Spanish Church

When The Hispanic Church Started
Article written August 2009 by Jackie Jones
Information from Stan Drudge

It was about seven years ago when Al Hodges started "Prayer Walking" at Bethlehem.  "Prayer Walking" sometimes is done at church, at shopping malls, at gas stations or it can be done in neighborhoods. This particular incident or miracle was in a neighborhood. Stan Drudge recalls, "It was in September 2002 in the Settlers Landing area."  Jim Salley and Stan were together and decided one go one way and the other another way. They prayed as they walked.

 

They met back with each other and both approached a house and each felt led they needed to pray for the family that lived here. They started to walk away and again felt it was important to stay in front of that house and continue to pray. They prayed that whatever was going on in this home, that they find peace, guidance and understanding. They probably prayed for more than 20 minutes.

After returning to church, they mentioned to the other "Prayer Walkers" how they were drawn to this house.

The next week Bethlehem had a visitor name Itza Gonzalez. She requested that our church consider letting her pastor Luis Cruz and their growing congregation use a room for them to worship. They had been meeting in Itza's home.

If you have not guessed it, Jim and Stan were in front of Itza's home praying. How amazing God is! He gives us that need or that inkling; we at Bethlehem are thankful that Stan and Jim listened.

At a business meeting it was presented that Bethlehem permit them to use the Little White Chapel; it was approved! Bethlehem Baptist would now have an extension to the church called "Jesus de Nazareth", or the Spanish Church.

They have been such a blessing to Bethlehem Baptist. They have been singing and praising the Lord now for almost seven years.

Stan remembers the first time Pastor Luis Cruz stepped into pulpit. Stan told him after the first service that it was so special. "It was a sacred service, I know that only God's Word will be preached here." He says Pastor Luis broke down and cried.

We can see the Lord's hand working all through this story. 
Below is some information about Pastor Luis.

Place of birth: Guatemala C. A.

Earliest Memory of Bethlehem: When we had our open service at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Other Memorable moments: The first time I saw the Bethlehem Chapel.

List of pastors who influenced you or your family from Bethlehem: Pastor Al and Karen Hodges.

What Positions have you served on?  Pastor of "Jesus de Nazareth"

 

 

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