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Church PlantingCentral District, Evangelical Free Church of America |
Jesus Christ said, "I will build my church" Matthew 16:18 kjv
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Meet Luis & Susan Martinez:Luis’ Vision:In November of 1979 I was called to my first ministry after graduating from Talbot Seminary. It was a Hispanic ministry in Madera, California and one of the first Hispanic ministries the EFCA. The following year I presented a philosophy of ministry proposal to the Western District. It formed a triad: 1st generation churches; 2nd generation churches; and a training institute. I have never lost my vision to see this ministry triad established in the EFCA. Several years ago Dr. Enrique Fernandez told me about the Hispanic Task Force in the Central District. Having served with Quique in our Hispanic Boot Camps, I was blessed to know that an EFCA District had established goals to have a Hispanic leader on staff. Many of you realize that Iowa’s Hispanic population alone has grown by 234%. Iowa, by itself, has an estimated population of 125,000 Latinos according to statistics by the University of Northern Iowa. Missouri, Arkansas and South Dakota have many Latinos as well. In 2006 Dr. Cal Swan, your District Superintendent, contacted me about the position. After much prayer, we have accepted God’s call. Indeed God has a sense of humor! I grew up in a Puerto Rican family in New York City. I met a beautiful mate, Susan, in a small town in the Berkshire Hills in Massachusetts. We moved out to California for 30 years of ministry…And now here we are moving to Iowa. The Lord leads and we obey. It is the Next Level – Taking your life and leadership to the next level! As I think of the conference’s text, Philippians 3:13-14, I can’t help but remember my Mom’s life verse for me, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). We count it joy and privilege to serve our Lord in the Central District. It is our goal to further the work of God’s kingdom here, especially to “all people” in the Central District. Que Nuestro Senor los Bendiga May Our Lord Bless you!
Luis R. Martinez
Luis' ministry experience includes:
Most recently served for six years at Shoreline Community Church in Santa Barbara, CA where he was able to establish a growing children’s ministry to the Hispanic community. Presently Luis serves on the Diversity Task Force with EFCA President Bill Hamel; has served on the National Hispanic Team (Mhiel) for over seven years; leads the Hispanic Boot Camp ministry; serves on the National Church Planting Team; and recently team-taught our first Hispanic Coaching Clinic. Luis has taught English as a Second Language in the California schools. He has coached basketball, soccer and softball at the junior high level. He also was a substitute teacher in the California public schools.
The Martinez Family Luis and Susan were married in England in 1968 while Luis was serving in the US Air Force. Their daughter Natasha is a physical therapist and is married to David Montes, an oral maxillofacial surgeon. They live in Fresno, California with their two daughters, Hannah and Emma. Luis’ and Susan’s son, Gabriel died in a car accident several years ago. Luis and Susan enjoy their Pilates classes, walking, reading and entertaining.
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Luis and Susan Martinez
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Phone: (515)432-9175 |
Central District, EFCA |
mail toE-mail: office@efcacentral.org |
