Open Doors

The Lord is throwing doors open for us to reach our community in ways we haven’t been able to in the past. Let me tell you about it…

The desire began quite a few years ago when Angela and I met with Elmer and Eli Esquivel for lunch at a Panera Bread. What came from our time together was a desire to see a Spanish ministry begin to reach those in our community who were Hispanic and weren’t connected in a Gospel-centered church. Soon after our meeting and praying about it we tried a few things, but nothing really took root, so we waited and it seemed to have died. Truth is though, it wasn’t dead with God. We simply needed to pray and watch, waiting for His timing and the pieces to come together.

Earlier this year after a Sunday service, I had a man come up to me asking if we would like to have a Spanish ministry at our church. His name is Jose and he is a pastor in Southern California who has been pastoring and shepherding a group of people who had recently moved from his church to Las Vegas. The group he was pastoring now had their own pastor’s he had mentored but they had no place to meet, and not enough experience to go on their own. He had talked with our association leaders who recommended talking to us, had been following Summit online, and – most importantly – had been praying. I was obviously very interested to hear more.

In May, we met after church for a luncheon with the whole group from California, pastor Jose, and our elders and talked about the possibilities to have a Spanish ministry at Summit Ridge. It was electrifying to be honest. It felt like the book of Acts in the works! The Spirit of God was clearly at work. The unity, the excitement, and the desire to love and care our community with the love of Jesus… it was God at work. 

In the following weeks, we continued to pray and talk and look for the Lord’s guidance on how to make this a reality. And, my church, it has been a beautiful work of the Lord! I am humbled and stand aside to point to the Lord’s work in answering a prayer of ours that’s been in the works for years!

Next week we launch a new Spanish ministry – Summit Español. 

That means that there will be Spanish services (bilingual if needed) every Saturday night at 6:30 at Summit. There is a Spanish small group on Thursday nights. Plus multiple outreaches and opportunities to make Christ known to those who, like us, need Jesus. 

I have three ways for you to be a part of this new outreach:

1)Pray: Pray for pastor Erick and co-pastor Efrain (and his wife Cristina) as they put all of the pieces together for the ongoing services and ministry ahead
2)Join us for the launch service Saturday, September 4th at 6:30
3)Invite others: You likely know others who would be interested in being a part of a Spanish ministry – let them know about it! Share it on your social media feed too. 

God is throwing doors wide open for us to reach people with the truth and hope that only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can provide. 

I love how God works!

In His Grip,
Pastor John

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