adminRaul Tadeo was one of several visionaries who, in July 2001, called a meeting with representatives from thirteen churches in Wayne County to discuss how best to reach out to the growing number of Spanish-speaking immigrants who were moving into the area. From that meeting, Open Arms Hispanic Ministries was formed, with Raul as the first paid staff person. Along with pastoring at Salem Mennonite Church, Raul and his wife Vanita began to share God’s welcoming love with immigrants in many ways, such as translating paperwork, interpreting at medical offices, providing rides to appointments, and praying with hospital patients. When Raul and Vanita moved into an independent living duplex at Orrvilla Retirement Community in June 2019, Raul built an office in one corner of his garage so he could continue to minister via his computer and phone. When asked about retirement, he asked, “What else would I do?”
Over the last several months, Vanita has struggled with severe back pain and has needed more assistance in her daily routines. Raul has decided to focus his attention on his wife and has given notice of his retirement as of Sept 7, 2021. Words cannot express sufficiently the gratitude and love that the Open Arms board and staff have for the Tadeos. We wish them God’s richest blessings in the next step of their journey.
– Haroldo Nunes
