Nebraska Man with Troubled Past Experiences Transformation, Now Helping Other Young Men Find Jesus

Agapito “Pete” Anguiano's favorite verse is Romans 12:2, and it's fitting because it effectively summarizes his faith journey.

The Bible verse says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

“It's my favorite verse because there is always something that needs to be renewed in my mind,” explains Anguiano, 49, a deacon at First Assembly of God in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. “I used to conform to the pattern of this world, but now I want to be transformed every day by God.”

Anguiano, the owner of Pete's Flooring Installation & Construction, used to abuse drugs and alcohol and engage in behaviors he now recognizes as immoral. He also served time in jail.

His abusive behavior led him to enroll at Teen Challenge of the Midlands in 2015, now known as Sheepgate.

“I was only there two months, and I didn't graduate because I didn't handle discipline very well, which I regretted later,” recalls Anguiano, who is from Los Mochis Sinaloa, Mexico.

However, after submitting to the mentorship and discipleship of Leroy Wyre, pastor of First Assembly of God, he was able to overcome his life-controlling habits. Wyre notes that Anguiano “has allowed Christ to bring him a long way in life.”

“I have seen the Lord’s transformation in his life from him being in the bondage of sin, to where he is a responsible father, husband and follower of Jesus,” explains Wyre, who also serves as the network integrator of the Nebraska Ministry Network. “The Lord showed me his potential many years ago when he did not care about the things of the Lord or himself.”

Now a new creation in Christ, Anguiano is helping other young men find employment, mentorship, and most importantly, the saving grace of Jesus Christ through his business.

“I know that he has shared Christ with many clients and those in the Hispanic community, as several are his employees,” Wyre says. “He has also employed troubled young men from our church to help them get established.”

Wyre, who has known Anguiano for about 16 years, states that the business owner has also given of himself to serve the church in numerous ways, including serving as a deacon for three years at the church, which has approximately 120 attendees.

“He loves people and loves God,” Wyre says. “People can see that, and they can learn to see what it means to love people and do the things that pleases Jesus. He sends a strong message of servanthood without the need for highlighting his efforts or work so others will see it. He is humble and just wants to please God.”

Anguiano also serves as the church's Royal Rangers senior commander and several boys have accepted Christ under his leadership.

Anthony Trevino has known Anguiano for about three years and serves alongside him as a deacon and Royal Rangers commander. His 10-year-old son, Braylen, is in the youth program.

“Pete knows the Word of God and how to influence anyone he speaks with through prayer or encouragement,” says Trevino, 47, a correctional officer for 26 years. “I would consider Pete to be one of my best friends. I am a better man and Christian because of this man of God.”

Mary Ann Shockley, who has also served alongside Anguiano as a deacon, agrees.

“Pete has been a good servant and leader as he helped our young youth with Royal Rangers,” she says. “My two grandsons and nephew attended his class and enjoyed it very much. He has been a dedicated prayer warrior when asked to pray for those in need. He continues to lead others to the Lord and stands firm on the Word.”

Nicole Anguiano, 49, has been married to Anguiano for 27 years. She noted that “God is a God of reconciliation” for saving her husband and marriage. She also credits Wyre and Teen Challenge for helping him turn his life around.

“I believe 92 percent of meth addicts never get off or stay off the drug, but here he is going on nine years being free from drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol,” she says. “Once a convicted felon, he not only has a clean record thanks to the blessing of expungement, but he is also a deacon of the church as well as commander for our Royal Rangers. Once very shy and avoiding people, he now lays his hand on their shoulder and prays for them. I can't help but see Jesus in everything with him.”

Nicole states that her husband exemplifies agape love, the highest form of Christian, selfless love.

“That is Pete,” she explains. “He is full of empathy. He feels deep. He's a giver with a generous heart.”

The generosity extends beyond his family and is impacting the lives of men and young boys throughout the community, showing them the transformative power of Christ through his testimony and continued freedom from his old chains.