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Ccourtesy Photo Pastor Peter and Pastor Gayle Martinez enjoy New Year's Eve celebration at the church

Two Churches, One Mission

Courtesy Photo Pastor Kristi Gonzales preaches at Josiah Mandonado’s candlelight vigil

Faith remains at the forefront of the lives of many people in northern Taos County. Fortunately, Living Word Ministries Pastors Gayle and Peter Martinez and Freedom Church Pastor Kristi Gonzales share this value as they work separately in their churches and also jointly as a team to minister to people.
Recently, their unity was on display at Josiah Mandonado’s candlelight vigil in the center of the village of Questa. Both church leaders supported and shared the hope and healing that can be found in God.
When speaking to Pastors Gayle and Peter Martinez, they said, “In the Kingdom of God, there are many flavors, colors, and backgrounds, but we’re a part of the same family of God.” Pastor Gonzales agreed, saying, “Our churches have hearts and a calling to serve the people of God. From Trunk or Treats to helping with building construction, we have worked together in great partnership to advance God’s kingdom.”


While in some communities, different churches tend to compete for members and participation, these two churches find there is strength in numbers and collaboration. “I worked in leadership positions at the Town of Taos and the Taos Chamber for 22 years, and Pastor Pete owned two businesses, so our lives and philosophy have always been about working together. This is why we are always seeking collaboration with our community,” Pastor Gayle says.


Working with Living Word Ministries isn’t the only other church they’ve collaborated closely with. “We merged with the Buen Pastor Church. They hadn’t had a pastor for some time, and we needed to expand and build our church. I recall the superintendent told me, ‘If Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell can come together, why can’t we?’ and we continued to move forward with their newly merged church as members of the church, raising money and creating our congregation.”


Freedom Church started its operations under Pastors Kristi and Johnny Gonzales in 2017. “When we came here, we connected with Pastor Pete and Gayle and found we both have this deep love and tender heart for the community, and we started working together. We supported their construction efforts for the church, and we did community events together. When you join together as a team, you find that there is strength in numbers… we have each other’s back through the tough times.” Pastor Johnny sadly passed away in September 2023, and since then, Pastor Kristi has worked to move the church forward as the lead pastor.


“I am grateful for the collaboration and support we find with Living Word Ministries. Together, we’re able to continue to work together to carry love and support our people,” Pastor Gonzales says. She continues, “Our church has the deep belief that everyone is valuable and everyone has a purpose. God loves everyone, and because of that, we want to help share the love of God with our community so they know they’re not alone.”


For Pastor Pete and Pastor Gayle, they believe continuing to shepherd the community is vital for the overall well-being and good of the people. Whether that’s at their church during regular services or when the entire community needs support and comfort to process and grieve. “Our mission is to continue to serve our communities, giving our people and our families support to thrive. When you have strong families and strong support systems, we know our families have better outcomes, and as their church leaders, this is our big priority. It’s all for the glory and honor of God,” Pastor Pete says.


Both churches have an open door for any interested community members. “Truly, we have an open door, and it’s exciting when we get new members who want to be active and participate. That is always amazing,” Pastor Gayle says.


Living Word Ministries is located at 12 Llano Rd. in Questa, New Mexico, and Freedom Church is located at 2588 NM 522 in Questa, New Mexico.

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