A Fixed Moment | Original Interviews | Bronx, New York
In this Pastor Hugo interview, the Bronx minister reflects on surviving a life-threatening experience, finding renewed purpose through faith, and dedicating his life to building community, cultural understanding, and helping others.
For Pastor Hugo, faith is more than a religious belief. It is something he credits with saving his life and giving him a purpose that continues to guide his work in the Bronx.
Born in Lima, Peru, Hugo worked as a businessman, including in the hotel and restaurant industries, before becoming a pastor. However, a life-threatening experience changed the direction of his life.
“I was told I have a year to live, you know. I was 36 at the time.”
Hugo recalled those words during our interview.
Listen to the Interview · Excerpt 01
Faith and Survival
Hear Pastor Hugo reflect on the experience that changed the course of his life.
Facing an uncertain future, Hugo turned to God, seeking what he described as a miracle. He credits his faith with helping him survive that difficult period and inspiring him to dedicate his life to helping others.
A New Direction Through Faith
Hugo joined the Christian church in 1992 and was baptized in 1993. He became a minister in June 2001 and later became a pastor around 2003 or 2004. His early involvement included volunteering in a church soup kitchen and singing in the choir.
Over the years, Hugo has focused much of his work on helping what he calls the “lost sheep,” people who have lost their faith or direction in life. He hopes to help them find their way back.
Building a Multicultural Congregation
Today, Hugo serves a multicultural congregation in the Bronx. The church includes members from different African and Hispanic backgrounds, including Nigerian, Ghanaian, Congolese, Dominican, and Puerto Rican communities.
Hugo explained that when he first joined the congregation, he was the only Hispanic member. Over time, the church welcomed more Spanish-speaking members, reflecting the surrounding community.
However, bringing people together has not always been easy. Hugo described how cultural differences, ethnic divisions, and misunderstandings can create challenges within religious communities.
“We only have one tribe, the Christian tribe.”
He emphasized that everyone belongs to the same family regardless of nationality or background.
Listen to the Interview · Excerpt 02
One Family
Pastor Hugo discusses community and bringing people from different backgrounds together.
Helping Others Find Opportunity
His dedication to helping others also includes teaching computers. Hugo recalled helping a young man who initially showed little interest in technology. With encouragement and training, the student eventually received a scholarship to study computer science and later returned to show Hugo his diploma.
Listen to the Interview · Excerpt 03
A Student’s Success
Hugo shares the story of a student whose education opened the door to new opportunities.
Experiences like this continue to motivate him. Hugo explained that seeing people overcome obstacles, develop new skills, and make positive changes in their lives is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
Looking Toward the Future
Looking toward the future, Hugo hopes to see more interracial marriages and multiethnic families within his community. He believes these relationships would represent greater acceptance and understanding among people from different backgrounds.
