Dr Dennis Ruano grew up in Guatemala as the son of a pastor, but he had always promised himself he would never become one. Instead, he wanted to become a medical professional and serve God through financial means. Little did he know the Lord would call him to do both!
After studying at a Christian school and graduating as a Bible teacher, Dr. Ruano began to focus on his dream. He graduated from dental school at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala and, in 2003, founded the Guatemala Dental Mission Team. With the support from a network for Guatemalan dentists and a large team of dental students, Dennis began conducting free health clinics to provide dental care to patients in very remote and impoverished rural areas of Guatemala. Dennis and his team serve about one thousand people each year through these clinics.
“We visit communities without access to health services and provide free treatment with the sole purpose of showing God's love and sharing the Gospel. When we provide medical care to others, they experience God’s caress,” -Dr Dennis Ruano
Following the death of his dad, Dr. Ruano was asked to continue his legacy by taking over his father's church. Dennis responded to this call, but he also set up a pastoral team to share in the leadership. He also incorporated his passion for providing medical help into his ministry, and began offering clinics with gospel presentations and Bible training for local children. This work was a natural fit for Dennis, his wife Chochy, and their four children who had long served the Lord together as youth pastors and worship directors, as well as serving through music and concert tours for children.
In addition to his dental practice, medical missions, and pastoral work, Dennis has been serving with Global Action for the past two years as a teacher and coordinator. "I saw that [Global Action's programme] was a very useful and necessary tool for equipping leaders—especially pastors who are in ministry with next to no biblical training," he shared.
Dennis and his family embody the vision and leadership that Global Action is dedicated to multiplying throughout the world. With a strong foundation in the Word of God and a heart for ministry, Dennis uses his unique skills to serve, to lead, and to equip others for ministry.
"The desire of my heart is to continue using my abilities in the service of God, and to help Global Action continue growing in Guatemala and Central America, so that through biblical training and supporting pastors and leaders, we can carry out the Great Commission and be witnesses of the blessings that God has for Latin America."
We are thrilled to welcome Dennis to his new role as Director of Central America. His dynamic leadership will help us equip and inspire even more pastors and ministry leaders in the days ahead.