Frank Medina

Frank Medina was born in Los Angeles California on December 3, 1922, to Francisco and Febronia Medina. He grew up on a farm in the area now known as the City of Vernon. He attended Vernon Elementary School, Hollenbeck Junior High School and graduated from Roosevelt High School. Frank felt the calling of the Lord at an early age. He would often talk about preaching the word at play to children under trees in the countryside.

At the young age of 17 he was stricken with tuberculosis and entered LA General Hospital in 1939 and spent the next 2 1/2 years there. Frank actually graduated from High School, while on his sick bed. It was during his long stay in the hospital, Frank made a pledge to the Lord to serve Him for the rest of his life if only his health could be restored. God answered his pledge, and Frank was finally discharged from the hospital in 1942.

Soon after his discharge, he enrolled in the Latin American Bible Institute (LABI) and graduated in 1944. He was quickly offered a position as a teacher at the school and was also appointed co-pastor at El Aposento Alto Church.

It was also during his teaching days at the Bible Institute that Frank met and fell in love with Alice Bazan, one of the daughters of Rev. Demetrio Bazan, Superintendent of the Latin American District of the Assemblies of God. Frank and Alice were married on September 13, 1947, in El Paso, Texas. They were married for 73 years until Alice passed away in June 2020. Frank and Alice were blessed with four children: Vivian (Linda), Frank Jr., David, and Evangeline (Vangie).

In December 1949, Frank was elected pastor of La Puerta Abierta, then located at 4421 Michigan Ave. in Los Angeles. In January 1951, he was officially ordained as a Minister of the Latin American Assemblies of God. During the time he was pastor, he also continued to teach at the LABI up until the early 1970's. Also, for many years Frank was the Secretary of the Board of Directors for LABI.

In 1962 Frank was elected President of the Corporation of the Pacific Latin American District Conference. This was the corporation that owned and administered the various church properties in California. He held this position until 1972.

Frank was blessed and grateful to have had such a wonderful congregation at La Puerta Abierta where he pastored for over 38 years when he retired in April 1988.

After retirement, Frank enjoyed traveling and made many trips including to Israel, China, Hong Kong, Mexico Philippines and many countries in South America. He also traveled with family members across the States

Frank passed away peacefully on May 20, 2022 at the Santa Anita Convalescent Hospital in Arcadia California. He has led a Remarkable Life spanning over 47 years in ministry serving the Lord.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY