Zenaida Batiste is an ordained minister and chaplain who has dedicated her life to serving Christ, equipping believers, and building unity within the Body of Christ. She remains an active member of Iglesia Cristiana Menonita El Buen Pastor in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Héctor M. Lugo Vázquez and Revda. Sandra Jiménez, who have faithfully guided and mentored her throughout her ministry journey.
Her walk with the Lord began when she accepted Christ as her Savior in 1998 at First Hispanic Mennonite Church in Brooklyn, New York. Over the years, God opened opportunities for her to serve in various ministries, including administration, discipleship, women’s ministry, children’s ministry, and community outreach.
In 2017, while living in California, she founded Royal Crown Gift Shop. What began as a small business soon became a ministry field. Within the shop, a dedicated prayer room welcomed members of the community seeking encouragement, prayer, and biblical guidance. The space also hosted journaling groups, leadership gatherings, and fellowship among believers from various churches, planting the seeds for what God would later expand into a broader ministry calling.
After relocating to North Carolina in 2019, Zenaida and her husband opened their home to the community, hosting small-group gatherings focused on worship, prayer, discipleship, and the study of God’s Word. These gatherings reflected a growing burden to strengthen believers and encourage unity among churches and ministry leaders.
In 2023, the Lord opened a new door through the first Royal Crown conference in Florida. What started as a step of faith has grown into an ongoing ministry effort dedicated to equipping churches, encouraging leaders, and fostering collaboration among pastors, ministers, and believers from different backgrounds, all working together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
Today, through Royal Crown Ministries Corp., the ministry continues to serve North Carolina, Florida, and Puerto Rico through conferences, discipleship opportunities, children’s ministry initiatives, leadership development, and community outreach. Particular emphasis has been placed on developing Royal Crown Children’s Ministry in both Puerto Rico and North Carolina, investing in the next generation and helping young people establish a strong biblical foundation.
As the ministry continues to grow, Zenaida remains committed to following God’s direction, trusting Him to expand the work according to His perfect will and purpose. In 2026, Royal Crown Ministries celebrates one year as a registered nonprofit organization while continuing the vision God has entrusted to unite, equip, and encourage the Body of Christ.
Alongside her ministry calling, Zenaida treasures her family. She has been married since 2015 to her husband, a faithful man of God and a medically retired Major who honorably served the United States through four years in the Navy and twelve years in the Marine Corps. Together, they are blessed with five adult children, eight grandchildren, and two beloved dogs.
Although she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry from Regent University and serves as an ordained minister and chaplain, Zenaida’s greatest desire is not personal recognition but faithful obedience to God’s call. Her prayer is to see lives transformed by the Gospel, churches strengthened, leaders encouraged, and future generations prepared to serve Christ with wisdom, integrity, and love.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1
