by Javier Márquez
Editor’s Note: In the summer of 2024, two congregations in South Texas and one church plant in Monterrey, Mexico asked to become partners in ministry with Mosaic Conference. Partners in Ministry are congregations that are not members but share our values and a vision for Anabaptist witness in their communities. Some use the time as a partner in ministry to explore membership. Others are emerging communities that value the relational accompaniment with Mosaic. Iglesia Menonita del Cordero (Brownsville, TX), Iglesia Menonita Fuente de Agua Viva (Los Fresnos, TX) and Casa de Oración Fuentes de Agua Viva (Monterrey, Mexico) are exploring membership. Learn more about Casa de Oración Fuentes de Agua Viva below.
In the vibrant neighborhood called Colonia Emiliano Zapata in Monterrey, Mexico, the Fuentes de Agua Viva (Fountain of Living Water) House of Prayer stands as a beacon of hope and faith. Founded by Pastor Irma Solís and her husband, José Medrano Solís, this church has been a moving testimony of perseverance and devotion since its humble beginnings.
Irma, 71, and José, 75, found their spiritual calling on October 29, 2020. Just three weeks later, driven by a fervent desire to share their faith, they began meeting with other families and turned their backyard into a sanctuary of worship.
With the support of their children, they built a small house that has served as the center of their community; this gesture of faith and generosity has allowed the church to host about 25 people during services, revealing the growth they have experienced.
Pastor Irma, with deep emotion, shares: “We are growing in the word, both spiritually and physically.”
“At first everything was beautiful and full of blessings; of course, then we faced challenges and obstacles, but each one has been an opportunity to strengthen our faith and move towards our goals.”
The Fuentes de Agua Viva House of Prayer offers its services, with an open heart to the community, on Sundays at 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 3 pm, and Fridays, with women’s prayer, at 3 pm. At each meeting, members praise, pray, and share the word, creating an atmosphere of deep spiritual connection. A significant milestone in their journey was on June 23, 2024, when they celebrated their first baptism ceremony.
The support of Pastor Alejo Solís, from the Fuente de Agua Viva Mennonite Church in Los Fresnos, Texas, has been fundamental in her journey. This support has not only provided spiritual guidance, but has also fostered inter-church cooperation. Pastor Irma received with enthusiasm and gratitude an invitation from Mosaic Leadership Minister Marco Güete to study at the Anabaptist Bible Institute.
The church sees the Partner in Ministry relationship with Mosaic conference as an opportunity to receive new blessings and further enrich their lives and those of their community. Each step in their journey has been a manifestation of an unwavering faith and genuine love that continues to inspire all those who cross their path.
In the heart of Monterrey, Fuentes de Agua Viva House of Prayer continues to be a place of hope and renewal. Its story is a reminder that even in times of difficulty, faith and dedication can transform lives and communities. The church not only serves as a place of worship, but also as a refuge for those seeking a deeper connection with their spirituality and with others. The work of Irma and José Medrano Solís is a living testimony that true spiritual strength and genuine love can flourish in the most unexpected places, lighting the way for all who seek hope and community in their lives.
Javier Márquez
Javier Márquez is Associate for Communications and Community Engagement for Colombia. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet. He is based in Bogota, Colombia.