The Grants Pass Church Spanish Group concluded a two-week evangelistic series with a baptism on the final weekend. Jose Sanchez was warmly welcomed into the church family on Saturday evening, March 26.
Sanchez is an employee of the local DMV branch. He came to know of Adventists by watching Better Life Television and occasionally attending church over the years. For various reasons, he stopped short of fully committing his life to Christ and His Word.
In recent months, Sanchez was a more consistent presence at the Grants Pass Church and was invited to La Pasión Cristo Eres Tú (The Passion of Christ Is You) evangelistic series with Carlos Martin. He spoke on a variety of biblical teachings, all in the context of Christ’s love for us.
Martin is the professor of evangelism and missions at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tenn. He has personally baptized more than 4,000 during a ministry that has spanned more than 35 years. Wherever he travels and speaks, he shows the love of God. Christian Martin, his son, pastors the Grants Pass Church and its new Grants Pass Spanish Group.
Assisted by elders of the Grants Pass Spanish Group, Carlos Martin had the opportunity to visit attendees in their homes. Through this outreach, he had opportunity to know Sanchez on a more personal level. “Jose will bring fresh air to the Grants Pass Spanish Group,” affirmed Carlos Martin.
Martin mentioned that Sanchez had used Sabbath School quarterlies to teach at a nondenominational church. This new believer has demonstrated great potential as a teacher and preacher for the Lord. Plans are underway to put Sanchez to work right away for the cause of Christ.
Others attending the series made decisions for baptism and will continue to receive support. Carlos Martin says that the series “crystallized the need to form and nurture a Spanish group in Grants Pass." The task of planting a Spanish church in Grants Pass is huge, but this group has accepted the challenge as they now meet every week for Sabbath School and worship services.
Of this momentum, Christian Martin said, “We believe it is God’s will for Grants Pass to have its very own Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. In obedience to the Great Commission to take the gospel to every tongue, we expect great things from God as we step out in faith. It’s exciting!”
The series necessitated many helping hands. Dedicated greeters welcomed 30–40 attendees every evening, including children. The children were offered activities each evening. Books and CDs were given away in drawings each night. Volunteers prepared hot drinks and treats, reflecting a common practice and a characteristic of Spanish hospitality.
No one present will forget the bright smile and words of praise shared by Jose at the end of the series. He no doubt will lead others to Christ.
Christian Martin, Grants Pass Church pastor, baptizes Jose Sanchez after a two-week evangelistic series, presented by Carlos Martin.
Jose Sanchez sings praises to the Lord.
