Who We Are
Our Mission
Through ecumenical conferences, blogs, retreats, film-making, and assistance to the poor, Flourish Your Faith Ministries plants and waters seeds of Christian faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. We seek a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost, resulting in greater sanctification, unity among Christians, and evangelization to the world.
Our Pillars
Intimacy with Jesus
- Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5).
God has created each one of us for intimate relationship with Him. As St. Augustine prayed, "Thou has created us for Thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in thee." Flourish Your Faith Ministries hosts events for worship, fellowship, and evangelization as opportunities for people to deepen their relationships with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.Holiness
- As He who called you is holy so be holy in all you do, for it is written, "Be holy as I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15-16)
In the midst of a rapidly degenerating society, Flourish is a voice of truth on topics such as the dignity of human life, the sacredness of sexuality, and the freedom of conscience. We promote holiness in all that we do.Unity in the Body of Christ
- On the night before He died, Jesus prayed, "Father, let them be one, just as you and I are one--as you are in me and I am in you. May they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." (John 17:21)
Flourish welcomes Christians of all denominations together to worship and fellowship in unity as members of the Body of Christ. "Today, in many parts of the world, under the inspiring grace of the Holy Spirit, many efforts are being made in prayer, word and action to attain that fullness of unity which Jesus Christ desires" (Unitatis Redintegratio 4). As the Psalmist exclaimed, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people dwell together in unity!"Evangelization and Discipleship
- "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
In everything that we do, whether local outreaches or foreign missions, our goal is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples.Leadership
Our board of directors and staff are dedicated to living their faith more fully and encouraging you to do the same. We look forward to working together to make this world a better place, and most importantly, to reach the Best Place when our journey is done.
Manny and his wife Adriana are active members of their parish. They have seven children and four grandchildren. Manny is a practicing physician in Florida. He volunteers his time with Misión Floresco, a mission to a very poor community in Guatemala. He enjoys sports and spending time with his family.
Adriana has been married to Manny for over thirty years. She has a B.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition and is currently pursuing a Masters in Theology from the Augustine Institute. Before founding Catholic Witnesses in 2013 (currently Flourish Your Faith Ministries), she served as the Florida State Coordinator for the Parental Rights Organization. Manny and Adriana homeschool their two youngest children.
Victoria is a Registered Nurse who graduated from Texas Woman’s University. She and her husband John have been married for over 28 years and have 3 grown children. Victoria has been a third-grade CCD teacher, taught Confirmation classes, volunteered for St. Vincent De Paul, and was a member of her Parish Council. She continues to be active in her community and volunteers regularly for the Red Cross and other charities.
Dcn. Ralph Poyo is the founder of New Evangelization Ministries, an apostolate committed to assisting Dioceses, Churches and individuals with services, resources and training in effective evangelization. Prior to launching NEM, Dcn. Ralph served in three different parishes as a Youth Minister and Director of Faith Formation for twenty-three years. He is passionate about sharing the truth of the Gospel that captivates audiences of all ages. He is married to his High school sweetheart, Susan and they have five grown daughters and five Grandchildren.
Juan and Natalie Bauta have been married for over 30 years. They homeschool their 6 children. Juan has taught baptism and confirmation classes, served on the Parish Council, Engaged Encounter, Focus, Prison Ministry, Life in the Spirit seminars, and Deliverance Ministry. He is a Bible study leader, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and a Sacristan. He is a Board Certified trial lawyer.
George and Teresa Pastor have been married since 1988, and they live in Vero Beach, Florida. George is an architect who uses his talents to assist several churches in the area with design projects. Teresa homeschooled their four children, and she still teaches English and composition. Together, George and Teresa have led several Bible studies and Christian study groups, including an Alpha course. They worship and serve at GraceSpring Church in Vero Beach, where Teresa often plays the keyboard on the worship team. They have participated in many youth and multi-age missions trips through the years, including several trips to Guatemala with the Mision Floresco team.
Dr. Vizcarrondo attended Temple University Medical School and completed a residency in Pediatrics at University Hospital, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, and subspecialty training in Pediatric Cardiology at University Hospital, Puerto Rico, and Kings County Medical Center, New York University. He is an Associate Professor (voluntary) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the president of the Miami Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. He holds a Masters Degree in Bioethics.
Simon is a retired clinical psychologist. He is a cradle Catholic who had a born again conversion experience in 1979. Simon has served the Church all his life, from altar boy in his early years to hospital spiritual ministry volunteer in the present. Simon has also served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and has co-led Charismatic prayer groups, cell groups, and Life in the Spirit Seminar groups.