Remember Nyack: The Legacy Lives

A fact that I often share with people is that although I was born into a Christian home and have been a believer since I can remember, it was not until I arrived on the campus of Nyack College at almost 24 years of age that I truly began to understand what it means to live as a follower of Jesus and grasp the depth of God’s love for me. Going to Nyack College was perhaps the most significant decision of my life and has indelibly shaped the person I am today.

Growing up, I always had the belief that God had a plan for my life. Initially, I thought that plan might involve music since I had always been gifted in that area. During my early childhood years, my musical talent was solely as an instrumentalist, but eventually, I started singing background vocals with my sisters. At the age of 17, I began leading worship.

While music came naturally to me, there was always a sense of the unknown regarding what else God had in store for me. It had been spoken over me during a Youth Camp that I was destined for something more. On a separate occasion, someone prophesied that I was called to be a pastor. However, beyond these external instances and others like them, there was a deeper longing within me that I couldn’t quite comprehend. It would take years before I fully embraced and pursued that calling.

When my father passed away when I was 15, it shifted something within me. Suddenly, I felt the need to do something to help my family. Any previous curiosities I had about ministry or music took a backseat as I pursued an answer to the question, “What can I study that will allow me to quickly find a job and support my family?” The answer came in the form of Information Technology (I.T.).

After graduating from high school, I enrolled in my local community college to study Computer Science, following an Associate track. While I enjoyed it initially, something didn’t quite click for me. I eventually explored other areas of study, even trying architecture. However, none of them resonated with me, and I found myself spending three years taking countless classes without earning enough credits for any degree. Consequently, I left and secured a full-time job.

I won’t delve into the details of my work experience, as it was relatively brief. Suffice it to say, it left me yearning for something more, but I wasn’t sure what that would be. I found myself pondering the question, “What does God want for my life?” The resounding answer was, “I don’t know.” Nevertheless, I felt a strong conviction that whatever it was, I needed to prepare myself for it. That’s when memories of Nyack College and my visit there years earlier came flooding back.

My older sister had attended the school on the Manhattan campus, and I remembered the stories she shared about her experiences. She talked about being in a math class, going over equations, and her professor pausing the lecture to lead the students in prayer. I heard accounts of an environment that was open to God’s movement in ways I hadn’t experienced before. She also mentioned how she honed her preaching skills in classes.

During those years, Nyack hosted an event on Mosely Field for worship and prayer, known as either “The Gathering” or “The Call.” My sister was one of the student speakers from the Manhattan Campus participating in the event, so we attended. I vividly remember that day. There was an atmosphere of openness, eagerness, and expectancy. I recall fervent prayers and intense times of worship. I remember joyfully celebrating communion (something my Pentecostal upbringing always regarded as a somber occasion). It started to flurry during the event, and it felt like a sacred response to the posture of God’s people. And when I reflect on those memories while seeking guidance from God about what to do next, it becomes clear that Nyack College is where I needed to be.

I arrived on campus in January of 2005, almost 24 years old and with more life experience than many of the undergraduate students. However, I also carried a lot of baggage and preconceived notions about ministry and God’s nature. My arrival marked the beginning of God’s work of chiseling away the parts of my character that needed refinement.

During my first semester, I quickly joined the worship team, and by the fall, I became one of the campus worship leaders. I also got involved in Spiritual Formation on the hillside, which not only referred to the department name but also aptly described the invitation I responded to — an invitation to be formed into the image of Christ for the sake of others, a transformation that occurred in my mind, heart, and life.

I was profoundly influenced by the teachings and lives of many professors and staff members at Nyack, such as Ron and Wanda Walborn, Frank Chan, Michael Plunket, Jeff Quinn, Kelvin Walker, Scott Reitz, Miguel Sanchez, Amy Davis Abdullah, Luis Carlo, and countless others.

However, the greatest surprise awaited me when I fell in love with Erica. Neither of us expected or was looking for each other when we first met in January of ’05, but months later, after experiencing the ebb and flow of college life and engaging in deep conversations over coffee, it became undeniable. Erica realized that this Dominicano was the man for her (at least, that’s my interpretation of what happened).

We got married in 2007 and served together at an Alliance Church in Pittsburgh — an opportunity that arose because of our time at Nyack. In 2010, we returned to the hillside, where we lived and served for a few years. Both of our children were born in Nyack Hospital, marking the beginning of our family’s journey.

I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Nyack College and all the people who played a role in shaping me and my wife. When I look at our nearly 16 years of marriage, I can confidently say that Nyack helped us build a strong foundation for our lives and our relationship. Our children are now reaping the benefits of the people we have become, largely due to our time at Nyack.

I remember sitting in Pardington and listening, jaw dropped, as Brennan Manning delivered the most beautiful presentation of the Gospel I have ever heard. I recall the student leader meetings where we would simply worship. I remember the breakthroughs we witnessed in PSF class.

I remember the “101 Ways to Make Chicken Patties” at the stir-fry station. I remember the Student Center in Boone. I remember experiencing the sound of cicadas for the first time in my life. I remember witnessing my daughter’s first significant snowfall on that hillside.

I remember being given the opportunity to teach for two semesters. I remember looking at the next generation of worship leaders while being on staff. I remember when it was no longer about me, but about them.

Above all, I remember who I used to be and see the person I have become.

Thank you, Nyack. Although this chapter for you comes to a close, the lessons that were learned and the lives that were changed there will continue to have an impact beyond our comprehension.