Congregations connect in state's northwest - Living the Plan
By Jose Estrada, Pastor, Vida en Abundancia Often in United Methodism, we hear the word connectional. But what is it? In my journey as a clergyman, I have experienced the United Methodist connection at its best. It will put you so close to the Kingdom of God. It will provide you with a taste of what the glory of God must be—a big dose, God’s love sparkled with joy and laughter. It will enhance your ability to dream—in ways that can make a dream become real. Vida en Abundancia UMC started with a fellowship borne in the heart and supported by Laverne-First UMC and the Oklahoma Conference Hispanic Ministries. We were chartered as a Mission Congregation in August 2007. Since our launch we have lived the connectional system, lived a dream into reality, in which we became one in Christ no matter what race or language. The people in our ministry have not only heard, but also experienced the connectional aspect of our denomination. Our first pews came from Lawton-First, donated by those members to us. Our folding tables and chairs, from Otterbein church in Alva; and recently, another nice set of pews, from Woodward-Faith. Our mother church, Laverne-First, generously donated a parsonage in excellent condition. We have a special partnership with Shattuck-First. That church has supported this ministry in so many ways. They have joined in our fund-raisers and loaned us a vehicle for transportation. This year they replaced their van and donated an older one to us. It is in excellent condition and has low mileage. The list of churches that have directly blessed us is big. Among others are Carnegie-First, OKC-Asbury, Fairview (at Slapout), Arnett-First, and New Horizon in Woodward. Since our launch, the Holy Spirit has led us to grow from a 14-member fellowship to a 74-member Mission Church. More than 50 people have come on professions of faith or faith restored; we have baptized more than a dozen. We have been blessed with a worship band, Christian Education Team, revival team, United Methodist Women, and United Methodist Youth Fellowship. We are reaching the Hispanic community with the love of Jesus Christ. These first years have been intense ministry in every sense of the word, and have been made possible by the grace of God and those who embrace and support our vision and share their blessings with us. We encourage everybody to find ways to share God’s grace through the connectional aspect of The United Methodist Church. Other Living the Plan stories |
