The Torres family helped Renuevo ministries hand out food in Plankinton, South Dakota.

What might it look like to invite someone new, not like us, to join the Jesus journey? Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls knew that they were surrounded by diversity. So, the congregation made some attempts to invite their diverse neighbors. Then Renuevo happened by listening to God's voice and letting the Holy Spirit take the lead.

"I have been praying forever about how we can diversify and reach our neighbors," says Pastor Charlie Moore, who serves Sunnycrest United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. "Pastor Herman walked in the door, and it happened." 

The leadership team at Sunnycrest UMC now includes Pastor Herman Perez, who leads the Hispanic ministry, Iglesia Renuevo.

Renuevo ministry expands

Sunnycrest UMC launched the Hispanic worshipping community in 2019. Things keep multiplying. There are five weekly worship services at Sunnycrest: two Hispanic, two contemporary, and one traditional. 

The Torres family and volunteers from the Renuevo congregation load food into recipients' cars at Plankinton, South Dakota.

The congregation added a sixth service in Plankinton. "Pastor Rodney talked to me about Plankinton," says Perez. "I never heard about Plankinton before, so we drove there. The Lord has opened doors there."

Pastor Herman serves as a leader for three Hispanic worshipping communities: at Sunnycrest UMC in Sioux Falls, Plankinton UMC, and now at Downtown First UMC in Mitchell. After months of discussion and planning, a new worshipping community found a home at Downtown First UMC in Mitchell. Pastor Herman Perez and Pastor Keith Nelson prepared the way.

"We may not understand everything said or the words being sung, but we know that they love Jesus. We are excited to allow people to worship the Lord and grow in their faith," said Pastor Keith Nelson, Downtown First in Mitchell.

Leadership expands

Pastor Carlos Torres and family are welcomed warmly by the Iglesia Renuevo ministry at Sunnycrest, Plankinton and Mitchell First UMCs.

As Iglesia Renuevo expanded, Pastor Herman looked around for leadership to support the ministry. He heard about Pastor Carlos Torres and traveled to Kansas to connect.

Perez and Sunnycrest invited Pastor Carlos to join the Iglesia Renuevo ministry.

Carlos Torres and his family are originally from Cd. Juárez, Chihuahua. He studied theology at Servant Senders.

"For 11 years, God called me to the pastorate, and we began a church in Juárez,” said Pastor Carolos. "In 2016, God sent us as missionaries to the city of Chihuahua, where we served until 2019 at Light Shine, a ministry for the Tarahumara culture where a church was started."

In 2019, Torres and his family continued their service to God, supporting the ministry of their extended family's church.

"During the COVID pandemic, we supported my in-laws in their service to God," Pastor Carlos said. "Crime in the country caught up with us. February 2022, a tragedy occurred in the church; we were literally forced to hide and asked for political asylum in the United States."

Torres and his family faced threats and persecution. "By the grace of God, the door was opened for us to settle in Liberal, Kansas."

The family recently moved to Sioux Falls. Pastor Carlos supports the ministry by leading worship, building relationships, and leading small groups. 

Pastor Herman hopes to expand the ministry with the added leadership and the support of Pastor Carlos. 

"We give thanks to God for all of the support and the United Methodist Church," said Pastor Herman. 

Watch a video about Sunnycrest and Renuevo