Ministry Focus
Emilio is serving in Nogales, Sonora in different areas of the community. He has been planting a church in a neighborhood in the southern part of the city for three years. For the past fifteen years, he has been teaching theology as an instructor at SEBANO in the prison and preaching in some rehabilitation centers. Emilio's goal is for prisoners who are released from jail to be able to congregate and learn from the Word of God, and also for those who want to rehabilitate from drugs to be able to do so by receiving Christ as their only and sufficient Savior.
Faith Story
Emilio encountered Christ while serving a 12-year sentence in prison. After six years, he was transferred from Hermosillo prison to Nogales, where he met Jesus while in a punishment cell. Upon returning to the general prison population, he discovered there was a church. The first time he attended, a SEBANO teacher was preaching, as they have a ministry within the prison. Emilio began taking the seminary's extension courses, and when he was finally released in 2008, he enrolled full-time at SEBANO to pursue a degree in Theology. Since his release, he has been visiting the prison as a teacher.
Family
Emilio Rojas is married to Mónica Navarro, whom he met at SEBANO. They have a 5-year-old daughter named Sara Abigail. Their daughter is being homeschooled with biblical foundations.
Education
Emilio holds a Bachelor's degree in Theology, which he completed at SEBANO in the city of Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Emilio 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