“THERE IS A MISSION FIELD RIGHT IN FRONT OF US. AND THERE IS WORK TO BE DONE. THIS IS WHAT WE WANT TO AWAKEN IN OTHERS: NOT JUST TO COME TO CHURCH, BUT TO SEE EVERYONE ACTIVELY REACHING THE LOST.”

Click here to download this resource!

For Julio Gómez Jr., this is the vision God has given him for his new church plant, Iglesia Bautista Nueva Esperanza (New Hope Baptist Church) in Fort Smith. Julio’s father has long pastored Iglesia Bautista Gozo de mi Alma in Fort Smith. Though Julio has led worship since he was 15 years old, he swore he would never become a pastor.

While serving in their local food pantry it became apparent the ministry needed to expand across town. Julio was asked to preach at the new food pantry on Fridays, and soon God showed him and his wife Carlena the urgent need not only for food but for the Gospel.

“We want to be known as a center for discipleship, with a heart for the lost and a desire to reach second and third generation bilingual Hispanics,” says Julio. “So many Hispanics—though they may have grown up in a “Christian” culture—have never heard the Gospel.”

PRAYER POINTS: Let’s pray for God to raise up more leaders within this young church who have a willingness to serve the Hispanic community. Let’s also pray for Julio and Carlena to continue depending on the Spirit and walking in the humility of Christ.

When you give to your church, you give to missions through the Cooperative Program, bringing the Good News to the whole world. Find more CP resources at ABSC.org/CPShare.