May 25, 2010 – Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
Seventh-day Adventists in Juarez, Chihuahua in north Mexico are still stunned by the deaths of Pastor Lenin Avila Cortez and deacon Javier Zavala Rodriguez. According to local authorities, the two men were shot to death on the evening of Tuesday, May 18, while sitting in Pastor Avila’s vehicle outside the home of Zavala.
Investigators said that Avila, 28, was shot three times, and Zavala, 30, was shot 17 times. Local church leaders believe the two had been visiting church members’ homes earlier, and that the shootings were a case of mistaken identity. Police are still investigating the crime and have not announced if they have any suspects.
“We are very saddened by this loss,” said Pastor Jose Luis Jimenez, president of the North Mission office. “This is the first time that any of our pastors or members have been affected so tragically in this region.”
“Pastor Avila was a young pastor growing in his ministry, and did excellent work in his district,” said Jimenez, who traveled to Mexico City for his funeral service, which was held Friday, May 21. Pastor Avila, who had seven years of service for the church, pastored nine churches and congregations with approximately 700 church members in one of six districts in the North Mission region. He is survived by his pregnant wife Joana Gomez and three-year-old son.
Javier Zavala, who was the head deacon at the Zaragoza Adventist Church, worked closely with Avila ministering to the church families in the region. His funeral service was held May 20 in his hometown of Zacatecas. Zavala is survived by his wife Laura Lares.
Church leaders are expected to have answers in a few weeks.
“This tragedy has brought a lot of concern,” said Jimenez. “I am worried for the 17 pastors, elders and deacons in our districts who may be exposed to violence as they minister to the membership.” Jimenez said church leaders are planning to hold a special meeting with all of its pastors to establish precautionary measures to follow in order to avoid a similar tragedy.
“We know that the work must go on in the good times and in the difficult times,” Jimenez said.
