Pastor Armando De La Merced was born on October 16, 1960 in Sorsogon, Philippines. He is married to Leila Rovira and blessed with three children: Mercy Grace, Joanna Grace and Kevin John. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Military Science. He also finished a Bachelor of Divinity degree at Southern Baptist School of Theology, Philippines. His spiritual journey began in August 1980 when he turned over his life to Christ, whom He received as his Lord and Savior. Since then, he has dedicated his life to serve Him in various ministries: Campus Ministry, Deacon and Church Planter of Pasay Baptist Church, and as pastor of God's Grace Baptist Church and Kawit Baptist Church respectively, both in Cavite. In 1996, the Lord led him to become the Missions Director of the Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches. He later got involved in Church Planting Movements and Maximizing Church Health ministries for Southern Baptists and for the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches. In May 2004, his family moved to San Diego, California, to help take care of his wife's mother who had a severe stroke. While he was figuring out why the Lord pulled him out of a challenging ministry in the Philippines, he tried to remain faithful, available, and usable for God. In June 2008, he met Pastor Charlie Chilton at a Pastors’ Meeting in San Diego. By God's providence, that meeting led to a call to serve as Pastor of a loving community of believers--the Grace Filipino Church in Virginia. He accepted that call and was installed as pastor on February 22, 2009. His commitment to GFC is to raise an army of devoted Christ's Followers, who have passion for God and compassion for the lost. Focusing on that will result in an ongoing multiplication of disciples, leaders, groups, ministries and churches. His greatest contribution to GFC would be to authentically live what he desires to be developed in other people’s lives. His leadership is driven by a desire to glorify and honor God and to advance His Kingdom to the world.