In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Mary Anne De La Torre about being born in the Philippines during the Marcos era, her parents leaving to immigrate to the US when she was very young, and the motivation in many cultures to pursue certain degrees and career goals in order to open doors and expand opportunities. Mary Anne shares about her first experience of racism in college, and feeling like she stood out and was invisible at the same time. They talk about the adjustment of attending a Vineyard church, how she got started in ministry, and the considerations required in a multiethnic community. Finally, Mary Anne talks about how her experience of the Vineyard has changed since joining the AAPI Association, and the value in ethnically diverse people having the opportunity to be in proximity with each other.

Mary Anne was born in the Philippines and immigrated to NJ when she was almost 7 years old.  After attending college in Pennsylvania, she began her teaching career but was quickly called into ministry.  Mary Anne now serves as the Senior Associate Pastor at North Jersey Vineyard.  She oversees the Children’s Ministry and also supervises some staff members and serves on the Senior Leadership Team. Mary Anne also joyfully serves with the AAPI and Women’s Associations.   

Mary Anne and her husband Rich have two kids, Marcus and Noemi. She loves to travel, spend time with her family, and works part-time as a donut connoisseur. She tries to run to offset all the donuts in her spare time.

Show Notes: 

2023 VUSA National Conference “Making All Things New”: https://conference.vineyardusa.org/

VUSA AAPI Association: https://vineyardusa.org/associations/asian-american-pacific-islander-association/

Read more from Mary Anne: vineyardusa.org/aapimonth

Listen to Mary Anne’s talk at the AAPI Summit: