CONCORD, N.C. -- Church officials in Concord are getting hour-by-hour updates on the efforts to bring Jose Sanchez's family to safety.

Friends said Jose Sanchez spent ten years pursuing the "American" dream in the Charlotte area.

They said he achieved it, yet gave it all up in the name of service.

"He fell in love with what God was doing in our ministry," Randy Price said, pastor at Kings Way Baptist Church, "and said this is what my people in Guatemala need.

Five years ago, Sanchez moved back to his home country as a missionary, building churches and clinics, helping children.

Five days ago, it cost him his life.

"We're not sure what caused it, but we do know that it was drug cartel related," Price said.

Church officials in Concord got a call last Thursday saying Sanchez and another missionary with Charlotte ties had been shot and killed.

Pastor Randy Price said cartels disliked the work Sanchez was doing, and began threatening him months ago.

"We said 'Do you need us to get you out?' and he said absolutely not," Price remembers, "he said this is what I've chosen for my life. This is my life's work."

Church members said Sanchez was a quiet man, but always the first to help.

Efforts are underway to get his wife and five children to safety.

Church officials said despite the dangers, they hope the work started by Sanchez will continue.

"It's devastating in a way, obviously for his friends, there's sadness," Price said. "But he's a martyr. I mean, how many times do you get to give your life for something you believe in?

Officials at Rep. Sue Myrick's confirmed they're working with the U.S. consulate in Guatemala, trying to get the family back to the U.S.