This week marks the culmination of our partnership with our sister congregation, Iglesias Monte Los Olivos, The Mount Olive Church. What began as a group of believers seeking a church home has become a vibrant congregation with significant influence in our community. I am reflecting today on the impact our congregations have had on each other over these 25 years. They faithfully undergirded us with much prayer and hard work. They invested tens of thousands of dollars along with us into the facilities and outreach of our neighborhood. They have been very good co-laborers together in Christ.
A band of about 25 people, including children, gathered in our Fellowship Hall to organize as Departamento Salem. Their first Sunday with us was April 8, 2000, Palm Sunday. Ariel Benitz was chosen as their leader. We organized English classes (ESL), provided leadership training opportunities, and ordained their pastors and deacons to ministry and service. They steadily grew in numbers, eventually taxing the capacity of our Fellowship Hall. In 2010 they sought out a location of their own. They found and purchased an old church near Pine and N. Harvard. By 2013, they had outgrown that facility, and we invited everyone back to Braden Park. Lately we have been working toward transferring our church property to them, but recently the congregation felt compelled to purchase a church at 147 S. Sheridan Ave, about a mile east of us. This Sunday, June 29, we send them forth with our prayers and blessings. Pastor Francisco Gaona, who has been a friend and ministry partner to me, and the dedicated congregation will spread the Gospel light, expanding the Word of Christ deeper into our community. We are seeking God’s direction in new ministry partnerships and discipleship opportunities. Join with us in the discussions and the opportunities that are emerging before us.
Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. And let’s experience the love and power of God together.
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