We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos And Maria Paniagua and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos and Maria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When my wife, Maria, and I began discussing the possibility of starting this ministry, we were deeply aware of a growing lack of biblical understanding. Hosea 4:6 reminds us that “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” We believe we are living in challenging and uncertain times, and that in order for people to make wise decisions and be reconciled to the Father, they must learn to engage the Living Word for themselves.
Our goal is to help people move beyond simply hearing Scripture to truly understanding it—learning how to observe the text carefully, interpret it faithfully, and apply it meaningfully to their daily lives. We believe that when God’s Word is approached this way, it leads not just to information, but to genuine and lasting transformation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to service. I retired from the U.S. Army in 2020, where I learned discipline, leadership, and the value of serving others with integrity. Military life required constant adaptation and sacrifice, but it also prepared me to lead with humility and purpose.
Today, I continue giving back to the community as a JROTC instructor, mentoring young people and helping shape the next generation of leaders. Alongside my wife Maria, I also serve in ministry, where our focus is teaching God’s Word in a way that leads to understanding, growth, and genuine transformation. The journey has not always been easy, but faith, mentorship, and perseverance have guided us through every challenge.
What sets our ministry and calling apart is a heart for people and a commitment to substance over visibility. Our story is one of service, faithfulness, and a desire to help others grow both as leaders and as followers of Christ.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want them to experience the heart of Fort Worth, because places tell the story of the people who live there. We’d start in the Stockyards, grabbing barbecue at Heim Barbecue or Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, followed by a walk through Sundance Square. For Tex-Mex, we’d stop at Joe T. Garcia’s, and for a classic Texas steak, Cattlemen’s Steak House would be a must.
These places matter because they reflect the culture, history, and sense of community that make Fort Worth special. I’d want my friend to leave not just having seen the city, but having felt welcomed and connected through the food, the people, and the shared experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Who would you like to dedicate your shoutout to?
Maria and I have been incredibly blessed to have people who have walked alongside us, mentored us, and poured into our lives at different seasons. I retired from the U.S. Army in 2020, and because of military life, we moved often and were not always able to put down roots in one place. Even so, God consistently placed the right people in our path at the right time.
Several pastors provided us with pastoral care and spiritual formation along the way. Pastor Jorge García of La Roca Eterna in Kentucky laid a strong foundation of Scripture in my life and baptized me. Pastors Juan Carlos and Limarie Vargas of Ciudad y Reino in Cleveland, Ohio, served as our pastors while we were in Germany and have continued to mentor us over the years, modeling strong leadership and teaching us the importance of Scripture and deepening our walk in the presence of the Lord. Pastor Manuel Lozano in Washington showed us how to love the church the way Jesus loves His bride. Pastor Bernard in Fort Worth helped us understand the value and importance of church administration and leadership.
We are also deeply grateful for Mrs. Milagros Rodríguez, who has been a mentor to us for over 23 years, consistently offering wisdom, guidance, and support whenever we needed it.

Website: https://www.creciendojuntosinc.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-paniagua-493680152/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574762254531

Image Credits
I owe you the photos. I need to take some current, professional-looking photos.

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