Francisco R. Benavides was born March 07, 1946 in Harlingen, TX to Cristobal and Maria Benavides. At the age of fourteen, he gave his life to the Lord and received a call for ministry. Being only sixteen years old, Francisco Benavides had his first revival meeting in Blue Island, Illinois. In 1963, he graduated Valedictorian from the first graduating class of “Emmanuel” Bible School and was the first student in history to receive a diploma from that school.

After bible school, Francisco served in the United States Army from 1964 through 1966 and fought in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged. On November 20, 1966, Francisco married Rosie Villarreal and began to minister once again. From 1966 through 1972, Francisco was a teacher for Bethel Institute. In 1976, he served a three-year term as Bible School Director for Bethel Institute. There, he lectured on Church Doctrine, Church History, and Prophecy. In 1979, he founded Templo Peniel Pentecostal Church in Sugar land, TX and remained Senior Pastor there until 1985.

Francisco, once again, traveled into Mexico and became a missionary to the country. Rev. Benavides served as Superintendent for the Pentecostal Church for 21 years. In 1995, he founded Valley International Christian Center and presently holds the title of Apostle. In 1996-1998, he served once again as a Bible School Director for Aposento Alto Bible School and soon after Valley International Christian College. Rev. Francisco Benavides is currently the President of Benavides Ministries Incorporation and is the Chairperson of the Velasquez Christian Foundation. He serves in the Board of Directors in Valley International Christian Center. He is the proud father of five children – Frank, Jr., Rose Mary, Elias, Misael and Rebecca whom all serve in the ministry.