Brandon Moreno (BA ’23)’s journey at Fresno Pacific University was more than just an academic pursuit. It was a transformative experience that prepared him for a life of ministry and service, equipping him with wisdom and experiences needed to make a difference for the Gospel.

Following a life changing encounter with Jesus in the spring of 2020, Brandon felt a calling into ministry. “After prayer and wise counsel, I knew I wanted to pursue ministry, and felt like Fresno Pacific was where Jesus was inviting me next in my faith journey,” he says.

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

During his time at FPU, Brandon had the opportunity to explore his faith and engage in meaningful ministry on campus by joining the Office of Spiritual Formation as a student chaplain. In addition, he spent a lot of time praying in the Warkentin Prayer Chapel.

“I had an amazing experience at FPU,” Brandon says. “Sitting in the back of Professor Johnston’s class, I had a vision to reach the campus for Christ. I was blessed with the freedom from Pastor Brian Davis to explore who I am, who I was made to be in Christ and what the call of ministry on my life looks like.”

One of the most impactful experiences for Brandon was starting Alpha Course groups on campus with a team of five FPU students: Calvin Abbott, Aryanna Guzman, Chabeli Perez and Irelda Alarcon-Ayon. “We started three Alpha Course groups where students could learn more about who God is and what it looks like to have a relationship with him,” he says. “We had a group for athletes, Catholic students and resident/commuter students.”

Leading Alpha also taught Brandon how to invite people into ministry through giving – through time, service, prayer and/or money. “Several professors were gracious enough to participate in discussions with students and even use their own money to provide food for students at meetings,” he says. 

The willingness of professors and staff members to be involved in the spiritual lives of students and care for their well-being was a blessing to Brandon. “I quickly realized that Fresno Pacific was different from other colleges I had attended because of the personal connections that staff and faculty were willing to make with students on a regular basis. The Alpha ministry was blessed by their willingness to serve and love on us,” he says.

A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

FPU not only deepened Brandon’s faith but also prepared him for future endeavors in ministry. “These experiences allowed me to feel confident in my ability to proclaim the Gospel to the next generation,” he says. After graduating, he felt called to return to his hometown of Kingsburg and join the staff at his home church leading the fourth-sixth-grade student ministry. “I also helped start a young adults ministry, which my time at FPU with college students equipped me for. I learned to do life with them, which is a value that is important to FPU.

“All my experiences at FPU prepared me for my time with fourth through sixth graders and young adults in my hometown,” Moreno said. “I wanted them to hear the Gospel and meet the Jesus I encountered in the Warkentin Prayer Chapel.”

BRINGING THE GOSPEL TO OTHERS

Today, Brandon continues to live out his calling through work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, impacting the lives of young athletes in Dinuba, Reedley, Visalia and Kingsburg. “I value the next generation and pray they go further than mine,” he says. “I am blessed to have a job with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where through sports, I get to help bring the Gospel to the Valley as well as the nations through our mission trips where we serve with local churches.”

Brandon’s time at FPU laid the foundation for his ministry, equipping him with the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to make a difference in the lives of others. His journey at FPU was not just about getting a degree but about living out his calling to impact the world for Christ.