Senior Pastor Rev. Rafael Calderon Rev. Rafael Calderon is senior pastor at the 27th Street Revival Center in Camden, New Jersey. Born in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, Calderon moved to Camden in 1990. He first became a pastor at the age of 18 shortly after graduating from the Assemblies of God Bible Institute in 1969.  At this young age Calderon led different congregations in numerous cities throughout the Dominican Republic and later in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In 1984 he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Santo Domingo. When God called him to lead a church in Camden, a city plagued by violence, drugs and poverty, Calderon took on the challenge willingly confiding in the Lord. He knew it was his humble beginnings and God’s grace that would help him bring hundreds of souls to salvation. Today his ministry has expanded beyond the city to different parts of the world.  In 1998, he founded the Good Samaritan, a center for orphan children in his hometown.  In 2006 he also published his first book entitled “Decendio el Fuego en Camden” (Fire descended in Camden). The book, read in many parts of South and Central America, narrates how the fire of the Holy Ghost fell strongly in his church in 1997. Since then, Calderon says, God is transforming lives and restoring families in the city. Calderon uses his story to spread the good news about the Lord to people throughout the nations.

Pastora Margarita Calderon Margarita Calderon, ministers side by side with her husband as senior pastor at the 27th Street Revival Center. Born in Hato Mayor del Rey, the Dominican immigrant devotes herself to help the poor and the wounded. For many of her childhood years, Margarita experienced that feeling of emptiness and hopelessness in herself.  Her birth parents gave her up for adoption hoping she would have a better life . She spent many years dreaming of her real family and trying to make sense of her abandonment.  At the age of 14, Margarita’s sadness turned into joy when she accepted the Lord as her personal savior. It was then she discovered the Lord’s divine plan for her life. After receiving God’s calling Margarita enrolled in the Assemblies of God Bible Institute in 1966. Three years later, she graduated as an honor student in theology. While studying at the Bible Institute, she met her husband of 36 years, Rafael Calderon. The couple later got married on October 2, 1969. Together they raised five children: Rafael Jonathan, Israel, Rafael Abel, and the twins Ariel and Glennys. Since the couple became pastors, Margarita has not forgotten her true calling.  No matter where she is, Margarita separates a special time to not only pray but also bless both adults and children who suffer.

Associate Pastor Ariel Calderon Ariel Calderon serves as Associate Pastor at the 27th Street Revival Center under the leadership of his father. Born in San Pedro de Macore, Dominican Republic, Ariel is the youngest of four boys. As a child Ariel never thought he would follow his father's footstep in the ministry. In 2002 he graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science. Shortly after Ariel moved to Arizona to work as a Software Engineer for General Dynamics.  When he thought he had reached his ultimate dream the Lord called him and told him to leave everything and return to Camden.   As God told Joshua "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them", he told Ariel his ministry would be fruitful, strong and courageous in spite of any obstacles. In 2005, Ariel graduated from the Bible Institute.  Today he is a certified licensed minister for the Assemblies of God.

Associate Pastor Michelle Calderon As a little girl, Michelle Calderon knew she was a born leader. It was her dedication and passion for others that separated her from all the other girls. Today the Camden native, ministers next to her husband Ariel, as associate pastor at the 27th Street Revival Center. Michelle's ministry began at the age of three when a passion for worship took ownership of her heart. At the age of 12, she was accepted into Children Safe Harbor Inc. (Ministerio Amparo de la Niñez Inc.). It was under the leadership of Felipe and Myrtha Castro that Michelle blossomed in worship, drama, creative arts, and preaching the Word of God. Today, she pays tribute to God, to this ministry and its leaders Felipe and Myrtha for directing her into the right path.  In 1994, Michelle graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, where she formed part of the school's gospel choir. In 1998, after receiving a refreshing touch of God, she joined the worship team at the 27th Street Revival Center. Shortly after that Lord placed in her heart a need to reach out to the lost youth. In 1999, Ariel and Michelle became youth pastors leading dozens of young people to the feet of God. After having the blessing of being childhood friends, the couple was joined in holy matrimony on June 16, 2001. Together they conceived Josias Ariel (age 5), Natalya Arielis (age 2) and Julissa Ivelisse (3 months old).