Biography
José Joaquín Ávila Portalatín, widely known as Yiye Ávila, was born in Camuy, Puerto Rico, in 1925. He studied natural sciences and worked as a teacher of chemistry and biology. He also competed in bodybuilding before illness interrupted his sporting ambitions.[1] [2]
His later testimony connected a commitment to Christian ministry with a personal experience of healing. That healing claim is part of his religious account; it is not presented here as an independently verified medical conclusion.[1] [2]
Ávila left teaching for evangelistic work and developed the ministry known as Cristo Viene. His preaching emphasised repentance, Christian holiness, and the expectation of Christ's return. Radio and television extended the ministry beyond public campaigns, with the Cadena del Milagro network reaching Spanish-speaking audiences.[1] [2]
He married Carmen Delia Talavera, and they had three daughters. Family bereavements and later illness also formed part of his life. A stroke limited his public preaching in his final years.[1]
He died in Camuy on 28 June 2013. His influence continues through recorded preaching and the institutions of his ministry. His history belongs particularly to Pentecostal Christianity in Puerto Rico and the wider Spanish-speaking world.[1]
Sources and references
Sources
“He who prays speaks with God. Prayer is deep communion with the Father.”
“When we pray, we are eating and drinking of God. In prayer, the nature of God is added to ours, and we receive willpower to reject sin.”
“Prayer and fasting are powerful instruments to break the yokes of the devil and bear great fruit for God.”
“There are victories that do not come except through prayer and fasting.”
“Do you want the power of God? Pray and fast, and you will be filled with His Spirit.”
“The believer must cry to God continually for anointing and strength.”
“Take frequent time to separate yourself with God in fasting, prayer, and the reading of the Word.”
“Do not take spiritual vacations, because we are in the last days. This is not a time for spiritual carelessness. It is a time of battle.”
“Put on the whole armor of God, and use the weapons of faith and power against the devil.”
“Many Christians have time for many temporary activities, but not for fasting, prayer, and the Word of God.”
“Pray as much as you can in the days of fasting. Read the Word and receive the greatest benefit.”
“Keep your fast as private as possible. Do not fast to be seen or praised by men.”
“The purpose is to obtain spiritual blessing, break the yokes of the devil, and win souls for God.”
“To intercede for others, whether family members or lost neighbors, prayer with fasting is a powerful instrument.”
“Days of fasting to intercede and study the Word are a great blessing to the work of God.”
“Pastors and evangelists should set apart complete days with God to intercede for the people and study the Word.”
“Many souls would be saved, and anointed messages would come, if ministers separated themselves with God.”
“All the men of God most used in His work were servants who prayed, fasted, and sought His face fervently.”
“The Lord has not changed, and His method is the same.”
“In fasting, the flesh is weakened, but the spiritual life grows strong.”
“When we are weak, then we are strong. The body becomes more receptive to spiritual things when we humble ourselves before God.”
“Prayer and fasting give us authority and power to rebuke demons.”
“Victory is yours by faith in the God who promised and by obedience to His Word.”
“The one who prays and fasts learns to depend completely on God.”