, Margie, from Calvary Chapel Webster, graciously offered us a place to stay in their church building. Ray even handed us the keys to the church!

A prayer meeting began at our camp area with Tony Zapata, Glenn White, John Cintron, and others, which led to a home Bible study in our house. After five years of growth, my daughters Karlee Bendijo and her husband Lawrence, along with Gina Dennett and her husband Pastor Jason Dennett, have joined us and assist us in the ministry. Pastor Jason is a gifted Bible teacher and teaches regularly at the church. Our meetings are held in our owned building at:

📍 1274 Penfield Center Rd., Penfield, NY 14526

⏰ Sunday Services: 9:30 AM

⏰ Wednesday Evenings: 7:00 PM

Our Commitment & Mission

Although Calvary Chapel Puerto Rico and Calvary Chapel Center City are separate church entities, we remain deeply committed to prayer and supporting our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and around the world.

Our mission is simple:

✔ To know the Lord Jesus Christ deeply

✔ To live as His church

✔ To make the world a better place for Him

We are His children, and it is our joy to walk with Him and invite others to join us on this journey of life in Christ.

Free Resources to Help You Grow

I encourage you to download my commentary/survey on the entire Bible:

📖 The Glorious Gospel Commentary Series 📖

A complete Bible Survey covering all 66 books—currently available in English and soon in Spanish!

Teaching through each book of the Bible, this series brings Scripture to life, presenting each book in a simple, straightforward, and Christ-centered way—helping you quickly grasp the heart of God’s Word!