The University Church of Christ’s involvement with Rick Owens
God brought Rick and Sherry Owens with their daughter Jody to Las Cruces in 1991. We had very little understanding of Rick’s work at that time. Our youth minister, David Harrelson agreed go on a medical campaign to Juarez, Mexico with Rick to check it out. He then took the youth group on a medical campaign to Juarez that same month. This first campaign was followed by building campaigns in Chihuahua City in August 1992, Chihuahua City in 1993, Cuauhtemoc in 1994, Chihuahua City in 1995, Ojinaga in 1996, Parral in 1997, Acuna in 1998, La Junta in 1999, Musquiz in 2000, Torreon in 2001, Monclova in 2002, Monclova in 2003, Chihuahua City in 2004, Monclova in 2005, Matamoros & Monclova in 2006, and Acuna in 2007.
The University church's involvement in Mexico continues to grow. Ken Needham was appointed deacon of non-local missions to work closely with Rick. Ken organized a campaign in Palomas, Mexico, to make modifications to their building in January 1998. He then led our first full week building campaign to Acuna in July 1998. Recognizing that the University Church Mexico mission workers have the leadership to work independently, Rick commonly sends our team on building campaigns to cities other than where he is working.
Rick and Sherry had been providing most of their own support until moving to Las Cruces. After moving to Las Cruces, individuals started supporting them and their work. Then in 1992 Rick & his work was put in the budget of the University Church of Christ and has continued until the present. We also agreed to assume the responsibility of receiving and administering the funds intended for his work in Mexico.
Rick’s primary work has become that of constructing church buildings and planting new churches. Church buildings close to the border are financed primarily by the campus and youth groups that participate in these campaigns. However, Rick's vision for his ministry extends far beyond the Mexican border cities deeper into Mexico. He constructs these building from a fund called Team Mexico.
In addition to the building campaign we participate in, we set aside an amount each year for Team Mexico.
As Rick's home church, the University Church has watched with excitement as the work has grown and changed lives in Mexico. God has placed Rick in a position to be an influence in the growth of His church in Mexico. It is invigorating just to experience the energy that is radiating from Rick concerning his expectant influence in Mexico. We ask your continued prayers for Rick and those who work with him.