family unit impressed Garcia to serve - Odessa American: faith

In her sermons as pastor of Highland United Methodist Church, the Rev. Karen Garcia emphasizes the teachings and illustration of Jesus Christ to tell how americans should still relate to at least one one other.

The 27-12 months-ancient native of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, says Jesus “is our teacher, our healer and our leader.

“He at all times concentrated on americans and tried to train us by his instance of serving, educating and curative,” the Rev. Garcia pointed out. “He confirmed mercy, forgiveness and caring for others and we may still do the same.”

She took a divinity diploma at Juan Wesley Seminary in Monterrey and turned into pastor of Casa de Oracion UMC in large Spring from 2013-15. Her husband Raul is affiliate pastor of St. Luke’s UMC in Midland. they have three infants.

Garcia’s 1808 N. Dixie Blvd. church averages 60 individuals at its 10:30 a.m. Sunday features.

Her father, the Rev. Lorenzo Resendiz, is the Methodist district superintendent in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, and her brother, the Rev. Caleb Resendiz, is a minister in Columbus, Ohio. Her mother, who changed into also a minister, died six years ago.

“i like to preach about specializing in God’s love and his grace for us and the way we are able to reply to that love by using going to church and being devoted,” Garcia referred to. “i love going from side to side from the historical testament to the brand new.”

The pastor pointed out she is specifically having fun with her affiliation with the Odessa Ministerial Alliance, noting that she and her husband reside right here. “all of the church buildings continue to be collectively in first rate times and dangerous,” she noted.

“My father and mom marked my life with their illustration, all the time caring for individuals,” she observed. “Taking us with them wherever they went, they have been always preaching the note of God, traveling and teaching. So we obtained to study from them.”

Like most enviornment church buildings, Highland UMC changed into communicating with its individuals and holding worship services in mid-March by using means apart from the average in-grownup gatherings. “We proceed to be the church outside our constructing in order that we can worship God with our hearts and reveal his like to the people around us,” Garcia observed.

Sonya Aycock is a member of St. Luke’s in Midland however has heard Garcia preach and has gotten to grasp her smartly. “Karen is a stunning person who has a coronary heart for missionary work and is decent with toddlers,” Aycock observed.

“She created her personal vacation Bible faculty with her own materials. She wants to preach the love of Jesus with all and sundry she is aware of.

“Karen has the gift of spreading the be aware in English or Spanish and is a delightful girl to be round.”

Bob Campbell is a reporter for the Odessa American overlaying religion and tradition within the Permian Basin.