He first connected with the organization through Por la Creación Faith-Based Alliance (PLC), a network that unites faith leaders to inspire and mobilize communities to protect God’s creation. That connection quickly deepened as Pastor Garza joined efforts like El Aire Que Respiramos (“The Air We Breathe”), the campaign to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument, and Latino Advocacy Week (LAW). These programs opened doors for him to step into leadership on a national level, while also strengthening the work he was already doing on the ground in Coachella, California.

“The resources, the training, and the connection with other faith leaders have been so enriching,” he says. “They’ve helped me grow spiritually, mentally, and as a servant leader for my community.”

Born in Guanajuato, México, and now based in Riverside County, Pastor Garza serves as the founder of Bethel Casa de Dios, a Spanish-speaking church in the Coachella Valley. His ministry has always been rooted in community and healing, and over time, he began incorporating nature into that spiritual work, organizing hikes, outdoor gatherings, and overnight camping experiences for youth.

His motivation is deeply personal. “Connecting with nature brings healing–mental, emotional, and physical,” he says. “It’s something we all need, especially our young people.”

One of the most transformative experiences he’s helped lead took place in Ladder Canyon, now part of the newly designated Chuckwalla National Monument. Thanks to Hispanic Access’s national organizing and storytelling efforts, this sacred land is now protected—and it’s also where Pastor Garza has seen powerful changes in perspective among youth. During one trip, children marveled at rocks and scorpions under infrared light, studied beehives, and watched butterflies with wonder. “These are the kinds of moments that ground us in the present—and uplift our spirit,” he shares.

Garza views conservation through the lens of faith. “As Genesis teaches, God entrusted us with the earth,” he says. “Public lands aren’t just scenic places—they’re sacred, and they benefit all generations.”
He’s especially focused on helping his local Latino community understand that public lands are their lands too. “Many families don’t realize that these spaces exist right where they live, where their children grow up and go to school,” he says.

“But if we don’t know these places, we can’t protect them. That’s why we must connect—and reconnect.”

Pastor Garza acknowledges the challenges–extreme heat and a lack of awareness about how conservation supports public health. But his faith keeps him grounded. “We weren’t made to live within four walls. Jesus taught outdoors–nature has always been part of our spiritual journey.”

As a key advocate working alongside the organization, he’s committed to showing people that creation care isn’t separate from their faith, it’s a natural extension of it. He encourages other faith leaders to join the movement. “We invite you to be stewards with us. We can’t just think about today. We must think about tomorrow. We want future generations to breathe clean air, drink pure water, and live healthy lives.”

He believes that nature has the power to unite, heal, and inspire–and that Hispanic Access is building a movement to ensure Latino communities are not only included in conservation, but are leading it.

As he often reminds his congregation, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” — Psalm 19:1