Ponce, Puerto Rico is the birth place of the illustrious Maria C. Marrero Ortiz better known as Chelín. Her father, Aracelio and mother, Josefa brings her into the world in what is already a big family on August 28, 1932. As a child she was known as Aracelia.

She remembered as a child being confined in a hospital for two years and after that her mother took her home to die. After arriving home a group of women came and pray that God anoint her as a missionary.

When she became of age she moved to the United Sates in search of a better way of life slowly bringing her family to New York.

At Iglesia Antioquia de las Asambleas de Dios (Assemblies of God) she ministered as a preacher, singer, her repertoire included many other acitivies. She became Sectional Youth Department leader, developing in her a missionary spirit that lasted the rest of her life.

On June 7, 1958 she married the elegant "Marine" Ephraim Hernandez whom she met at a youth gathering. Having a love for missions they both listened to the Lord's calling and headed to the Dominican Republic where they labored from 1961 to 1980. They pioneered 5 churches and one educational institution for secular learning where it was common to see one or more adults attending with the need for literacy. As a good teacher she proudly she taught them to read and write.

They have one biological daughter and named her Yvonne Hernandez. We say biological because in essence it was a big family.

Adopted were Luzfarides, Estela, Felicia, Carmen, Minerva, Maria Virgen Virgen Maria besides a list of girls that call them mami and papi.

Their spiritual children are so many that it is difficult to name them all here. Their labor was a complete from opening new churches to feeding the hungry.

Her joyful spirit and sometimes serious look was a mixed that is difficult to explain.

We may mention that among her skills she was a seamstress by profession but a missionary by vocation. Composer, author a woman full of abilities and qualities that made her unique a pattern hard to repeat.

Chelin and Ephraim were and will always be a generation that will be remembered for a long time for their dedication and love to the Lords work. To clothe the naked and feed the hungry was more important than to construct palaces. She frequently said "you cannot preach to them if they have an empty stomach". Therefore, service before ministry.

She longed to be in the presence of the Lord as faithful and approved servant. But her inward wish was to dance eternally in His presence. An artificial hip was a hindrance, but in heaven it will not be an impediment to dance in the presence of He who called her.

We don't say that chelin is dead, but that she lives in the presence of the Lord. Her desire was to please and serve, her mission was fulfilled.

Rest in peace Chelin.