Israel Irizarry began his journey with Jesus Christ in February 2011. Israel had lived his life believing that God existed from a Catholic faith but never had heard the Gospel or given his life to Jesus Christ. His father not coming from a background of faith and his mother’s Catholic background gave him an idea of religion and somewhat of God’s existence, but that was it.
After his mother had a traumatic stroke leaving her half-paralyzed, many things started going wrong. His family lost their home, Israel experienced rejection in school, and his family environment was becoming more dysfunctional and broken. Israel found himself carrying anger, bitterness, and depression and was contemplating suicide. However, it would be a simple exchange of a phone number and an invitation to a church that would set Israel up for one of the biggest moments that would change the course of his life.
Thinking of having a simple counseling session to help his emotional issues, Israel found himself in a Salvation and Deliverance Church service in Harlem, New York. After sitting in the last row for several hours, an Elder went and asked Israel if he wanted to give his life to Jesus Christ. Israel responded “Sure”, not knowing what would happen next.
Israel went up to the altar and the minister of the evening had a word of knowledge that a spirit of suicide had been tormenting him. The minister laid hands on him and commanded the spirit of suicide to leave, and immediately a dark presence had left Israel’s body, and thereafter he was filled with a peace and love he could not explain. That day a veil was taken off his eyes and he exclaimed “Oh my goodness, the Christians are right! Jesus really is the only way!” And he was born again that day, having a radical experience with Jesus that would change the course of his life.
Though he had this great encounter, Israel would wrestle in his relationship with God over the next decade of his life. He had to learn how to break cycles/patterns of sin in his life and battled to discover his purpose. He had to mature and become a useful vessel for God’s glory. It was at the age of 25 years old that Israel understood that Jesus was calling him to become more than a believer, but a true disciple of the Kingdom. His wife and he answered the call to preach the Gospel and left everything in their home of New York City to answer the call of God for their lives.
He currently resides in Richmond, VA with his wife and daughter. He loves to strengthen and help believers within the body of Christ find out, understand, and walk their purpose in God. He is also an entrepreneurial minister owning a luxury home goods store, Lion Industrial. He also runs Revival Mentorship to set free, equip, and train entrepreneurs in the body of Christ. God has sent him to preach on social media to preach to the lost, strengthen and equip believers, and bring attention to matters that are in the heart of the Lord.
