It's 7pm on Saturday night, I'm at Crossroads Church in Palmerston North with 70 other people. We're singing, praying and listening to the sermon in Español—all for the launch of Crossroads Latino, a monthly Spanish-language service.
It was such a joy to see my EA Paula Almada (and other volunteers and Crossroads staff) lead the group in worshipping together.
Paula, along with her husband Saverio Malgeri, her sister Ana Almada, and brother-in-law Mauro Battistella—all originally from Argentina—presented the idea of a Latino service to Crossroads leadership in August last year.
Seeing the need to reach the Latin community in Palmerston North and the surrounding areas, they envisioned a service conducted entirely in Spanish as a meaningful way to connect with this community.
Left photo: Discipleship Pastor Isaac Pettersen preaching, with Mauro Battistella interpreting in Spanish.
With the elders' approval, the team has been working to prepare since September last year. A team of volunteers and staff provide childcare and hospitality, including coffee and Paula's favourite tea drink—maté!
The first service took place on Saturday with a great turnout representing seven Latin American nations: Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
A significant number of attendees are not currently part of a church, which is exciting and encouraging. Please pray that God may touch their hearts, and they may come to know Jesus, through the gospel from the Bible.
The support of the Crossroads leadership and church family was key in launching this service, and Paula says she is deeply grateful to all the volunteers (from Crossroads and other churches) who enthusiastically stepped in.
By Mark Grace, CCCNZ Ambassador
