{"id":28447,"date":"2025-08-05T13:34:49","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T17:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.namb.net\/send-network\/?post_type=resource&p=28447"},"modified":"2025-08-05T13:34:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T17:34:49","slug":"a-new-beginning-for-hispanics-in-idaho","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/www.namb.net\/send-network\/resource\/a-new-beginning-for-hispanics-in-idaho\/","title":{"rendered":"A New Beginning for Hispanics in Idaho"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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Roy and Marie Vargas and their three children. Roy was part of a Send Network Espa\u00f1ol church planting residency in North Carolina and is now planting Central Valley Baptist Church en Espa\u00f1ol in Boise, Idaho.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After completing his Master of Divinity and his a church planting residency with Send Network Espa\u00f1ol, 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 Espa\u00f1ol in the Boise area, with a commitment to raise up leaders and build a vibrant, multiplying church.<\/p>\n

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\u201413.8% 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.<\/p>\n

This reality presents a significant and strategic opportunity for church planting, something leaders like Richard Dugger have clearly recognized.<\/p>\n

Originally from Texas, Richard has served in Idaho for over two decades. Since 2015, he\u2019s been a Church Planting Catalyst with Send Network and has played a key role in planting 35 new churches. As the state\u2019s demographics shifted, he began praying for a trained Hispanic leader who wouldn\u2019t just plant one church but would develop other leaders. That prayer was answered when Roy arrived.<\/p>\n

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A group of 42 Hispanic church leaders from six congregations gathered for Send Network Espa\u00f1ol training, seeking God\u2019s direction to unite their efforts and reach Idaho\u2019s growing Hispanic community.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another key leader is Pastor Clint Henry, who has led Central Valley Baptist Church since 1995. With a deep commitment to the Great Commission\u2014and a personal love for Hispanics, in part because he and his wife adopted three daughters from Guatemala\u2014his 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.<\/p>\n

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 Espa\u00f1ol in Salt Lake City under Pastor Leonardo L\u00f3pez. 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\u2014seven new believers.<\/p>\n

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. C\u00e9sar 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.<\/p>\n

Idaho is home to a diverse Hispanic population\u2014Mexican, 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.<\/p>\n

Hispanic churches in Idaho remain few, but the opportunities are abundant. As these stories show, God is at work, and He\u2019s calling more laborers to this ripe mission field in the western U.S.<\/p>\n

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United in one spirit, seeking God\u2019s guidance. We pray that this generation of Hispanic leaders in Idaho will be part of a movement that transforms communities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pray for Idaho and its Planters<\/strong><\/p>\n