What began as a suspected home invasion ended in a tragedy that is now deeply affecting Houston’s Hispanic Christian community.
Around 12:15 a.m. on February 21, officers with the Houston Police Department responded to a report of a burglary in progress at a residence located at 1233 South Kirkwood Road. As officers arrived, they heard gunshots coming from inside the home.
Inside the residence, officers found a 35-year-old male with a firearm, who was detained for investigation. They also located Pastor Pedro Cantu, 62, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Another man, identified as Rodney Dushaw Yoder, 44, was also injured. According to authorities, he was the suspected intruder who had unlawfully entered the residence. He was arrested and charged with burglary of a habitation. At this time, it remains unclear whether the resident who fired the weapon will face criminal charges.
Investigators reported that the armed 35-year-old male and Pastor Cantu were residents of the home. When the suspect entered the house, the resident attempted to defend the property by firing at the intruder, but one of the shots accidentally struck Pastor Cantu.
Beyond the official details, there is a legacy of faith and service.
According to the church’s official website, Pastor Pedro Cantu and his wife, Leticia, moved from Mexico to the United States in July 1990. In 1991, they began meeting with several families in their small apartment for worship and Bible study. Later that same year, they formally founded Amor & Restauracion Church, which became a spiritual pillar for many Hispanic families in Houston.
Amor & Restauracion is located at:
10707 Haddington Dr
Houston, TX 77043
United States
+1 713-932-1800
Official website:
https://www.icarhouston.tv/
Service Schedule:
- Tuesday 10:00 am – Women’s Meeting
- Wednesday 7:30 pm – Bible Study
- Sunday 10:00 am – General Service
During Sunday’s worship service, church members openly grieved his passing. His wife shared heartfelt words in Spanish:
“My husband loved you all deeply. He loved the church deeply. I never heard him speak ill of anyone. He loved you sincerely.”
His daughter, Perla Cantu, also clarified that her father did not own a firearm.
“I want people to know that my father was a peaceful man. He did not own a firearm, regardless of what you may have heard.”
Local pastors also expressed their sorrow. Abraham Guajardo, pastor of Eden Church in Houston, described him as more than a spiritual leader:
“He was a father, a son, a friend… a pastor to pastors.”
He recalled how Pastor Cantu walked him through a church facility before its launch, seeing vision where others only saw empty walls. “He carried authority in this city with humility and conviction. I truly do not know another like him.”
Today, Houston, the Body of Christ, and the Latino church community mourn this loss. While the investigation continues, the spiritual void left behind is deeply felt.
Let us take a moment to reflect.
There are moments we do not understand. Moments that shake us and leave us speechless. Pastor Pedro Cantu’s death is not just a police report — it is a painful reminder of how fragile life is. In a matter of seconds, everything can change.
We live in a world where fear and violence are real. Yet we also live under God’s sovereignty. Even when we do not understand the “why,” we know nothing escapes His sight.
The Bible reminds us:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)
This does not mean it does not hurt. It does. Deeply. But it does mean that the life of a faithful servant does not end in tragedy — it continues into eternity. His legacy of faith, the lives he touched, and the love he shared remain.
More than ever, we must value each day, love without reservation, and walk in peace with God. None of us knows how much time we have, but we can choose how we live it.
If you are in Houston and are looking for a church community where you can find biblical teaching, prayer, and spiritual support, you are welcome to visit Amor & Restauracion at the address listed above or explore their website. Their doors remain open to anyone seeking hope and restoration.
I invite you to join in this prayer.
Lord, today we lift our hearts in sorrow. We ask You to comfort Pastor Cantu’s family — his wife, his daughters, and his church community. Surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Protect our cities and our homes. Give us wisdom in moments of tension and fear. Teach us to live each day with purpose, love, and unwavering hope in Christ.
Even in pain, we declare that You are still good, still faithful, and our hope remains in You.
Amen.
Somos Cristianos, connecting hearts with Christ.
