Minister CJ Gonzales

A wonderful Minister in the vineyard

Cleo J. (C.J.) Gonzales was born in Martinez, CA, but raised predominantly on a farm in north-central MO. She accepted the Lord at age five during Vacation Bible School in the little church behind her grandmother’s house and has followed her Lord and Savior ever since, finding ways to get to and be involved in church despite the fact her parents were very anti-Christian. She moved to Salinas, CA, in 1979, to live with a maternal aunt who was instrumental in beginning her healing process from various abuses incurred throughout her childhood years by providing a safe, loving, Christian environment. After graduating from high school and attending a few semesters of pre-nursing courses, CJ joined the Air Force and trained in Ground Radio Communications. While this path seemed averse to her original life goals, it ultimately proved to be a step in God’s plan for her life as she met the man who would later become her husband and partner in Christ during one of her assignments overseas. This meeting occurred through circumstances that only God could have ordained.

In 1987, CJ married CPT Arthur J. Gonzales, US Army, and together they raised four children.  Upon retirement from the Army, the couple moved their family back to San Antonio, TX, to be with family and reconnect with Cornerstone Church. There they grew in the Lord, went through many inner healings, growing and maturing in their walks with Christ, individually and as a couple. Ultimately, Major Gonzales became Pastor Art Gonzales, and the couple served in various ministries throughout the church. CJ served as the Administrative Assistant for the Adult Ministries Department at Cornerstone Church for over thirteen years, administrating the pastoral healing programs within the church as well as facilitating various classes and serving as Director for the SAVIOR class which helped men and women who were sexually abused as children heal from the hurts of their past by facilitating the encounters with God in those places of pain and hurt. CJ supported her husband, Art, as he served as a counselor, teacher, mentor, staff pastor, and Director of Pastoral Ministries. They served together as Home Ministry Leaders, G12 Cell Group Leaders and later as Tribe Leaders, guiding and directing others in their walk with the Lord. They were together, as one, in ministry until his passing to be with his Lord.

God has since directed CJ to House of Abundance Church where she is being given the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained over her many years of service to assist with the various HOA missions. She is excited to see what God has for her future.