“Agua viva!” That’s living water. It is also the name of the Rancho Agua Viva Ministries. This place has a special story. It began with a search for water and a leap of faith.
Rancho Agua Viva Ministries exists to reach Mexico for Christ. The founder Chuy Davalos had a passion for sharing the Gospel. He wanted to reach the millions of Mexicans who hadn’t heard it. Once training for the priesthood, Chuy’s life changed. He chose to follow Christ.
Chuy dedicated his life to ministry. He served as a pastor, missionary, and evangelist. His main goal was reaching the unreached in Mexico. He joined Youth Enterprises. This outreach group eventually led to the founding of Rancho Agua Viva Ministries.
Youth Enterprises explored Christian camping. They worked at a camp in Sierra Juarez. The Mexican government grew suspicious. They confiscated the property. Sal Mendez, a Youth Enterprises worker, sought a new facility. He went to Ojos Negros to see recommended property. He thought the land was ideal for camping. Mendez wanted to rent it.
Maria de Jesus, the owner, refused. She didn’t oppose their intentions. But she felt renting land without drinkable water was wrong. She spoke of 20 years of digging wells only to find “agua muerta,” or dead water. They assured Maria they would haul water. She agreed to rent the land to them.
Workers dug a small well for a deposit tank. They found water. But they thought it was contaminated. They hauled clean water as they worked. One day, the cook ran out of water. She desperately tried the well water for cooking beans. To her surprise, the water was good. It was “agua viva!”
Soon after, Maria’s daughter-in-law fell ill. The camp workers prayed for her healing. God healed her in a mighty way. The Youth Enterprises team wanted to buy the land. They negotiated for months until they reached an agreement.
Maria remembered the healing and the clean water. She agreed to sell the land. The new owners changed the ranch name. It became “Rancho Agua Viva”. It means “Living Water Ranch.” Maria de Jesus said it best. “For 20 years I have owned this ranch with no good water. Now you have it. You must be of God.” Chuy agreed. “For us, it is a miracle.”
Today, Rancho Agua Viva Ministries continues Chuy’s vision. It works with U.S. partners. They share Christ’s love in Ensenada, Mexico. They have a Bible school. It provides pastoral and ministry training. They maintain a camp facility. Mexican churches use it for retreats and events. They support missionaries in Mexico. Their goal is to plant churches in unreached areas.
Rancho Agua Viva Ministries focuses on training Mexican Christian leaders. They work with local churches. They involve U.S. missionaries in the local church. They maintain low-cost camping facilities. They educate all who come. They promote cross-cultural understanding. They aim to eternally change lives.
Rancho Agua Viva Ministries. It is a place of living water and lasting impact. It is a testament to faith and dedication.