“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” –Jeremiah 1:5 A native of Connecticut, Aracelis was raised in a Christian home where she was taught the value of “familia, faith, and education.” “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” – 1 TIMOTHY 1:12 Aracelis has dedicated her life to God and her community. Her passion for education, social justice, worship, youth and young adults ministry and religious/spiritual formation has led her to pursue her call to ministry. Aracelis lives in New London, CT, where she serves as the Youth Ministry Director at her beloved church, Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de New London (First Hispanic Baptist Church). She is currently a full time Masters of Divinity candidate at Yale Divinity School where she is seeking ordination with the American Baptist Churches USA. Aracelis received her BA from Eastern CT State University in Latin American Studies and a Masters in Education (M.Ed) from Loyola University Chicago in Higher Education Administration (Student Development). She spent the first part of her career as a college administrator at St. John’s University (NYC), and Connecticut College working in the areas of Residence Life, Student Life, and Multicultural Affairs. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at St. John’s University and Three Rivers Community College. Aracelis is also an A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Trainer with the Anti-Defamation League. “Yet the time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” – John 4:23-24 Aracelis passion to serve God brought her to a place where she was given the assignment to release two music albums, “No Hay Distancia” (2005) and “Altar of Heaven” (2010). Both of these projects are more than a compilation of songs, they represent Aracelis’ personal life journey where she experienced spiritual growth, perseverance, and a “new” meaning of “worship.” Aracelis has had the opportunity to share her ministry throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the State of Israel. Aracelis enjoys singing, reading, shopping, and sharing her time with love ones.