05 Jul With Iglesia Reformada Emanuel

As I wrote on earlier, Pam and I spent an evening with Pastor Rubenia Bomatay and her Hispanic congregation in Jamaica Plain, Mass. We went out to eat with Rubenia, her husband Gerardo, and son Moses at a local pizza place. Then we returned to the church for the midweek service.

It was supposed to start at 7:00, but actually started around 7:30 with some singing and a prayer time. About 8:15, while the people were greeting each other, Moses told me that his mother wanted me to preach. I wasn’t expecting that, but I said I would be honored. I asked how long I should preach. I was initially told an hour, but they backed it down to 45 minutes, which is how long I preached. Moses translated for me.

I was able to say to them in Spanish, “We are United Brethren in Christ.” They clapped for me. It was a great breakthrough that I was speaking their language. That was a fun interaction.

The people at Iglesia Reformada Emanuel are very gracious, and full of life and vigor. They’re trying to reach their community. There’s a oneness of purpose in what they do. I sensed a great spirit among the people, warm fellowship, and heart-felt praying.

After the service, Rubenia’s family led us out to the road we needed. I said, “I think I know how to get there. Just point me in the right direction.” But Gerardo said, “We’ll take you.” It was night, and he wanted to make sure we made it safely out of that not-so-nice neighborhood. So he turned on his blinkers and said, “Follow me.”