Dedication in Zaragoza Sur

Last Sunday evening we went to the dedication service for the new worship center, Cristo Rey (Christ the King), in Zaragoza Sur.

The service was, hands down, one of the biggest highlights we've had during our time here in Torreon. I think Mike is still on a high from it :). And he should be. It was simply awe-inspiring. Here's why.

Mike and two seminary students have been working with the people in Zaragoza Sur, an area of Torreon, for some time now. Zaragoza Sur is a relatively new section of town, and there were no other churches in the neighborhood.

Until now.

On Sunday we dedicated a new church building in Zaragoza Sur. About 50 people from the area showed up for the event. Many of our members from nearby congregations came to show their support. They brought guitars, a choir, cake and refreshments, and most of all, their joyful spirits. In all, slightly more than 100 people attended.

During the service, Mike installed a new pastor, Pastor Juan de León, who will now serve the congregation. Pastor Carlos Cajas came from Mexico City, a 14-hour bus ride away, to preach for the service.

Here's a play-by-play of the evening.

The service started outside...





Señor Jesus Vega, the president of the Mexican Lutheran church, cut the ribbon to the entrance of the church...


And then we went inside...

where worship continued...


Some of those in attendance were Hilda (in the orange shirt) who lives just two blocks from the new church...


and Mrs. Ibarra, 92 years old, a long-time member of a nearby congregation...


Pastor Carlos Cajas preached...


a captivating sermon...


Then it was time to install Pastor Juan de León...

After the service, the kids lined up for cake...

and then ate it!
There are so many stories behind the dedication service, from Mrs. Ibarra, who is from Missouri but has lived in Mexico for more than 60 years, to Pastor Cajas, who grew up along the Guatemala border and was a taxi driver before becoming a pastor, to Hilda, who lives in a two-room house and regularly brings her six kids to the new church to hear God's Word...I could go on and on.

Even though we came from different walks of life, we all gathered around the same cross and worshipped the same God that night. I got choked up numerous times (even as I chased around my two-year-old) as I thought about how far the Mexican church has come, how many people in Mexico have heard the Gospel, and how many have come to faith. All glory be to God on high, our Redeemer, Friend, and faithful Guide.

p.s. special thanks to Andrew and Derek, our Kingdom Worker volunteers, for taking the pictures.