My Story

Damaris refers to herself as a “PK”. Do you know what a PK is? It is a Pastor’s
Kid.

She was born and raised as a Christian her entire life. Her parents, Rev. Eugenio
and Hortencia Vargas have always been serving and ministering the Word of Lord
in the Spanish community for over 50 years. Therefore, Damaris has a good
foundation. In 1977, Damaris gave her heart to the Lord in a Sunday school class
and she also preached her first message at the age of 13 years old at that same
church – Eternal Rock Pentecostal Church. Since a young age, Damaris has
worked in ministry. In 1982, she completed a Theology training in Brothers United
in Christ Pentecostal Church in Staten Island NY. She has two children, Marc
Anthony and Debbie.

In 1988, Damaris began to work as a secretary for the Colgate Palmolive Company.
As years passed, the Lord let her see several promotions within the organization.
In 1995, Damaris was invited to visit FGCC and 25 years later she is still here. She
has seen Marc and Debbie grow up in this church and build their foundation right
here.

In Year 2001, she met her knight in shining armor, Bill Lind. Bill, knowing her
love of lighthouses, took her to the Montauk Lighthouse and proposed at the top
of the lighthouse.

And Damaris said Yes! They were married by Sr. Pastor/Founder of FGCC, David
A. Knapp.

This year, in 2020. Damaris completed 32 years of distinguished service within
her company and announced, her plans to retire, effective March 31, 2020 from
the Colgate-Palmolive Company headquartered in NYC. During her time at her job,
Damaris completed her MS and MBA in Marketing and Operations from Pace
University/St Joseph’s, respectively.

Having the background in business operations as well as a strong Spiritual
foundation, we can see that Bill and Damaris have the background to work
together in a leadership capacity. Together they have worked alongside of the
FGCC body – ministering in different areas. They have both worked hand in
hand to help us lead the Men’s Ministry and Women’s Ministry of this church.
 

We wish Bill & Damaris a happy and healthy retirement & many blessing as they
begin a new level of ministry in the Lord as Pastors at Full Gospel Christian Center.