Wayne "Joaquin" Alonzo Searfoss

Wayne Alonzo Searfoss, aka “Joaquin,” was a force of nature—a pioneer who defied authority, challenged the status quo, and left an indelible mark on everyone who crossed his path. No man, magistrate, or government could tame him. Known as one of the most formidable preachers in Mexico and Venezuela, Wayne’s bold exploits captivated attention everywhere he went. Born in 1930 in the depths of the Great Depression, Wayne came into the world in Findlay, Ohio, as the son of farmers Mabel and Orla Searfoss.

His spiritual journey began at age 12, when he became a Christian and sensed a calling to ministry. By high school, he was street preaching, and soon after, he set out to study the Bible formally. Yet, his independent spirit chafed against his professors’ liberal theology, leading him to break away and forge his own path.

Wayne’s preaching brought him to Eastland, Tennessee, a secluded town in the Appalachian Mountains. It was there, while preaching at a local schoolhouse, he set eyes on a red headed beauty— and it was love at first sight. Wayne told his friend he wasn’t going to leave until he married that beautiful woman. That beauty was Melcena Lockwood. When news broke that they had eloped, the newlyweds rushed off in a frenzy as Melcena’s father went for the shotgun. Little did the new bride know that this would only be the beginning of the adventures and challenges to come.

Wayne launched his ministry in the United States, hosting revival meetings and healing campaigns throughout the South. In 1955 he pastored an interracial baptist church in Pinehurst, Georgia, when segregation was still the norm. He made a lasting impression on the town when he made an ice cream machine by attaching a strap to the wheel of a car. Wayne and Melcena eventually settled in Tampa, Florida, where they began raising their four children: Olevia, Stephen, Timothy, and Jonathan.

Yet, Wayne felt a growing frustration in his ministry. He asked God, “Why don’t you work like you did in Bible times?” Then God showed him that in Bible times they were preaching to people who had never heard before.

It was then that Wayne decided to become a missionary in Mexico, where at that time being a foreigner doing missionary work was illegal. But this was the kind of challenge Wayne thrived off of. So in 1960, at age 30, Wayne packed the family up in a car and moved to Monterrey Mexico, despite not speaking a word of Spanish. Despite having no mission board or formal backing, God always provided for the family.

During one encounter in Mexico was met with fierce opposition. During his first outreach in a small village, a violent mob, incited by the local priest, nearly set Wayne on fire. The Mayor begged him not to return, but he didn’t know who he was dealing with. Undeterred, Wayne took his case to the governor. He sat for two days in the governor’s office until they realized they were never going to get rid of him. Finally they gave in, and Wayne walked out with a miracle— an order signed by the governor giving him permission to preach the gospel and show the Jesus film anywhere in Mexico.

Wayne returned to the same village, and within a week, forty people received salvation. This would be the beginning of a sixty-year ministry defined by resilience, faith, and miraculous survival. He would continue fighting tremendous persecution, preaching as bullets literally flew over his head. Wayne founded the Martyr Call and kept a monthly newsletter going for 60 years. The family was also recruited to the cause: Steve and Tim would be right there with Wayne in the cross hairs preaching and showing the Jesus film, and Jonathan made the newspaper after being stoned by an angry mob. Wayne went by “Joaquin” in Mexico because his name was difficult to pronounce in Spanish.

Wayne thrived on controversy and confrontation, never shying away from bold actions. In one especially provocative incident, he organized an event to destroy Catholic idols. When a photograph of him smashing a Virgin Mary statue hit the front page news, he was promptly arrested and deported.

But he didn’t stop; instead, he took his ministry to Venezuela where the gospel thrived. Tent meetings drew crowds, and the blind and deaf were healed. Even a renowned local witch embraced Christianity. Meanwhile, Melcena, a gifted self-taught musician, led worship with her accordion and taught children’s church. Yet persecution followed them, and they were repeatedly arrested, beaten, and saw their church demolished twice by authorities. Still, the church persisted and remains active to this day. Several years later, Wayne returned to his beloved Mexico, picking up his ministry where he left off.

Known for his tenacity, Wayne made friends—and enemies—wherever he went. Nothing fazed Wayne. He was certainly a controversial figure, but he was always willing to make friends with anyone. He had an impeccable memory and was able to remember the name of every person he ever met.

He was stubborn and resilient, often referred to as a “bull,” or a “steam roller”— yet there was no government, no person, no jail bars that could hold him back. But that is why he persevered. The impact of his life and legacy is beyond measure, touching countless lives across borders and generations.

After Melcena’s passing in 2012, Wayne married Meglia Castellanos, in 2013. He continued his ministry until his last days. He went to be with the Lord on October 23, 2024 at the age of 94 years old.

Wayne is survived by his children, Olevia, Stephen, Timothy, and Jonathan as well as ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and his wife Meglia Castellanos and her children.

The family will meet and greet with friends from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm on Saturday, November 2, at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, 612 James Blvd., Signal Mountain, TN 37377. A Celebration of Wayne’s life will follow at 1:30 pm at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. Burial will be held in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.