“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” - (I Timothy 4:12).

Eli exemplified this biblical principle at a young age through his zealousness in caring for the brethren. It is magnified further in his humility atop hard work.

Dedicated, sincere, industrious and the Worker with true love for the congregation, Perez testified to these outstanding qualities of Eli. Grooming him for a future responsibility to secure the church with a potential leader, Nicolas Perez issued a simple ID card that bore the title “Minister” and he gave this to his young protégé in 1969. This also marked the first time in the history of the Church that a minister was appointed.