When Roy Vargas, originally from Costa Rica, and his wife, Marie, moved to Idaho with their three children, they carried a clear burden on their hearts: to reach Hispanics with the gospel in a place where churches were few, but opportunities were great.
After completing his Master of Divinity and his a church planting residency with Send Network Español, Roy received multiple offers to pastor established churches. However, after visiting Central Valley Baptist Church in Meridian, Idaho, and hearing Pastor Clint Henry share about the spiritual need in the region, he and Marie sensed a strong calling from God to plant a church where the soil might be hard, but the harvest would be plentiful. Today, the Vargas family is planting Central Valley Baptist Church en Español in the Boise area, with a commitment to raise up leaders and build a vibrant, multiplying church.
Idaho is among the fastest-growing states in terms of Hispanic population. According to the latest census, more than 276,000 Hispanics live in the state—13.8% of the total population. In 2023, one in every five babies born in Idaho was Hispanic. In Canyon County, more than 25% of residents identify as Latino, and among those who speak a language other than English at home, 75% speak Spanish.
This reality presents a significant and strategic opportunity for church planting, something leaders like Richard Dugger have clearly recognized.
Originally from Texas, Richard has served in Idaho for over two decades. Since 2015, he’s been a Church Planting Catalyst with Send Network and has played a key role in planting 35 new churches. As the state’s demographics shifted, he began praying for a trained Hispanic leader who wouldn’t just plant one church but would develop other leaders. That prayer was answered when Roy arrived.
Another key leader is Pastor Clint Henry, who has led Central Valley Baptist Church since 1995. With a deep commitment to the Great Commission—and a personal love for Hispanics, in part because he and his wife adopted three daughters from Guatemala—his church has helped plant 14 churches across Idaho. Pastor Clint now also serves as Church Planting Catalyst for the Southern Baptist Convention of Utah and Idaho and faithfully mentors new church planters.
One of those he has mentored is missionary Tim Martin. Tim and his wife, Kristen, served for several years in Panama before settling in Nampa, Idaho. Although Spanish is not their first language, they felt called to plant a church for Spanish speakers. They completed a year-long residency with Send Network Español in Salt Lake City under Pastor Leonardo López. Today, they serve alongside Ignacio and Meylin Mireles as pastors of Iglesia Gracia y Verdad in Boise. Since launching Sunday services in June 2024, they celebrated their first baptisms on Easter—seven new believers.
Alongside stories of growth and breakthrough, there are also inspiring accounts of perseverance. Iglesia Nueva Esperanza, gathering in Caldwell (38% Hispanic) and Ontario, Oregon (nearly 50% Latino), was founded by Pastor Ismael Trinidad. After his religious visa expired, he had to leave the country, but he left the churches in the hands of faithful leaders. César Alcaraz, a school janitor, leads the congregation in Caldwell. Vicente Moreno, a truck driver nearing retirement, shepherds the Ontario church. These men continue the work faithfully, though both churches pray for a permanent pastor who can provide long-term stability.
Idaho is home to a diverse Hispanic population—Mexican, Venezuelan, Cuban, Nicaraguan, Central and South American immigrants, bicultural families, and second- and third-generation U.S.-born Hispanics. Despite their differences, they share a common need: Jesus.
Hispanic churches in Idaho remain few, but the opportunities are abundant. As these stories show, God is at work, and He’s calling more laborers to this ripe mission field in the western U.S.
Pray for Idaho and its Planters
- Pray for Roy and Marie Vargas as they plant Central Valley Baptist Church en Español. Ask God to grant them favor in the community and raise up mature leaders alongside them.
- Pray for Tim and Kristen Martin, and Ignacio and Meylin Mireles, as they lead Iglesia Gracia y Verdad. May God use their testimony to impact many families.
- Pray for the Nueva Esperanza churches in Caldwell and Ontario, and for leaders like César and Vicente who persevere in the midst of challenges.
- Pray for new workers, that the Lord of the harvest would send more Hispanic planters to Idaho and strengthen the gospel work in the western United States.
- Pray for Hispanics in Idaho, that Christ may be known among generations, from newly arrived immigrants to second- and third-generation youth.
Be Part of What God Is Doing in Idaho
Idaho is fertile ground for the gospel among Hispanics. God is already raising up families willing to go, churches committed to multiplication, and leaders who are saying “yes” to His call.
Get involved today:
- Connect church planters with training through Send Network Español.
- Consider supporting a new church plant with resources, prayer, or mentorship.
- Share this story with your church or other leaders to raise awareness.
- Ask God: Am I called to go, send, or support?
Visit Send Network Español to discover how you can be part of the mission.
Published August 5, 2025