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About Us
Our Story
Jóvenes for Christ had its beginnings in 2015, when a group of West Texas ministers gathered to engage a new generation of English dominant, Hispanic youth. The idea was to form a youth summer camp at Lubbock Christian University (LCU) with the hopes of encouraging students to seek higher education opportunities. Early organizers include Marcelino Banda (Lubbock), Salvador Gonzalez (Midland), Tomas Davila (San Angelo), and JuanRaymon Rubio (Lubbock). Major support was provided by LCU, Mountain View Bilingual Family Camp (Ruidoso, NM), and Colgate Bilingual church of Christ.
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The first camp at LCU occurred in 2016. From 2016-2018, the event was known as the National Hispanic English Youth Conference or NHEYC, to reflect the goal of ministering to newer generations of Hispanics born in the United States who did not speak Spanish. Longtime attendees include Colgate Bilingual church of Christ (Lubbock, TX), Robinson Avenue Iglesia de Cristo (Springdale, AR), Highland Oaks Iglesia de Cristo (now Lakeview IDC), and Hidden Valley Iglesia de Cristo (Houston, TX). The event gradually grew from 70 attendees to 120.
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In 2019, the camp rebranded as Jovenes for Christ and saw its highest attendance yet with 150 people. It was at this time we began offering $500 scholarships to help students purchase college textbooks or attend trade schools. Following a brief hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Jóvenes returned to LCU in 2021 to a changed world. Nevertheless, the new board focused on creating more than just a camp. We have given $2,500 in college scholarships, served a record 171 attendees in 2023, obtained 501(c)(3) status, and have hosted over 18 congregations from Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.Our hope is to continue serving bilingual and bicultural youth throughout the Southwestern United States.
Our Mission
Our mission is to equip Jóvenes with the knowledge of Jesus Christ
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We formed our mission knowing that our purpose is to reach out to and minister to youth and young adults. Ephesians 4:12 provided inspiration for our purpose as an organization.
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“to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”
Ephesians 4:12, NIV
JuanRaymon Rubio
Honoring the Life and Legacy
Jóvenes for Christ mourns the loss of our beloved president, Juanraymon Rubio, who passed away in December 2024. A visionary leader, a passionate mentor, and a faithful servant, Juanraymon's impact on our ministry and the countless lives he touched will never be forgotten.
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Born and raised in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Juanraymon pursued his education at Texas Tech University, where he earned a master’s degree in architecture. Though his professional training was in design, his heart was always devoted to ministry. He served as a youth minister in multiple congregations, including Colgate, Nixon, and Grove, pouring his energy into shaping the next generation.
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In 2016, Juanraymon was instrumental in founding Jóvenes for Christ, a ministry built on the belief that the youth of today need to be met where they are—spiritually, culturally, and linguistically. As the organization grew, he became its first official president, leading with unwavering dedication. He understood that the future was not just Spanish-speaking, but bilingual, and he worked tirelessly to create spaces where young people felt seen, encouraged, and inspired to pursue both their faith and their education.
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Juanraymon was a man of action. When he set his heart on a goal, he pursued it relentlessly. His passion was most evident in the way he connected with youth, whether through deep conversations, mentorship, or moments of worship. Many will forever cherish the memory of him leading singing at camp in the pavilion on the final night each year—a moment filled with joy, unity, and the presence of God.
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His legacy calls us to continue the work he so passionately championed: to glorify God and to reach the next generation. As we move forward, we honor Juanraymon by meeting young people where they are, walking alongside them, and encouraging them in their faith and future.
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Juanraymon’s vision lives on in every life he touched. His leadership and love for this ministry will never be forgotten.
Meet The Team
Supporters
We are extremely grateful for the generous financial support provided by:
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Colgate Bilingual Church of Christ
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Raymon and Norma Rubio
Partners
Jovenes for Christ would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers and partners who collaborate with us to ensure camp is an uplifting experience for all:
