Minnesota Churches Assist in Riot Aftermath
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic last May, riots broke out in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd by a police officer. The incident set off a nationwide movement that resulted in peaceful protests, but in many cities involved rioting and looting.
Immediately following the riots in Minneapolis, the Church of God in Minnesota began responding. Administrative Bishop Clayton Watson led organized efforts to provide emergency relief to residents, help relocate displaced church members, clean-up riot debris, organize prayer walks, street preaching and witnessing.
“We coordinated with local agencies and other churches to leverage our efforts,” Watson stated. “Many of our churches were directly involved – Monte Sinai Church of God (Pastor Jose Anleu), Remix Church of God (Pastor Israel Noboa), Freedom Community Church of God (Pastor Chris Apperson), Iglesia de Dios Por La Fe (Pastor Dario Martinez) and Iglesia de Dios En Su Gracia (Pastor Juan Carlos Martinez).”
According to Watson, the Monte Sinai congregation took the lead in helping coordinate the response. Monte Sinai has been serving in south Minneapolis since 1993 when it was founded by Pastor Jose Anleu. Pastor Jose, originally from Guatemala, was saved off of the streets and called into ministry. He has been faithfully serving as the pastor of this church since 1993. He pastors the church with his wife, Luz Elena, and his son, David. Monte Sinai is the largest congregation in the Minnesota Church of God, averaging close to 500 in weekly attendance prior to COVID-19. Pastor Jose is recognized as a spiritual leader in the urban community of South Minneapolis, and has helped start several other congregations in Minnesota. He serves on the state council and is a district overseer.
Bishop Watson, Pastor Jose Anleu, Pastor Juan Carlos Martinez and the Monte Sinai Legendaries – Riot Clean-up and relief (click photo to enlarge)
“Ministering to the community and witnessing in the streets is a core ministry at Monte Sinai,” Watson continued. “The church was located a half block off of Lake Street, just 3-4 blocks from the epicenter of the riots. Roughly 60 church members lived within the riot zone. Pastor Jose organized his congregation and his ‘Legendaries’ men’s ministry to immediately respond to the crisis with prayer and relief aid, and many people came to faith through the street ministry. The church continues to be active in the area, continuing to distribute food and witness to those in the community.”
