Going, Sending and Celebrating

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At the beginning of April, IMPACTOnetwork sent a group to Post Falls, Idaho to attend a DiscipleShift training.  Sergio Alvarado, Director of Church Planting, Joseph Klein, Director of Training, Gerardo Dominguez, Pastor of Iglesia Cristiana La Viña and Andrés García, church planter were invited to attend a Spanish training on discipleship strategies.  They returned to Querétaro excited about what they learned and looking to implement aspects in to what the churches are and will be doing. 

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IMPACTOnetwork had the privilege of presenting and praying for the team that will be planting the second church in Querétaro.  Andrés García, lead pastor, shared about his passion for reaching the lost in an unreached neighborhood and his vision for the new church.  Joseph Klein, IMPACTO Latino missionary and Iglesia #2 team member talked about his excitement for rescuing people far from Christ.  Misael Sánchez, team member, spoke about being part of a team doing groundbreaking work in a new area.

The team is currently in the pre-launch phase working on such things as a name, demographic studies, outreach strategies, legal registration, and team development.  Please be praying for these families as they diligently work to design and organize plans for this new church.  Pray for open hearts and opportunities to connect with people in the "El Mirador" neighborhood where the church will be located.  Please also pray for the funds needed for this new church.

On Sunday April 14th, new members were presented at Iglesia Cristiana La Viña.  These people became Christians and were baptized in different churches and were publicly declaring their commitment to be part of La Viña.  A total of 4 families and individuals took the "Meet Us" course learning about La Viña and what being a member entails.  They are excited to serve and support what God is doing at La Viña.  

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Easter in Mexico is traditionally celebrated differently than in the United States.  No bunnies, chicks, or eggs here!  The main focus in on Good Friday and the crucifixion. People may go to mass or attend processionals that the Catholic church organizes.  Resurrection Sunday isn't usually emphasized. Also, because schools are out and many businesses are closed over the weekend, people travel to visit family or go to the beach.  Attendance on Easter Sunday is often times one of the lowest of the year.  Very different than the US!

Christian churches like Iglesia Cristiana La Viña celebrate Easter Sunday because without Christ's resurrection our faith would be in vain!  On Thursday evening, we are holding a Last Supper service.  It will be solemn and focused on the end of Christ's life.  Sunday morning we will meet early at 8am to celebrate the resurrection and they hope we have in Christ.  Please pray for those in attendance at our events this weekend as we turn our hearts to Christ's sacrifice and His power over death.  Pray that members will make worship a priority.  Pray that visitors will be impacted by the great news of the Gospel. 

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