After years of dedicated service, Pastor Felix Robles, the founding pastor of The Way Family Christian Center, has tendered his resignation, leaving a profound impact on the local community. Pastor Robles, known for his unwavering faith and determination, transformed a foreclosed house into a thriving place of worship that has become a beacon of hope for many.

The remarkable journey of The Way Family Christian Center began as a small Bible study in Plattekill, led by Pastor Robles. Simultaneously, he pursued his Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministries and Bible, laying the groundwork for his future church. The congregation eventually moved to the basement of a local Catholic church, where they resided for two years before seeking a permanent location.

In an unexpected turn of events, Robles stumbled upon a house at 471 New Hurley Road that was in foreclosure. Despite the building’s state of disrepair, he saw its potential and acquired the property in November 2017. With a vision in mind, Robles and his congregation embarked on a transformative journey, marked by significant construction efforts and unwavering dedication.

The process of converting the house into a church was not without its challenges. Structural issues became apparent during the initial repairs, as the wrong frame size had been used, causing the building to collapse upon itself. To rectify the situation, steel bars were added to reinforce the structure, ensuring its stability. The diligent efforts of Pastor Robles and his congregation, working tirelessly for three months, culminated in the completion of the church’s construction by the end of January.

However, the challenges persisted. The harsh winter weather resulted in frozen pipes and a cracked radiator, rendering the building too cold for services. Undeterred, Robles sought alternative solutions, utilizing kerosene heaters temporarily. Providentially, the insurance company stepped in and provided a new furnace and baseboard heating, resolving the issue and paving the way for continued worship.

The Way Family Christian Centerhas grown to encompass approximately 30 in-person congregation members and attracts 30 to 60 viewers weekly through virtual services. The church serves as a focal point for the community, offering a prayer meeting and Bible study on Tuesday nights, Sunday morning worship at 11 a.m. and a food pantry on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Moreover, the church actively engages in ministering to local trailer parks and hosts food giveaways during holiday seasons, exemplifying their commitment to serving others.

Pastor Robles, a native of Spanish Harlem, has been a pillar of strength and faith in Wallkill since 1980. His deep-rooted evangelical upbringing, coupled with his wife Evelyn’s unwavering support, has shaped his lifelong dedication to the ministry. After 47 years of marriage, the couple recently celebrated their anniversary, reflecting on a lifetime of shared devotion.

As Robles steps down, he cites various reasons for his resignation, including his age, declining strength, and responsibilities towards his parents. While retiring from the ministry remains undecided, he plans to focus on spending more time with his family during his retirement. As of now, the search for his successor is ongoing, with Pastor Robles hoping for someone who will preserve the church’s core activities and expand its impact within the community.