Familia de Dios Ministry

The Familia de Dios Ministry at Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa was founded in 2001 with a grant from the Iowa Annual Conference, and has been partially supported by continuing funding from both the District and the Conference. During that time, they have received nine new members and baptized one baby. Weekly and special services have been held with communion being served on a weekly basis. Probably the most significant result of this ministry, however, is the fact that from this small congregation two different individuals have declared their candidacy for pastoral ministry.

This fall the South Central District extended its ministries to its Spanish-speaking neighbors by appointing a part-time director of Hispanic Ministries. Paul Burrow is traveling the district to raise awareness of our new Spanish-speaking neighbors. In addition, together with one of Oskaloosa’s candidates for pastoral ministry, Pastor Burrow is working to establish a new ministry in Ottumwa. This will begin with special services in private homes, but over time will hopefully expand to services and Bible Study on a regular basis. Eventually, we would also like to extend these ministries to Osceola.

All of these efforts have been supported by your generous giving through the apportionments paid annually. Your generosity has allowed the Good News of Jesus Christ to reach to those who do not speak English, and yet are still hungry for God’s word. Your church’s apportionments have helped two different individuals respond to God’s calling to the pastoral ministry. And, your generous support continues to allow these ministries to exist and expand. Thank you for paying your apportionments and allowing your Spanish-speaking neighbors to hear God’s word in their own language.