Speaking into the microphone, typing my words in this way too futuristic iPhone 16 my wife surprised me with right before the surgery that amputated my left index finger on Friday 5:45 6/27/2025 downstairs at Covenant Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, which also was a surprise when I came to my senses after all the anesthesia wore off. I looked down at my left hand and very slowly counted only four fingers. They say men don’t cry; that must be the ones who have 10 fingers still.

My journey as a professional licensed barber, a career that I’ve been living for 20+ years, ended on that day. Since that day, a new journey, a new direction, a new vision, a lost dream came back as a friendly reminder that since then has turned into a daily reminder that I have been ignoring my talent, my true absolute most fulfilling passion in life. That reminder that reminds you you are special, not special because you are better than anyone, not the kind of special that makes you feel pride, but the kind of special that makes you feel twice as humble. And yes, you guessed it, that calling is a calling straight from God. Let me clarify, directly from Jesus Christ, who is my personal Lord and Savior. Even though I’ve been baptized twice, I haven’t felt more reminded that the calling of building a temple for worship. Matter of fact, the blueprint is printed. I never forgot where I placed it. Matter of fact, I know exactly where it’s at, in the backseat of our truck rolled up. Because my career as a barber would not allow me to spend any time with family, with God, for example, reading, praying, and fasting not only for me but for others. It wouldn’t allow me to play music, write music, sing music. It won’t allow me to think of new ways to build people’s faith, much less my own. That blueprint I’m talking about was $1000 because the owner of Highpoint is my friend. This blueprint is a vision of a building that will be used to honor, to glorify, to respect, to build, uplift, pray, heal, and fill people with God’s Holy Spirit. Some call it the Holy Ghost; for some, it’s a shout; for some, a whisper; for some, a melody; for others, a sermon. But that place, that building, that dream, that vision was lost because I lost sight. When God guided my situation all the way to the point of cutting my finger off, he got my attention, and I would like to ask for your support and donations to build the temple. In this temple, yours truly will testify in detail what men call a testimony. For me, it’s my life, brothers and sisters. Some like to call it a long story short. I will stand as a pastor, a leader, an educator, a teacher, an encourager, an example. As my father always put it, be the example, lead by it. My wife Edith, our co-pastor, or vice versa. Now that you know my wife’s name, I almost forgot to tell you mine. Go back to December 18, 1984. It’s raining, and a baby boy is born. When the doctor cuts the umbilical cord, right at that moment, that child’s lungs open, and he cries and breathes for the first time. As he’s crying, mom is also crying. The doctor asks the dad, "Hey Ruben, tell us his name." At the pronunciation of Emmanuel, a mighty rushing spirit filled the room, and the doctor that was holding Emmanuel, the two nurses that were assisting him, the mother in the surgical room, and the father unanimously in a holy utterance, spoke in tongues as the Holy Spirit gave it to them. Now I am 40 years old and can no longer run and hide from the calling that was given to me as a baby born child. I must answer to that calling. I must answer the phone. It is ringing, and God is calling me, and I need your help. This blueprint will cost $500,000. I am no longer a barber. I am a leader. I am an example. I am the testimony. I am the story and the journey. I am him. I am special. I am truly talented. I am available and willing to speak, teach, and reach for the honor and glory of God to build his kingdom here in Lubbock, Texas. Thank you for reading. I cannot do it without you. We live check by check, day by day, just like you. Many times stressed, and it’s always about money. I always apologize to God when I have to remind him that I need money to make my next payment. With that being said, imagine this: heaven packed with angels, and the only room available is already occupied by the glory of God. Before his name is Satan, it’s Lucifer on the piano playing chords to glorify the glory of God.

I declare the funds raised, the testimony sealed, and I call to awaken the ones who at one time in their life chased God to chase once more!