 Raquel was born on December 1, 1957
in Tijuana, Baja Calif. México to David & Elvira
Contreras. Raquel is the older of two siblings, a brother David
and a sister Ana. Raquel grew up in Chula Vista where most of her
family lives. Her mom was an only child so her Father's family
(he is one of ten) were a huge influence in her life. She was
especially close to her maternal grandmother Maria Geraldo who
passed away two years ago.
She married Sam Valverde on December 30 1978 after a year and a
half courtship. They both worked hard in their local church in
San Ysidro, CA where God was beginning to stir Sam's preaching
gift. In 1981 Sam and Raquel founded San Ysidro Christian Academy
and in January of 1984 they moved to Houston, Texas where Sam
taught at Texas Bible Seminary. During this time, they were
blessed with three wonderful children, Sam, Jr., Rachel Anne
(Missy) and Timothy. Raquel soon realized the joy of being a
mother and she dedicated herself to it whole heartedly.
Sam and Raquel and their young family were transfered to Fontana,
CA and installed as pastors of what is now Fountain of Truth
Church July 30, 1984. Raquel has worked diligently alongside her
husband; she has been responsible for starting numerous
ministries in the church. Raquel is a known speaker in our
organization and has lately been involved in the National Ladies
Retreats. She is the ladies auxiliary advisor at Fountain of
Truth and her ideas and enthusiasm are a blessing to those that
work with her. She is very committed to her family and to the
local church. Raquel is a Breast Cancer survivor who received her
healing gracefully. Not one day goes by without her thanking God
for the opportunity of seeing and living another day.
The Valverde family was recently blessed with another daughter,
when Sam, Jr. wed Celeste Flores in October, 2004. Sam and Raquel
have been happily married for 26 years and continue to face the
challenges of life and ministry together.
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