Hispanic Ministries
Jorge P. Soria, director
Hispanic Ministries helps church members fulfill their mission through congresses, training seminars, evangelism, and publications such as En Contacto and El Centinela a La Revista.
Besides the many training events they've conducted other programs, including a workshop on bilingual issues called Inter-Face.
Evangelism
Each year Elder Soria holds four evangelistic meetings. This year meetings were held in: Inland, Santa Ana and Anaheim Spanish. Soria says, "What continually impresses me in this work is the many ways in which God reaches out to individuals. We don't usually think of our Hispanic newsletter, En Contacto, as evangelistic. The magazine shares news with members about church projects and activities around the Union. However, one young man in prison received a copy of En Contacto and read it, cover to cover. He was fascinated and inspired by the work of our church. The man requested a series of Bible lessons so he could learn more about Jesus and Seventh-day Adventists. A week after receiving a set of La fe de Jesus [The Faith of Jesus] he returned all the lessons completed with perfect answers. He has since requested additional materials and was recently baptized."
Sacrifice Turns to Joy for Costa Mesa Spanish Church
The Costa Mesa Spanish Congregations Joy at paying off the church mortgage was only heightened by recalling the past 12 years of struggle and sacrifice. During a three-hour dedication service on June 3, Pastor Ernesto Alonso presented 40 plaques of appreciation and told moving personal stories. "I rejoice with you that, through your faith, hard work and God's blessing, you have achieved this goal, " said Tom Staples, SECC treasurer. "Congratulations!
Pastor Alonso, who became pastor 1998 has challenged and guided the congregation for eight years. Today, membership stands at 285. Besides the United States, members come from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Peru. He added, "Together we dedicate this edifice and our ministry to the glory of God."
Evangelistic Rewards
Pacific Union Conference Hispanic Ministries ended 2005 with 2529 baptisms and over 43,000 Hispanic Members. We praise God for His blessing on our Hispanic pastors, members and churches. Our mission continues to be, "Go and tell others about the love of Jesus and share what the Lord has done for you." This continues to be our work because we believe Jesus is coming soon!
Contact: E-mail
Phone: 805-413-7384
High resolution photo of Jorge Soria
Ruth Collins, office secretary