Written by Mary Wood
Over 20 years ago, leaders at First Baptist Church of Grandview recognized that their community had many residents who spoke languages other than English. But they didn’t know where it would lead when they started English as a Second Language classes.
Friendships developed between the teachers and the Hispanic students who attended the classes. That, in turn, led to a vision for starting an evangelical church for Spanish speakers in Grandview. The church, Iglesia Pan de Vida, which was started, celebrated its 20th anniversary in April. It continues to meet at First Baptist Church of Grandview.
Luis Mendoza started leading services on Palm Sunday in 2006 and served as a temporary pastor to get the congregation started. First Baptist’s then pastor, Doug Bradley, led the church to bring Pedro Achucarro from Paraguay to become a permanent Hispanic pastor in August 2007. He has led the congregation since. Through visits, evangelistic Bible studies, and other ministries, the church grew and has baptized about 100 people. Many more have been discipled through Pastor Pedro’s faithful biblical preaching and the church’s Bible studies for all ages.
Iglesia Pan de Vida cooperates with First Baptist Church in outreach ministries, such as clothing give-aways and special events. Their partnership enables them to communicate with community residents, whether they speak English or Spanish.
