For thirteen years, Jorge Mercado dreamed of coming to the United States to better equip himself for Christian ministry. He was ministering in Monterrey, Mexico, and was involved with men’s meetings and visited people in their homes. Through these activities he realized the need for more churches. In 1986, Jorge quit his job and moved his family to Wentzville, MO, where they stayed with a family until they found employment and enrolled at St. Louis Christian College.

While studying at SLCC, Jorge preached at Elliottstown Church of Christ, Dieterich IL. In 1989, he and his family returned to Monterrey where Jorge resumed his duties at Nuevo Repueblo Church. He and Carmen also planted a new church, the Los Morales Church. Jorge was president of Colegio Biblico for thirteen years (1999 to 2012), served on the North American Continuation Committee (1993-1995) and was President of the Mexican Christian Convention in 1994. Carmen was Director of the Children’s Sessions.

In 2009, Jorge met a boy in a very poor section of Piedras Negras who was selling newspapers on the streets during the hours he should have been in school. After a time of negotiation, the boy agreed to go back to school, accepting Jorge’s offer to pay for his schooling as well as cover his lost income.

Hundreds of children from broken and dysfunctional families quit school. The streets are not, nor have they ever been a good place to learn. They actually serve as a training ground for some to become "zetas" (i.e. drug lords' gunmen). No level of government or self-managed organization does anything to help them. Just as Jesus loved little children, it is a Christian’s duty to teach them about God's love. After months of searching, Jorge located a house to rent for $300 per month.

Carlos and Lidia Munoz and their three children lived in the house and worked with Jorge and Carmen for five and a half years (2009-2015). David and Sylvia González and their three children (Salomón, Saul and David Leonardo) were the second family to live at the mission to help with the daily responsibilities. Currently, three ladies (Silvia Jiminez; Anna Silvia Jiminez and Denises Ramirez) help with the ministry.

Five days a week, children spend three to four hours being tutored. The most important activity of each day is the teaching of Biblical principles. Other areas of tutoring include reading, writing, math and crafts. Meals are prepared for the children every day. They love tostadas, tacos, hotdogs, nachos, and ice-cream.

Besides being director of Saddle Mountain Christian Mission, Jorge ministered with Loma Bonita Christian Church in Eagle Pass, TX, (2012 to 2018) then, retired so church members would become more involved in the church’s ministries. Jorge and Carmen continue to volunteer at Loma Bonita Christian Church.

Carmen helps with every aspect of the mission. She teaches, develops Sunday school curriculum, does Christian counseling. At Loma Bonita, she is part of their worship team, plans special events and prepares meditations for communion and offering.

Jorge and Carmen have three children: Carmen (Abraham) Cary, Jorge (Summer) Mercado and Natalia Mercado. They also have three grandchildren: Miranda and Eliana Cary and Bastián Mercado.