Ministry Focus
Manuel graduated from the Nogales Baptist Seminary (SEBANO) in May 1990 and in August that same year he began his ministry as a teacher in a school where he has been working for 29 years. Beginning in 1994, Manuel worked as a pastor at Bethel Baptist Church of Nogales, Sonora, a ministry he developed for 9 years. He also planted another church in Nogales. In 2005, Manuel started working as a Hispanic pastor at the First Baptist Church of Nogales, Arizona. He is currently planting another church which is 45 minutes from Nogales, Sonora. Manuel continues as a teacher and student advisor of the Baptist Seminary of Nogales attending morning, night and virtual face-to-face classes. Manuel claims to have the strong conviction that God has called him to be part of a team who prepares and trains leaders in preaching, teaching, evangelism and missions. Manuel will be working on seminar’s promotion by recruiting students from both Mexico and Spanish-speaking countries, either face-to-face or virtually and he will continue to train students so they receive high-level preparation that enables them to meet the demands of the ministry in this postmodern world. The main goal is that when students leave the seminary they will be properly trained and able to manage a church, act as Bible teachers with sound doctrine, work effectively in evangelism and have a great passion for planting new churches in a society that needs it so much.
Faith Story
His wife, Elda, converted to Christ in 1984 when she attended a Baptist church in the city of Nogales, Sonora after an invitation of a friend from her university. It was the first time she clearly heard the message of the Gospel and God opened her heart to believe in Christ as the Savior and Lord of her life. Later, she enrolled Baptist Seminary of Nogales in 1986.
Manuel accepted Christ as his Savior in 1985 in a Christian family camp. The number of young people who professed their faith in Jesus struck him. At one night preaching service, he perfectly understood the love of God for him and how He gave His only Son to give him eternal life and to achieve purpose in his life. That night, Manuel surrendered himself without reservation to Christ and for the following year, I was studying at the Nogales Baptist Seminary.
Before graduating from Sebano Manuel and Elda were invited by the Principal to stay and work as teachers there. They began to work as Seminary teachers in 1990 and God gave them a heart to train others while they got invested with them, doing ministry, evangelizing and start new churches.
Education
Manuel has a degree in theology from Nogales Baptist Seminar and another in Psychology from the Open University of San Luis Potosi. He also has a Master's degree in Family Counseling from the Institute of Higher Studies for Integral Development of Monterrey and a Doctorate in Psychology. He is studying a master's degree in Theological Studies with Miami International Seminary (Mints).
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Manuel 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