Dr. Jose Benjamin Perez Matos
Biography
Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos holds an Honorary Doctorate in Theology from the University of Cambridge. He was awarded the Order of Democracy Simón Bolívar, in the rank of Officer’s Cross—the highest distinction conferred by the Honorable House of Representatives of Colombia. This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding spiritual leadership, social commitment, and significant contributions to peacebuilding and the strengthening of democratic values.
He was born on May 19, 1974, in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, into a family of builders and woodworkers, rooted in values of faith, love, the study of the Sacred Scriptures, and service to others. In 1977, his parents decided to relocate to the municipality of Cayey.
From a very young age, he began working in carpentry and construction, a craft inherited from his father and grandfather. This gave him with experience that allowed him to take on business responsibilities. As his vision expanded, he progressed to managing large-scale projects and leading teams.
In his spiritual formation, he was guided from childhood by Dr. William Soto Santiago, whose teachings and counsel shaped every area of his life. In 1997, he began accompanying Dr. Soto on international tours, working as a cameraman, thus gaining insight into different cultures and all aspects of life in those countries, an experience that would later enrich his work in the ministry.
In 2002, under the direction of Dr. Soto, he was placed in charge of the ministry at La Gran Carpa Catedral, Corp. (The Great Tent Cathedral), which by that time had already achieved significant international reach. He also assumed the role of President of the Corporation, operating within its legal framework.
In 2006, as part of initiatives led by Dr. Soto to establish ties with the State of Israel, Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos traveled to this nation for the first time, and was deeply impacted by this encounter with his roots.
From this experience, he gained a deeper understanding of Israel’s historical, spiritual, and geopolitical role, which brought forth in him the desire to promote, with clarity and determination, the importance of this nation in the international context.
Currently, from his leadership position, firmly rooted in biblical teachings, Dr. Pérez Matos has consistently and resolutely affirmed his unwavering support for the State of Israel, its right to exist as a sovereign nation, and its claim to Jerusalem as its historic, spiritual, and eternal capital.
Likewise, upholding the promise contained in Genesis 12:3: “And I will bless them that bless thee,” he emphatically promotes the importance of the people of Israel in the fate of mankind.
Family
At the age of 18, he married his wife, Sara Meléndez, whom he met while volunteering at church. They soon started a family and instilled in their children core values of respect, as well as a heartfelt commitment to serving others, the ministry, and the community.
Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos believes that the family unit is the foundational cornerstone for building strong communities and nations, as it is the first place where values, identity, and a sense of social responsibility are nurtured.