Jessica Lopez
Vida Victoriosa
As a child, Jessica frequently visited her mother’s family in Mexico. In middle school, she went back on several mission trips. With each visit, the stories of deeply poor children weighed heavier on her mind. “If my mom hadn’t moved, this would be my life,” she thought. By her teenage years, Jessica’s calling had become clear. She would return to her mother’s hometown and serve full-time. Upon graduating from Moody Bible Institute, Jessica looked for a child-focused organization with projects in Mexico. CRI had a position open in Child Sponsorships, but it didn’t have projects in Mexico—let alone Latin America. Even so, Jessica accepted the position. “It was where God wanted me,” she reflects. For three years, she learned how CRI’s sponsorship programs worked, both on and off the field. Then, when CRI’s leadership expressed a desire to expand to other regions, she took a chance. She presented her connection to Chihuahua City and vision for its people. In 2019, Jessica moved to Mexico to launch the first CRI project in Latin America.
As CRI’s International Missionary Partner leading our Vida Victoriosa ministry, Jessica runs an after-school program for children and families living in and around Cerro Grande. This community sits on the outskirts of Chihuahua City, and is home to a large population of the indigenous Tarahumara tribe. Many of the women and children Jessica works with have lost their husbands and fathers to the drug cartel. Her vision is to help these families live victoriously through education and nutrition. She holds tutoring classes after school, as well as Bible studies for anyone who is interested to join. Her investment in the community is felt and valued.
“My mission is to raise up a new generation of Christian leaders in Mexico through biblical education programs. With your support, I can use my talents to reach these children and families in Mexico.”