Dr. Reynaldo Baviera

SOC (SEAL), USN Retired

Rey, a former anti-terrorism training officer and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Scout-Sniper with numerous combat deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other hostile locations worldwide, having received numerous valorous awards and distinctions. He also served as a human intelligence operative and intelligence targeting officer before seamlessly transitioning into academia to deepen his understanding of diverse subjects. Although not seminary trained, he holds a BS in Intelligence from the National Intelligence University and an MA in International Relations with concentrations in Global Security, Conflict Resolution, and the Art of International Negotiations from American University in Washington, D.C. Rey earned his Doctorate in Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA. Combining his operational experience with his educational background, Rey grasped the basic theological framework and concepts from the Bible, akin to the Roman Centurion Cornelius and the Apostle Paul's fervor, enabling him to discern the truth amidst false doctrines.

Now, Rey dedicates his time to serving in a Chaplain ministry, where he shares his wisdom by teaching the Bible to veterans confronting adversities such as chronic homelessness, substance abuse recovery, and incarceration. Redirecting his focus from warfare tactics to assisting truth seekers, Rey's commitment to guiding others through tough times reflects both his valor on and off the battlefield and his compassion to lead others to Jesus Christ.

how I came to the Lord Jesus Christ...A Road to Damascus - Testimony

I was born in the Philippines but soon moved to O’ahu, Hawai’i, with my mom and older brother, where I was raised. My upbringing led me through various foster homes, where I often clashed with authority figures, be it foster parents, teachers, or the law.

During my youth, I explored different church denominations but couldn't grasp the essence of religion. Eventually, I stopped attending church during high school. After barely graduating, I made a pivotal decision in 1992 to join the US Navy. I trained as a military anti-terrorism law enforcer and became a Navy SEAL after the events of September 11, 2001.

I honorably served with SEAL Team 3 Task Unit Bruiser Delta Platoon, where I faced intense urban warfare in Ramadi, Iraq, against the formidable al-Qaeda (AQ). It was there that I also lost cherished teammates AO2 (SEAL) Marc A. Lee and MA2 (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor. My journey continued with numerous deployments, battling AQ, Taliban tribesmen, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

As a SEAL sniper and intelligence operative, I ventured to various corners of the world, including time with the Joint Special Operations Command, conducting Intelligence, Reconnaissance, & Surveillance, counter-terrorism and counter-nuclear proliferation operations. Amidst these challenges, I had a sense of God but hadn't found a meaningful relationship with Him or understood His plan for me.

My pursuit of knowledge led me to earn a doctoral degree from the University of Southern California, yet it still didn't reveal the truth I sought. Like Cornelius in Acts 10, I was on a quest for the one true God. In May of 2021, I encountered my "Apostle Peter" through YouTube videos by Pastor Dr. Gene Kim. His question, "If I were to die today, am I 100% sure I would go to heaven?" struck a chord with me. As a SEAL warrior unafraid of death, I wasn't certain, but Dr. Kim's message about salvation through grace and the Lord Jesus Christ resonated deeply within me.

Dr. Kim emphasized the need for repentance and acknowledging one's sinfulness, quoting from Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God," and Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death."

This call to accountability was familiar to me as a SEAL warrior, accustomed to taking responsibility. Given my close brushes with death, I couldn't face the prospect of passing without understanding the significance of Jesus Christ's sacrifice. Having been trained in hostage rescue, I immediately recognized that even the rescuer needed saving. Dr. Kim stressed that our good deeds couldn't save us, quoting Ephesians 2:8-9,

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

The Bible further outlined the path to salvation: believing in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-10, and Acts 16:31. Through this, my sins were cleansed by Jesus' precious blood, and I was justified (Romans 5:9).

Having been rescued by the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving the free gift of salvation, I underwent a profound transformation into a new man (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus Christ alone, I finally discovered the peace and forgiveness I had long sought. Jesus' last words on the cross, "It is finished" (John 19:30), marked the end of my personal battle and war.

I am Reynaldo Baviera, a retired US Navy SEAL, I am now a child of the light and I am an ambassador and servant for the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 5:20).