It was 1996 when a small Adventist group in Kansas City, Kansas, determined to reach out to the Hispanic community by organizing a Vacation Bible School. Rosemaris, her older sister Gladys, and other members began knocking on doors and passing out invitations. As they knocked on one door enthusiastically explaining the invitations, the woman responded very seriously, “My children will not go anywhere.” Rosemaris persisted, offering details about the VBS, (games, crafts, snacks and most importantly knowing the love of Jesus). Still, the woman declined.
The Valenzuela family had just arrived in the U.S. from Mexico. Rosemaris, from the nearby Adventist church knew they were in need and began arriving with food. She asked the mom if she was interested in having her pastor visit the family, but the mom declined explaining that she was Catholic. Rosemaris, though disappointed, was respectful and continued to drop off helpful items.
A few weeks later a man by the name of Celerino Cortez, Sr. showed up to the Valenzuela house and said that he knew their cousin who had just gotten baptized in the Adventist church. Mr. Cortez was wondering if he could study the Bible with them. The mom was hesitant but allowed the man to come in since he knew a family member.
While he was inside, the VBS ladies decided to stop at the Valenzuela house once again. “Hello! We will start in a few minutes. Would you like to come?” Rosemaris asked. That’s when she saw a curious face behind the door, whispering to his mom, “Yes, Mom, please… Can we go?” The mother persisted in saying “No,” but the persuasive boy continued asking until he convinced his mother. That was the first big step that eventually led to this entire family being baptized.
That little boy eventually became a pastor. Today, Pastor Ray Valenzuela is one of our new bilingual pastors in the Minnesota Conference. Coincidently, Rosemaris who first knocked on his door when he was a little boy also works for the Minnesota Conference as an administrative assistant for the treasury department. Seeing Pastor Ray again has brought her so much joy. Experiencing first-hand how the Holy Spirit works on hearts and being able to see the fruit of her labor in community service is so rewarding. Pastor Ray is thankful, as well, for the persistent ministry of Rosemaris, Gladys and Celerino in bringing his family to Christ. He is thankful for a God who knocks on the door of our lives many times because He has something better to offer us—Himself!
Since that time, community service has been very important to Pastor Ray. Recently some of the young adults in his district expressed a desire to reach out to their own community. As they discussed it further, they thought the best way to help would be to collect backpacks for kids going back to school.
All three churches participated in collecting backpacks and bringing food to host a “Back2School Backpack Giveaway.” It was decided to hold the event at a park close to the church and across the street from the local high school. The event would also offer free watermelon, corn, and fun for the kids with the addition of a bouncy house and three different Paw Patrol costumes for kids to wear while getting their pictures taken.
One specific family from the community attended and was especially grateful for the experience. The mother mentioned to the pastor’s wife, Alyssa Valenzuela, that she had just moved to the area from the east coast, and because of the pandemic and no other family in the area, this was the first time she and her son attended a social event. She mentioned they both really needed a community and was glad to connect especially since she only lived a couple blocks from church.
Pastor Rays’ churches had a great time putting this event together and are excited about making an even bigger impact next year.
Pastor Karen Lewis is Ministerial director for the Minnesota Conference.
