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Cristina Santos

Cristina Santos, P.A.A.T. Board Member, was born in Bulacan, Philippines.  She was one of seven children of Rev. Eduardo and Evangelina Silva-netto.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Philippine Christian University in Manila and then began working at Traders Royal Bank.  At the age of 25, Cristina won a speech contest and was chosen to represent the Philippines in the World Women’s Christian Temperance Union’s Annual Conference, which was held in Chicago, Illinois.  Cristina arrived in Chicago from the Philippines by herself on July 25, 1971.  After the Conference, she traveled from Chicago to Washington DC to meet her then boyfriend (since the age of 16) and now husband, Arturo Santos.

Arturo and Cristina settled in New Jersey from 1971 – 1989.  They were instrumental in planting Christian churches for the Filipino communities in New Jersey, New York, Washington DC, and Virginia.  The churches were called “Bible Church International” (BCI).  Arturo and Cristina also helped many “KABABAYAN’ start their lives in the U.S., by opening their home to numerous people and driving them around to find jobs. 

In 1989, they brought their two elementary aged daughters, Grace and Joy, to Florida to visit Disney World and Busch Gardens.  Cristina fell in love with the Florida weather and decided to leave New Jersey and leave her job of seventeen years at Schmid Laboratories, to relocate in Florida.  Arturo and Cristina invested in a chain of Laundromats, dry cleaners, and snack shops in the Tampa Bay area. 

After settling in Tampa, Cristina’s passion and heart for the ministry did not stop.  In September 1989, Arturo and Cristina were one of the planters of “Bible Church International of Tampa Bay” which is located in North Tampa.  In February 1994, they were one of the planters of the “Filipino International Christian Church of Tampa” which was located in Lutz.  In February 2000, they were one of the planters of the “International Christian Fellowship of Brandon”.  In October 2005, the International Baptist Church was established in Temple Terrace and Seffner.

Presently, Cristina is employed at AMIKIDS, INC., a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing a promising future to troubled youth who have been adjudicated or have failed in conventional school settings.  She is active in leading Bible studies, ladies’ prayer meetings, and visitations to the sick and people in need. 

This year, Arturo and Cristina will be celebrating their 41^st wedding anniversary (and 47 years together if you include their dating years).  Their eldest daughter, Grace Santos Feeney, is an attorney, former dancer for the Philippine Performing Arts Company, and actress.  Their son-in-law, Chris Feeney, is a Tennis Pro and businessman.  Their youngest daughter, Joy Santos, is a mental health therapist and active in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce.  They have one beautiful granddaughter, Ciara Faith. 

Cristina’s favorite life verse is “Call unto me and I will show you great and mighty things that thou knowest not” Jeremiah 3:33.

contact; Abigail: 817-1905              Joey Omila 782-0102               Aurora Fortson 390-8476