CRC Congregation is Model Ministry
March 9, 2009 – Even in difficult financial times, Pastor Juan Pablo Sanchez of Vida Nueva CRC (New Life Christian Reformed Church) is creating a model Christian community that sees its mission as reaching out to and serving the needs of its neighbors, says Javier Torres, regional leader for Latino ministries for the Christian Reformed Church.
“They have certainly created an exciting model of ministry despite all of the financial challenges,” says Torres. “They come with a servant’s heart.”
The Miami, Florida-based church, funded by Christian Reformed Home Missions, started in 2000 as a Bible study in the living room of Sanchez and his wife Alicia. Now, the ministry has relocated to a 2,000-sq-ft. facility and is starting to grow beyond its current 120 members.
Sanchez hopes to purchase 300 chairs, which will provide comfort and stability as Vida Nueva builds a family of supportive and service-oriented followers of Jesus Christ. In order to do this, he is seeking to raise over $4,000 to fill the growing congregation’s new worship space – with chairs, that is.
Sanchez and his wife fled Cuba in 1980 and discovered an authentic church community, thanks to an invitation from his mother-in-law to attend her small church. “The church welcomed me like a long-lost brother,” Sanchez recalls. “I’d found a loving, caring home – something I hadn’t had as a child.”
In addition to Sunday worship, Vida Nueva offers support ministry for couples, including baby showers for low-income parents, and The Restoration Center, where trained counselors provide guidance, emotional support, and help for those dealing with addictions. Juan Pablo and Alicia’s sons contribute their talents to the music ministry, and Alicia herself works with children in the church.
Says Sanchez, “Our great hope for Vida Nueva is that as our numbers grow, so will our spiritual maturity. I want people to see daily reminders of how God’s tremendous power transforms lives.”
For more information, please contact Rick VanTil at rvantil@crcna.org or (800) 266-2175.