Ministry Focus
Ildefonso and Lisbia minister in Culiacan, Sinaloa in northwestern Mexico. Their vision is to plant new churches and disciple men and women through Nogales Seminary extension courses. They also want to help with the physical needs of the people. Culiacan, Sinaloa is a cosmopolitan, very traditional and religious city, however there's a great need for a real understanding of life in Christ.
Faith Story
Ildefonso and Lisbia are originally from Sinaloa, Mexico. Both were raised in non-Christian families but came to know Christ in their youth.
Ildefonso and Lisbia felt the call to ministry and decided to enroll at the Nogales Baptist Seminary in 1990. When they arrived at the seminary they had only been married 24 days.
In 1991, while still studying, they began pastoring a Baptist Church in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. After graduating in 1993 they planted a church named Philadelphia in Culiacan, Sinaloa.
Since 1996, the Ramirezes have ministered at El Salvador Baptist Church in Agua Prieta, Sonora and at Los Olivos Baptist Church in Naco. In 2003 they started a new congregation called Hope of Life.
In July of 2012 they moved to Culiacan to pastor Emanuel Baptist Church and plant a new church there.
Education
Degree in Advertising and Marketing
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Ildefonso and Lisbia by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
From ancient civilizations to modern cities, colorful traditions advance a vibrant culture
Colorful and joyful fiestas provide a staple of life in Mexico to celebrate everything from patron saints to national holidays to guitar music. Today's traditions blend Spanish influence since the 1500s with the heritage of ancient civilizations that flourished in Mexico for thousands of years prior.
Sunny beaches and turquoise waters of Baja California and Cancún bring thousands of tourists each year. And amid a combination of historic and modern architecture, Mexico City's 20 million residents make it one of the most populated urban centers in the world.
At the heart of every Mexican city lies the zócalo, or central public square, that invites community interaction. In contrast, plastered walls often surround affluent homes to provide protection and symbolize the importance of family in Mexican society.
The country has one of the world’s largest economies, driven significantly by manufacturing, and is the world’s largest producer of silver. But high rates of unemployment and crime make it hard for many households to earn enough income.
Your participation with Missions Door helps to meet strategic and spiritual needs of communities in Mexico through medical teams, leadership training, economic development, church planting and youth ministry.
Cultural Snapshot
The acclaimed Mexican painter Diego Rivera created elaborate murals that depict Mexico's history and culture.
Faith Fact
Mexico has the second largest population of Catholics in the world, approximately 96 million.
Country Profile
Population: 118 million, 46% ages 0–24
Major Religions: 83% Catholic, 6% Protestant
Languages: 93% Spanish, 6% bilingual in Spanish and indigenous languages
Literacy: 94%
Poverty: 52%
Ministry service area:
International
Ministry location:
, Mexico