When I arrived in Montana in 2021 to pastor, I realized there was an influx of people coming into Bozeman who only spoke Spanish and there were no Hispanic Adventist churches in the area that could minister to them. That is when the thought of starting a Spanish-language ministry came to my mind.
During my first few months of pastoring, I met Bertha Topp, a dedicated church member known for her warm hospitality and passion for outreach, who shared my same vision. She had prayed for a Spanish-language ministry in Montana and had already been connecting with Hispanic families in her community.
We met with others who had an interest in a Spanish-language ministry from Belgrade and Bozeman churches, and we began formulating a plan. After a few weeks of planning and dreaming, I received a call to pastor at Mount Ellis Academy Church, which was instrumental in opening the doors to having a Hispanic ministry there.
MEA Church leadership welcomed the idea and supported every stage of development of the Spanish-language ministry. They have provided the new ministry with financial support and a place to have worship services and weekly potlucks.
The Hispanic group launched with around six people, and it has continued to grow over time. Our numbers have not been very consistent because some people come to Montana for a short season, but God, in his mercy, has brought other people to take the place of those who have left.
The Hispanic group actively takes part in community outreach and enjoys doing social activities together, which helps them bond as brothers and sisters in Christ. The group has celebrated five baptisms and helped reenergize MEA Church.
Today, the Hispanic group stands as a testimony to what God can do when faithful members respond to His calling with vision, courage and love.
Rene Marquez, MEA Church pastor, baptizes Angelanny Gonzalez before baptizing her mother.
René Márquez, pastor de la Iglesia de MEA, bautiza a Angelanny González antes de bautizar a su madre.
Rene Marquez, MEA Church pastor, baptizes Johanny Gonzalez after baptizing her daughter.
René Márquez, pastor de la Iglesia de MEA, bautiza a Johanny González tras bautizar a su hija.
Rene Marquez, MEA pastor, baptizes Zein Gutierrez.
Rene Marquez, pastor de la Iglesia de MEA, bautiza a Zein Gutierrez.
Peter Simpson, NPUC vice president for Hispanic ministries, baptizes Luis Terrero.
Peter Simpson, vicepresidente de ministerios Hispanos de NPUC, bautiza a Luis Terrero.
The Hispanic group attends Montana Conference Camp Meeting.
El grupo Hispano asiste al Campamento de la Conferencia de Montana.
