Port Arthur, Texas church plant is embracing those on the fringes of the community

(PORT ARTHUR, Texas) — Kindness and acceptance were not things David usually experienced in his interactions with other people.

Despite being described as covered in tattoos and looking “scary,” that’s what was shown to him when he attended Port Arthur City Church on the first day it launched as a church plant last year.

Julian Martínez, the church’s pastor, remembers it well: David showed up with his mother, and after the service ended that morning, he approached Martínez in an aggressive manner.

“He seemed to be high,” Martínez recalled.