For Isaac Tellez, the Red Cross mission is deeply personal. The new Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon board member has seen the organization in action during some of his darkest days and is passionate about connecting others to that work, especially those in the Latino community.

Tellez grew up in Mexico and established worship centers around the world before continuing his pastoral calling and moving to Hagerman, Idaho, in 2001. 

“We love it here. We love the state of Idaho,” he said. “We love people, our community, our church friends.” 

The family formed meaningful relationships in the decades since their move to the Magic Valley -- a stark contrast to the situation they initially faced. 

DISCRIMINATION KNOWS NO BORDERS

“When I came here, people flat out told me, ‘I'm not ever gonna be pastored by a Mexican,’ or some people that called us names,” he said. 

It took some time, but Tellez and his community dismantled social barriers and misconceptions to foster an environment of mutual intentionality and respect. Together, they’ve improved the lives of Idahoans in Hagerman and beyond.

“We continue that same heart for our community,” he said. “So, it’s not just pastoring the church but being an example and being available.” 

Tellez says they provide food and clothing to families through the church, partner with organizations that gift Christmas toys to children and host events that support veterans.  

He's seen the good that comes from people who embrace others but is painfully aware of the destruction that happens when hatred takes hold. 

OPPRESSION, GRIEF AND GRATITUDE 

“I grew up in an environment of religious persecution.” Tellez was born in Izamal, Yucatán, Mexico and raised by parents from Mayan and Jewish backgrounds. His father was a minister, and the family passionately embraced Christian beliefs. Religious oppression ultimately led to his father’s death when Tellez was just 4 years old. 

“My father was killed for preaching the gospel, persecuted and stabbed 11 times in the south of Mexico,” he said. “When my father had the persecution in 1974, Red Cross was the only one available to come help my dad. There was no ambulance in town, there was nothing there.” 

The tragic experience introduced Tellez to the Red Cross humanitarian mission of serving anyone in need, and it wouldn’t be the last. 

Throughout his late daughter’s cancer journey, Tellez’s family never worried about if she would receive the crucial blood products needed for treatment. 

“So many transfusions,” he said. “Constantly, constantly.” 

Red Cross’ work to keep hospital shelves stocked meant more precious time together as a family before her passing last year. 

“I don't think there's words to describe how grateful we are for the Red Cross … they were there in the hospital, in the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, all of them -- we are so grateful,” he said.  

Now part of the Red Cross family, Tellez is eager to provide that same comfort and care to other families facing tragedy.  

TURNING EMPATHY INTO ACTION

He’s also passionate about creating safe and welcoming communities through Red Cross, regardless of race, religion or political beliefs. 

“We are here to prolong life and make it better,” he said. “We’re not teaching you about your faith, that's your own decision. We're not teaching you about political party, that's your own decision.”  

When it comes to diversity, Tellez believes the Latino population will continue to grow and says bridging cultural gaps through the Red Cross mission is key to inclusive, collaborative communities. 

He has formed meaningful connections with Latino partners and organizations in local communities and sits on multiple diversity and equity advisory committees in Idaho and beyond. 

Tellez is currently a student at Trinity Bible College, doing his doctoral program in Doctor of Contextual Leadership. He continues to travel across the country and Mexico as a motivational speaker and preacher and recently celebrated his 34th wedding anniversary with friends and loved ones. 

“I want us to show to Latinos that the Red Cross supersedes race and just sees people -- this is what we're here for, this is who we want to help -- and connect them with the services Red Cross provides, regardless of their language.”