Gethsemani Baptist Church

Gethsemani Baptist Church’s food distribution program is a 25-year ministry to impoverished families in the southernmost part of Yuma County. Every Sunday, they feed and minister to about 300 families and donate what remains to nearby churches.

Through this ministry, the Church fills a critical need in the City by sharing the Gospel and donating food and other supplies, which it ferries to its property using a semi-truck. Because no other food ministries exist within the city, the Church’s charitable activities have been a blessing for the community, with the city often celebrating or even participating in the church’s ministry efforts.

During the pandemic, the church organized 15 drive-thru events and tirelessly served over 400 families distributing food, clothing, water, and other supplies. Two of the drive-through events were held in the parking lot at city hall with the entire San Luis city council members joining the effort, handing out bread and canned goods.

In previous years the city provided the church warehouse space for food storage and even allocated grants to support their efforts. What was once a show of support and cooperation with the church’s efforts has turned into a combative denial of the church’s ministry to the poor.

Gethsemani’s ministry was forced to a screeching halt after the election of Mayor Nieves Riedel in late 2022.  After she took office, everything changed.  City officials sent a letter to the church’s pastor demanding they stop the food delivery trucks that provide the food or be fined for their efforts. Because of the city’s hostility, Pastor Jose Castro had to significantly cut back on food distribution. He’s tried to continue feeding the hungry as best he can under these limitations.

To comply with the city’s demands and avoid fines they could not afford, the church offered to use smaller trucks—not as efficient or with the same capacity.  But the City said no.

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. The city has even threatened the pastor with criminal charges.

These aggressive tactics have now forced Gethsemani to pause its ministry, as the church and Pastor Jose cannot afford the heavy fines or to relocate.  Because of the City and Mayor Riedel’s intimidation tactics, the church cannot feed the hungry.  That means people are going hungry right now.

In March 2024, First Liberty and the law firm Snell and Wilmer L.L.P. filed a complaint and a motion for preliminary injunction in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona urging the court to stop the City of San Luis (AZ) from blocking Gethsemani’s efforts to distribute food to the poor.

In July 2024, the United States Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in the case.

In November 2024, the U.S. District Court of Arizona rejected the motion to dismiss filed by the City of San Luis.

Then almost a year later in September 2025, terms of a settlement reached between the City of San Luis and Gethsemani Baptist Church were stated in a consent decree entered by a federal court.

“Gethsemani Baptist Church has only ever wanted to continue its 25-year mission of providing food for the hungry, hurting people in their community,” said Ryan Gardner, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “We are grateful that the city’s agreement will ensure that the church can carry on its ministry serving the vulnerable families in Yuma County.”

Ryan J. Regula, Partner at Snell and Wilmer L.L.P., stated, “The First Amendment protects the free exercise of religious expression, including Gethsemani’s compassionate ministry providing for those in need.” Charlene Warner of Snell and Wilmer L.L.P. added: “We are happy that we reached a favorable resolution to this case, and that all those at Gethsemani Baptist Church can proceed with their meaningful work.”

Pastor Jose Castro remarked, “I am thankful to God that I can continue serving my community.  We hope to continue being a blessing to San Luis for many years.”