A full-time pastor, a full-time bank officer, Lions Club member, planning commissioner, board member for local development center and most importantly a father, Pastor Eduardo Abril from De Queen, Arkansas truly does it all. He knows firsthand what it takes to balance family and work. As a bivocational pastor, he has learned to let God be in control of his life and remember that He is always present.
A native Colombian, Abril moved to the United States in 1994 to pursue his heart’s calling to ministry. Not knowing any English, Abril took a leap of faith as he moved to Texas to attend Bible college.
“When I was in Colombia, I was working with the youth ministry. While I was serving, I felt the Lord call me to ministry full-time. I prayed and went to Bible college in San Antonio, Texas. After graduation I became a pastor,” Abril said.
Post-graduation, he moved to Siloam Springs, Arkansas where he met his wife. A few years into his pastoral position, Abril and his wife felt called to open a church. A few Google searches later, the Abril family packed up and headed for De Queen.
“When I was in Siloam Springs, my wife and I started praying about opening a church. We started looking for places,” Abril reflected. “I Googled a lot. I wanted to know Hispanic communities in Arkansas. We found De Queen while we were researching, visited the town for the weekend and loved it. Thanks to God and Google, we knew we were meant to be there.”
Together, the Abril’s started El Centro Cristiano de De Queen. The local church of 100 people serves a fast growing community. De Queen has a population of 12,000 people. Of those people, 60% are Hispanic.
“The Census says we have 6,000 people, but no one believes that. Our population is actually more like 12,000 people. The city grows rapidly along with the Hispanic population. There is a lot of growth because people come all over to move here.”
With two careers, Abril has needed a strong support system. He has realized that he cannot do everything by himself.
“My family helps me a lot. My wife and daughters are a huge support. I also have a great group of leaders at the church. They have been a very big help to me. They are very patient and when I can’t do it all, they are always there for me. I balance everything by relying on other people.”
As a pastor, the Lord has graciously taught Abril to let God take control. He has seen His faithfulness in seasons filled with celebration and seasons filled with suffering.
“I have had many ups and too many downs- that’s normal though. In those seasons, I have seen the Lord’s faithfulness in my life. I can’t say everything has been perfect or I have been perfect, but he has been faithful and merciful to me and my family,” Abril said.
Aside from his relationship with the Lord, Abril’s most important relationship is the one with his family. With two jobs and several volunteer positions, Abril knows his priorities. Although this is an area he has had to grow in, he knows he is there for his family first.
“Never miss a family member’s birthday, school program or family vacation. These are very important and always will be. Put God first and your family second,” Abril reflected. “Let go of things you can’t control. We are all real people. Let God help you make the tough decisions. You must have your priorities first. This took me a long time to learn, and I made mistakes along the way. We can’t do everything.”
