We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Juan Eliezer De Leon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Juan Eliezer below.
Hi Juan Eliezer, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
”Life is like a ball of sugar, hard, but sweet.” These were my brother’s words back when we were children. Coming from a very poor background in the Dominican Republic, we were fighting every step of the way to survive. We lacked resources to eat properly and consistently. We did not have a stable place to live, or shoes to wear to school. Yet, our faith and sense of dignity kept us going. My father instilled in me the belief that trusting God would open the doors for living with a purpose. Ever since I was twelve years old, I wanted to come to the USA and study. I did not have the financial resources, or the influence to make it happen. Yet, I was not afraid to get out there and take risks. My faith and clear purpose guided my initiatives. Eventually I came to the USA and achieved the graduate degrees I desired, founded a successful international, non-profit organization, and more importantly, I have a wonderful family. My faith and purpose have always fueled the engine of my initiatives amid the big challenges of life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the president of Relevant International Missions and Senior minister at Community Christian Church of Chicago. The most exciting thing about what I do is the opportunity to make a lasting impact through our services and ministries. We get to know people’s needs and help fulfill them at the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. We also get to connect our American partners with people in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica in volunteer opportunities, where they build relationships with the locals as they serve them in relevant ways.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most impactful qualities in my journey have been my perpetual curiosity on how to serve better, the ability to create real connections with people through listening and service, and finally spiritual and emotional stability. These qualities have been pivotal to my journey. No one wants to follow, come along side, or support someone who does not know his stuff, is not able to connect with them, or who is unstable. My advice to others is to stay knowledge-hungry, assess their state of being and identify areas of improvement, and educate themselves on how to improve. Also, learn to listen to others. Listening is a discipline that requires attention, time, and dedication. Furthermore, having a servant’s heart will show others that you care, develop the reputation needed for others to listen to you, and follow you. Finally, I suggest connecting with a community of faith. This will help you stay spiritually and emotionally healthy.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I’ve had two mentors and one powerful habit that have significantly contributed to my growth: the Bible, Vern Worcester, and the habit of reading leadership books.
From a young age, the principles found in the Bible have been alive in me, shaping my mindset and influencing my decisions. As I’ve lived out my faith, I’ve felt these Biblical values guiding my thinking and encouraging me to act in ways that bring inner peace and purpose.
I also met Vern Worcester during my teenage years and have come to recognize him as a wise and insightful mentor. I’ve often turned to him for guidance—especially when I lacked experience or needed an outside perspective.
Lastly, I’ve developed a strong passion for reading leadership books. I’ve embraced the saying, “You can either learn from experience or the experience of others. The second is always less painful.” This habit has allowed me to grow by learning from the successes and failures of others.
Together, the Bible, Vern Worcester, and leadership books have been essential instruments in shaping who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.relevantim.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Inspiredinchrist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliezer-de-leon-55b37032
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@seminarioeleteologobiblico
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