Pastor Art Cardenas was born in El Paso, Texas. He is the oldest of 7 children and was raised by a single mom. Growing up without a father was very difficult for him.  It opened him up to opportunities to get in trouble by hanging out with the wrong crowd. At the age of 12, he was introduced to boxing and liked it so much that he began training.  Boxing became his refuge. 

 

His passion to help the youth was born out of his difficult upbringing and lack of a father to guide and teach him.  He understands their needs and struggles so much so that in 2007 Pastor Art and his friend Greg Alvarez started an after-school boxing program at Abundant Faith Church.  

 

Pastor Art has the heart of a teacher, mentor and father figure to the many youth struggling and at risk that attend the AOA Boxing Program.  This ministry teaches them not only boxing skills but discipline, commitment, consistency and also helps to build their self-esteem.  Every Tuesday, these young boys and girls are taught The Word of God and Kingdom principles. They come to learn to box but in the process are mentored and cared for by the trainers and pastors on-site.

 

Seeing the single moms at his church go through hard times, he responded to the need by starting an oil change ministry. While their cars are being worked on, the moms are ministered with The Word of God as well as receive encouragement and prayer.

 

In his life, Pastor Art has witnessed miracle after miracle and experienced God's favor. He has learned of God's goodness and when you are a child of God, He surrounds you with a shield of favor; Psalm 5:12! 

 

Abundant Faith Church's motto is “We walk by Faith, Not by Sight”, 2 Corinthians 5:7, and that is certainly the motto he lives by.  Pastor Art and his wife Myrtie are always looking for opportunities to serve their family, church and community.