Our Texas Samaria – Waiting Down The Road
WE MAY OFTEN SENSE CHRIST’S PRESENCE in beautiful sunrises, on mountain tops and in magnificent cathedrals. Yet, in reality, Christ began life in a smelly stable, spent his time walking among the poor and the powerless, and healing the infirm. He called the least of these “my brothers.” Philip Gulley stated, “I think we ought to look for Christ in the poor, in the common, in the lady who rings up our groceries, in the man who mops the grocery floor, in the kid who delivers our pizza.” In April 2025, International Ministries and Community Ministries partnered to step into communities where physical and spiritual needs intertwine and answered the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the Rio Grande Valley, our Samaria.
Along the Rio Grande Valley, the population is estimated at 1.4 million people. An estimated 500,000 people live in areas identified as Colonias, the Spanish word for neighborhoods. Living conditions are substandard. Many families began with homes built from humble materials—an abandoned trailer, a converted tarp, some folding chairs, rough wood, and concrete blocks with some plastic sheeting, old crates and discarded roofing materials. As they continue to work, they are able to significantly improve their housing and socio-economic conditions. Although more than 40 percent of residents live below the poverty line, these conditions often hide life-giving communities. Most of the people living in these neighborhoods are industrious, hardworking, some working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and the homeless rates are low. The high value that Hispanics often place on families encourages the inclusion of additional relatives as part of “la familia.”
We joined a group of believers, led by pastor Ezekiel and his wife, Betty, from Iglesia Familiar Cristina. Hard workers, humble and loving—loving Jesus and each other. Out of their poverty, they generously gave to their neighbors, embodying the Gospel with every smile, every plate of food, every prayer, while passionate to share Jesus as the only Way, the Truth and the Life. STCH Ministries joined with them to offer help and eternal hope.
The church had recruited several neighboring businesses and friends to participate in the weekend outreach.
– One barber recruited a total of eleven other barbers to offer free haircuts to multiple children from 10 AM to 3 PM. Other cosmetologists and hairstylists gave manicures and haircuts to the ladies: a simple but meaningful service that impacted the practical needs of families.
– A young lady who earns extra funds with a home-based baking business shared her baking talent, gifting cupcakes that brought sweetness to the day.
– The next-door businesses, Tortilleria and Cricket, rented moon-jumps and served popcorn to delight the children.
– The adult daycare donated hot dogs, and the community of believers chopped tomatoes and grilled red and yellow peppers and onions along with the hot dogs, and joyfully served them “a la Mexicana” to all who came.
The mission team from STCH Ministries served in every capacity according to the need. Some welcomed the visitors; others registered each family. Outside, they painted bluebonnets and butterflies on little faces and engaged children and adults in endless rounds of a cake walk. Some helped children to decorate a flowerpot and plant some seeds, while others helped them decorate a rock with reminders of God’s love. Perhaps the most fun was the breaking of a piñata and the joyful scramble to pick up the falling candies.
Inside the church, short seminars were offered on preventing suicide and the dangers of sleep deprivation. Off to the side, a table staffed with dedicated church members offered to pray for every interested attendee, as the Spirit moved mightily. 26 individuals opened their hearts to Christ, leaving their names for follow-up and discipleship. Another decision for Christ was made on Sunday after the message preached by Eder Ibarra, Director of Community Ministries, affirming the lasting impact of this outreach.
The STCH Ministries team reflected:
– I really enjoyed feeling like I was supporting the local church in reaching their community.
– It was deeply meaningful to me to connect with children, showing them love and creating a space where they feel seen, valued and safe. Knowing that I could play even a small part in planting seeds of faith in their hearts filled me with joy and a sense of purpose.
– Using the gifts God has given me was such a blessing. It reminded me how fulfilling it is to serve and to be a part of something that makes an eternal impact.
– I realized that missions are not about distance or traveling to another country. It’s about obedience. The opportunity to serve Jesus is just down the road, waiting.
Charny Beck, Vice President of Community Ministries, shared,
“We were able to join the church to reach their community for Christ. We used face painting, animal balloons, a cake walk, crafts, games, hot dogs and more to offer a safe place for community members to come as church members, and the STCH Ministries team shared the love of Jesus. It was a beautiful picture of the Church coming together to reach the community for Christ.”
Research and our own experience confirm that while material needs are significant, true transformation cannot be delivered by resources alone. It is the love of Christ, lived and shared, that transforms hearts and communities. Relationships, motivated by love and grounded in faith, outshine any statistic or obstacle.
This is not a mission bound by distance. It is right here, across the road, calling us to bring Christ’s transformational hope to the doorstep of those who need it most. Through honoring Him and reaching out with His love and truth, we may weave our churches together in partnership and purpose. We will also see lives changed, families strengthened and entire communities renewed in His name.
For 73 years, STCH Ministries’ mission has been to “Honor God, reach children and families with His love and truth, and enable others to join us in this ministry.” President and CEO, Eron Green, shared, “What a blessing it is to grow the impact of STCH Ministries in the Rio Grande Valley. We look forward to how the Lord will lead in future opportunities.” We invite you to consider partnering with us to impact children and families, and to encourage pastors and churches struggling to reach countless families and individuals for the Kingdom.
