Since his miraculous conversion through the ministry of Pastor Chuck Smith, Raul has devoted his life to teaching the Bible, line upon line, as taught to him by his Pastor. In his passion to study the Word of God, Raul earned three Masters from Azusa Pacific University, CA. Continuing his studies, he went on to earn a DMin from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, and was awarded an honorary DD from APU.
Raul has served on the Calvary Chapel Pastors' Board with Pastor Chuck Smith from its inception.

The story of his conversion from an angry Kung Fu Master to a shepherd of God's people is recorded in the movie Fury to Freedom and the book From Fury to Freedom which have been distributed worldwide.

Raul is married to Sharon Faith Ries, a missionary's daughter. They have three amazing sons and nine grandchildren.