Torch, Spring/Summer 2012

will only go as far as its leadership, I began to ask God to show me how to get connected with the Hispanic community beyond Cinco de Mayo once a year. The Lord quickly answered my prayers and brought a Columbian pastor to my doorstep. God delivered Dagoberto Figueroa — “Pastor Dago” — to me the same way He brought Peter to the doorstep of the early church while they were praying for him (Acts 12). Intentional Integration When we met, Pastor Dago led a small Spanish-speaking church in Nashville that met on the campus of a large, predominately white church. Unbeknownst to me, Pastor Dago looked to our diverse church as a ray of hope. As we began to get to know each other, he explained that God was leading him to leave his church, and he wanted to know if he could enter into a relationship with our church. Knowing God was obviously at work, I said, “Absolutely!” As we entered into community with one another, my heart began to break for this man, his people, and the unique burden he carries serving undocumented people in his church. Since our church meets on the campus of a large, predominately white Baptist church called The People’s Church, I went to the pastor and asked if they had space for a Spanish-speaking congregation. Pastor Rick White was overjoyed and quickly showed me a wonderful amphitheater-style room Pastor Dago and his people could use rent-free. In November 2011, Pastor Dago brought his congregation under the covering of our church to form a separate, yet intimately connected, Spanish-speaking assembly. Under their own volition they named their church Iglesia Biblica Torre Fuerte , that is, Strong Tower Bible Church. This would now make four churches meeting on the same campus — in addition to our three congregations, a Ukrainian church shares the same facility. Pastor Dago’s church meets at 1:45 p.m., and then he and many in his congregation join us for our 3 p.m. service. Our churches collaborate for various fellowship and ministry opportunities throughout the year. We even decided that our annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day celebration would have a Latino emphasis. With the help of contemporary Christian artists Jaci Velasquez and the band Salvador, we rocked the evening out with a Latin flavor! My church has instituted a Spanish as a Second Language class, and in the fall we will incorporate an English as a Second Language class. We recently purchased sound equipment that will allow us to translate Pastor Dago’s worship services into English and ours into Spanish. Building Bridges As my own burden for Latino people was developing, I attended the G92 Immigration Conference held at Cedarville last fall. This experience confirmed the next season of ministry God had for me. At this conference, I heard Dr. Carlos Campo, the first Hispanic president of Regent University, speak. I was blown away by his message. The Lord allowed Dr. Campo and me to sit at the same table for lunch the next day. He told me about Regent University’s Doctor of Strategic Leadership program that allows its students to generate a Kingdom philosophy and strategy of action for immigration reform. After returning home, I decided to enroll. I believe God has uniquely positioned me to be a bridge-builder and example of Kingdom unity among black, white, and brown people. We will need this kind of diverse unity as the world looks for answers to our country’s broken system of immigration. As a result of Cedarville’s initial charge to lead the way with the first G92 Immigration Conference among evangelicals, Samford University followed suit and hosted a second installment of the conference. Pastor Dago and I attended that conference and were both encouraged and equipped with Spring-Summer 2012 | TORCH 21