Pastor Jose Castro leads Gethsemani Baptist Church in San Luis, Arizona.

The church has operated a food ministry for 25 years, distributing hundreds of thousands of pounds of food in its community. Every Sunday, they feed and minister to about 300 families and donate what remains to nearby churches.

Throughout the years, city council members have participated and helped pass out food in many of the church’s food drives.

But now, city officials are trying to stop the church’s ministry to feed the hungry.

After a new administration took over in San Luis, the city sent a letter last fall ordering the church to stop using semi-trucks for food delivery at its property.

Pastor Jose, attempting to resolve the order, arranged for the church to use smaller trucks so the food ministry could continue.

The City denied the request, and has been hostile toward the Pastor and Gethsemani Baptist Church ever since.

Because of the city’s hostility, Pastor Jose had to significantly cut back on food distribution. He’s tried to continue feeding the hungry as best he can under these limitations.

Just a few weeks ago, while Pastor Jose was passing out food to group of about 10 people, a city code enforcer showed up unannounced and issued him four citations. Less than a week later, when a third party parked in front of the church for only five minutes, the code enforcer returned and issued four more citations.

Pastor Jose won’t just have to pay fines in municipal court, but also each future violation may result in criminal charges.

That’s why First Liberty is stepping in to fight for Pastor Jose and Gethsemani Baptist Church.

In response to the city’s growing hostility toward the church, First Liberty filed a federal lawsuit. We’re asking the court to stop the city from enforcing its order and allow the church to continue its ministry.

Gethsemani’s food ministry is a labor of love. Churches shouldn’t be threatened or fined for feeding the hungry and caring for the most vulnerable. Government should support—not punish—houses of worship that do essential work for their communities.

You can help us win his case. It would mean so much to the Pastor, the congregants and the more than 300+ families impacted by his ministry.

Pastor Jose and Gethsemani Baptist need your support. Please give to First Liberty today.