Each Tuesday evening at our weekly Community Meal, Pastor Fermin Sifuentez is sought out by participants who are looking for prayer or an encouraging word. Fermin is a dedicated bi-vocational pastor, who leads his congregation at Lubbock Unified Church with commitment while also managing his business, Fermin’s Painting, to provide for his family. His outstanding character and hard work speak for themselves, and recently a well-deserved spotlight was shone on his efforts at the Los Hermanos Familia Adelante Awards. There Fermin received an award in the Faith and Religion category for his work in pastoral care. To say this award is well deserved is an understatement.  

Pastor Fermin began Lubbock Unified Church three and a half years ago and has been faithfully shepherding the congregation each Sunday since that time. Numerous participants of Lubbock Impact have made Lubbock Unified their church home, largely due to the church members who lead Bible studies on Tuesday evenings, and the sincere care demonstrated by Pastor Fermin. The ministry partnership between Lubbock Impact and Lubbock Unified Church is a beautiful example of how two ministries can work together to help build the Kingdom of God in the Lubbock Community. Pastor Fermin leads in humility and his presence is calming to all.  

While the award Fermin received is a commendable recognition of his efforts, it is incomparable to the profound fulfillment of witnessing individuals embrace Jesus Christ. The end of May brought so much excitement for both the Lubbock Unified Church family and the Lubbock Impact family as 5 of its members were baptized! One of these, a Lubbock Impact participant named Cheryl, was dealing with the recent passing of her mother, but found consolation and strength in Christ through the community built by Pastor Fermin and his sister Shawna Silvas (Finance and Facilities Manager at Lubbock Impact). A time that could have been dark and isolating, instead led to beautiful community and conversations about eternity! 

The way that Lubbock Unified Church partners with Lubbock Impact emphasizes the spiritual care aspect of the Spiritual Care aspect of this ministry. With each smiling face, offered prayer, and moment of connection, participants feel the safety of familiar faces who genuinely care. We always say that the basis of everything that we do is to share the love of Christ with everyone who comes through our doors. People that feel safe, loved and cared for tend to feel more comfortable sharing their brokenness and in turn receiving the overwhelming love that Christ has for them. We’re beyond grateful for Pastor Fermin’s friendship to our staff and Lubbock Impact family.