SENIOR PASTOR
REV. MARIBEL VAZQUEZ

Rev. Maribel Vazquez was born on the beautiful Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, where she embraced the opportunities and privileges of being an American citizen. Growing up, she formed deep connections with immigrants from the Dominican Republic, learning early on about the challenges they faced and the strength they showed in seeking better lives.

Rev. Vazquez pursued her passion for ministry and service at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she earned a Master’s degree in Theology. While studying, she served as an associate pastor at a vibrant Hispanic church filled with immigrants from various Latin American countries. This experience, alongside her mentorship under an Anglo-American pastor, strengthened her commitment to serving all people, regardless of their documentation status, as one family united in the Body of Christ.

Rev. Vazquez's ministry led her to El Paso, Texas, where she served in a church near the border of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. There, she witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by homeless immigrants, many of whom struggled to survive due to their lack of legal status. Yet, she also saw their resilience and their dedication to providing for their families back home, despite the immense challenges they faced.

Eight years ago, Rev. Vazquez accepted a pastoral appointment in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Here, she served two humble Hispanic congregations near the border with Mexico. In her ministry, she visited immigrant detention centers and experienced the deep reality of immigration policies, providing comfort and hope to those in dire circumstances. She has shared moments of light, such as praying through glass windows with detainees, and supporting members of her community, like Rigo, whose faith and perseverance inspired many.

One of her most significant experiences was at the Ursula Border Patrol Processing Center in McAllen, Texas, where she witnessed the inhumane conditions faced by immigrants under "zero tolerance" policies. Moved by the heartbreaking scenes of families separated and held in cages, Rev. Vazquez sought to bring the light of Christ into those dark moments, offering prayers and hope to those who felt forgotten and alone.

Rev. Maribel Vazquez now proudly serves as the Senior Pastor of Emanuel United Methodist Church in San Antonio, where she continues her mission of compassion, justice, and unwavering faith, dedicated to serving her community and reflecting Christ’s love in all aspects of her ministry.