A Tribute to Brother Josue
Wow, I have to pause a moment to reflect upon the past. I met brother Josue 32 years ago in 1973. Then two years later I was blessed with the opportunity to spend a month with him and his family on the Hill in Juarez.
This experience forever changed my life. Fresh out of college, two years old in the Lord, full of questions about life and the path that I should choose, and then there was Josue, a mentor assigned to me during that appointed time. The scenes flood back into my mind as I recall the touch of his life. He did not just put a paintbrush into my hand, he bid me to come and walk at his side! He took me into his world, unfolding his vision of the kingdom of heaven. He introduced me to the home, the children, the back streets of Juarez, the surrounding countryside, his family, friends and strangers alike.
The awakened memories are rich and warm amidst the struggles of youth as I sought to discover who I was and the Lord’s purpose for my life. Without question, my time with brother Josue helped me to see with greater clarity into my heart and the future. Indeed, his life example taught me things I needed to know about myself, plus gave me direction for the next steps in life. Those steps took me down a different path for a season of time, yet I came away with an enduring vision of God’s love and heart for the people of Mexico.
Brother Josue, you have my abiding love and gratitude. Be assured also that your family and that which you have given your life for, remains close to my heart. My only hope and prayer is that God will allow our paths to be joined together again in the season of life that lies ahead.
May God bless you my good friend and brother in the Lord.
~ Ed Hudson | February 14, 2005
The following is an excerpt written by Ed after the passing of Josue Lopez written in March 24, 2022
Sadly, Josue Lopez passed away in November of 2020. This was a huge loss to the family and ministry. As you can see from the history, Josue was perhaps a “bigger than life” figure, whose footsteps are hard to follow in. As the family and staff struggled with dealing with his passing, tragedy struck again when a fire razed the ministry’s dorms and school rooms at the end
November of the same year. Despite the depths of despair, God’s grace and favor upon Emmanuel Ministries has been remarkable. Among so many blessings, its donor base – churches and individuals in the States, have continued faithfully in their support of the work. But as you can imagine, the needs are great, including having to fund the rebuilding of the facilities. Fortunately, the ministry house, some administrative buildings, and the church facilities that were untouched by the fire, have already been converted into temporary dorms for shelter and classrooms. This includes a building located on the hill that has been empty for several years.
Betel recently made the appeal, “Let’s continue to pray for the Lord’s will to be done. We want to build relationships that can become part of this family. The Emmanuel family needs to grow so we can continue to love and care for the children and their families, building the next generation who will have hearts for the Lord and transform Mexico.”
Footsteps
Pastor Josue Lopez, one of Mexico’s spiritual fathers - Who will follow in his footsteps?
Sus Pasos
Pastor Josue Lopez, un padre espiritual para Mexico - ?Quien seguirá en sus pasos?
“The vision of my father, Josue Lopez, was to bring the Gospel and kingdom of God to Mexico, which he carried in his heart until his death. Please stand with us as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission in Mexico.”
Click here to learn more about the work that pastor Josue Lopez started at Emmanuel Ministries (EM).
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