#FridayFeature- Larry Perez
Tell us about yourself!
Hi my name is Larry Perez. My wife and I are native New Yorkers of Puerto Rican descent. We have been married for 33 years and have 4 grown children. We currently live in Queens N.Y.
What church do you serve at?
We serve at Vineyard One NYC, formerly known as North Brooklyn Vineyard.
In what way do you serve the worship team?
I've been on the worship team for 3 years. About 8 months ago I was asked to assume the leadership position. I play electric, acoustic and bass guitar (not all at the same time.)
What is a book that changed your life?
Mere Christianity by C.S.Lewis. It took me a few reads to appreciate its concise yet profound explanation of the faith.
Who is a hero in your life?
Two of my heroes are my mom and dad, they are two of the most courageous and faithful people I've ever known.
How did you first meet God?
I was a child between the ages of 6 and 7. I became very ill and I asked God to heal me. God did and I promised to serve Him for the rest of my life, (I've reneged on that a few times but God never has.) I remember once I realized I was healed I marched over to the kitchen and told my mom, "somehow someday I'm going to serve God full time."
Do you write songs?
I've written 2 songs to date, I like 1 of them. I would like to write more worship songs if that is something that God has for me.
What is a worship song that your church is engaging with the most?
Where the Mercy falls by D. Ruis was really ministering to me before and after the worship leaders retreat. I knew I had to bring it to the congregation and its been a real blessing.
What is something that you like to do outside of your Church?
You mean besides playing guitar 24/7? I like working with wood when I can. I haven't made time for it lately but I've made a cradle for our first born, a dining room table, an armoire, several cushioned benches, a loft bed and a computer desk. I think that's about it.
What aspect of worship ministry gives you the most joy?
Two things;
1. Watching God's people get blessed as we worship.
2. Hearing from people during the week or a week later how a song has been playing over and over in their heads. That's been my experience and I know some of the ways God uses that.
What is the best piece of advice or training you have ever experienced?
"Success is never final and failure is seldom fatal" O. Cruzado - a pastor friend "Hold on to things loosely." "Dial it down." Mike Turrigiano I'm an extrovert and Puerto Rican so that last one came in real handy. My friends know what I mean, I'm talking to you, Grimaldi.
-SARAH
