Jesus Mendoza, pastor of north Lansing church for 43 years, dies at age 80

LANSING — The Rev. Jesus Mendoza wasn't the only pastor to man the pulpit during the 57-year history of Maranatha Church on the city's north side, once known as Maranatha Spanish Assembly of God.

But he's the only one most people have ever known, a pillar of strength who, for more than four decades, brought messages of joy and hope during challenging times.

"He was joyful," Mendoza's son, Moses, said. "It wasn't about him, at all. It didn't matter what was happening in his personal life. He would smile, shake your hand, ask what's going on with you and your family."

Jesus Mendoza died Sept. 27. He was 80.

Services will be noon Thursday, Oct. 5, at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Drive, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. that day. That church has more space to accommode mourners, the family said.

A native of Robstown, Texas, Mendoza became senior pastor at Maranatha Spanish Assembly of God in 1980, with his wife, Yolanda, serving as co-pastor, Moses Mendoza said. Primarily a Spanish church in its early years, the congregation became Maranatha Bi-lingual Assembly of God Church around a decade ago, he said.

The church was founded in 1966, but Jesus Mendoza "really is the pastor that a lot of people know," his son said. The core congregation of about 250 is multi-cultural, including some who speak only English, he said.

Mendoza was an ordained minister for the Assemblies of God, according to a published obituary. He served as executive presbyter for the Midwest District of the Assemblies of God and presbyter of the Michigan section. He also served as president of a Lansing pastors association, the obituary said.

Moses Mendoza described his father as "authentic."

"In a world where there is a lot of counterfeits, he is genuine," he said.

When he wasn't in church or out working in the community, Jesus Mendoza liked to drive up north with Yolanda, view nature, visit various cities and check out small shops, Moses said.

"They'd get in the van and go to Mexican restaurants in Grand Rapids, Flint and other surrounding cities," he said. "He wanted to get Mexican food all over the state. He knew all the hotspots where to get good food."

Jesus and Yolanda were married for 59 years and had three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Moses has two sisters, Melinda and Monica.

Yolanda Mendoza is now senior pastor at Maranatha Church, and Moses is associate pastor.

"The mission doesn't change," Moses said. "The mission will go forward to share hope and love, and that's what we want to continue to do in north Lansing."

Arrangements were being handled by Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes. The family said donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Maranatha Church, 927 E. North Street in Lansing. They can also text a donation dollar amount to 84321.

Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Jesus Mendoza, pastor of Lansing church for 43 years, dies at age 80