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Little Rock, Arkansas, church begins Spanish service

  LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas—With the ever-increasing Hispanic population in central Arkansas, the Little Rock church decided it was time to step out in faith and begin a Spanish-language service.

“This is not something that was done overnight,” said Pastor Gene Griffin. “For years, the church had been singing songs in English and Spanish, used Spanish bulletins, and had Spanish tracts in the foyer for its handful of Hispanic members.”

But late last year, Pastor Julio Barquero arrived from Costa Rica with his family. He encountered Jorge Gomez, a Hispanic member of the Little Rock church, who put him in touch with Mr. Griffin. A bond formed between the two pastors.

From left: Randy Bloom, district superintendent;
Pastor Julio Barquero; and Pastor Gene Griffin.

At first, Mr. Barquero conducted in-home Bible studies in Spanish. He then began a Spanish Bible study on Wednesday evenings at the church. The next step was a Spanish worship service at the church on Sunday evenings.

The Spanish service began in October with about 30 people. Today, the 250-seat auditorium is usually packed, and on two occasions, people have been turned away at the door.

SPANISH SERVICE—Hispanics listen as the good news
about Jesus is explained to them. For many, this was the
first time they heard the gospel.

“We’ve had to tell folks that we can’t let any more people into our church due to the fire codes,” Mr. Griffin said, “and if they want to come to church, they can try again next Sunday.”

In March, the Little Rock church sent two missionaries, Jonathan Russ and Natalie Griffin, to visit and encourage two small but growing churches in Tampico and Altimira, Mexico.

The church serves the Hispanic community through a daily radio program, Hora de Poder Hispana (Hispanic Hour of Power), a food pantry, used clothing, identification cards made at the church in co-operation with the Police Department, assistance with opening checking accounts, assistance with getting drivers licenses, translation of documents, personal counseling and many other services.

HISPANIC PASTOR—Julio Barquero
preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ in
the Little Rock church.

For all this, the Little Rock  church was highlighted as the “Top Story” June 17 on a news program on KARK, Channel 4, an NBC affiliate.

“More growth lies in the future,” Mr. Griffin said. “The church is being contacted by several newspapers and community and government leaders.” Mr. Griffin and Mr. Barquero have met several times with Angela Schnuelle, personal aide to Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, to discuss Hispanic issues.

“These are exciting times for the Little Rock church, a church that is passionate about making disciples,” Mr. Griffin said. “Jesus said to go into all the world and make disciples, but in our case, at least for now, it looks like the world is coming to us.”

Plans are in the making with Jose Contreras, owner of a popular Hispanic establishment in central Arkansas, Club Latino, to allow the church to take the stage during a dance at his club and have the gospel preached in Spanish during a 15 minute band break. Jose has brought several friends and associates to the Spanish service.

Paul and Leigh Sniffen serve as Peace Ambassadors

LOS ANGELES—During the month of July, Paul and Leigh Sniffen were asked to serve as Peace Ambassadors during and after the trial of two Inglewood police officers charged with falsifying an arrest report and battery in the arrest of Devon Jackson, a 16-year-old African-American male.  

The Peace Coalition is composed of churches, schools, businesses, law enforcement and the United States Justice Department. Prayer was a major part of this effort.  

The goal was to proactively generate a mood of “peace after the verdict,” regardless of the outcome, and prevent the violence and neighborhood destruction that has occurred previously in similar situations. It was also to remind the community that as Americans we have other options and a better way to deal with such issues.

  Prayer was foundational to our effort. This concept provided ample opportunity to share with community members a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the freedoms we have in this country, as well as the benefits of being peacefully proactive, as opposed to being passive or violently reactive.

After several days of deliberation the verdict was rendered. One officer was found not guilty of filing a false report. The second officer will be retried after a jury verdict of 7-5, guilty of using excessive force.

Mrs. Sniffen said: “In spite of disappointment, the large crowd standing on the grounds of City Hall joined together and gave God thanks for peace thus far, and they prayed for continued peace. As Peace Ambassadors we are admonished to live peaceably, and focus on God’s will. Prayers are requested for all involved.”

Festival in Acapulco

ACAPULCO, Mexico—Acapulco will be the site of a festival Oct. 10 to 18.

Services will be at Hotel Club del Sol, a three star hotel with refrigerator and electric stove in every room, two blocks from the beach. The rate per room is $40 a day. Rooms are for one to four adults and up to two children younger than 10.

English translations will be provided. For additional information and reservations please contact Salvador Barragan at SalvBarr@prodigy.net.mx; telephone/fax: 011-52-555-824-6272.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2003