Forest Grove Spanish Church Shares the Christian Experience

After many meetings of analysis and dialogue with church leaders initiated in mid-2022, Forest Grove Spanish Adventist Church landed with its strategic plan at the beginning of 2023. 

The church defined its mission and vision, proposing to "be an active and friendly church that reflects on, lives and shares the Word of God with Christian love." The acronym summarizing the church's strategic mission is FRIL which stands for Friendship: An active and friendly church; Reflectivity: Reflective Bible study; Integrity: Living the Bible; and Love: Sharing its experience with love.

Having built an active and friendly church that reflects on Bible study and lives what it preaches, it was time to share the Christian experience with love. This year, the evangelistic project titled Decisions: Determine Destinies was launched with renowned preacher Joel Flores, Nuevo Tiempo evangelist and pastor.

The evangelistic plan started with small groups meeting in different homes every Friday night. Additionally, evaluations were conducted every three months through small group festivals.

Next, the Gift a Bible plan was launched. Each member was encouraged to think of a person to gift a Bible. Over 10 weeks, Gluder Quispe, Forest Grove Spanish Church pastor, recorded 20 lessons via YouTube and Facebook. The congregation's task was to share the lesson links with the recipients of the Bibles and follow up with them.

The evangelistic campaign took place from July 15–20, 2024. Three weeks prior, 200 invitation cards were distributed to those who had received Bibles and other friends. These cards featured a QR Code to identify the invitee and other details. Two Saturdays before, invitation flyers were distributed, knocking on doors in Forest Grove and Cornelius neighborhoods.

A month before the date, each commission team had clearly defined responsibilities. Lighting arrangements were made and a giant screen was set up. The entire church was involved in a commission. The program included a gift for guests; a mental health topic presented by Yeny Quea, Quispe's wife; praises and intercessory prayers; and a sermon by Flores.

During the campaign days, more than 50 new people attended. Most of them continue to follow the Faith of Jesus course. Finally, the Holy Spirit convinced eight new believers to be baptized. There are commitments from others on the following Saturdays.

Featured in: November/December 2024

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