We were lucky to catch up with Cecilionetti Torres recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cecilionetti, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

“A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Unconditional Love”

My parents, **Cecilio and Esther Torres**, are both God-fearing, kind-hearted individuals. They believed in raising us in an environment that reflected what it means to have a healthy family dynamic. From an early age, they instilled in us the importance of faith, hard work, and dreaming big. They ensured that we understood one important truth: “There is no dream too big that we cannot achieve.”

Two themes echoed through the walls of our home:
– “With Jesus in the family, we would not have a perfect home, but a happy one.”
– “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

These guiding principles shaped not only our family but also our personal lives, giving us the confidence to pursue our goals with unwavering faith.

Through their example, my siblings and I have all gone on to achieve greatness, building on the platform my parents created for us. This foundation was not built from scratch—it was the continuation of the legacy our grandparents laid for them. In our family, we embrace the belief that each generation should “build upon the greatness paved for us and improve with each coming generation.”

But above all, the most valuable lesson my parents taught us was **how to love and support each other unconditionally. Their example of selfless love has shaped every role I play in life— as a child of God, husband, father, brother, and pastor (in that order).

I am eternally grateful to the generations before me who “walked so that I could run.” Their sacrifices and faithfulness have given me the foundation upon which I stand today, and I am committed to carrying that legacy forward.

Cecilionetti, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, to Puerto Rican parents Cecilio and Esther Torres, Pastor Cecilionetti Torres’s life has been a testament to the power of faith and dedication. At the tender age of 9, his family relocated to Virginia to heed God’s call, establishing Iglesia Cristiana Oasis De Vida (Oasis of Life Christian Church). This move set the stage for Pastor Torres’s lifelong commitment to ministry and service.

From an early age, Pastor Torres developed a profound love for music, which naturally intertwined with his passion for the gospel. His parents and church leaders recognized and nurtured his gifts, guiding him through various roles within the church. Over the years, he served faithfully as a worship leader and youth pastor, gradually preparing for the lead pastoral role.

While deeply involved in church activities, Pastor Torres also pursued a successful career in the hospitality industry. Over a 15-year tenure with Marriott Hotels, he rose to the position of General Manager, overseeing three properties. Despite his secular achievements, the call to full-time ministry grew stronger.

Responding to this divine pull, Pastor Torres embraced his calling and transitioned to full-time ministry. Today, he leads Oasis De Vida in Newport News, VA, as the lead campus pastor. His leadership is marked by a heartfelt commitment to restoring faith in the church and fostering meaningful friendships among believers.

Pastor Torres, along with his wife successfully run a UGC/Creative space where they not only work with brands but have also become a resource for those wanting to learn how to generate income via unconventional/traditional methods. They carry a life mission to help all those around them learn how to use their God given gift to achieve their full potential in a life centered on Christ.

Pastor Torres is a devoted husband and loving father, balancing his family life with his pastoral duties. His journey is only just beginning, and he eagerly anticipates the future, driven by the passion God has placed in his heart for this season. Living by the motto, “The only strings attached are the ones that tie us to the Father,” Pastor Cecilionetti Torres continues to inspire and lead, dedicated to his mission of strengthening the bonds within the church of Jesus Christ.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The beauty of being a creative lies in the limitless freedom to imagine, express, and bring ideas to life. Creatives often thrive in a space where innovation and inspiration collide, allowing them to view the world through a unique lens.

Self-Expression and Authenticity:
As a Creative, I have the ability to communicate who I am through my work—whether it’s art, photography, writing, music, or design. Each creation becomes a reflection of my identity, emotions, and experiences.

Turning Ideas into Reality:
There’s a certain magic in seeing an idea grow from a thought in my mind into a tangible product. The ability to breathe life into concepts and share them with the world is deeply fulfilling.

Connection and Impact:
As a creative I’m able to connect deeply with audiences, inspiring, moving, or uplifting others through my work. Art, in any form, has the power to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and bring people together.

Freedom to Explore:
Creativity offers an escape from routine and limitations. It encourages experimentation, allowing creatives to explore different perspectives and try new things without fear of failure.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think society has shifted with the emergence of social media platforms as spaces for self-expression. Now, I won’t say I agree with all the content this awakening has brought, but I am grateful that, more than ever, we are able to glimpse the amazing minds of “regular, everyday people” —silent geniuses who otherwise might never have been heard or seen.

The biggest piece of advice I can give to society as a whole is not to stifle the creative mind. This begins at home! I encourage parents all the time not to close their ears to the passions and inclinations of their children. Behind every imaginary friend, every “cute” refrigerator-worthy piece of art, every Superman cape, and every pretend kitchen lies a passion fighting for a voice.

Each of us has a dream and deserves the opportunity to see it come to life!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oasisvirginia.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecilionetti__?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cecilionetti.torres
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=cecilionetti%20Torres&origin=GLOBAL_SEARCH_HEADER&sid=0!p
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Oasisvirginia