Island Brethren continue the work of Jesus.
By Becky Ullom

In tents, in homes, in the halls of government, and in the places forgotten by those who govern, from the mountain tops, and in the low valleys: these are just a few of the places where God is working in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico, an island slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island, is home to seven Church of the Brethren congregations as part of Atlantic Southeast District.

For a week in February, a group of pastors from Northern Indiana District visited all seven congregations as part of a trip coordinated by Congregational Life Team staff members Duane Grady and Carol Yeazell. The trip was designed to strengthen connections between churches in the two districts and to deepen knowledge of the ministries taking place in Puerto Rico.

Cristo Nuestra Paz, Yahuecas: This fellowship is growing and expanding. One of their hopes is to buy additional land for a parking lot. Not only is the current lot too small, it is treacherous after rain.

Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Castaner: Pastored by General Board member Jaime Diaz, this church hopes to baptize five new members this spring. Discipleship cells are flourishing.

Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Rio Prieto: This mountain-top church is building a new sanctuary to accommodate 150 people. Pastor Miguel Torres broadcasts a weekly prayer service via radio, and in past years, the congregation has hosted a regional rodeo as an evangelism tool.

Iglesia de Los Hermanos, Vega Baja: This urban church incorporates electric guitars, a keyboard, a small chorus, and even pantomiming into its ministries. Offering significant support to the pastor and to the congregation is their 23-year-old moderator.

La Casa del Amigo, Arecibo: Teeming with energy and life, this congregation meets under a tent. They hope to construct a building in order to protect members from extreme heat and rain. As an evangelism event last Christmas, the youth and young adults of this congregation performed a play about the birth of the Church of the Brethren in Puerto Rico.

Pueblo de Dios, Manati: This congregation hopes to open an after-school mentoring program as a witness to God's immense love and concern.

Segunda Iglesia Cristo Misionera, Caimito: This fellowship is deeply rooted in helping its home community. Each day, lunch is served free of charge to those in need of a meal. Additionally, people can access a doctor, dentist, psychologist, and other services through the Community Center run by the congregation.

--Becky Ullom is director of Identity and Relations for the Church of the Brethren General Board.

Source: 3/3/2006 Newsline
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