Burien Spanish Adventist Church's history is closely connected to a missionary vision to reach Spanish-speaking communities in the greater Seattle area. Its purpose remains clear: to bring the hope of Christ to people of different nationalities, backgrounds and circumstances.
Burien Spanish Group was planted in Burien, Washington, through the collaboration of Washington Conference, the Washington Conference Hispanic ministries department and White Center Adventist Church. Several Adventist families embraced the challenge of beginning a new work. Among the early collaborators were Ismael Martínez and his wife, Sarai; Félix Morgado and his wife, Ethel; and Isaí Villarreal and his wife, Maribel. Suitable meeting places were limited, yet the congregation maintained confidence that this work was part of God’s plan.
The first official meeting was held on Sabbath, July 21, 2018, at Burien Community Center. That Sabbath marked the visible beginning of a Spanish-speaking Adventist presence with its own congregational identity in Burien.
From the beginning, the project combined organization, evangelism and discipleship. Bible workers and lay leaders devoted time to Bible studies, while White Center Church and Washington Conference provided support. A more permanent meeting place later opened at Burien Evangelical Church, making Sabbath worship and evangelistic efforts easier to conduct.
During the pandemic, the mission continued. Worship services, prayer meetings, small groups, youth programs, Adventurers, Pathfinders and missionary work were carried out in hybrid form, combining in-person ministry with digital platforms. One testimony was Leopoldo Rivera Rojas, who joined an online Bible series, decided to give his life to Jesus and, months later, was baptized.
On March 16, 2024, Burien Spanish Group transitioned from group to company. This step represented more than a change in organizational status. It confirmed years of prayer, sacrifice, financial support, Bible studies and faithful service by members who sustained the work before an organized church existed.
Eight years after that first official meeting, the congregation reached another historic milestone. On Sabbath, July 18, 2026, Burien Spanish Company became Burien Spanish Church through an official organization service. Doug Bing, then Washington Conference president, presented the organizational action, and Wagner Cilio, Washington Conference Hispanic ministries coordinator, welcomed the new church. Charter members were recognized. By Aug. 26, 2026, 111 members had signed the membership book.
Burien Spanish Church’s journey can be summarized in three major milestones: 2018, the visible beginning of the group; 2024, its organization as a company; and 2026, its organization as a church. However, the real story is found in the people — those who prayed, gave Bible studies, served and walked with new believers toward baptism.
Organization as a church is not the end of the story. It's the beginning of a greater responsibility: to continue reaching Burien and the surrounding communities with the everlasting gospel and the hope of the soon return of Jesus Christ.
Young families and children are an active part of the growing Burien Spanish Church family.
Members sign the membership book as Burien Spanish Church celebrates its organization as a church.
Wagner Cilio, Washington Conference Hispanic ministries coordinator, shares a congratulatory message during the organization service.
Jim Leon, pastor, (center) and Burien Spanish Church leaders celebrate the congregation’s organization as a church.
