Iglesia la Esperanza, a Hispanic Grace Brethren church in Valrico, Fla. (east of Tampa), has purchased a house with 3.8 acres of property and the congregation has plans to eventually build on the site. In the meantime, they will use the house as a theological training center.
They met on the property on January 11 to give thanks to God for his provision. At right, Pastor Jesus Munoz (in center) prays. Also in the photo is Javier Forero (yellow shirt at left), co-pastor of the church.
The $212,000 purchase was made possible due to gifts from another church and some friends.
Iglesia la Esperanza is a Spanish-speaking church made up of individuals from countries such as Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Mexico, Columbia, and El Salvador, in addition to a number of Anglos who attend. They are already planting other Spanish-speaking churches in the cities of Sebring and Bradenton, Fla.