El Paso, Texas – Pastor Jackson Mills, longtime leader of Tobin Park United Methodist Church, has combined his lifelong fascination with rocks and his Christian faith to launch a free, three‑day gem and mineral show in his neighborhood. The event, held Friday through Sunday at the church’s facilities on Roanoke Drive, offers residents a chance to view and purchase a variety of mineral specimens while enjoying a family‑friendly atmosphere.
From a childhood club to a community showcase
Mills says his love of geology began when he was three years old, after his mother enrolled him in a “Rock of the Month” club. Over the decades he built a personal collection of small specimens, a hobby that never left him. “God gave me this curiosity about His creation,” he explained, “and I want to share that wonder with our neighbors.”
What visitors can expect
The Tobin Park Gem and Mineral Show runs each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free, making it accessible to families, students, and anyone interested in the natural beauty of the Southwest. The exhibit features displays of local and Mexican minerals, gemstone jewelry, and educational booths run by local vendors and hobbyists.
“El Paso sits in a unique heartland of geological opportunity,” Mills said. “There are so many beautiful minerals from Mexico, and the whole Southwest is a geological oddity.” Attendees will find a range of items, from quartz crystals and agates to rarer specimens like fluorite and calcite, as well as handcrafted jewelry and mineral‑related crafts.
Faith and fellowship
Beyond the scientific appeal, the show reflects the church’s commitment to community outreach. Mills described the event as an extension of the church’s mission to serve the neighborhood, saying, “We want to bring people together, celebrate God’s handiwork, and provide a wholesome activity for our youth and families.” The church has invited local schools to organize field trips, and volunteers are on hand to answer questions about the geology and its biblical connections.
Local support and future plans
The event has already attracted several local vendors, including a family‑run mineral shop from nearby Socorro and a jewelry maker from the Westside. Organizers hope the show will become an annual tradition, expanding to include workshops on rock identification, mineral polishing, and even a youth science competition.
Community leaders have praised the initiative. El Paso City Council member Maria Gonzales noted, “Events like this strengthen our neighborhoods, provide educational value, and showcase the talents of our residents.” The council is exploring ways to support similar faith‑based community activities in the future.
Practical details
Location: Tobin Park United Methodist Church, 9410 Roanoke Drive, Northeast El Paso.
Dates: Friday, November 6 – Sunday, November 8, 2026.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day.
Admission: Free.
Parking: Free, on‑site.
For more information, contact Pastor Mills at the church office or visit the church’s website.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
