GOD'S KINGDOM ADVANCES IN MIAMI
by Abel Paulín
Lidia Pichardo, a member of Carol City Spanish Church, knew Enid Santiago through her daughter, Eva, who worked with Enid at a medical office. When Enid, her husband Jorge, and their family were going through the terrible experience of losing a loved one, Lidia had an opportunity to minister to them.
Led by Lidia, a group from Carol City Spanish Church visited and prayed with this hurting family. Enid and Jorge then began visiting the church—especially the prayer group that earnestly interceded for them.
On February 2, IMPACT Miami was held at Miami Airport Convention Center, and Lidia took the opportunity to invite Enid and Jorge to the weekend’s events. That Sabbath was a great day of worship and evangelism with 5,000 people in attendance. Alejandro Bullón preached an evangelistic message, and Steve Green was the guest singer. Hundreds came forward in response to appeals that morning and afternoon. A CREATION Health Fair with seminars, free health screenings, and counseling was held the next day.
A week-long evangelistic series followed in 30 churches throughout South Florida. Enid and Jorge faithfully attended these meetings at Carol City Spanish Church. By Friday, they expressed their desire to follow Jesus but were not yet sure when they wanted to be baptized. As they came into church the next morning, they surprised the pastor and everyone when they announced they wanted to be baptized that very day, February 9. Enid and Jorge have faithfully attended church ever since. Now, they actively seek ways to minister to others just as they were ministered to in their time of need.
This coming October 4-11, there will be another evangelistic reaping series at 12 churches in Miami-Dade Counties. The good news of salvation in Jesus will be presented and decisions will be made. Others who are now being touched by the ministry of members like Lidia Pichardo will have the opportunity to decide for Jesus and be baptized into His church. Simply stated, this is what Mission to the Cities is about!