Meet The Founders
The Rev. Julio and Mrs. Elba Santana, who were born and raised in Puerto Rico, are the founders and directors of the Bread of Life Christian Mission. In July 1992 they arrived in Florida from New Hampshire, where they lived for five years with their three children. Previous to living there they lived in Boston, Massachusetts for 15 years, where both of them were bilingual teachers for the public school system. While living in New England they actively participated in different churches. Rev. Santana was a Sunday school teacher, youth director, men’s group president, Deacon and Elder. Mrs. Santana was also a Sunday school teacher, women’s group president, Deaconess and Elder. In 1985, they organized the First Hispanic Presbyterian Church in Boston. Rev. Santana graduated from Gordon-Conwell Seminary in 1985, after transferring there from Andover-Newton Theological School.
In 1989, Rev. and Mrs. Santana had the opportunity to visit Honduras, where Rev. Santana felt the calling to the mission field. In 1990 they were invited to develop a summer program for the migrant children in Florida. That was when the Lord showed them the great need among the migrant farm workers here in the United States.
In spite of having the opportunity to go as missionaries to Honduras, they felt the burden for the migrant population in Florida. After long, late night prayers and discussions, they decided to leave everything behind and accept the calling and challenge to go down south to work among those less fortunate.
Rev. Santana was ordained as a Minister at Central Congregational Church in Derry, New Hampshire. The same day, Rev. and Mrs. Santana were commissioned as Missionaries to minister to the migrant farm workers in Florida.
In August 1993, they organized the Bread of Life Christian Mission in Plant City, Florida, to respond to the immediate needs of the low-income families in this area, the majority of them from the migrant farm working population. Because of the language barrier, these people miss out on the opportunities and benefits the community offers. The Mission has helped over 1,000 of families a year since its doors were opened for the first time.
Though the main goal of the Mission is to spread the Good News of Salvation of Jesus Christ, the Mission recognizes the need for social, educational and vocational programs as a means of improving the impoverished lifestyles of these families. Coming from a teaching background and knowing that education holds the key to a better future; we put emphasis on education, especially for the children.
For that reason, we run an After School Tutoring program twice a week to help Hispanic-American children with school related work. A 20-minute chapel time is included in the program to expose children to the Gospel, where we teach them about Jesus and His love. Every summer we hold 2 or 3 Vacation Bible Schools organized by different churches who want to have a flavor of missionary work.
English as a second language, Spanish literacy classes, and college and vocational training scholarship are other ways we use to encourage people to continue their education. So far, the college scholarship has been awarded to 6 high school students.
Through our weekly Assistance Program we offer a food basket, bread & pastries, clothes and shoes to any one in need. We also run a thrift shop where people can buy furniture, beds, and household items for a nominal cash donation.
Job referrals, translations, orientation in the process of buying a house, and referrals to other agencies are other services we offer.
Every year in August we give out book bags, new shoes and school supplies to more than 300 children, that way their families can send them off to start school well equipped.
At Christmas time we have a big celebration joining hands with other churches with a heart to serve. The whole family is invited for a special program to hear the Christmas story, music and to enjoy a Christmas dinner. Children receive new toys and new clothing. Every year we help more than 300 children with this program.