Native Ministries Project Report: Church Plant in Port Richey, Florida
Elder Bruce Wilkinson during presentation Tzotzil Bible Students
Expectations were running high as the evangelistic effort began for the Tzotzil Native church group in Port Richey, Florida. Danny Arocho, Southern Union’s faithful Native Ministries Bible Worker (and acting interpreter for this event) along with his assistant Isabella, have been working with the small group of Tzotzil members. Many have been interested in Bible studies since seven members were added to the Tzotzil church due to the Tampa evangelistic effort in 2008. It is a blessing to say that the Bible studies had been well attended for months.
Southern Union's Danny Arocho Elder Bruce Wilkinson playing the guitar
With the hope that even one bible study interest leading the way and accepting the rite of baptism, the effort was launched. In June of 2009, Elder Bruce Wilkinson, Native Ministries Training Specialist for the North American Division, spent nine days with the group of 8 to 17 students discussing the Word of God. A barrier needing to be crossed, the Tzotzil language was sometimes challenging to overcome. However the universal Spirit of the Lord (with help from Danny Arocho) successfully opened doors of understanding.
Sabbath potluck dinner
At the close of Friday’s meeting, three students accepted the call to be baptized. After a wonderful potluck dinner Sabbath afternoon, many made their way to the community’s favored fishing river. Six people were baptized. Being a stranger to this open river in Central Florida, Pastor Wilkinson says that during the baptizing process he always kept one eye scanning the waters for alligators.
Sunday morning was a special day as the subject of, “An Organized Church,” was presented. Although there were many successes of bibles studies and baptisims, the good news was not over. Juan Pariz, a Tzotzil Native and standing member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, was elected to serve as Head Elder of the newly formed church that was planted. As each church member circled Pariz, placing their hands of confirmation, prayer was offered to God the Creator asking for a special measure of His Spirit to be placed in the heart and life of this dedicated servant. Tears of joy flowed as the realization of a Holy calling settled into the mind of this beautiful young man of God.
The work is never done. Still, there is much expectation for the little company now formed and armed for God among the Tzotzil Natives of Port Richey. May the Lord continue to shed His love and grace around this church and all the members.
Tzozil Church and Family Members
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