Joel Hernandez

Pastor Joel was born in Cuba, he came to the United States with his family in 1998 and lived 22 years in Miami, Florida, and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2020. He has been married to his wife Ivette for 30 years and they have two beautiful and talented daughters Betsy and Melody. He joined the First Baptist family in 2023 as part of the Latino Ministry, La PIBO, (Primera Iglesia Bautista de Opelika), to serve along with Pastor Daniel Gonzalez with the mission to reach the growing Spanish-speaking community in Opelika and its vicinities. Joel has served in ministry since he gave his life to Christ in 1992, he was ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 2012. Joel is also the leader and founder of the renowned worship band, Blest, along with his wife and daughters. Throughout their career of 24 years in the Spanish CCM Industry, they have received multiple international awards and recognitions including nominations to the Latin Grammys and the Dove Awards. Joel has served in the pastoral, worship, and creative ministry for over 25 years and is thrilled to be part of our family and expectant of what God will do in the upcoming years.