The Life-Changing Border Ministry of Cristo El Salvador

Pastor Gary Martin states: "With a passion and purpose to proclaim the good news of our Savior Jesus Christ in Spanish to men, women and children living on the border, we are living stones of the church."

Located 150 miles southwest of San Antonio, this church, Cristo El Salvador, survives the 100° plus temperatures with the fresh cool spring waters from San Felipe Del Rio springs. The heat of their hot summer days is matched only by their passion to reach the lost with the good news of Christ crucified. To the many lives wilted and dried up by sin, they offer the fresh living water of Jesus.

Pastor Martin majored in Spanish and has served in Texas for more than 30 years. His wife, Peggy, is also a Spanish major and currenty teaches history in the Del Rio high school.

Working with Pastor Martin are Irene Torralva, a parish worker, born and raised in Cd. Acuña, Mexico, and Salomé Antú, lay pastor to Mexico, who is leading a mission in a neighborhood of Acuña, Mexico.

Cristo El Salvador also has a ministry to help with food, clothing and non-prescription medicine. They have given out more than 600,000 pounds of potatoes over the last 4 years supplied through the Orphan Grain Train, Wisconsin division of our LCMS.

Gary states that between the worshippers in Del Rio and the congregation in Mexico, they are reaching the lives of about 350 to 400 people. "Because many receive very low monthly incomes we are blessed with the mission offerings of the Texas District and people with a heart for missions (YOU!) to help us carry on this life-changing work."

For several months, one member, Felipa, has been teaching children and youth in her daughter's home in Mexico. There were around 40 people present when Pastor Martin taught the class one Thursday afternoon. What is most exciting is that these people had never attended a Bible study before.

They have all been truly blessed by your prayers and support.

Each issue of our E-Letter features a story of one of our Texas District Missionaries. If you would like to cut-and-paste this into your church bulletin or newsletter, feel free! It's a good way to familiarize your members with how their gifts to missions are being used.

Past Stories