La Luz del Mundo Church Family Owns 34 Properties in Guadalajara

The Joaquin family of the La Luz del Mundo church owns 34 properties in Guadalajara, Mexico, according to a report by Univision. These properties are part of a broader real estate portfolio that has grown over generations, with the current church leader, Naasón Joaquín García, once living in a residence described as a palace. This home, known as “The Jericho House,” was the main residence of Samuel Joaquin Flores, the so-called second “Apostol” of the church, until his death in 2014.

Samuel Joaquin’s home was noted for its opulence, featuring gold leaf moldings, Versace brand items, and imported French tapestries. Joel Silva, a former pastor and spokesman for the church, described the home as an imitation of a European palace, emphasizing the cost and effort to create an environment that felt like a palace despite the modest size of the property. The home’s design reflected Samuel Joaquin’s personal wealth and taste, which he amassed over his lifetime.

The Joaquin family’s wealth and influence have been tied to the church’s growth and expansion. Samuel Joaquin’s father, Aaron Joaquin, founded the La Luz del Mundo church in 1926 and established the Beautiful Province colony in the 1950s with land donated by a former governor of Jalisco. This land became the foundation for the church’s expansion and the family’s real estate holdings.

Today, the Joaquin family continues to own properties in Mexico and the United States, with Naasón Joaquín García, the current church leader, having been arrested in Los Angeles in 2019 on multiple pederasty charges. His arrest marked a significant moment in the church’s history, drawing attention to the family’s influence and the legal challenges they have faced.

The family’s wealth and the church’s growth have been accompanied by controversies, including allegations of abuse and legal issues. The church has also been involved in various legal matters, including lawsuits and investigations, which have raised questions about its leadership and practices. The family’s real estate holdings, including the 34 properties in Guadalajara, reflect the extent of their financial power and the church’s reach.

The church’s leadership has faced scrutiny over its policies and practices, with some members and external observers questioning the family’s control over the congregation. The Joaquin family’s influence extends beyond religious matters, impacting the community and raising concerns about transparency and accountability. The church’s growth and the family’s wealth have been central to its identity, shaping its role in the region.

The story of the Joaquin family and the La Luz del Mundo church highlights the complex relationship between religious leadership and financial power. Their real estate holdings and the church’s expansion reflect both the opportunities and challenges of such influence. The family’s legacy, marked by both prosperity and controversy, continues to shape the church’s trajectory and its interactions with the broader community.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)