LAMP-Miami

In church planting lingo, the beginning of a new church is often referred to as a launch.  I think it’s a useful description: after months and years of preparation, the new group begins its journey as a community of God’s people on the earth.  God alone knows where this church will go and who it will reach.  There is great excitement and an atmosphere of celebration.  The kingdom of light is overcoming the world of darkness!

Such were the feelings on August 17 when the Iglesia de Cristo en Pompano Beach was officially begun.  Representatives of almost every Spanish-speaking congregation in South Florida were on hand to witness and celebrate this wonderful moment.  Carlos and Maribel Preciado were the proud hosts for the day, and it was the fruition of many prayers and hard work.

Carlos and Maribel were a part of the first LAMP-Miami church planting team that was scheduled to arrive in Miami in 2005.  That team dissolved, but Carlos and Maribel kept true to their vision.  They have been interning with the Griffin Road Church of Christ for the past two years as they waited for God to lead them to the site of the new congregation.  Although Pompano Beach was further north than they had originally planned, it was clear that God was opening a door of opportunity there.

The new church is meeting at the building of the 6th Street Church of Christ, an English-speaking group, and shares the space with a Portuguese-speaking group, Igreja de Cristo em Pompano. The inauguration included some singing in Portguese, and the two groups envision partnering in upcoming outreach events.

We praise God for his faithfulness and the dedication of his servants Carlos and Maribel!

Carlos gives a bilingual welcome — in Spanish and Portuguese!

Everyone enjoyed this day of celebration.