It is with sorrow, gratitude, and bittersweet joy that we share the passing of El Sauzal Home’s beloved builder, pastor, and evangelist, Papa Ramon Espinoza, who passed away on the morning of July 15th at the age of 89. He has finished his race, kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7), and is now rejoicing in the presence of his Savior.
Ramon and his wife, Magdalena, spent over 55 years together, building a legacy of faith, love, and service. Ramon’s first love and calling was to be an evangelist. Before becoming establishers of El Sauzal Home for Children, Ramon and Magdalena opened their hearts and home to teenagers who were alone and hungry—offering them food, kindness, and the love of Jesus. Their ministry at El Sauzal officially began when God called them to care for at-risk children, quite literally bringing little ones to their doorstep. At the beginning, their small home held their children, Josue and Damaris—along with fifteen displaced children in need of a family. Over the years, their family grew both in number and in impact, as they faithfully established El Sauzal Home for Children.
Ramon also planted churches, congregations, missions, and houses of prayer throughout Baja California, Mexico. These include ministries in El Rodeo, Colonia Reforma in Ensenada (called Bethebara), , Valle de las Palmas, El Testeraso, the indigenous reservation at Necua, Camalú, Ensenada, Ejido Carmen Serdán, San Antonio de las Minas, San Quintín, and Valle de Guadalupe. Each of these locations bears witness to Ramon’s faithful calling and tireless efforts to spread the gospel.
He was called to plant churches, shepherd congregations, and raise an army of children who would go on to serve the Lord. Ramon’s life’s mission reflected Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The children he parented, the churches he established, and the many lives he influenced will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
Known for his unwavering faith, sweet gentleness, and servant’s heart, Papa Ramon was also a man of humor and great strength. He would tell visitors to El Sauzal with a mischievous smile, “Mi casa es su casa… but please don’t sell it.” To countless children, he was more than a caretaker—he was Papa Ramon. To visitors to the Home, he was a testimony of God’s faithful provision. To church members, he was a shepherd who faithfully led them in truth. Only God knows how many hundreds of lives he touched, but we trust that he has now heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
Ramon’s favorite verse was Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” He lived by this promise, trusting in God’s provision throughout his life. Now, he is reunited with his beloved Magdalena and celebrating in the presence of our Lord.
Ramon’s ministry at El Sauzal Home for Children lives on through the faithful leadership of his granddaughter, Erika Espinoza Barrios, who continues to serve the children and carry forward the legacy of love, faith, and service Ramon and Magdalena began.
His family and friends gathered to celebrate his life and legacy on July 18 and 19th.
If you have a favorite memory or story of Papa Ramon, we would love for you to share it in the comments or send it to us. Your words are a blessing to the family and a beautiful part of remembering his life.
