Andy
Sánchez is a native New Mexican. He grew up in a very devout
Catholic family, a very large family of nine children. Although
very religious, Andy's relationship with God was not a personal
one. Not until 1969, when he went away to college, did he find out
that he could have that kind of relationship with the God of the
universe. While living in the dorms, some Christians came to his
room and asked him if he knew for sure he was going to heaven. He
didn't think anyone could know this, but was intrigued by the idea.
Several weeks later, after studying the scriptures for himself,
Andy made the decision to accept Christ as his savior. He began
a new life from that moment on. His excitement for God was contagious
and he led several friends to Christ and started a Bible study in
his dorm room. When he went home for a visit his family was at first
shocked and frightened by the changes in Andy's life, but after
several years of observing his life, all of his brothers and sisters
also accepted Christ, including one sister who was a nun. And six
years after Andy's new life in Christ began, he learned that his
mother and father had committed their lives to Christ. Their extended
family continues to be a testimony of what God can do in a family
totally committed to God.
Andy and his wife Cheryl have seven children, five of whom are
grown and also actively involved in Great Commission Ministry.
GCM is a movement founded in the early '70's primarily as a campus
ministry, focusing on American youth, but has grown to encompass
communities and has spread nation wide and even to many countries
all around the world. Andy has been serving as a pastor since
1973 when he and his wife helped start a church in Belen, NM,
which was where most of his family lived. Since then they have
been involved in ministry in El Paso, Albuquerque, Maryland, and
Denver. Andy's oldest son, Aaron, leads the high school ministry
at Rio West. His next three older children are also involved with
the youth ministry in Rio West Church. His fifth child is in Ohio,
training to become a pastor himself.
At this time Andy supports his family by designing and building
custom furniture. His children and wife have all been involved
in the family business and they frequently travel to art shows
across the Southwest. His desire is to be able, eventually, to
minister full time in the church and to give his furniture business
to his sons.
Andy's greatest passion is for a counseling ministry, especially
with couples and families. Through his experiences and God's inspired
scriptures, he would like to help young couples to love and enjoy
each other, and to raise their families to love and serve God.
Andy
Sánchez is a native New Mexican. He grew up in a very devout
Catholic family, a very large family of nine children. Although
very religious, Andy's relationship with God was not a personal
one. Not until 1969, when he went away to college, did he find out
that he could have that kind of relationship with the God of the
universe. While living in the dorms, some Christians came to his
room and asked him if he knew for sure he was going to heaven. He
didn't think anyone could know this, but was intrigued by the idea.
Several weeks later, after studying the scriptures for himself,
Andy made the decision to accept Christ as his savior. He began
a new life from that moment on. His excitement for God was contagious
and he led several friends to Christ and started a Bible study in
his dorm room. When he went home for a visit his family was at first
shocked and frightened by the changes in Andy's life, but after
several years of observing his life, all of his brothers and sisters
also accepted Christ, including one sister who was a nun. And six
years after Andy's new life in Christ began, he learned that his
mother and father had committed their lives to Christ. Their extended
family continues to be a testimony of what God can do in a family
totally committed to God.
