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Hopewell Methodist Church is excited to welcome Pastor Julio Serrano and his wife, Estrella. Starting July 7, Pastor Julio, his wife, and their congregation will begin worshipping at Hopewell Methodist Church. Originally from Holguin, Cuba, Julio and Estrella married in 1993 and have three children: Liliannis, Angel E, and Ester Serrano. They have been blessed with two grandchildren, with a third due in October.

Called by God for His grace and love, Julio and Estrella served together in ministry and served in appointed charges. In 2006, Julio was ordained in The Conference of the Cuban Methodist Church, each appointment bearing fruit and sustained by a foundation of fervent prayer. They planted new churches and places for preaching: three new churches in Minas de Matahambre, three in Buenaventura, and one in Amancio. In addition, they conducted evangelistic campaigns in all of their assigned charges. Evangelism, marriage counseling, and family ministry characterized their ministry.

Since their arrival in Virginia in 2011, Pastor Julio and Estrella have been instrumental in building a vibrant faith community at Belmont United Methodist Church. Pastor Julio has taken on multiple roles, including pastor, Sunday School teacher, and Men’s Ministry Leader. On the other hand, Estrella has been serving as the Director of Hispanic Ministries, overseeing Sunday School, Women’s Ministry, and event coordination. Together, they lead a contemporary and spirit-filled worship service, with Pastor Julio on piano, his son on drums, and Estrella and Ester lending their voices. In addition to serving as pastor, Julio has been a Chaplain for the Immigration Detention Center in Farmville since 2016.

Pastor Julio and Estrella thank God for Hopewell Methodist Church for the opportunity for them to begin a new chapter for their church and their family. Along with their congregation, they extend their sincere gratitude and desire to serve God together as the body of Christ.