My brother and best friend Max Torres, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday 19, 2008 after a fatal motorcycle accident on his way to church.
Max was an awesome man who had a great hunger for God. He lived very moment of his life with great expectation because every moment mattered. There were no lost causes for him just another opportunity to try again or try another way as he often said, "It's great to be alive".
Max Torres, was the founder and director of CrossRoad Youth Ministry of El Tabernaculo Assembly in Houston, Texas. Since 1982, his public school involvement has ranged from being a motivational speaker in classes and school assemblies, weekly programs targeting drug abuse and student/family intervention in crisis situations. From 1994 to 1997, he functioned as a Community Liaison with the Houston Police Department coordinating activities with various groups, including assignments with Houston's Spanish speaking population. He served as the 2004-2005 City Coordinator for the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative in Houston. He was a field representative for Somebody Cares America and served as the Director of Programs at Bayshore Christian Ministries in East Palo Alto, California. Max currently working for Communities in School at the Boys & Girls Club of America
Since June 1986 he served as Youth Pastor at El Tabernaculo Assembly of God, where Reverend J.C. Cantu has pastored since 1956. CrossRoad has trained many volunteers for service in various ministries with an emphasis on relational student ministry. As positive role models, these volunteers have had an impact on the lives of many students. Weekly outreach events attract scores of youth who might be otherwise distracted by gangs or drug activity. Both he and his wife Dahlia embrace the unceasing task of being 'an open ear, caring heart, and extended hand' to many of today's troubled youth which we choose to call “AT-PROMISE” instead of “AT-RISK.”
Max served seven years under two mayoral administrations on the Joint City/County Commission on Children as one of twenty commissioners advocating on behalf of the interests of children under the age of eighteen. In 1998, he was invited to serve on the Advisory Committee of the National Network of Youth Ministry. He was an adjunct professor with College of Biblical Studies in Houston, one of the nation's largest Urban Centered Bible Colleges, teaching Principles of Basic Youth Ministry. A pilot ministry with Student Venture (Campus Crusade) called City Venture was established to target and benefit urban youth and communities by providing positive activities as well as leadership development programs.
In 1995, he received the FBI Community Leader's Award for Drug Prevention. He is a graduate of the United Way's ‘Project Blueprint’ Board Development Program. In 1998, he received the James L. Marshall Community Service Award in conjunction with 1998 Recognition by the U.S. Congress for community involvement. He also is 2002 Alumni of the Houston Citizens Police Academy, Class 28. He chaired the Hispanic committee of Houston's Healthy Marriage Initiative.
Board involvement: Leadership Center of Houston [Texas Cooperative Extension Urban 4H leadership development for youth. Advisory Board member for “Somebody Cares Houston” & Adopt-a-Gang prayer effort; co-developer of the Youth Guidance Consultant curriculum for training volunteers to deal with at-risk youth; past President and Public Relations director for the Hispanic Ministers Against Crime sponsored by the Houston Police Department. Max has also served with the Houston Mayor's T-CAP Committee and Task Force, Texan's War on Drugs, Houston Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the March of Dimes “Comenzando Bien” prenatal program, Houston Independent School District's Drug Free Schools & Communities Advisory Group, the Coalition of Ministers Against Crime, Houston Crackdown, and numerous Drug Prevention conferences, including the 1992 P.R.I.D.E. World Drug Conference. He has also participated in the 1996 NAACP National Conference and the University of Houston College of Social Studies 1996 & 1998 American Humanics Retreat. He was directly involved in Houston Independent School District’s Student Retention efforts. Media appearances dealing with the issues faced by today's youth have led to opportunities to cooperate with various educational and community groups both locally and internationally.
Funeral arrangements
Detail of the funeral:
Visitation: Friday, November 21, 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Service and Burial: November 22, 10:00am
El Tabernaculo
10020 Bauman
Houston, Texas
Dahlia Torres
9003 Glen Shadow
Houston, Texas 77088
15 comments:
I have known Bro. Max and Dahlia for as long as I can remember. We are part of the Gulf Latin dynasty... LOL. We are all intertwined and related in the district.
I have many fond memories of Bro. Max. My parents have been pastors my whole life, and our church is rather small. I never had a youth pastor growing up, but I always considered Bro. Max my surrogate youth pastor. He was younger and cooler than my parents, so he became that spiritual role model in my life.
I remember going to district councils, youth camps, and conventions and always looking for Bro. Max and Dahlia. Seeing them was the highlight of my trip. I grew especially close to Erik, my little buddy. I would always take care of him in kids' council and took him in as my kid brother. I am the youngest in my family, so I always enjoyed looking after him. It meant so much to me to know that they trusted me enough to take care of him.
I remember seeing Max at Noel Sandoval's funeral; he was pushing Leroy in his wheelchair. I laughed at seeing Max with his long, silver ponytail. My husband was deployed the last time I saw Max, so I introduced him to my husband and they hit it off right away. Max took a great interest in my husband's career as a United States Marine. They talked politics and ethics for a good while. He had just met my husband and took a genuine interest in him right away. That was the type of person Max was... genuine and compassionate. He was a one-in-a-million man. He wanted to get to know you and he wanted to share Jesus. He won the hearts of many through God's love and poured his heart into ministry.
The Torres family has been such a huge part of my life. I cannot remember a time when they were not part of it. There is so much I want to say, but I am at a loss for words. My heart hurts for Dahlia and the boys, but I know that we have peace and comfort in the Lord and in knowing we will all be reunited soon.
Ashley Gonzales Gomez
Daughter of Vangie and Lazaro Gonzales
Alvin, Texas
I met Bro.Max in middle school when he worked with Hogg's Heaven Christian Outreach. I had seen this man with lots of canas before, you see Bro.Max was always every where, always active, and always busy with church events and community projects. When my family began to attend Tab in my teen years he wasn't ever idle and this made me sometimes wonder if he ever slept. Bro.Max was a true example of what it meant to work for the Lord. Sometimes things didn't work and some things did, but he kept on going. The passion Bro.Max had for people as truly God given, and because of his life God inspires me to do the same.
Anita Valle
Hello to whomever reads this and may God comfort you for your tremendous loss,
Brother Max was truly a hero among us. He is one of those few people who truly talks the talk and walks the walk. I have known Max since I was in middle school in 1997. I met him while he was conducting one of his many works, speaking to the youth at the school's christian club. Ever since, I have admired him as a man of God who sought after His heart and encouraged others to do the same. Even though he knew some of the most important people in this world, he never hesitated to speak to the lesser of us. There was never a dull moment when I spoke to Max. He was always filled with immense wisdom and humility. Throughout the years I was able to absorb several words of advice. Most recently, I had the honor of being mentored by him at the DeVos leadership classes we were involved in. Max was a great warrior and his passing only encourages me to follow God's heart as fervently as he did. We will forever miss Max!
May God continue to bless and comfort his amazingly strong wife and sons through this difficult time.
Love,
Jeanette Reyna Sosa
At a tender age Max Torres was very helpful in developing my character towards serving Jesus, and being faithful ....
J. Nino
S.S. Superintendent El Tabernaculo A/G
I was blessed with the privilege of having Bro. Max as a part of my life since I was born.
Bro. Max truly impacted many lives around him, especially mine.
He sowed a seed in my life from the very beginning, and he believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.
From baptising me, to my high school and college graduation, Bro. Max was always there for me.
It is because of Bro. Max, that I have been blessed with with the amazing opportunity of living and working in Los Angeles.
Even though we are suffering a great loss on earth, heaven is rejoicing over a magnificent gain.
I love you Bro. Max; "thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed because of you."
-Tabitha Gonzalez
"A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps." Proverbs 14:15
Michael Fernandez
gulf latin youth director
impact now director
Words for Max Torres
My fondest memory of Max, is when I went to youth camp for the first time
at L.A.B.I. during my 7th grade summer. I saw how he had such a magnetic
personality and a passion for students that made all those around him be
challenged to become better students and live for God.
Many years later, while attending bible school, I saw him yet again at youth
camp and the same spirited and animated Max was there still influencing
students. It was refreshing and challenging to see someone so energetic
about seeing students have a life-long encounter with God.
He will always be remembered as a pioneer in Youth Ministries, a strong
leader, great relationship- builder and a great man.
On behalf of the Gulf Latin Youth Ministries office and staff, and nearly 400
churches, and over 14,000 students and countless students that Max influenced
during his life time, we honor this significant man for his great legacy and Impact
on this generation that will live on and on.
sincerely,
Michael Fernandez
I remember when I first joined the youth group, I was worried that I wouldn't fit in. Bro. Max changed that. He made me feel important in his youth group. He cared so much about the youth! He made sure to make a way for us to attend every youth event. I will never forget how he used his old suburban to take a group of loud (and yes I'd be the loudest...lol) teenage girls and one teenage boy to the National Fine Arts festival. I was so excited because we had made it to that level! Max drove 24 hours from Houston to Orlando and made every minute of it enjoyable! Oh yes...and Max knew that the youth were limited financiallly. Thus, he always found "connections" through other people. I never had to worry about spending too much money...he made a way!
Most importantly, I remember Max's faith in me. I feel like he probably had more faith in me than I had in myself. I've always liked to sing. Bro. Max believed that my singing would be a blessing to others. I'll admit that I struggled believing that because my voice was different...others defined it as "operatic." In fact, I would be teased about my operatic style. Max,however, thought differently. He made me feel like opera was the greatest! Thus, I kept singing w/ the voice that the Lord gave me! Every time I sang, he always came to give me encouraging words. He told me that my voice was a blessing to him and others. He told me continue to sing so I could bless others. I'm still singing.
Then I went out of state for college. When I graduated, I became a teacher and Max was so proud of me! His pride made me feel as if I was his very own daughter! That's the effect he had on all his youth...a father. He encouraged us, lifted our spirits when we needed it most, came in our time of need, and most importantly....he loved us the way we were. He was a true man of God who will be greatly missed. Bro. Max, enjoy your mansion...we will take it from here. We will live on your passion for ministering to others. You have inspired me to be even more bold when it comes to spreading the good news. I pray I can make a lasting impact as you have in my life. Love you.
Miriam Parrales
When we think of Max, we remember a forever young man with a passion for young people, life and family.
His passion for young people was evident by how he developed relationships, encouraged, mentored and inspired as many as he could.
His passion for life was an inspiration. We don't ever recall a time when he "held back." He took risks because he enjoyed living life to the fullest.
His passion for family is unforgettable. It is something we know will be a part of us forever.
Max layed the groundwork for future youth leaders, touched countless souls for the Lord and blazed a trail for the "work" of God to expand to the places others would not go.
We are thankful for a wonderful friend such as Max. He was definitely an inspiration.
We wish to express our condolences to Dahlia, the boys and all the family members.
Sincerely,
Anthony & Sophia Garcia
Springfield, MO
“I am a second generation Crossroad Youth product. Although my parents served under Bro. Max’s ministry, I grew up with Bro Max not only being a youth pastor, but a long time family friend and most dearly remembered as part of my family.
In every conversation, joke, and song we both shared from my childhood to the present, He always said, “Jess-kuz, no matter what keep pushing through the dirt because when the ground is broken it is ready to produce fruit.” As a child I never understood what that meant, but as I grew under his ministry and influence, I began to understand what it meant. He not only led, but he led by example in love and selflessness. He shaped me and my ministry; always encouraged me to pursue my dreams no matter how crazy they sounded.
Pastor Max was more than a great leader, man of God, and youth pastor; he was my inspiration, my encourager, and the greatest example of the love of Christ Jesus. He will forever be in my actions, my thoughts, speech and heart.”
-Jessica Barajas
“I’m a second generation product of Crossroad Youth. I grew up in Bro. Max’s ministry. He had such a charismatic influence not only in my life, but in the lives of every person he came into contact. He was truly an inspiration to all, in which he inspired me to pursue my love for music. I would watch him sing and play his guitar for services and the life he led outside of the church; I knew that is how I desired to live my life. He was not only my best friend’s dad, a youth pastor, and role model but he was also my friend that I could go to with any question that I had, knowing that he would have wisdom to share. He will be in my thoughts, in my heart and who I am forever.”
-Justin “B.J.” Barajas
What can I say about Max, he was a great mentor, leader, and friend. I learned a lot from him both directly and indirectly, he was a mentor to my Youth Pastor Johnny Gomez and in turn poured himself into him and others of that era. Then my youth pastor mentored me and poured the same knowledge and impact from Bro. Max onto my life. And now I’ve been able to do the same to those youth that I counsel and mentor. I don’t know where I would be without Bro. Max every time there was an opportunity he would speak word into my life and leave me wondering and wanting more. I know he paved the way for me and for others where we see him and know we have to step it up and one of us has to take up the torch and run with it now. I love you Bro. Max for everything you did and the time you took to look after me. Thanks and I hope to see you one day.
Jesse Carballo Jr.
I was a close friend of Max, but every time he saw me, he treated me like if we were buddies since we were little. I met him for the first time in 2001 in Washington DC, and after that we saw each other in many other events. I knew about his work through many national publications or through some other friends like Rudy Carrasco or Larry Acosta or Michael Mata...He really inspired me every time we talked and he inspired me to continue doing my work in Southern California, he was really a Christlike man, and I thank God because one day He allowed us both to meet. I'm always going to remember saying: "Martin, we are YUMIES", "what is that?, I asked." "Young Urban Mexican Professionals." See you in the future, my brother, have a good journey to meet our heavenly Father, and I know you're traveling this last journey on your Harley :)
hi mrs torres was a nice guy to know weant to the school that he work that and he will all was look for me at school he will an so give me tool for school when i did take nothing but he was a nice guy to know he will be rember john mendoza WHEATLEY STUDENT
hi mrs torres was a nice guy to know weant to the school that he work that and he will all was look for me at school he will an so give me tool for school when i did take nothing but he was a nice guy to know he will be rember john mendoza WHEATLEY STUDENT
I did not know max very long... but as a networker and connector.. there are some people you meet that you feel the vibe, alignment, and connectedness with strongly... right away. the times we shared together with travis were meaningful, like being home, full of hope and expectation for something coming... the kinds of feelings you desire with other followers who are seeking the Kingdom, community and a part in God's mission to make all things new. I was impacted by max's statement that "potential is not what we are looking for, but rather the promise.. in everyone..." I cant imagine the legacy he leaves behind through all the smiles, encouraging words, listening, feeling, loving that he lived out with the lost, hurting, confused, hopeful young people...
my prayers are with dahlia and the family.
"The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt."
- Frederick Buechner
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