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About refuge

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Psalm 126:3)

OUR STORY… Refuge Church began in response to a burden from God’s Spirit on Blaine and Anna Hooper as they served the Southwest Houston community in 2018. God brought to them the need for more Gospel-centered churches that would preach Jesus to this beautiful mosaic of native Houstonians, transplants, and first-generation immigrants from all over the world, especially those who had never heard the Good News.

In 2019, God placed a dream in their hearts for a vibrant, diverse local church that would joyfully share hope of healing in Christ and compassionately seek the renewal of this part of the city for His glory.

2020

After a season of preparation through intensive prayer, Gospel-sharing, and compassionate outreach starting in the Fall of 2020, the Lord brought together a community of believers from diverse backgrounds called to plant Refuge, starting in homes.

2022

This group grew, praise God, and in May of 2022, Christ Our Refuge Church began meeting weekly to worship at the 3623 Walnut Bend Location (thanking God for our hosts Jireh Bible Church). 

Present-Day

Since then, God has blessed us and grown us in number, diversity, and in our love for Jesus and each other. We remain committed to being a unified family that honors God by sharing and showing the love of Jesus among all the nations who live in our community.

We pray that God would continue to make our church a people and place of refuge to the community.

Our Leadership

Blaine Hooper, Planting Pastor

Blaine loves his wife Anna, their three children, Micah, William, and Emilia, the city of Houston, and every kind of Middle-Eastern food. He is a combat wounded veteran and retired US Army officer, a graduate of Rice University and Dallas Theological Seminary, and is always finding a reason to head to Africa. His life’s work is knowing Christ and helping others to make His love known. He serves as the planting pastor of Refuge Church.

Liron Memar, Care Coordinator

Liron is a follower of Jesus from Iran who came to the United States in 2014, fleeing from persecution for her faith. She spends a lot of quality time with her adult children and four grandkids. Her passion is serving God and others. She was educated at the University of Isfahan and is pursuing theological training with Southeastern Baptist Seminary. Liron works on staff as Refuge’s Care Coordinator, serving those in need in our community, especially new refugees and immigrants.

Justin, Elder & Natalie, Children’s Ministry Coordinator

Justin and Natalie found a home in Houston after living overseas for the first decade of their marriage. They have four incredible kids, a love for Jesus’ church, and a passion for seeing the Gospel spread among the unreached people groups of the world.

Mindy, Community Education Coordinator

Mindy’s biggest loves are Christ, His church, and children. She spent 14 years living in Asia walking alongside first-generation believers and church leaders. Mindy lives to help others love God and love the nations He’s created. She serves Refuge by facilitating educational and discipleship opportunities for the church and community.

Our Beliefs

Christ Our Refuge Church is an Evangelical Free Church. The Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) is an association of autonomous churches united around the same theological convictions.

In addition to our commitment to the central tenets of our orthodox Christian Faith, Refuge Church holds doctrinal convictions regarding other vital issues for Christians today.