Grateful for 2010 and some early 2011 developments

As the year 2010 comes to an end, we are grateful to God for his blessings.  This was a year of transition for Calvary in the interim period.  The economic situation in the U.S. and the violence in Mexico have presented their own challenges. Yet, as we look back, we thank God that during this year Calvary had a missional presence in Germany, Kenya and Southeast Dallas.  Our church built a home for a family in the Peñitas colonia.  We fulfilled our commitments to all the missionaries and church plants we support.  We ministered to hundreds of families through Angel Food, Bread of Life and Angel Tree.  Our Spanish service doubled in attendance.  And, we saw approximately 123 people join Calvary by baptism or transfer.  These are just a few of the many blessings we received in 2010.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

An important meeting with leaders from Saltillo church is taking place in a few days.  As our leaders explore renewing a strategic partnership with a Saltillo church, some of the Saltillo leaders will be Calvary’s guests on January 7-9.  During their time here, our leaders will discuss ways in which we could partner in mission to the poor and to the unreached in Northern to Central Mexico.  We will hear testimonies from them during our worship services.  If you would like to host a family in your home, please contact Cindy Shartle.

We welcome Benjamin Aguirre to the Calvary Staff.  Benjamin has recently received his Bachelor’s degree from Rio Grand Bible Institute in Edinburg.  This month he joins our staff as Spanish Language Ministry Associate.  In this part-time role, he will continue to lead music and worship in our Spanish service and he will also provide administrative and pastoral support to Pastor Rolando.  Benjamin’s time and work at Calvary will be complemented by a part-time role on the Rio Grande Bible Institute faculty beginning this spring semester.  We are grateful to God for bringing someone with such a calling and giftedness to our church and for providing additional leadership to our fast-growing Spanish ministry.