Torch, Spring/Summer 2012

Cedarville’s custodial services, he pastors Latino people who are close to his heart. On the Sunday I visited, Sanchez spoke on Matthew 11:15, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” It was powerful to listen to verses spoken simultaneously from the platform in Spanish and from my translator in English. The more I spoke with people about this church, and the more I listened, I could see how God is using Nueva Creaci Ó n to speak to the Springfield community and our Cedarville campus as well. The following paragraphs give you a taste for the widespread impact this church is having in people’s lives. A Place to Lead Jose Sanchez, Pastor I didn’t speak a word of English when I came to the U.S. A friend assured me I would find a Spanish-speaking community in Nebraska, and I began to learn the English language and American culture there. I served as a worship director at a Hispanic church in Sioux City that grew from five or six families to more than 400 people. When I came to Ohio with my wife and children, we first connected with a church in Springfield that held Spanish-speaking services. When that church closed, we partnered with another local church and started Nueva Creaci Ó n. We want Hispanic people in Ohio to hear the Gospel and take it back to their homelands, whether directly or indirectly through their witness with family and friends. This is what drives us to teach the Bible and disciple believers. I came to America to make a better life, so I understand what motivates desperate people to do anything for their families. People take huge risks to cross the desert — many die trying to get here. Others simply disappear. I pray and ask God what I can do to help. I thank God that in Ohio I can still serve people who need help, regardless of their immigration status. I trust the Lord to lead me as I try to obey. A Place to Worship Obed, Worship Leader I grew up in a Christian home in Mexico, so I was glad to find a Bible-teaching church. The people here are very supportive, and they help one another learn the language and culture as well as find jobs and housing. I wanted to serve in music ministry, but in the beginning, we didn’t even have that. There were no instruments and there were no musicians. The church was gracious and patient with me as I learned how to develop a music ministry for our growing church. In an English-speaking country, it’s comforting to worship God in your own language. When I select music for Sunday services, I not only consider the lyrics, but also the rhythms that speak to people from various Hispanic cultures. Many in our church are from Mexico, but some are from other Central American countries including Honduras and Nicaragua. Although we put aside cultural differences to worship together, I want to use music to celebrate the diversity of cultures we represent. A Place to Feel at Home Berenice López, Daughter of Immigrants My hometown, San Luis Obispo, California, instilled in me a love for cultures — I am now a junior at Cedarville as an international studies major with minors in French and Middle Eastern Studies. For many students, college is the first time they encounter minority cultures. My experience is a little different as this is the first time I’ve had so many white friends! I connected with Nueva Creaci Ó n through Cedarville’s Spanish Club. Being greeted in Spanish on Sunday morning was a breath of fresh air. I immediately felt at home. I appreciate hearing what people went through to come to the U.S. — their dreams about what their lives would be like here and their vision for the future. I love that the church is a safe place for people to share their stories. Spring-Summer 2012 | TORCH 29