Pastor Harry is from Waco, Texas and has lived in Texas most of his life – though he cherishes the time when he lived in Saint Louis, the greater Charlotte area, and Chicago. He is from a rambunctious family and is one of 7 siblings, most of whom still live in Texas. He has had the honor since January of 2021 of serving as Senior Pastor at Our Redeemer. Previously, he served Our Redeemer as Associate Pastor from 2016 to 2020.

One of Pastor Harry’s greatest joys is that he gets to serve a multilingual and multiethnic congregation here at ORLC. He loves it most when people from diverse backgrounds become friends and find their common need for Jesus.

His first loves are his wife, Hannah, and sons, Lionel and Ethan. He loves anything basketball, learning new things through books and podcasts, organizing, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

He is always up for a good cup of coffee, and he’ll buy you one if you would like to connect.

Pastor Nelson was born in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, and graduated as an economist from the National Autonomous University of Honduras. He worked in banking in Honduras before coming to the United States. Pastor Nelson has been married for 29 years to Gloria and they have two children, Nelson G. and Daniel. Nelson G. is married and Daniel attends Concordia University in Austin, TX.

Since 1998, Pastor Nelson and his family have lived in Irving, Texas. He has been a member of Our Redeemer since 2003, during which time he has supported Hispanic ministry in different roles and assisted church leadership. In 2015, Pastor Nelson entered the Center for Hispanic Studies of Concordia Seminary. Pastor Nelson served his vicarage while pursuing his education from Concordia. He graduated Concordia Seminary in May 2020 and, by God’s grace, was called as Assistant Pastor to ORLC in September 2020.

His hobbies and interests are photography and learning about different cultures.

Pastor Juan is a graduate of the Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary and, together with his wife, Deaconess Alma, received his call as Assistant Pastor to ORLC in 2012. The Zamoras make their home in the city of Euless.

In recent years, Pastor Juan has assumed the role of Apostolic Missionary to DFW through the T2C2 Mission Network and Area B of the Texas District. In this role, he has helped and will continue to help develop new Hispanic missions in DFW. This role gives him the privilege of serving alongside several congregations and leaders to develop and advance the mission that Jesus Christ gave us.

Pastor Juan also enjoys serving as President of the Hispanic Missionary League, which seeks to promote the growth of Hispanic mission and equip Hispanic pastors in the LCMS throughout the United States.

Pastor Juan and Deaconess Alma have a daughter, Stephanie, who attends Concordia University in Austin.

Paula was born in St. Louis but grew up in Dallas. She, along with her siblings, her husband and his siblings, graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She earned a Bachelor’s in Education from UNT and spent many years teaching in the Dallas ISD. Her 3 daughters also graduated from DISD and she likes to say that all of her years of experience with DISD add up to well over 100!

Paula enjoys teaching and learning with students of all ages. She finds true joy in programs that serve children and teens such as VBS. Growing in faith alongside young people and their families is an amazing journey that she loves sharing.

Besides teaching, Paula enjoys reading, gardening and traveling Texas with her husband, Greg. She has too many favorite books and plants to list, and her favorite color is green. After being involved in several successful school gardens, one of her prayers is that a Bible-based garden is in ORLC’s future.

Deaconess Alma Zamora is a graduate of the Center for Hispanic Studies together with her husband, Pastor Juan. She received her call to ORLC as Deaconess of Outreach in 2012.

Deaconess Alma has served filling several roles. She has served as a mentor for Sunday school teachers, and helped to develop curricula for the education programs of the different Hispanic missions which she has served. She is gifted in starting new outreach ministries and facilitating relationships between the community and the church.

Deaconess Alma has also worked to develop leaders throughout DFW for the T2C2 mission network, especially in the areas of family and children’s ministries. She has developed other resources that facilitate ministry to families in different settings during her time of service.

Alma is from Mexico. She and Pastor Juan have a daughter, Stephanie, who attends Concordia University in Austin, TX.

Joanne was born and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Since then, she has lived and/or worked in 6 different states (mostly where there is little to no snow – she doesn't like the cold!). She graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska with a degree in education and music. Currently she plans and oversees the worship services and singers/instrumentalists who participate, and plays music in worship at Our Redeemer, including traditional, contemporary, and Spanish musical genres.

When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Russell, and new grandson; currently she is dreaming of traveling again to Europe and the Caribbean and recently checked off a trip to Hawaii - #50 in her list of states she has visited.