For Alvin Castro, Sr., serving on the Guest Experience team as an usher has been a way for him to welcome and encourage people who are coming to Hillside to worship God each week. 

“I enjoy looking into their eyes and blessing them and giving them a good word of blessing for their week,” Al explained. “You just never know if your sincere heart-felt smile or even your presence may change the way someone sees Jesus.”Al has been faithfully serving in various ministries at Hillside since coming here in 2021. He and his wife had worked in the mission field in Mexico for 25 years, and after moving back to Upland, were invited by his son, Al Castro, Jr., to join him and his family. 

Al also serves as a facilitator for Alpha Español, a new group at Hillside that offers attendees the opportunity to learn more about Jesus and ask some of the hard questions about faith. He said he has enjoyed getting to meet new people through this group and seeing them wrestle through their questions.“I’ve loved listening to their questions and helping them find some of the answers they’re looking for from God’s Word,” he said.

Al said he got plugged in at Hillside because he enjoys serving both God and others, and considers it a blessing to give a little of the much God has given him. He wants to encourage others to lean into their unique giftings from God to help further His kingdom.“I believe we all can make a difference,” Al said. “Not one of us is without purpose. If each one of us did our share, giving of ourselves, our time, finances, gifts, experiences, and talents, our little portion of God’s earth would be different. It is a blessing to give and serve others as Jesus did for us.”In his free time, Al enjoys reading, watching documentaries and home repairs on tv, and spending time with his family.