In the heart of the bustling border city of Reynosa, Mexico, a beacon of hope and compassion shines brightly. Faith Ministry, founded in 1994 by the late Deantin Guerra, has been transforming lives and communities — on both sides of the border — for the past three decades.

Inspired by the story of a boy throwing starfish back into the ocean to save them, one by one, Deantin Guerra embarked on a mission to make a difference in the lives of the “poorest of the poor” along the US-Mexico border. Faith Ministry began as a small organization focused on providing medical care and housing to families in need. Over the years, it has expanded its services to include community centers, child sponsorship programs, and community development initiatives.“I remember something that brother Deantin said in the beginning,” said Executive Director David Rodriguez. “What we are doing here is trying to create an oasis for people to be able to come and drink fresh water.”

Though Deantin passed away six years ago, his legacy lives on through the work of a staff led by Rodriguez, as well as Deantin’s daughter Annette Guerra-Renaud. Annette not only serves on the board but, along with her church, First Presbyterian Church in Garland, Texas, has been a part of the ministry from the beginning.

At the heart of Faith Ministry’s work is a deep commitment to helping individuals, one at a time. The ministry’s staff and volunteers have touched countless lives through their efforts to provide food,shelter, education, and spiritual guidance. But the lives that have been touched are as much those who come to serve as those who are being served.

“When you come here you think you are coming to change the world here, to make a difference here,” Annette said. “But what really happens is that by coming here it is your life that is actually changed.” It is an experience that offers the opportunity to see that the “American way” is not the only way, and that the “Mexican way” has value as well. “The relationships you build with the people here end up touching you and making you think differently than you did before,” Annette said.

One of the most impactful aspects of Faith Ministry’s work has been its housing projects. Over the years, the ministry has built hundreds of homes for families living in substandard conditions. These homes have provided a safe and stable environment for children to grow up in and have given families the opportunity to build a better future.

“I love to see how we work together and in doing so, we make a community,” said David, who has been working with Faith Ministry for the past two decades. “Everyone thinks differently, speaks different languages — there is always something that will make is different from each other,” he said. “But here it doesn’t matter because we put our differences to one side and we work together for the benefit of the community as a whole.”

Faith Ministry’s child sponsorship program has also been instrumental in helping children reach their full potential. By providing educational support and resources, the program has enabled countless children to break the cycle of poverty and pursue their dreams.

Many years ago a mother and her daughter came to the midday service that one of the work groups was holding at the church. Everyone held hands to pray and Annette felt something in the hand of the little girl next to her. It was a few pesos, which is worth about a quarter. When they were done praying Anette took a handful of pesos out of her own pocket and handed them to the little girl with a smile. The little girl’s mother came walking up to Annette. “I thought, oh no, I’ve done something wrong, and began to apologize to the mom for not asking her permission before giving the pesos to her daughter,” Annette said. The mom said, “No, I wanted to thank you. We only had those few pesos and nothing to eat but I said to my daughter let’s go to the church and pray and God will provide. Then with the money you gave her we were able to buy our food.”

That “little girl” was one of the first students to be sponsored to go to school, and is now the mother of a new generation that has been able to go to school because of the sponsorship program.

Throughout its history, Faith Ministry has faced numerous challenges, including economic downturns and increased violence in the border region. However, the ministry has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the community. Through the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and supporters, Faith Ministry has continued to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Director David Rodriguez is proud of the work that they are doing, along with their church partners in the US, to make a difference in Reynosa. “If we can come together like this here, imagine if we could do that in our own homes, our own cities, our own churches — to know that we are different but that we don’t have to let that limit our ability to have relationship together, to understand each other, and to support love and take care of each other.”

Deantin Guerra’s legacy lives on through the work of Faith Ministry. His vision of a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life continues to inspire the ministry’s staff and volunteers.

As Faith Ministry celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is a testament to the power of compassion, perseverance, and the belief that every individual can make a difference. The ministry’s work is a shining example of the transformative power of love and service. One at a time.