Interview by the Rev. Jonathan Kindberg, Diaspora Mobilizer of C4SO’s Diaspora Network

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re getting to know some Hispanic leaders who embody our values of kingdom, spirit, formation, mission and sacrament. This week, we’re delighted to introduce you to the Rev. José and Carmen Zurita of the Diaspora Network and Faith Church Anglican in Fairview, Texas.

Hola, C4SO!

José: My name is Pastor José Zurita. My wife Carmen and I are originally from México and have been living in the United States for more than 40 years. We are partnering with C4SO and the Diaspora Network.

Carmen: My name is Carmen. I was born in México and came to the United States when I was very young. I’ve lived here for 46 years, first in California and then in Dallas. I’m really blessed to be here. 

Jonathan Kindberg: How did you get to know the Anglican Church? 

Carmen Zurita: By accident! We visited a church and were there for five years without knowing it was Anglican. [It was Episcopal at the time]. I thought it was Catholic, but I loved the church, the service, the people and everything happening there. When the pastor explained to me that it wasn’t Catholic, that it was Anglican, I loved it and I stayed there. It’s been 35 years now that we’ve been Anglican. 

JK: José, how did you get ordained?

José Zurita: My calling from God came through someone dying in my family. I saw how much my family was suffering. I said: “God, we need to do something. I need to be prepared for teaching the people what is next after this life.” God told me: “Go, get prepared to teach these people. To know what comes after someone dies.” 

We went to study for almost four years [at a seminary] in South America—in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We left Dallas, our family, our jobs.

Someone told me: “Are you crazy! You’re going to leave your job and your family and go so far away to study?” 

I said: “Yes, I love Jesus Christ. And I want to serve him. This is more than just a regular job.”

JK: What gifts does the Latino church bring? 

Carmen: The Latin people come with a hunger to hear God’s word. We think we are teaching them but they come teaching us a lot of beautiful things. They really go strong. They love to be together. They are very social. It’s really a big party. 

José: We come together, pray together, eat together. The Latino Anglican Church is like one big family. 

Carmen: It’s a big party with the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit moves a lot. It’s fiesta time! 

JK: Tell us some about the Global Mission you’ve been engaged in more recently.  

José: Most recently, we have been on global mission trips to Medellín (Colombia) and to Mexico City and rural mountain regions in the north of México. We are doing all this because we love Jesus. When we go to other countries we see God moving. Jesus Christ moving. Changing lives. We go everywhere God says “go.” We are ready to go no matter where.

Carmen: We receive a lot on these mission trips. 

JK: Tell us why you are excited about the Diaspora Network. 

José: I think this is a new movement, that is opening new doors to bring more nationalities to Christ. Because in Christ we are all one. Diaspora means bringing the whole world together in one faith, as one big family. 

It’s very surprising what God is doing. There are so many different countries, so many different languages that are part of the diaspora here in the United States. 

Carmen: [At a recent gathering of immigrant pastors in Austin, Texas] we were surprised to see everyone praying in the same Spirit. We prayed with leaders from Nepal, Nigeria, India. 

José: And USA! 

Learn more about the Diaspora Network. 

Send José and Carmen an encouraging note.

The Rev. Jonathan Kindberg was born in Perú and has served in the U.S. Latino community for the past 13 years. He currently is the Diaspora Mobilizer for C4SO’s Diaspora Network.