Yiye Avila and His Folk Theology: a Biographical Theological Study of Latino Pentecostal Evangelist

How does an award-winning bodybuilder become one of the most influential voices in Latino Pentecostalism? Often compared to Billy Graham, Yiye Avila lived a life marked by passion, conviction, and deep faith. This book explores Avila’s life, folk theology, and what the author describes as his "folk hermeneutics," examining how his interpretation of Scripture shaped his ministry and message. Drawing on his sermons, booklets, and recorded messages, it traces his journey from an award-winning bodybuilder to a global evangelist. More than a biography, this work presents Avila as both a bridge and a lens: a bridge connecting North American and Latino Pentecostal movements, and a lens through which to understand identity, migration, and faith in contemporary contexts. Written in clear and engaging prose, this book offers a compelling account of a figure whose influence continues to shape Pentecostal and broader Christian life across the Americas.