Shreveport Hispanic Launch Already Exceeds Capacity

SHREVEPORT, LA. – The new Shreveport Hispanic Group, a congregation with about 25 members in Louisiana, was officially inaugurated on April 19. Rodney Dyke, conference treasurer, was present for the event.

A special highlight of the day was the official installation of Ronald Landaeta as the newly appointed lay pastor for the group. 

During the worship service, a powerful message reminded those in attendance that they are called to be a light in the midst of darkness.  

An impressive and encouraging challenge immediately presented itself: the space we had was insufficient to accommodate everyone. After prayerful consideration, Landaeta and I decided to begin searching for a more permanent location. We visited several churches, and remarkably, all three expressed interest in hosting our Hispanic group.

At one particular church, the conversation was nothing short of providential. The pastor shared that the church had been praying about how they could reach the local Hispanic community, despite the church’s lack of Spanish speakers. “We believe this is from God,” he said.

Currently, the two churches are in the process of finalizing arrangements, prayerfully anticipating that God will open the right doors. Already, the group has begun giving Bible studies, reaching new visitors and preparing for an upcoming evangelistic campaign. It is clear that God has already started working miracles, and they’re confident He will continue to do so.

In the book, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, Ellen G. White beautifully described God’s plan for small groups becoming centers of evangelistic light: “The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err. Let there be in every church, well-organized companies of workers …  to work, not only for the church members but for unbelievers.”

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By Leonardo J. Melendez

Pastor

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