Rupert couple bring warmth and the Word to Mexico

Originally published Thursday, December 23, 2004
By Coreen Hart
Times-News correspondent

RUPERT -- The Rev. Dago and Mrs. Guadalupe Martinez are again planning a trip to Mexico and hope to take with them a trailer full of Bibles and blankets.

The pastors of La Roca Firme, a Pentecostal church in Rupert, will leave Jan. 5 for Hermosillo, Mexico.

"We have a pickup that we will load, and rent a U-Haul trailer," the Rev. Martinez said. "We hope it will be filled to the top with Bibles and blankets."

They have already purchased three cases of Bibles but hope to buy more. Since a part of their ministry is to the prisoners in Hermosillo's jail, the Bibles are entitled, "Libre Entre Rejas" or "Free Behind Bars."

A barber by trade, he will also cut hair while there.

Martinez chose Hermosillo to visit because he has known a pastor there for several years. He also knows of the poverty.

Connecting with the Hermosillo pastor in Phoenix, Ariz., and accompanied by another couple, he and his wife hope a three-vehicle caravan will travel five hours south to the Gulf of Mexico, to the city of 2.2 million people.

"Many of the people in his church (in Hermosillo) are Tarazco Indians who do not speak Spanish, so I have an interpreter for when I preach to them," Martinez said.

The large church in Mexico is built from two by fours and corrugated metal and cardboard. The Idaho couple has promised to raise money for trusses so a roof can be constructed.

The people are extremely poor in the city, he said. Some families live in rusted out car bodies. In a community where a full day's wages translate to less than $4 in U.S. currency, the living standard is bare subsistence, he said.

Items taken by the couple will be distributed at the church there, but the majority goes to Colonia Saharo, a community of cardboard shacks in the suburbs of Hermosillo. These people also receive food baskets and glasses.

Among the quilts taken to Mexico will be those made by Alice Walter, 63, and her daughter, Deb Hopkins, both of Burley. They enjoy making quilts together, especially children's quilts. Two years ago, Walter's pastor, John Ramey of Calvary Baptist Church, asked if she would be willing to donate some quilts to Martinez's project. This is her third year to donate. Martinez says she's donated some 48 quilts.

Each one is pieced in bright fabric, bound and machine quilted. Most are baby blanket size.

"My heart's for the kids," said Walter, who has probably given away 350 to 400 quilts over the years.

A few other people have also donated quilts, but there is room for many more in the pickup, Martinez said.

The Reverend said he will also preach wherever the opportunity arises in Mexico, just as he does in the United States. He may drive over to Tijuana, as well.

Times-News correspondent Coreen Hart can be reached at 208-436-1186 or by email at jimnreenie@safelink.net.

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