The Mission Continues
A New Season of Ministry
Dear friends, brothers and sisters in Christ,
After 8 years of serving at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Orange, California, our family has begun a new season of ministry. We are deeply grateful for all that God did during those years and for every person who walked alongside us. Due to changes in the congregation’s circumstances and resources, the Spanish ministry could not continue as before, and we are thankful that our brothers and sisters have been invited to continue their life of faith at Trinity Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in Santa Ana.
Where Are We Now?
Carlos has received a call to serve with LINC San Antonio, Texas, helping plant new faith communities and equip and mentor new servant-leaders for Christ. Our starting date has been postponed while the process for our new work visa moves forward.
In the meantime, God opened an unexpected door for our family in Oregon, where we have been able to temporarily rent the home of a pastor friend.
During this season, we have been serving alongside as volunteers with Lutheran Latino Ministries, led by Mrs. Pam Bridghouse and her team, visiting congregations, building relationships in the community, learning about local mission opportunities, and supporting the work of pastors, deaconesses, and other ministry leaders..
Through all of this, God is teaching us something simple but important: the mission does not begin when everything is settled. The mission is already happening wherever Christ places us. God not only works at the destination; He also works along the way, teaching us to listen, trust His provision, recognize the needs of our neighbors, and serve faithfully where He has placed us today.
The circumstances may change, but Christ’s call to proclaim the Gospel, love our neighbor, and serve His Church remains the same.
Our Family
Sara has graduated from high school and is taking time to decide what she would like to study and what her next steps will be. Mateo will begin 10th grade and Rebecca 4th grade here in Oregon. And Bernie, our Frenchton, has adapted quite well to Oregon’s cooler climate and seems to be enjoying his new surroundings!
Please Keep Us in Your Prayers
Above all, we are grateful for your prayers. We especially ask you to pray:
For our work visa process and the new call with LINC San Antonio.
For God’s provision for our temporary housing and our family’s living expenses during this transition.
For Sara, as she considers what she would like to study and her next steps, and for Mateo and Rebecca as they begin at new schools.
For Erika, as she uses her gifts to serve alongside Lutheran Latino Ministries.
For the ministry opportunities God is opening in Oregon, and for our brothers and sisters continuing their life of faith at Trinity Cristo Rey.
For wisdom, strength, faith, and unity as God leads our family forward.
Supporting Our Family and Ministry
God has faithfully provided for our family, many times through the generosity, encouragement, and love of His people. Thank you for continuing to walk with us during this season.
For those who would like to financially support our family and ministry, gifts may be made through Lutheran Latino Ministries:
Please select “Family Fund.”
By check:Lutheran Latino MinistriesPO Box 293Mt. Angel, OR 97362
We move forward with confidence, knowing that the Lord is leading us. Wherever He places us, Oregon, Texas, or somewhere along the way our prayer and calling remain the same:”
To proclaim Christ, love our neighbor, and faithfully serve His Church.
With gratitude in Christ,
Pastor Carlos & Erika Velázquez and family
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.”
Psalm 37:5
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