Eliseo Garcia

Eliseo S. Garcia Sr. nació el 14 de Abril 1938 en Torreon Coahuila, México, sus padres Manuel Garcia y su madre María Cruz Saucedo de Garcia. En su infancia, después que su madre María Cruz fallecería, vivió una vida feliz bajo los cuidados de su hermana mayor Ana María Menchaca quien se ocupó en sus estudios y en sus cuidados de niño Eliseo sería un niño de hermoso padecer y de un buen comportamiento quien lo llevo a ganarse el cariño de su hermana y su cuñado.

Eliseo, cuando era solo un adolescente sufrió una vez la pérdida de su hermana Ana Maria y su padre Manuel lo mando a vivir con su hermana Cecilia y su esposo Emeterio Reta. Allí junto con ellos aprendió más del evangelio, ya que su cuñado era pastor, y el hizo la mejor decisión de su vida al aceptar a Cristo como su salvador, fue bautizado en el Nombre de Jesucristo el 28 de Octubre 1956, en Torreon Coahuila, México por el Pastor Francisco Palacios. Desde su juventud hubo un despertar de estudiar la Biblia, la palabra de Dios, diversos cursos, y varios temas retadores; que su pastor vio la iniciativa en él y lo envío al instituto nacional biblico apostolico. Allí él se recibió con los cursos necesarios para sobresalir en lo que a él le dictaría su futuro. Un futuro lleno de bendiciones, junto a los retos que serían para ganar almas, y seria también la guía para dejar un legado tanto como para su familia, y para muchas personas quien le conocieren a Eliseo en sus diferentes tiempos en su vida.

Al estar en sus estudios y estar activo con el departamento juvenil conoció a Irene Hernández con la que contrajo matrimonio en el año 1962. De ese matrimonio dieron fruto a 3 hijas y un hijo. Su hija mayor Elizama con su esposo Epifano Baiza, Blanca Irene Soto, Maricruz Garcia Candia y su Esposo Francisco, y su hijo Eliseo Garcia Jr. y su esposa Zefe G. de Garcia todos sus hijos hoy le sobreviven y serian su mayor alegría, especialmente cuando empezaron a llegar a casa nietos.

En los años que estuvo ayudando en la Iglesia en México estuvo a cargo de una misión en Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua, quien tenia como nombre "La misión de la montaña". El lugar donde se le envió seria dedicado para el Nombre de Jesucristo, y al paso de los años hoy se conoce esa iglesia como la 16ª. Iglesia Apostolica de la Fe en Cristo Jesús. Al emigrar a los estados unidos en el año 1974 su labor como maestro y como ganador de almas no se quedó en mexico, sino al llegar a Odessa su pastor Eliseo Torres lo puso a trabajar en la obra para el crecimiento de la iglesia. Entre el primer puesto que ocupo fue de maestro de Jovenes, por un periodo de 17 años. Se encargo como superintendente de la escuela dominical en la iglesia de Odessa, al poco tiempo se empezaron a tener cultos de barrio, y a Eliseo Garcia se le envió a buscar hogar para el Norte de la cuidad para abrir cultos los viernes. Al poco tiempo se establecio "la Mision del Ranchito del Norte" cual hoy en día se conoce esa congregación como la 2ª iglesia Apostolica de Mexico en Odessa. Al mismo tiempo de estar celebrando cultos en el ranchito del norte, resulto una necesidad en la pequeña comunidad de Crane, Tx. Cual Eliseo se le pidió que fuera a orar por

Rev. Eliseo S. García Sr. was born on April 14, 1938, in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, to Manuel García and María Cruz Saucedo de García.

During his childhood, after the passing of his mother, María Cruz, he was lovingly raised by his older sister, Ana María Menchaca, who took responsibility for his education and upbringing. From an early age, Eliseo was known for his kind spirit, exemplary behavior, and gentle nature, earning the admiration and affection of both his sister and her husband.

As a young teenager, Eliseo experienced another great loss with the passing of his sister Ana María. His father then sent him to live with his sister Cecilia and her husband, Emeterio Reta. It was in their home that he came to know the Gospel more deeply, as his brother-in-law served as a pastor. There, Eliseo made the most important decision of his life by accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ on October 28, 1956, in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, by Pastor Francisco Palacios.

From his youth, Eliseo developed a deep passion for studying the Word of God. He devoted himself to studying the Bible, completed numerous biblical courses, and eagerly embraced challenging theological subjects. Recognizing his dedication and potential, his pastor encouraged him to attend the National Apostolic Bible Institute, where he successfully completed the necessary training to prepare for the ministry God had planned for him. This education laid the foundation for a life filled with blessings, challenges, and opportunities to win souls for Christ. It also prepared him to leave a lasting spiritual legacy for both his family and the countless lives he would touch throughout his years of ministry.

While attending Bible school and serving actively in the youth department, Eliseo met Irene Hernández, whom he married in 1962. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Elizama, who married Epifano Baiza; Blanca Irene Soto; Maricruz García Candia, who married Francisco Candia; and Eliseo García Jr., who married Zefe G. de García. All four children survive him and were the greatest joy of his life, especially when their home was blessed with grandchildren.

During his ministry in Mexico, Brother García was appointed to oversee a mission in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, known as "La Misión de la Montaña" (The Mountain Mission). The work established there was dedicated to the Name of Jesus Christ and, through God's blessing, eventually grew into what is now known as the 16th Apostolic Church of the Faith in Christ Jesus.

In 1974, Eliseo immigrated to the United States. His calling as a teacher and soul winner did not remain behind in Mexico. Upon arriving in Odessa, Texas, Pastor Eliseo Torres immediately involved him in the work of expanding the church. His first responsibility was serving as the youth teacher, a position he faithfully held for 17 years. He later served as Superintendent of the Sunday School ministry at the Odessa church.

As neighborhood Bible services began to develop, Brother García was asked to find a home in the northern part of the city where Friday night services could be held. Before long, "La Misión del Ranchito del Norte" (The North Ranch Mission) was established. Today, that congregation is recognized as the Second Apostolic Church of Mexico in Odessa.

While leading services at the North Ranch Mission, a spiritual need arose in the small community of Crane, Texas. Brother García was asked to pray for a local family facing that need. After God graciously answered their prayers, the family requested Bible studies. Soon afterward, the family joined together to renovate a building that was purchased and dedicated to the work of God, becoming known as "La Misión de Crane" (The Crane Mission).

Brother García never asked how much he would be paid to fulfill God's work or questioned how he would get started. His focus was always on serving the Lord. Throughout his evangelistic ministry, he did not need a title or position to faithfully win souls and establish churches for the Kingdom of God.

He entered the ministry in 1980 and, six years later, was officially ordained into the ministry in 1986. In 1988, he was appointed Assistant Pastor of the First Apostolic Assembly in Odessa, Texas. Following Pastor Eliseo Torres' retirement, Brother García served as Co-Pastor, first under Pastor Ángel Alvarado and later under Pastor Román Arreola.

During that time, he was entrusted with overseeing a growing congregation in the western area of Odessa, which became known as "La Misión del West" (The West Mission). There, God allowed him to witness tremendous growth and many victories that ultimately helped establish what remains today an independent Apostolic church. As the congregation outgrew the Brito family's home, Sunday School classes and mission activities were relocated to the building now known as Lighthouse of Hope, First Apostolic Church of Odessa, allowing the ministry to continue flourishing.

In 2000, Brother García experienced the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Irene. Following her passing, he stepped away from active ministry for a season as he sought God's direction for the next chapter of his life.

In 2009, he transferred his membership and ministry to the Apostolic Church in Midland, Texas. A few years later, God blessed him with a new companion when he married Rosario "Rose" on June 28, 2014. Together they faithfully maintained a daily devotional life and time of prayer, never allowing illness or life's circumstances to interrupt their commitment to seeking God together.

Brother García leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faithful service. Throughout his ministry, he held numerous positions at the local, sectional, and district levels. His servant's heart, humility, and passion for teaching were contagious and deeply admired. Even in his later years, Pastor Anatolio Bracamontes of the Midland church entrusted him with teaching Advanced Prophecy classes as well as courses for local ministers.

His influence extended far beyond the churches he served. He leaves behind countless spiritual sons and daughters in the Gospel, including pastors, ministers, missionaries, and international leaders who never forgot his impact on their lives and would often send personal greetings through his children and grandchildren.

Rev. Eliseo S. García Sr. is survived by his brother, Moisés García; his three daughters; his son; two stepsons, Saúl and Jonathan; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless individuals who became family through the love that he and Rose so freely shared.

His life was a testimony of unwavering faith, humble service, steadfast prayer, and an unrelenting passion for winning souls. His legacy will continue to live on in the churches he helped establish, the ministers he mentored, the family he cherished, and the many lives he led to Jesus Christ.