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Pastor PJ
Until the age of 14, Pastor PJ (Paulo Junior) grew up in São Paulo, Brazil believing he would be a professional soccer player. He played well, working with his father to make that dream come true. Soccer was not just a passion, but a vision for his future.
He was brought to New Jersey not knowing a word of English, still believing he would play professionally. During this time, he learned both English and Spanish fluently. By the age of 18, he was offered the opportunity to play professionally in Brazil and had a ticket ready to go.
Not knowing a thing about PJ, God used a man to tell him not to take the trip that was planned and that God had different plans for him. Although somewhat disappointed, he and his family obeyed, choosing faith over what seemed like a guaranteed future.
PJ went to a small seminary and continued to grow in his faith. Years later, after experiencing church under the late David T. Demola and recognizing the hand of God on his life, he knew he needed to be there. Under Pastor Demola’s leadership, PJ began to study the Word even more intensely, learning grace and faith in a way that differed from his traditional upbringing.
After meeting and eventually marrying his wife, Cynthia Demola, PJ attended FITS Bible School. Under the mentorship of Pastor Demola, his father-in-law, PJ became a staff pastor and later the pastor of the Portuguese language service. He also served as an international representative of David Demola and his ministry, traveling and ministering across four continents.
PJ was mentored personally by his father-in-law to step into pastoral leadership as part of a legacy, having been told almost weekly for years that he would one day pastor. This season of preparation shaped his heart, character, and calling.
Today, Pastor PJ is a powerful speaker with a heart after God and a deep desire to help every person he meets know Jesus and experience His power in their daily life. He is a unique and gifted man who preaches in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, sharing the Gospel with people around the world.
Cynthia
Cynthia Demola-Oliveira’s life has been earmarked by service. She is the wife of Pastor PJ Oliveira of Marked Church and serves faithfully alongside him in ministry. She is also the daughter of international apostle, pastor, and teacher David T. Demola, and the granddaughter of Pastor Joseph Demola, Sr., placing her within a rich legacy of faith and ministry.
From an early age, Cynthia spent much of her life in a supportive role in ministry, learning nearly every aspect of it—first as a volunteer, and later as a staff member at the former Faith Fellowship Ministries under her father’s leadership. During this time, she gained hands-on experience in ministry operations, leadership, and service.
Cynthia led international conferences, oversaw publishing and arts departments, and worked extensively in television ministry. Through her father’s example, she learned how to touch the lives of people with good news in any possible way, developing a deep passion for communicating the Gospel with clarity and compassion.
She attended Bible school early in life and later pursued higher education, eventually attending college and medical school. Cynthia practices medicine as a Physician Assistant in the field of Nephrology, balancing both ministry and professional service with dedication and excellence.
Her first book, Marked For Life, Not Scarred, chronicles her true story of sexual abuse, her journey to freedom, and the process of discovering her God-given destiny. She is currently halfway through the prequel to the Marked For Life series, titled Marked First.
Cynthia serves alongside her husband, PJ, at Marked Church with a heart for people, healing, and restoration. Pastor PJ and Cynthia reside with their son, Jordon, and their toy poodle, Bella.
