Carmen Esther Crespo

Carmen Esther Crespo, better known as "Carmin"� by her fellow church members and friends, was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on March 23, 1933. She was the daughter of Pedro Rivera and Eduarda Morales and the second youngest of seven children: Margaro, Elena, Mercedes, Tona, Ramon "Moncho,"� Carmen and Marianita.
Carmen came to the Lord at the very early age of fourteen. Her parents were devoted Christians. In her late teens she married Juan Crespo on September 16, 1950 in Puerto Rico. Juan had recently graduated from Mispa Bible Seminary and was about to pastor a church with Carmen as his newlywed wife. They led a small congregation in a church they co-founded in Arenales in the town of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. It was not easy as they managed to support themselves in spite of the small financial support they received from the church at the time.
In 1952 Carmen and Juan decided to depart to the United States to New York City. There they arrived at East 27th Street and Second Avenue. They were the new arrivals of many whom attended La Primera Iglesia Cristiana del Valley of the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal Church. There they met with Pastor, Rev. Max Diaz.
Carmen joined the Women's Society and she became involved in the church ministry. Juan became a Sunday School teacher for the adults and preached on occasions as well as teaching in the evening at the Assemblies of God Bible Institute. Carmen was very physical as well, as she helped Juan build pews for the church at the time.
On September of 1953, Carmen gave birth to her oldest daughter, Elizabeth.. Carmen always said that she named her daughter Elizabeth because her Pastor, Rev. Max Diaz had suggested that it was a pretty name. Carmen was always grateful and more so to her sister in the Lord, the late Elsie Ramos for escorting her out of the hospital with her first newborn. In 1956 her second child, Juan, Jr. was born and in 1959 her second daughter Deborah was born. Carmen was excited raising her three children in the Lord. They now attend Rock of Salvation Church in Tarrytown, NY, Time Square Church in Manhattan, First Christian Church of the Valley on the eastside of Manhattan.
Carmen's tenure and faithfulness spans fifty-eight years and six Pastors"�Reverends .Max Diaz, Manuel Cordero, Carlos Vasquez, Gilberto Velez, Angel M. Melendez, and Rev. Luis Robles. To all she had great admiration and support. Carmen worked with each of the Pastor's wives from ironing the garments for the Christmas Play, to holding home worship services, to hospital visits " she especially enjoyed reciting poems. Her favorite Psalm was Psalm 24.
Though she has departed to be with the Lord she will be greatly missed and remembered for her gentle smile and kindness. She leaves behind her three children, Elizabeth, Juan Jr., and Deborah; six grandchildren: Michael, Melanie, Stephanie, Joseph, Johnny, and Matthew. And four great-grand children: Tristan, Kaelyn, Isabella, and Gabrielle. She leaves behind two sisters, Elena and Marianita.
To all we express our appreciation and gratitude for your presence today as we remember Carmen Esther Crespo. As the words of the song says:
"We will wear the robe on that day.
We will see his face
Tell the story"�
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May the glory and honor be to the Lord!