Jimmy Negron:  Jaime "Jimmy" Negron, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 9, 1963. He was born to Puerto-Rican parents who were devout Catholics. He attended Catholic school all his life. He was an altar boy for several years at St. Edward's Church at 8th & York Streets. He grew up in several different North Philadelphia neighborhoods with his parents as the oldest of four children. At the age of 16 he learned to play the trombone in school. He graduated high school in 1981 and was accepted to college. To make extra money while in school, Jimmy started playing the clubs with different local salsa bands. By the time he was 19 he was smoking cigarrettes, drinking and experimenting with different types of drugs. At 25 he got a very good job at a reputable company, met and married his wife of 14 years and was blessed with a daughter who is now 8. Life was great! (Or so he thought).

As the years progressed so did Jimmy's addictions. His marriage was falling apart! His life was empty and had no direction. But one day almost 4 years ago, Jesus Christ in all his mercy liberated Jimmy! Praise the Lord! His life has changed completely. Though the road has been tough at times, God has blessed Jimmy in many ways. Today, he is a man of the Lord and is a member of the First Spanish Baptist Church of Philadelphia where he is President of the Board of Trustees of the church.

Andres Cotto:  I was privileged enough to grow up in a christian home.  My dad, being a Pastor, and my mom one of his greatest supporters, would always take us to church services, gatherings, or any events.  As a kid I got involved in the music ministry.  My Dad who also played piano and sang, influenced my musical desire even greater.  I began playing bongos, congas and drumset along side my father and my older brother Julio, who also plays percussion.  In 4th grade I was given an opportunity in school to play the trumpet.  It has been 10 years since I started.  Around the age of 15-16 I began to rebel a little, as young teenagers do, but continued to participate in church.  I had yet to have a personal experience with God alhtough I had given my life to Christ as a young boy.

I graduated from high school and was headed into college.  During the second semester, God had spoken to me at least four times about our relationship.  I grew to understand what it was to communicate with God, to love Him and trust in Him.  Since then God has contiuously blessed me and my family.  He has been putting me in places where he needs me to be.  I give Him thanks for allowing me to participate in his work "Zarza Ardiente."  I also pray that while I am in this ministry I can be used as a blessing for others as He has been to me.  God bless you.