“This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8 was basis to the commissioning/ordination service at New Hope Baptist Church in San Carlos of the new deacon and new deaconess, and the leaders in the different ministries the church has prepared and empowered in recent months. This church in San Carlos was planted in 2000 and Rolando and Evangelina (our Institute graduates) have been with them almost from the beginning. Now, after almost eight years, and as they prepare to continue their church planting ministry, key leadership was established to continue ministering the needs of the neighborhood. For the past four months they were blessed (and so were we) to have Kim Kushner in their midst, facilitating their discovering gifts and talents, and setting goals for the future. It was a very special service as we saw the fruits of these years of service of Rolando and Evangelina, and the possibilities that this church has because many of you supported them during their first years and as they embarked in the construction of the sanctuary. These are the disciples who have come, have grown and continue to grow, and have changed and continue to change through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Left to right: Miguel Arias (sound technician), Camila Quezada (praise and worship leader), Victor Sepulveda (youth ministry), Paola Chandia (church guardian), Yohana Contreras (preaching team and first fruits distribution), Jose Mena (preaching team, and prayer coordinator), Marlene Almaza (preaching team and deaconess), Luis San Martin (preaching team, deacon, treasurer), Fernanda Munoz (legal representative, assistant treasurer), Loreto San Martin (secretary). Four young men and women, three homemakers, three men for a total of a team of 10 brothers and sisters, 10 disciples willing to bear much fruit, and show themselves to be His disciples, to the glory of the Father.

It is their challenge now to share with others what they have seen and heard, lived and experienced. It is their challenge to be stronger disciples, willing to pay the price while caring for the spiritual needs of one another. It is their challenge to bring New Hope to their community, out of the four walls and in service to others.

In our next journal we will continue introducing you to more surprising people who are preparing for ministry and are following Him. Look forward to Part 2 of our series on “His disciples”. They are coming, they are growing, and they are changing… their lives and that of those around them.

Together pressing toward the goal,

Mayra for the Bonilla-Giovanetti family