Today we’d like to introduce you to Luis Riojas.
Hi Luis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the DFW area, in a town called Mesquite, where I was raised in a Christian household. Church was always part of my life, but it wasn’t until I was 15 years old that I made a personal decision to follow Jesus. After going through a difficult season—dealing with a breakup and losing close friends—I hit rock bottom. I had tried to fill the emptiness with things the world offers, but nothing satisfied. It was then that I surrendered my life to Christ and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior. That moment marked the beginning of my journey of allowing God to use my life for His kingdom.
A few years later, I met my wife while working at a job we both shared. We dated for two years and got married in the summer of 2019. In 2022, I was given the opportunity to help a company expand into the Austin area. Wanting to build a better future for our family, we packed our bags and moved to Georgetown in March of that year.
On our very first weekend in town, we began visiting churches. Our first stop was River Rock Bible Church—and we never looked further. From day one, we were welcomed by relational and intentional people, including Mason Carmichael, who would later become the Lead Pastor of Jarrell Community Church.
A few months into attending River Rock, we learned that Mason and his wife, Hannah, were stepping out to plant a new church in Jarrell. My wife and I both immediately felt a stirring in our hearts—we looked at each other and knew we were being called to be part of it. We found a small home in Jarrell and moved with the mindset of serving however we could.
About five months before the church began holding services, Mason approached me and asked me to pray about the possibility of stepping into full-time ministry. At first, I wasn’t sure. It was a big decision, and I needed clarity. So I prayed and asked God to make His will clear for our family. Over time, God gave me peace and direction, and in April 2024, I joined the staff at Jarrell Community Church as the Associate Ministry Director.
Now, nearly two years into full-time ministry, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing lives transformed by the gospel. I’ve seen people come to know Christ, relationships deepen, and a growing community come together to serve not only one another but also the broader needs of our city. It’s been a journey marked by God’s faithfulness, and I’m humbled to play a small part in what He’s doing through our disciple-making culture at Jarrell Community Church.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since stepping into full-time ministry, my journey has been filled with both highs and lows. I’ve witnessed people experience deep pain during difficult seasons and shared in their joy during moments of celebration. Personally, I’ve faced my own struggles—both internal battles and challenges in relationships with others. Yet through it all, God has used these moments to grow my patience and deepen my love for people, reflecting the love He continually shows me.
The truth is, life—especially a life of faith—isn’t easy. It would be dishonest to pretend otherwise. But I’ve come to believe this: we all have a choice. We can walk through the obstacles and challenges of life alone, or we can walk with God—the One who offers rest for the weary and hope for the broken.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I first considered leaving my job in 2023, I didn’t believe I had many skills to offer. However, since then, I have contributed in numerous ways. I help Jarrell Community Church engage with the community through outreach events. I assist in structuring our events and executing them according to the vision our Lead Pastor has for the church. Additionally, I have supported various leaders in the church to develop their skills in leading teams and in discipleship. I’ve also been involved in leading biblical training sessions for our congregation to foster growth in their faith journey. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to introduce people to Christ and witness lives transformed through our community involvement. These are just a few ways I have contributed as a staff member at Jarrell Community Church. My daily goal is to keep the church’s vision at the forefront of my mind, striving to share the gospel with every man, woman, and child in Jarrell through intentionality, relationships, discipleship, and living a Christ-centered life. Out of the contributions I have made through Jarrell Community Church, my main focus is to be a disciple who makes disciples of Jesus, just like He commands all of His followers to do. (Matthew 28:18-20)
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
To attribute the success or challenges we’ve faced to mere luck would be a dishonest assessment and a failure to recognize the powerful work God is doing in the city of Jarrell through Jarrell Community Church. What we’re witnessing is not a coincidence; it’s the result of hearts open to experiencing and knowing God. It’s broken people trusting God to use their lives as they commit and surrender to His mission of being disciples who make disciples. As people encounter His love, they are compelled to love and serve those around them.
Through that willingness, we’ve been able to bless and support our local schools, first responders, small businesses, and individuals in need. We get the opportunity to invite others into our lives to come and see what Jesus is all about. The challenges we face are not the result of bad luck—they are spiritual battles, part of a greater war against the enemy. But even in trials and hard times, we find unity and strength in Christ. Our hope is anchored not in circumstances but in God’s will for our lives, trusting that He is with us always. No matter what fruit God provides, we will be a church committed to living out the Great Commission given to His church in Matthew 28:18-20 by being disciples who make disciples of Jesus.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jarrellcommunity.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jarrell-Community-Church/61551795223416/
