Raquel was born on December 1, 1957 in Tijuana, Baja Calif. México to David & Elvira Contreras. Raquel is the older of two siblings, a brother David and a sister Ana. Raquel grew up in Chula Vista where most of her family lives. Her mom was an only child so her Father's family (he is one of ten) were a huge influence in her life. She was especially close to her maternal grandmother Maria Geraldo who passed away two years ago.

She married Sam Valverde on December 30 1978 after a year and a half courtship. They both worked hard in their local church in San Ysidro, CA where God was beginning to stir Sam's preaching gift. In 1981 Sam and Raquel founded San Ysidro Christian Academy and in January of 1984 they moved to Houston, Texas where Sam taught at Texas Bible Seminary. During this time, they were blessed with three wonderful children, Sam, Jr., Rachel Anne (Missy) and Timothy. Raquel soon realized the joy of being a mother and she dedicated herself to it whole heartedly.

Sam and Raquel and their young family were transfered to Fontana, CA and installed as pastors of what is now Fountain of Truth Church July 30, 1984. Raquel has worked diligently alongside her husband; she has been responsible for starting numerous ministries in the church. Raquel is a known speaker in our organization and has lately been involved in the National Ladies Retreats. She is the ladies auxiliary advisor at Fountain of Truth and her ideas and enthusiasm are a blessing to those that work with her. She is very committed to her family and to the local church. Raquel is a Breast Cancer survivor who received her healing gracefully. Not one day goes by without her thanking God for the opportunity of seeing and living another day.

The Valverde family was recently blessed with another daughter, when Sam, Jr. wed Celeste Flores in October, 2004. Sam and Raquel have been happily married for 26 years and continue to face the challenges of life and ministry together.