HOUSTON – While Houston Astros players are enjoying their offseason, Framber Valdez stayed busy.
The 30-year-old star pitcher traveled to his hometown of Sabana Grande de Palenque, Dominican Republic in December to attend the grand opening of his second church.
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Photos shared by the Houston Astros showed the church building’s interior and exterior and his attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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According to Diario Libre, a news publication outlet based in the Dominican Republic, Valdez had embraced his Christian faith since he was 14 years old and had attended a local church where the motto was “Pathway to Heaven,” or “Camino Al Cielo.” The church was moldy due to water damage, sang songs from torn music sheets, and sat in ripped chairs and a dirt floor.
Framber Valdez made a promise to give back to the community in a tangible way when he was growing up in the Dominican Republic. This past December he kept that promise as he inaugurated his second church, this one in his hometown, Sabana Grande de Palenque. pic.twitter.com/k5lhS6PmSc
— Houston Astros (@astros) January 3, 2024
Valdez had promised his friend and mentor, Pastor Antonio, that one day he would be a pitcher for the Major Leagues, and would give back to the community.
“I had always asked God to continue helping and blessing me, and in return, I would build a church in Guayacanes for Pastor Antonio,’’ Valdez said in Spanish during a 2021 interview with the Major League Baseball Players Association. “Right now, I’m fulfilling this goal. I’m very focused on two things -- my career and building this church.’’
His quest to build began in 2021 when he helped build his first church in Guayacanes. It quickly became a life lesson he plans to share with his three young children in the future.
This past Dec. 29, he completed the construction of a second church in his hometown.
As reported by Diario Libre, Valdez gave credit to those construction workers who brought his vision to life.
“I wanted to deliver it now in December, not wait so long,” Valdez told the Dominican outlet. “I like to do things quickly, but also with quality.”
View the photos below: