Puerto Rican churches hold 18th annual assembly.

The 18th annual island-wide assembly of Church of the Brethren congregations in Puerto Rico was held at Cristo Nuestra Paz Fellowship in Yahuecas on June 4-5.

Opening the weekend event was a workshop on leadership led by Carol L. Yeazell, General Board Congregational Life Team staff from Area 3-Southeast. Evening worship began with Miguel Alicea, pastor of Rio Prieto, Iglesia de los Hermanos, preaching on the conference theme "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season..." from Psa. 1:3a.

Under the leadership of Maria Otero, moderator and member of the Vega Baja congregation, 23 delegates heard reports, voted to recognize La Casa del Amigo, Santana Arecibo, as a fellowship, and approve a budget. Lydia Fernandini was chosen as moderator elect. A group from La Casa del Amigo shared about exciting work being done in Arecibo where 25-30 young people now gather on a weekly basis for worship, teaching, and fun in a drug-free environment. Already the testimonies of changed lives is resulting in church growth for this new church plant.

Wilson Novia, fraternal delegate from the Dominican Republic, gave a report on the crises involving Haiti and the DR. No Church of the Brethren congregation was affected directly by recent flooding on the border of the two countries, but extended family and friends of church members suffered losses. The Dominican Brethren are making plans to assist with construction of 20 homes and are at work to provide needed medical and material aid to those who have been left bereft.

Next year's annual assembly will take place in Vega Baja on June 3-4, 2005.

Source: 6/18/2004 Newsline
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