In Jaltenango, a town in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, La Fortaleza (The Fortress) Church of the Nazarene and Restoration Center carries out a ministry of coming alongside and helping to restore and rehabilitate people affected by alcoholism and drug addiction, directly impacting those in the process as well as their families.

This ministry is part of the Sierra District of the Church of the Nazarene and operates with a holistic approach.

A Ministry That Took Shape Over Time

The project began approximately 10 years ago as a shelter. In 2021, a significant shift took place that shaped its identity to focus intentionally on the spiritual, emotional, and community restoration of those being served.

Since then, the ministry has incorporated the preaching of the Word, times of prayer, Sunday gatherings, and spaces of individual care in which family members also participate. This sustained journey led to the ministry being officially organized as a Church of the Nazarene in 2025, consolidating a work that was already bearing fruit.

Daily Operation and Wholistic Care

La Fortaleza operates every day and currently offers a residential option lasting approximately four months, serving 30 people. Admission takes place primarily when families bring their loved ones seeking help.

During the process, participants receive counseling, pastoral care, psychological therapy, sports activities, and Christian discipleship, including prayer, Bible reading, worship, and participation in other means of grace.

A team of 12 people serves on the care staff, consistently attending to each stage of the process.

Impact and Testimonies

During the past four years, the center has served an average of 90 people per year, reaching a total of approximately 360 people.

“Thank God we have seen very positive results. We have seen people being restored and reintegrated into social life. We have also seen marriages, families, and relationships between parents and children restored by the power of God,” shared Pastor Jacob Ortiz, who also serves as the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator for the Sierra District.

Uriel Gómez Cruz, a participant in the restoration process, expressed:

“I am grateful to God and to my parents for bringing me to this restoration center, La Fortaleza, because my life took a radical turn. I am not the same person I was before; now I see my family restored, and I am making a strong effort within the Church of the Nazarene together with my entire family.”

Likewise, Francisco Ramírez Vázquez commented:

“It has been wonderful to be in this place, because before I was living in drugs and alcohol. When I arrived here, I saw the wonderful hand of God by giving me another opportunity to live a life of serving Him.”

Sustainability and Vision for Growth

As part of its operation, the church has developed various activities to support the sustainability of the center, including the production of construction blocks, raising chickens, growing corn, food sales, and a small general store, with the active collaboration of the congregation.

Additionally, in February they launched a fish-farming project as part of these efforts to strengthen the sustainability of the ministry.

This work has been strengthened through the support of the leaders at Ebenezer, a District Compassionate Ministry Center, whose involvement has been key to the growth and sustainability of both the center and the church.

Currently, the goal at La Fortaleza is to expand capacity to serve between 60 and 70 people at a time, responding to a growing need in the community. Looking ahead, the ministry also envisions expanding to serve women once additional housing space can be built.

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This story has been adapted from the original.