Vida Nueva Christian Center celebrates 25 years of faith, community and service

For Pastor Josue Rubio of Vida Nueva Christian Center, the significance of the church’s 25th anniversary lies in “not only celebrating this monumental occasion but also shedding light on the rich diversity and contribution we have given to the Hispanic community in Eagle County.”

The work of faith begins

The idea of ​​Vida Nueva Christian Center began in Chihuahua, Mexico. At that time, pastors Josue and Mayra Rubio were studying at the Antioquia Bible School in Ciudad Juárez, on the border with El Paso, Texas. It was in 1994 when the couple concluded their Bible studies and after years of preparation, their pastoral work began in the missions of the Sierra Madre Tarahumara.

Five years later, the opportunity to bring their work to the Latino community of the Vail Valley came surprisingly.

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In 1999, Minturn pastor Dan Matney had already observed that there was a great need to serve the valley’s Latino population. Having met the young couple of pastors, Matney offered them an invitation to visit the mountains of Colorado and observe firsthand the great growth of the Hispanic community and the lack of services in Spanish for evangelization in the Vail Valley.

The first trip was made in February 1999. “The initial objective was to get to know the area and discover the potential along with the need that existed,” Rubio said. After a few days of the journey and after having felt the call of God, on the first Sunday of March of the same year, the Rubios decided to start the Vida Nueva Christian Center in Minturn.

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“With the help of some five families and with a great desire to help the Latino community, the services began,” Rubio said. “The vision in those days was simply to be part of the Latino community.”

Little by little, Vida Nueva became the center of spiritual help that the Latino community was looking for. After opening in Minturn, the center required expansion. This led to their move to Avon on Nottingham Road. During this time, several community aid projects were developed including family seminars, recreational events for children and more, attracting the attention of county authorities, the police department and the media. Vida Nueva was already beginning to make a difference within the Hispanic community.

There were changes, transitions, different leadership and adaptations to the needs of the community. Currently the congregation meets in Edwards at Gracious Savior Church at 5 p.m., “with a more solid structure and support groups for the entire family.” Rubio said.

A new light, a new future

Together with the help of 25 leaders and a group of volunteers, the Vida USA Foundation is the new ally that they built. This nonprofit foundation has helped them become more connected to the community and reach families in our county who are in need.

“The plans are to consolidate the community programs we have such as Celebrating Recovery, the foundation programs and above all in the coming years is the construction of Centro Vida … These facilities will be our next home, the plans and designs are already in process,” he said.

“Our process continues with the new generations, integrating them and being very inclusive … The vision has been consolidated and will be carried by the following generations.”