This past Saturday I travelled to the McAllen, Texas to speak to a Kidsheart gathering of about 200 participants for a week of serving folks in some of the Colonias in the valley. Kidsheart is a collaborative effort between the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Buckner. Dr. Rick McClatchy, Director of CBF in Texas was there to welcome the group. This was an exciting time to connect with, challenge, and commission these folks, most of whom were there for the first time.
Just prior to the rally, I had the privilege of sharing dinner with the Buckner Colonia Mission Team, led by Ricardo Brambila under the supervision of George Zapata, Director of Border Ministries. Dexton Shores, Director of Border and Mexico Ministry Development was there as well as the whole team and their families. It was a delightful time to connect with them on a personal level. I am so proud of the outstanding team of professionals who work every week to impact lives of children and families in the Valley.
Sunday morning I preached during three services at Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen. This was an exciting time of worship and celebration. I found the church and its staff to be vibrant and expectant as they came to worship. Dr. Joe Gerault was my host during this time. I had the privilege of connecting with church staff members and also visited with some of my former students at Baptist University of the Américas. I enjoyed visiting with Susan Sosebee (a trustee of Buckner International), Rolando Aguirre, David Chan, Mark Richardson, to name a few. It was an awesome time of fellowship and encouragement.
Dr. Ellis Orozco, former lead pastor, is now Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Richardson and is currently a trustee of Buckner International. Calvary misses Ellis immensely and they are very found of their former pastor. Ellis had a tremendously positive impact on Calvary and left a fantastic team of pastors in place for the future. On Monday, the church is sending the largest group of children to camp in its history. Please keep this church in your prayers as they begin to search for a new pastor.
The highlight of the day was when a houseparent couple from the Rio Grande Children’s home came by after the last service to say hello. About 8 of the children from our campus there were in worship on Sunday at Calvary. To worship with them added frosting to the cake.
I agree with you Dr. Reyes, Calvery is a key church in the Valley of Texas doing Kingdom work. We will continue to pray...
I glad you had the opportunity to minister and fellowhip with the folks in the Valley.
Posted by: Sergio Ramos | July 13, 2009 at 01:40 PM
I truly ejoyed visiting with you at Calvary, Dr. Reyes. I also did enjoy the sermon the Lord placed in your heart, and yes hthe work must continue for the Kingdom here in the Valley. Blessings to you and the Family
Posted by: Mario Cesar Samaniego | July 14, 2009 at 02:25 PM
Mario, so good to see you. Glad this was a blessing.
Posted by: Albert Reyes | July 20, 2009 at 06:44 AM
Sergio, thanks for your note. The worship experience was fantastic.
Posted by: Albert Reyes | July 20, 2009 at 06:45 AM