However, upon returning from Africa, Pastor Michael faced a personal crisis. His marriage was deeply affected when his wife was unfaithful, leading to his dismissal from the church and plunging him into a downward spiral for the next three years. Despite this painful period of hardship and struggle, Pastor Michael remained faithful to his calling, continuing to preach the good news of Jesus throughout the world for a total of 27 years. Now, after 27 years of dedicated ministry, Pastor Michael is embarking on a new chapter by starting churches online throughout Asia and the Middle East. This innovative approach allows him to continue spreading the message of hope and salvation to even more people around the globe. In addition to his pastoral work, he is a successful real estate investor and a devoted dog dad.
Lena’s journey of faith has been one of encountering God’s presence and power from a young age. Raised in Tampa, Florida, as the eldest of two children, she grew up in a Pentecostal Word of Faith church, where her love for God was first nurtured. Even as a child, she was fortunate to witness miracles in the lives of others, fueling her passion to lead people one-on-one to Jesus. In high school, Lena’s desire to help others grow in their faith led her to start a Christian club, where she encouraged her peers to deepen their relationship with Christ.
However, Lena’s path wasn’t without its challenges. Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis early in life, she and her family fervently prayed for healing, believing God for a creative miracle. When those in spiritual authority suggested that her lack of healing was due to hidden sin, it deeply hurt her and caused her to turn away from God. At 19, Lena underwent surgery to remove her large intestine, a procedure that left her feeling abandoned by God. She drifted from her faith, pursuing a life focused on worldly achievements.
Lena attended the University of Miami, majoring in broadcast journalism and creative writing, while building a promising career in television. But it wasn’t until the age of 22, after a chance encounter with a compassionate friend, that Lena’s life began to change. Sitting on a couch, talking about life, this friend led her in a simple prayer. In that moment, Lena felt warmth fill her body and waves of love wash over her, as shame and doubt melted away. For the first time, she felt completely clean, and her heart was flooded with the love of Jesus.
This relationship became a lifeline, offering Lena accountability, discipleship, and the reassurance that she was not walking this faith journey alone. Through this friendship, she found a safe space to ask questions about the Bible and deepen her understanding of what it meant to be a daughter of the King. With Jesus and her friend by her side, Lena rebuilt her life in Christ.
After recommitting to her faith, Lena’s passion for ministry grew. She served young women in church, mentoring and guiding them as they navigated life and faith. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Ministerial Leadership at Southeastern University and traveled to places like El Salvador and New Zealand on mission trips, all while balancing a career in television. Eventually, she felt called back into full-time ministry, and in 2011, Lena married Michael. Together, they launched All Saints Abiding Place—ASAP Church—in 2014.
But shortly after the church’s launch, Lena faced a severe health crisis. Her reconstructed small intestine, the j-pouch from her earlier surgery, became inflamed and infected, putting her at risk of sepsis. Doctors urged immediate surgery, but Lena and Michael chose to wait, praying for another miracle. As her condition worsened, they eventually proceeded with the surgery, which opened the door to new revelations in her faith.
Through all her experiences, Lena’s greatest joy comes from seeing lives transformed by the power of God. Whether it’s watching someone turn their life around or praying with the sick and seeing them healed, her passion for sharing Jesus remains unwavering. Beyond ministry, Lena is a devoted dog mom to four Maltese pups, a foodie with a love for world travel, and someone who cherishes the opportunity to walk alongside others in their faith journeys.