Lead Pastor

Javier Santos

Founder of LifeWater Church

Pastor Javier Santos is a native of New London, CT, born in 1987 at Lawrence & Memorial hospital to his mother Elba Judy Vega. Raised by a single mother alongside 5 siblings, Javier met his father only once, a moment that, in itself, carries another powerful testimony. As the youngest of his brothers and an uncle to 14 nieces and nephews, Javier’s early life was full of love and hardship.

Today, he is the devoted husband to Ivonne Santos, his wife for 10 years, and the proud father or 4 children: Noah, Nathanael, Neriah, and Nehemiah.

But Javier’s journey becoming a Pastor wasn’t easy. As a teenager, he was introduced to the streets at a young age. By 15, he had started a gang and quickly found himself on a dark path filled with violence and drugs. By 17, Javier was battling with severe depression, loneliness, and addiction.

On December 14, 2004, at 5:00AM, in a moment of desperation, while overdosing on multiple drugs, he cried out: “God, if you can hear me, please save me.” 

That decision marked a divine turning point. God had heard his cry, and from that day on, his life has never been the same. What was once broken has now been redeemed. From streets to the pulpit, Pastor Javier Santos now lives to preach the very name he once cried out in desperation.

EXPECT HEALING. EXPECT GROWTH. EXPECT TRANSFORMATION.

Pastor Javier Santos is driven by a deep passion for evangelism and a calling to raise up people who will impact the world for Christ. His heart is to train, empower, and send out believers who will boldly proclaim the Gospel and baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. He is committed to guiding others as they grow in their faith, develop their spiritual gifts, and walk boldly in the purpose God has placed within them.