Utah is a land of breathtaking beauty. Its snow-capped mountains, red-rock deserts, and wide valleys draw visitors from around the world. Yet behind the beauty lies a deep spiritual darkness. My wife, Lourdes, our two year- old daughter Emilia, and I are preparing to move to Utah as church-planting missionaries. We are being sent out of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Bedford, Indiana—the church where I grew up. God has placed a clear burden on our hearts: to plant a self-supporting, reproducing New Testament church in the heart of Utah Valley.
A Place of Great Need
Utah is one of the most religious states in the country, but it is also the least evangelical. The metro area of Provo–Orem has been identified as the least evangelical metro area in the United States, with some communities less than one percent evangelical. At the same time, Utah is the youngest and fastest-growing state, yet it ranks among the most depressed. Despite their outward success, many people are searching for real hope. They know there is a God. Many even strive to reach His standard. But they try to do it on their own—and like all of us apart from Christ, they fall short. Their efforts leave them empty and hopeless because they lack the true Gospel. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). The people of Utah need this truth— that salvation cannot be earned, only received through Christ. This is why we are going: to preach the hope of Christ crucified and risen again, the only message that can bring new life, healing, and transformation. As Paul asked in Romans 10:14, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?”
A Unique Opportunity
In addition to its unique religious climate, Utah Valley is home to a large Hispanic population—about one in five speak Spanish in their homes. With my wife Lourdes being an immigrant from Peru, we know well the challenges immigrants face and pray God will use us to minister to families walking through that transition. We are also praying that God will open the doors for our friends from Peru—Joel and Claudia Cosme, and their daughter María Gracia—to join us in Utah. Joel has lived and worked there before, and knows first hand the Gospel need. His fluency in both English and Spanish would be a great blessing in reaching many. We believe God may use this partnership to open new doors for ministry among both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking families.
How You Can Partner With Us
We believe God has called us to Utah, but we do not want to go alone. We invite you to join us in this mission— through praying, giving, and even coming to serve alongside us. You can pray specifically for:
- The hearts of the people in Utah Valley, that God would prepare them to hear the Gospel.
- The assembling of a faithful team to labor together in the work.
- Our family as we travel on deputation, sharing the vision, raising support, and building gospel-centered partnerships.
Utah is a land of beauty, but its greatest need is the Hope of the Gospel. Please pray with us that God would raise up a church there that shines as a beacon of hope in the valley, all for His glory!