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Century of Crossroads: Rev. Samuel “Sammy” Robles, Jr.

 

This alumni story is from CTS’s Oral History Project, A Century of Crossroads, which captured the stories and memories of our alumni from our first 100 years in printed and digital formats.

 

Rev. Samuel “Sammy” Robles, Jr. – MDiv ’08

Submitted on 3/7/2022 

Rev. Samuel Robles, Jr.CTS allowed Hispanic students to further their theological education, and I was honored to be a part of that movement. There had been Hispanic students in the past, but this time it seemed to be more of an intentional effort to ensure that the Hispanic community was part of the CTS community. That was so huge that my wife and I moved from Florida to Indiana to be a part of CTS. Being a part of a very diverse community was new to me, and with that positive experience, I learned so much about different people. It was life-changing for me. The most life-changing course I took was with Dr. Carmelo Alvarez, who taught a theological course on Hispanic theology. Even though I was Hispanic, there was so much about my history, heritage, and background unanswered. That class changed my life and answered questions I have always had about my identity, who I am, and who I aspire to be. If it wasn’t for that class, I don’t know that I would have gotten not just the information but a sense of healing for my life and my future. Months after graduation, my wife and I planted a church when we returned to Florida. I pastored that church for 11 years. Engaging with different thinking and a diverse community prepared me for that. I felt ready to answer questions, listen to people, and meet them where they were. I couldn’t imagine being a church planter without the training I received at CTS and also being able to do CPE clinical pastoral education. I am currently not pastoring a congregation, but I preach and play music in churches that need help, so I’m very much itinerant in assisting churches. I’ve also started writing and recently published my first book, and I’m a full-time musician at Walt Disney World. CTS was a part of my journey. It was part of my process to become the person God called me to be. I can’t imagine being where I am today without my time with CTS and the professors, peers, and administration. It all made a mark on me.