What happens when you say yes to God… even when it means giving up your own dreams? In this powerful episode of Heroic Stories, Gil Alderete opens up about his unexpected journey from UPS driver to president of Catholic Men's Fellowship of California. Gil shares how God redirected his life, pulling him away from his plans to become a deacon and into building ministry for men across California, Nevada, Hawaii, and beyond.But Gil’s story isn’t just about leadership—it’s about healing old wounds, breaking generational cycles, and discovering what real masculinity and faith look like when you surrender. You’ll hear how heroic mentors, humble beginnings, and even deep struggles with identity shaped him into the man God called him to be.If you’ve ever felt lost, doubted your calling, or wondered how to find your purpose, Gil’s raw, honest journey will remind you: heroism isn’t born, it’s made.Subscribe free to the weekly Heroic Men email: https://stories.heroicmen.orgFor the price of a coffee, you can support our mission to reach 25,000 men in 2025. https://heroicmen.org/give | ABOUT HEROIC MEN |Heroic Men strengthens men to become missionary disciples, to bring more men to Jesus Christ. Get the best Catholic media for men on our brotherhood-building platform – let's leave no man behind.Website: https://heroicmen.orgHeroic Map: Find an event near you: https://heroicmen.org/mapJoin the Heroic Brotherhood: Our only community: https://heroicmen.org/brotherhoodHeroic Merch: Show your support for this heroic mission: https://store.heroicmen.orgDonate now: Join the Heroic Alliance: https://heroicmen.org/alliance| FOLLOW ON SOCIAL |Facebook:   / heroicmanhood  Instagram:   / heroicmanhood  TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Welcome to Heroic Stories3:00 – Starting Men's Ministry at Home6:00 – God Changed My Diaconate Plans9:00 – Letting Go of Old Dreams12:00 – Building Parish Brotherhood15:00 – My Wife's Heroic Faith18:00 – Father Michael's Impact21:00 – Returning to the Catholic Faith25:00 – Deepest, Darkest Moment30:00 – Healing Father Wounds35:00 – Embracing the Cross Daily40:00 – Who I Want to Be a Hero For