My name is Refugio ‘Cuco” Roa, and I have lived Wapato most of my life.  I was educated here and I continue to live here.  As I was growing up, I became involved in gangs and drugs and alcohol.  I lived a rough life here in the City of Wapato, I chose to hang around with the wrong crowd. 



The police officers of Wapato and some of the community members witnessed the lifestyle that I chose to live.  My fellow school mates and teachers looked at me as a person that would not have a successful life.  This was because of how I dressed and looked during my teen age years. 



As life went on, I was married and had two children.  They are 23 and 20 now and they were educated here in Wapato, I came to a point in my life where I needed to take responsibility as a father.  My first marriage didn't work out because we both continued to use drugs and alcohol.



I continued to support my children as I worked in an apple warehouse, Valley Fruit, for about fifteen years.  There was still a void in my life, and I began to search for something that could help me.  Someone introduced me to Jesus Christ and He made a change in my life. 



I remarried and we are blessed with three beautiful children.  As we continue to serve Him together, God has really blessed us in different ways.  I currently serve as a Council member for the City of Wapato and my wife serves on the Planning Commission and is a teacher in the Wapato School District. 



I currently work at Graham Packaging Company in Selah.  We are members of the Wapato Lighthouse Church.  I am active in the ministry in the Church and I also teach Bible Studies at the Wapato Jail, and in our Cell group.  I am currently seeking to go into the Juvenile Detention to reach the youth that are there.  I really have a desire to help people in the community and reach others outside of our community through my testimony.  Where people thought that I was a failure, I can show them that there is hope, if they put God first in their life.  Friends, family, and people in the community see me as a different person today.  I encourage you to give God a chance!



Coming soon!  A video interview with Cuco and Dora Roa.