On March 22, the Liberal Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church marked a joyful milestone: the burning of their church mortgage. Led by Pastor Brayan Maldonado, the celebration commemorated the full payment of their church building and served as a witness to God’s faithfulness through years of dedication, faith and perseverance.
Located at 901 N Kansas Ave in Liberal, Kansas, the church has become a steady presence in the community. The celebration was attended by leaders from the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, including Ron Carlson, conference president, Jim Jenson, treasurer, Alejandro Dovald, director of multilingual ministries, and Miriam Dovald, director of women’s, children’s, and family ministries.
The church began as a planting effort. A small group of members traveled weekly to Liberal to give Bible studies. During this time, Brother Max Elvira met Pastor Michael Valentier at Walmart—a chance encounter that led to a significant turning point. Pastor Valentier encouraged Brother Elvira to move to Liberal to support the growing group.
“It was a difficult decision,” said Pastor Elvira. “I had to leave my job, but God opened doors. My wife found part-time work, and I began selling church books while continuing Bible studies.” Interest grew, and a Revelation seminar brought new people in. The team divided the city by zip code and personally visited homes to offer Bible studies. The English-speaking Adventist church generously shared their space with the Hispanic group, reflecting a spirit of unity.
The results were encouraging. People from different backgrounds began attending. One visitor shared, “In six months I’ve learned more than in 20 years at my previous church.” Some of the original families, including Brother Isaías Gutierrez and Sister Novia Salgado, are still active today.
When Pastor Elvira was later called to serve in Oklahoma, local leadership passed to Roberto Fraire. As the group continued to grow, their space became insufficient. After praying and searching, they found a hall to rent. Although the original rate was $200 per day, the owner reduced it to $40 upon learning it was for a church group.
Eventually, the need for a permanent space became clear. One day, the members of the English-speaking church shared their plans to purchase a larger building—a former bank—that would accommodate both groups. However, their plans changed. When Roberto asked what they would do with their current building, they responded that they hoped to sell it to another Christian church. Fraire asked, “Why not sell it to us?” After some discussion, the American church agreed. The initial price was too high for the Hispanic group, but after more prayer, the building was offered at half price—a gesture of unity and mutual support.
“It was a blessing,” said Fraire. “They told us: we are one church, even if we speak different languages. We want to help you.”
Now, with the mortgage paid off, the church reflects on how far God has led them. The celebration was not just about financial freedom, but about what can be accomplished through prayer, partnership and a shared mission.
“We’ve been waiting for the conference leaders to come,” Fraire said with a smile, “so we can tell them we no longer fit in this church—we need more space.” The dream continues: to keep growing and to create more room for ministry and outreach in the community.
Information provided by Brayan Maldonado, Liberal and Garden City District pastor.
