A Life Worth Saving

In the rugged, mountainous state of Chiapas, Mexico—where villages are often isolated and roads treacherous—68-year-old Pastor Héctor Alfonzo Argüello has been a beacon of hope and faith for over three decades. Despite living with untreated bile and pancreatic complications for more than 20 years, Pastor Héctor has never stopped preaching, planting churches, or caring for the souls of his people.

Pastor Héctor has faithfully served Jesus for over 30 years, planting more than 40 churches across nine municipalities in Chiapas. Many of these churches are located in indigenous communities where Spanish is a second language and the people primarily speak Chol. With his own hands and a heart full of love for God’s people, he has helped construct over 20 rural church buildings. He and his wife, married for nearly 50 years, continue to serve together every week, often traveling to remote villages in a weathered 1987 vehicle that still carries them through mountains and dirt roads. Together, they raised three sons, all of whom have grown into faithful men who love and serve Jesus—one of them is now a pastor, carrying on his father’s legacy of gospel work.

Pastor Héctor was diagnosed with a life-threatening blockage and urgently needed a procedure called ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) with biliary stent placement. The surgery, while relatively affordable by global standards at $3,500 USD, was far beyond what he could afford. For over 20 years, he and his wife had been praying for healing and for the opportunity to receive this treatment, but financial limitations had always stood in the way. Still, he never stopped serving.

We learned about Pastor Héctor through a trusted friend in Mexico and felt compelled to respond. We personally interviewed him to hear his story and understand the need, and we confirmed his character and faithfulness through respected leaders who have known and served with him for years. After researching hospitals and costs in nearby cities, we identified a skilled and compassionate gastroenterologist in Villahermosa, Tabasco—about 3.5 hours from his remote hometown of Yajalón—who was able to perform the procedure. Once the path was clear, Project Puente stepped in and covered the full cost of the surgery.

Now, thanks to the generosity and support of those who believe in God’s mission, Pastor Héctor has been given a renewed opportunity to continue his work. This life-saving surgery not only restores his health but extends his ministry to bring the gospel to countless others in areas few are willing to go. He will now be able to encourage struggling churches, preach in far-off villages, and continue mentoring younger leaders—including his own son.

When we shared the news with him, Pastor Héctor humbly responded, “My wife and I have been praying for this surgery for over 20 years. We never had enough. Project Puente is God’s answer to our prayer.”

This is the kind of story that reminds us why Project Puente exists: to step into moments of urgent need with compassion and action. While many churches in Latin America lack financial resources, they abound in faith, boldness, and deep love for God. Together, we can help them flourish.

Let’s continue to make stories like Pastor Héctor’s possible.