Ministry Focus
Pastor Juan is focused on planting churches in the Ocotepeque region of Honduras, where there is a great need for Jesus as people are oppressed by sin—especially alcoholism, addictions, and sexual sins. He began his ministry by distributing evangelistic pamphlets in the community park of San Marcos Ocotepeque. A Christian who heard him evangelizing opened the doors of his house in order to start a church and preach about Jesus with Juan. As new relationships were made, many were converted, and they spent time to pray and help people who came asking for spiritual help. Pastor Juan tells us his vision: “I want to evangelize this entire region, baptizing those who receive the Lord, and I want to disciple them to be productive believers. I have already gained 20 people who have been baptized and are serving the Lord.” Today the first church is already established, and there are some places in the region that are already ready for the Gospel.
Faith Story
Pastor Juan received Christ while being in prison in 2003, with a 15-year sentence. There was little hope in his life. Juan tells us: “I never thought of becoming a Christian and then through a preacher, the mercy of God reached me.” He received Jesus as his Savior through an evangelistic service held at the prison, then he was baptized along with five other prisoners.
He began to receive Biblical discipleship and within a year he started sharing the Word of God to the other prisoners.
In 2009 there was a fire in the prison and for this reason some prisoners were transferred to the city of Gracias, where Pastor Juan was found by Missions Door missionary, Victor Almendarez, who had a Biblical Theology Program by Extension. There, Juan completed his Bible studies in 2012.
Pastor Juan came out of prison in 2014 with a heart fully disposed to serve God. With great joy, he accepted the challenge to go and plant churches in Ocotepeque.
Education
Diploma in Bible and Theology
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Juan by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
Among poor but passionate people, family connections and festive occasions bring joy to life
Aside from the popular tourist spots of the Bay Islands and the Mayan ruins of Copán, the pristine Caribbean beauty of Honduras remains little known to international visitors.
But the country's exports are familiar abroad, especially in the United States. The natural resources of Honduras supply the trade of coffee, sugar cane and tropical fruit, as well as petroleum and textiles. Yet economic growth is limited by political instability and drug cartels that compromise security and development.
The people of Honduras show great passion for soccer and enjoy festive occasions with music and traditional punta dancing. They tend to keep their religious beliefs to themselves.
Extended families often live in close proximity. Hondurans welcome the company of friends and guests on the front porches of their homes, and communities gather on central plazas in most towns.
Your participation with Missions Door helps meet strategic and spiritual needs of communities in Honduras through pastoral training, leadership development, church planting, economic development, women's ministry and evangelism.
Cultural Snapshot
As Hondurans reenact the events of Holy Week, artists create elaborate sawdust carpets to decorate the trail where the figure of Jesus will walk to his crucifixion.
Faith Fact
Upper classes in Honduras predominantly adhere to Catholicism, while evangelical Protestant affiliation increases among the urban poor.
Country Profile
Population: 9 million
Major Religions: 97% Roman Catholic, 3% Protestant
Languages: Spanish (official), Amerindian dialects
Literacy: 85%
Poverty: 60%
Ministry service area:
International
Ministry location:
, Honduras