Roots of Servants of the Streets
The Beginning (1989)
The beginning of SOS can be traced back to November 1989. The geographic setting was the “deep” West Side of San Antonio, Texas, at the intersection of General McMullen and Castroville Road. Neighborhoods were being ravaged by drugs, shootings, and gang activity.
The building was a small two-story storefront and had served the community for many years as a pool hall. The storefront was owned by a Christian man, Augie Morin, who generously allowed us to move into the building with an $58.00 utility deposit to reach dysfunctional and diseased addiction with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The building was a small two-story storefront and had served the community for many years as a pool hall. The storefront was owned by a Christian man, Augie Morin, who generously allowed us to move into the building with an $58.00 utility deposit to reach dysfunctional and diseased addiction with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The First Lives Changed
The first participant was a Vietnam Veteran named “Chevo” who was addicted to alcohol, marijuana, and prescription medications.
Within two weeks of Chevo’s arrival, the word of SOS had spread throughout the streets (barrios) and “The Home” filled with prostitutes, drug addicts, gang members, and homosexuals looking for a life change.
Many of the prostitutes brought their children.
In a small, obscure building, much less than modest by the glory of God, hearts were filled with hopeless humanity.
Over the next six years, thousands would eat from the banquet table that Jesus had prepared for them.
Within two weeks of Chevo’s arrival, the word of SOS had spread throughout the streets (barrios) and “The Home” filled with prostitutes, drug addicts, gang members, and homosexuals looking for a life change.
Many of the prostitutes brought their children.
In a small, obscure building, much less than modest by the glory of God, hearts were filled with hopeless humanity.
Over the next six years, thousands would eat from the banquet table that Jesus had prepared for them.
Expansion to Michigan and Indiana (1995)
SOS relocated from San Antonio to Michigan in February 1995. A businessman, Rudy Delarosa, invited SOS to establish an SOS Recovery Home and Church in a building located in Edwardsburg, Michigan. Unfortunately, the community did not receive us with the acceptance we had anticipated. There were immediate problems with code violations, bomb threats, and threatening letters. However, people continued to come to SOS for help. During this time of great oppression and satanic attack, people came into the program believing that God would help them overcome the demons of addiction. Men and women came from Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas.
Tri Lakes Church and Elkhart Expansion
In July of 1995, SOS was invited to Tri Lakes Church in Bristol, Indiana, under the pastoral oversight of Dale Stoll. Testimonies of changed lives stirred the hearts of the congregation and a generous offering was provided. It was with this offering that SOS made a glorious exodus from Edwardsburg, Michigan into Elkhart, Indiana. A warehouse with office space and a small three-bedroom house located at 3112 South Main Street were rented. The warehouse served as the cafeteria, meeting space, and sanctuary, while the offices were converted into dorms for participants. Soon the building filled with men, women, and children who had expectancy for a new life in Christ.
The Home at 803 W. Wolf
In February 1996, SOS expanded again, this time purchasing its first building from Life Treatment Centers of South Bend, Indiana. Lovingly and affectionately, the building at 803 W. Wolf Avenue in Elkhart, Indiana became known simply as: “The Home.”
Ordination and Church Growth
On September 26, 1997, Pastor Mario and Regina Villela were ordained by Apostle Willie Coates and the New Wings of Faith Church Body in South Bend, Indiana. They served as part of the pastoral team until 2001, when they expanded again. This expansion was to reach the extended family members and community at large with the life-changing message of freedom through Christ. A church was formed in the basement of 803 W. Wolf with approximately 30 people present. In June, a building was rented at 110 W. High Street in downtown Elkhart, Indiana, where Tuesday night recovery meetings and Sunday worship services were held.
Growth Through Faith
In April of 2003, the Body of Believers began to release their faith and in 2004, purchased a small house at 809 W. Wolf, immediately adjacent to the 803 W. Wolf Home. In April of 2005, SOS enlarged its tent by faith and purchased the St. Joseph Valley Community Church located at 833 W. 30th Street in South Bend, Indiana. "The Home” and Church continued to grow through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the love of Jesus Christ.
A Season of Recovery
Due to financial and relational strains, the ministry returned to “The Home” in Elkhart, Indiana in 2007. Like a ship, tattered and torn, SOS began her own recovery. Rebuilding the foundations that had been shattered by blows from the enemy, SOS began the long and difficult journey of repairing broken hearts and overcoming disappointment.
A Legacy of Faith
God has been faithful to provide through friends, board members, and family who continued to believe in the vision that God placed in their hearts in 1987. At the time of this writing, SOS was blessed to be filled to capacity in both Church and the SOS Recovery Home. God has established His victory in our hearts, and we remain forever grateful and committed to His excellence and service.