In one of the churches in the Northern Illinois Conference, the congregation heard this powerful and moving story: a troubled young man whose immigrant parents struggled to raise twelve children, rebelled against the strict discipline of his parents and left home at age 16, abandoning the faith of his childhood. He made many poor choices in his life. But then, God’s love touched him, transformed him, saved him and showed mercy toward him. This young man grew up to become a successful attorney, a loving husband, and a strong church leader. This young man is someone who seeks out opportunities to offer the good news of the Gospel to many in both his professional and church life. He is an exemplary leader who preaches frequently and passionately, and who has helped many people through difficult times by counseling them about God’s love. This young man is Arnold Rivera, new lay leader of the Northern Illinois Conference. Rivera was called to this position by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and named conference lay leader during the 169th Annual Conference in June, 2008. As the son of Puerto Rican immigrants, he typifies how the diversity of the Northern Illinois Conference is a great strength. He is the first Latino/Hispanic lay leader of this conference.

Brother Rivera is a member of El Redentor del Calvario/The Redeemer of Calvary in Chicago’s Northwestern District. He has been a dedicated and tireless lay leader in his district. People in his family and his district noted that he is often called upon for his strength and his prayers. “The Lord has given him the words and the passion to deliver messages of hope through Jesus Christ,” says Northwestern District Superintendent, Rev. James Preston.

Rivera’s wife calls him “Barnabas, because he is a peacemaker and encourager to many.” Rivera has even counseled clergy through times of discouragement. He reminds those who struggle with human failings in the church that “we are supposed to live for the glory and honor of God, and if we remain faithful, and put everything in the Lord’s hands, the Lord will take care of things in His holy way.”

In addition to being called on to preach, Rivera has taught both youth and adult Sunday School, served as lay leader of his church and his district. He is known for scanning his congregation every Sunday – if he sees someone missing, he calls them later to assure them that they are missed and beloved.

Rivera has the gift of being able to teach and preach in both English and Spanish and has sometimes done both – back to back. Professionally, Rivera operates a solo law practice and obtained a bachelor’s, master’s and law degree while working as a driver for a photo delivery service. Rivera also uses his role as an attorney and arbitrator in the Cook County Arbitration Program to testify of God’s saving grace to clients and acquaintances. Says one acquaintance, Rivera has “had many clients teetering on the edge of difficult, life altering situations, and he has spoken to them about the power of prayer, and the need to surrender to God’s will and change their lives. More than once, he has exhorted and preached to a client about God’s love and infinite mercy and grace, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” He rarely misses an opportunity to invite someone to church. His personal life embodies “Jesus’ instruction to all Christians to bring God’s word everywhere.