“I believe God has released me from my assignment as Pastor from Freedom Center Church in Questa, and is calling me & my kids to Northern CA. I’m moving in obedience and in faith.” says Kristi Gonzales in reference to her and her family relocating soon.
In June 2017, Pastor Kristi and her late husband, Johnny Gonzales, made a life-changing decision to move to Questa from Albuquerque. They felt a strong calling to serve the community they call home. When the opportunity to serve as pastors at Harvest Questa (now Freedom Center Church) arose, they knew it was the right path. “It wasn’t just about relocating—it was about planting ourselves in a place where we could grow alongside the people and be part of something bigger than ourselves,” Pastor Kristi shared.
Pastor Kristi’s journey to becoming a pastor began at the age of 15, driven by a strong desire to help people find freedom and hope. She experienced firsthand how Jesus’s love could transform lives and felt compelled to share that message. “It wasn’t something I set out to do on my own—it was more about saying ‘yes’ to where God was leading me,” she explained.
Being a pastor at Freedom Center Church alongside Johnny was one of the greatest honors of her life. The church’s focus is on freedom, hope, and restoration. “Seeing lives changed, families healed, and people finding purpose has been incredibly rewarding,” she said. It has meant walking alongside people through their struggles and victories, witnessing God’s faithfulness every step of the way. “One of my greatest joys is knowing that Freedom Center Church will continue serving our community,” she added.
When asked about the highlights of her time in Questa, Pastor Kristi spoke of the community’s unique beauty. “There are so many highlights! Questa has a special kind of beauty—not just in the mountains and rivers, but in the people,” she said. She and Johnny loved being part of the community, celebrating milestones with families, and being invited into their personal stories. Some of the most memorable moments have been baptisms, community outreach events, and seeing people discover they are not alone and have a purpose. Pastor Gayle of Living Word Ministries Church in Questa, with whom pastor Kristi collaborated with at times said, “Pastors Johnny and Kristi have had a long lasting impact on Questa.”
The Gonzales family’s future looks different without Johnny, who passed away from cancer in September 2023. Together, Pastor Kristi and Johnny have five children: Izziah, Micah, Mariah, Zachariah, and Hezekiah. Johnny’s love and wisdom continue to guide them. “His love resonates in each of our hearts and his wisdom guides us,” she said. Her future is about continuing to serve faithfully and carrying forward the work she and Johnny built together. “There is still so much hope and expectation for my family in the days ahead.”
Pastor Kristi’s final words to the community are simple yet powerful: “You are loved. You are not forgotten. You have a purpose.” She prays that the community will always remember that in Christ, there is freedom from addiction, depression, and hopelessness—and the freedom to live with joy, peace, and abundance.
“Thank you, Questa, for welcoming us into your lives and hearts. Thank you for all the ways you loved us,” she concluded. “I will carry those memories with me always, and I am forever grateful. I’ll never forget where my home is.”
You can stay up to date with Pastor Kristi and her family’s faith journey by following her website at www.KristiGonzales.com.
