Our office assistant administrator, Sandy Rivera, transplanted to Cape Girardeau area from Berwyn, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago in August 2012. She was born and raised in a Catholic family of twelve children. She is a single Mom of three young adult children, Diandra, Angel and Giovanni and “Grammy” to an adorable 2-year-old grandson, Mateo.

In October 2000, Sandy first trusted the Lord, after responding to an altar call at Belmont Assembly of God Church in Chicago. In addition to being on staff at Centenary, Sandy volunteers in Stephen Ministry, other various ministries and participates in different bible studies at her church as well as Centenary. While many scriptures apply to different aspects of her life, her most beloved bible verse is, Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Sandy is a true miracle of God, and she has come remarkably close to death three times in her life, therefore, she believes and knows God has great plans for her life.

Sandy loves going back to Chicago to visit her family and friends when times permits. She also loves to spend time in the Cape area with her youngest son, cultivating friendships especially with her sisters in Christ as well as with her community of believers and building new friendships. She also enjoys supporting her son, Giovanni, by attending his Mixed Martial Arts fights which occur three to four times throughout the year.