Dr. Apostle Mario Villela
Founder | Overseer
Apostle Mario Villela, a Lipan Apache and Mexican American, was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Through personal struggle, rejection, addiction, and life transformation, God used his testimony to birth a ministry of hope, healing, and restoration that continues to impact lives today.
Heritage & Identity
Apostle Mario’s grandfather, Pete Castro, taught him about his Apache heritage from an early age.
After the death of his grandfather, Apostle Mario faced pressure from family members to downplay and deny his God-given birthright. Following many years of racism, rejection, and personal struggle, God brought Apostle Mario full circle to his roots.
Today, he proudly declares his Lipan Apache heritage and is known as:
Wakiyan Wakan – Holy Thunder
After the death of his grandfather, Apostle Mario faced pressure from family members to downplay and deny his God-given birthright. Following many years of racism, rejection, and personal struggle, God brought Apostle Mario full circle to his roots.
Today, he proudly declares his Lipan Apache heritage and is known as:
Wakiyan Wakan – Holy Thunder
A Life Transformed
In 1986, Apostle Mario and his wife, Dr Regina, were born again at First Baptist Church in Canyon Lake, Texas.
On December 7, 1986, God delivered Apostle Mario from a life ravaged by rejection and addiction.
Since that life-changing encounter, Apostle Mario has faithfully served the Lord and has dedicated his life to helping others find freedom, healing, and restoration through Jesus Christ.
On December 7, 1986, God delivered Apostle Mario from a life ravaged by rejection and addiction.
Since that life-changing encounter, Apostle Mario has faithfully served the Lord and has dedicated his life to helping others find freedom, healing, and restoration through Jesus Christ.
Founder of SOS
In 1989, Apostle Mario founded Servants of the Streets Ministries (SOS) and has faithfully served as Founder and President ever since.
Under his leadership, SOS grew into a Christ-centered recovery ministry impacting individuals and families seeking freedom from addiction and destructive lifestyles.
Under his leadership, SOS grew into a Christ-centered recovery ministry impacting individuals and families seeking freedom from addiction and destructive lifestyles.
Recovery Ministry Impact
Over the years, recovery participants have come from across the United States, as well as from 13 countries around the world.
SOS has maintained a 57% success rate based on:
SOS has maintained a 57% success rate based on:
- Program completion
- Two-year sobriety
- Employment
- Community service involvement
Legacy of Leadership
Through the mentoring and discipleship ministry of SOS Recovery, a church was formed in 2001 under Mario’s leadership with graduates of the recovery program.
Over the years, many graduates have gone on to serve in ministry leadership, churches, and communities throughout the region, while others have continued to serve in various capacities within SOS.
This legacy of discipleship and restoration continues to impact lives through those who now carry the message of hope, healing, and recovery to others.
Over the years, many graduates have gone on to serve in ministry leadership, churches, and communities throughout the region, while others have continued to serve in various capacities within SOS.
This legacy of discipleship and restoration continues to impact lives through those who now carry the message of hope, healing, and recovery to others.
Dr. Apostle Regina Villela
Co-Founder | Overseer
Dr. Regina Villela has dedicated her life to ministry, discipleship, recovery outreach, and helping individuals find hope, healing, and transformation through Jesus Christ.
A Life Transformed
After years of searching for acceptance and approval through turbulent relationships, competitive careers, and a social life that eventually led to addiction, Regina encountered a life-changing collision with “The Transformer”… Jesus Christ.
That encounter became the turning point that forever changed the course of her life and ministry.
That encounter became the turning point that forever changed the course of her life and ministry.
A Life Surrendered
In December 1986, Dr. Regina Villela, along with her husband, Apostle Mario Villela, was born again at First Baptist Church in Canyon Lake, Texas.
It was there that she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ, acknowledging that her life had become unmanageable and completely out of control.
This life-changing encounter marked the beginning of a divine journey that would eventually become Servants of the Streets Ministries, affectionately known as the SOS Home.
It was there that she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ, acknowledging that her life had become unmanageable and completely out of control.
This life-changing encounter marked the beginning of a divine journey that would eventually become Servants of the Streets Ministries, affectionately known as the SOS Home.
The Birth of SOS
In 1989, Dr. Regina and her husband, Apostle Mario Villela, founded Servants of the Streets Ministries on the deep west side of San Antonio, Texas.
In 1995, the ministry relocated to Elkhart, Indiana, where it continues to impact lives through recovery, discipleship, outreach, and ministry leadership.
Since its inception, the recovery message has remained clear:
Confront the Temptation
Prepare for the Struggle
Face the Adversity
Slay the Giant of Addiction
In 1995, the ministry relocated to Elkhart, Indiana, where it continues to impact lives through recovery, discipleship, outreach, and ministry leadership.
Since its inception, the recovery message has remained clear:
Confront the Temptation
Prepare for the Struggle
Face the Adversity
Slay the Giant of Addiction
Ministry Impact
Dr. Regina Villela has labored nationally and internationally to inspire individuals through preaching, public speaking, ministry leadership, and recovery outreach.
Her message has challenged many to:
Her message has challenged many to:
- Live a Better Life
- Strive for Success
- Overcome Hardships
- Persevere with Strength
Education & Credentials
Dr. Regina Villela has pursued biblical, ministry, business, and human services education through a variety of institutions, including studies at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Her educational background includes:
Her educational background includes:
- Memphis School of Commerce – Associate Degree in General Business
- Indiana Christian University – Associate Degree in Theology
- Life Christian University – Certificate in Biblical Studies
- Dominion Faith International – Doctoral Degree in Ministry & Evangelism
- Beulah Bible College & Seminary – Honorary Doctoral Degree in Theology
- Life Coaches International – Certified Life Coach (Specializing in Addiction)
- Indiana Wesleyan University – Associate Degree in Human Services