Blog

We are continuing our series on Getting to Know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Cruz Talamantes, who serves as our member assimilation and children's ministry coordinator. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. My home has been Albuquerque for the last 34 years, except for a brief 3 year hiatus in San Antonio, TX.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

Early on I wanted to fly helicopters but soon after I became a believer I wanted to be a missionary. I’m living out my dream of working in full-time ministry.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My earliest spiritual example was my uncle Antonio. whose born again experience was proof that God was real.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

My earliest remembrance of being taught the Word was when a young teenage girl in my neighborhood in Mexico asked permission of my parents to teach a group of neighborhood kids the stories in the Bible. It continued with an older lady in southern NM who stopped by our home when she spotted a gaggle of kids and young teenagers playing in our front yard and asked permission to take us to VBS. He rescued me when alone in my home I heard a televangelist describe in the most vivid detail how Christ suffered on the cross for my sins. And He confirmed His call upon me as an 18 year old freshman at UNM when staff members with Campus Crusade stopped by my dorm to share the gospel with my best friend, and both he and I accepted Christ as our Savior.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

There are so many very specific prayers that He has answered. However the one that stands out the most is the one that I am currently living out now as a husband and father. He placed a desire early in my life to someday have a family and this very gift brings me tremendous pleasure.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge serving in your role at church?

The blessing is to be able to spend my “work” time helping wherever I may be needed. It is really freeing. 

The challenge is going against my natural tendency as an introvert so that I can be effective in communicating with people and involving them in the work of the church.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I need to develop some... Any suggestions? I will typically do whatever will lead to time spent with my family. It was simpler when my kids were younger and I could take them to the park, roughhouse with them and be playful. I need to find ways to be more physically active.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Christmas evening routine- dinner, watching The Nativity, and playing silly games past midnight. It seems like the later we stay up, the sillier and more gregarious we get. At some point the kids and I simply try to keep mama laughing hysterically nonstop until she cries.  

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

It starts by preparing a full breakfast for my family, running a few errands with Becca, a short nap, a simultaneous walk and football toss at UNM with Becca and the kids, and ends with dinner out and meaningful conversation in our living room.

What is the perfect meal?

Carnitas tacos with all the toppings, especially guacamole and my sister’s red chile salsa with a side of rice.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My kids, especially as they quote and act out their favorite funny movie scenes.