Sharing Stories across Language Lines
“During this time, I have felt [God’s] presence in an extraordinary way in every word I speak with my friends, in every word I speak with each pastor, sharing experiences and stories,” said Luis Becerra, a Venezuelan pastor of a Spanish-speaking congregation in Classis Rocky Mountain. For him, Gather Houston was transformative.
“Blessings to everyone,” he shared with emotion at the close of the event. “It has been an unforgettable experience to be here at this Gather. God has done many things, and it's difficult to put them into words, but my heart burns with passion.”
Gather Houston was the eighth of 10 regional gatherings planned throughout North America from spring 2024 through spring 2025. These events have been designed to help congregations reflect on where they have been, where they are now, and where God is calling them next.
At each location participants from multiple classes have gathered to listen, learn, and dream together. Gather Houston brought together leaders and members from various congregations in Classes Rocky Mountain, Hamilton, Yellowstone, Minnkota, Grandville, and Hanmi for three days of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
Among the classes represented in Houston, three main languages were also represented: Korean, Spanish, and English. This trilingual approach ensured that every attendee could participate fully, regardless of their primary language.
“Thirty percent of the denomination is made up of congregants whose primary language is something other than English—and this number is growing,” noted Lesli van Milligen, director of Thrive, the CRCNA’s congregational support agency, who served as a table facilitator at Gather Houston.
“We have always been a denomination of immigrants and children of immigrants. It was a joy to be in a room where multiple languages were presented on the screen and in real-time translation throughout each discussion – a true glimpse of Revelation 7, I believe.”
The event centered on storytelling in small groups, where participants were encouraged to share how God is moving in their lives and congregations. Spanish- and Korean-speaking participants were accompanied by staff translators, and these conversations opened doors for mutual learning, encouragement, and connection across language lines.
Participants reflected on how the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus paralleled their own journey at the event. Becerra connected deeply with that imagery. “I can imagine when the disciples were on the road to Emmaus . . . their hearts burned because they knew they were with him. . . . I have felt God in this Gather.”
“This meeting was really amazing,” said Heu Gyu (Dave) Park, a Korean pastor in Classis Hanmi who has served in ministry for over 40 years. He said he was struck by how the event was thoughtfully and prayerfully prepared, and he found hope in the collective sharing of ministry stories.
“I was moved when I read how seriously and faithfully our team prepared this meeting with love. All the members of our table were happy,” he said. “We are not alone; we have our church family, and our resurrected Lord is with us. We received these promises.”
Park also reflected on his decades of service in ministry with a renewed sense of purpose: “I can look back on the past . . . and I can see for myself how much the Lord has done in the place where I am currently serving. Sharing all our work has been a great joy and challenge to me.”
He concluded simply, “I am happy. Thank you.”
“What do I take with me?” Becarra asked. “I take the best because God is the best. I burn with passion to share the good news in this time, passionate for the souls who are outside without hope . . . waiting for you and me to tell them, ‘God is love, and God loves you with compassion.’”
“I am grateful for the fruits of deepened relationships, authentic storytelling, and a shared passion for God’s mission that were so evident throughout Gather Houston,” reflected Elaine May, the event’s director. “How beautiful to be a part of something spoken in many voices and united in one Spirit.”
