Church Leadership from Sirigual Assembly of God

Vilma tells of reduced illness

Vilma Membreno, one of the founding members of the Abelines health committee, now brings her seven years of experience to the Sirigual health committee. With steady confidence she said, "Before, our children frequently had diarrhea and vomiting. Nowadays it is rare to even hear of a child who is sick. Now the people know differently, and they do things differently. After so many years of training and initiatives...we've arrived at a new level of health."

Pedro Parada

After more than 25 years as a church leader, Pedro observes, "I have felt a change in me because now I serve my neighbor. Before it seemed that I only went from my house to the church and back home again. But now we are showing our community that we are a church that loves and serves our community...The community now looks at our church and says that we are working hard for them. They realize it is useful to have a church that practices what it teaches.. It helps them, but it is also a blessing for us because we are doing the will of God."

Reina Margarita

Reina Margarita, who's joy was wonderfully evident during her interview, was a member of the health committee in Abelines before becoming a member of the newly formed Sirigual committee. She said, "Before we never thought we could possibly have the ability to teach. But through our training, we now go to any person and share with them without fear...Look, now we drink clean water. Its not dirty like before. ENLACE helped us get organized and now most of us have latrines and running water...these are big changes."

Flor Membreno

Cell group leader, Flor Membreno said, "Our work gives us better access to our community. We help them meet their needs while also providing them consolation from the word of God." 

Pastor Virgilio of the Sirigual Assembly of God Church

Pastor Virgilio commented, "Since we started working with ENLACE, we've see relationships renewed and big changes in the lives of people..." Referring to the change he has seen in the community he said, "Before the community didn't trust us. But now thanks to God, they come freely to us with their needs as if they were members of the church...Our vision is to continue serving our community any way that we can."

Rosa de Ramos

Rosa is one of the original members of the agricultural committee recently formed in Sirigual. She has become a a strong supporter of the church and proudly said, "I see that the church has showed that they are not in it just for them, but they truly want to serve."

Squash at Rosa's home garden

Isidro shows homemade organic fertilizer

Gethsemane Church in Pajigua

Isidro and Pastor Andres

ENLACE church coach, Isidro, greets Pastor Andres of the Pajigua Church.

Carlos Membreno

Carlos Membreno began coming to church just 3 months ago. He says that "the mission of the church is to seek out relationships of friendship with our community. We can't wait for them to come to us. We need to go make friends with them."

Calixta Interview

Calixta, a new member of the church and health committee, recommitted herself to God after becoming involved with the newly formed health committee.

Calixta Interview

"This work opens up opportunity for relationships with people outside of our church."

Rosita and Calixta

Rosita and Calixta are long-time friends. Rosita was a member of the health committee in Abelines and shared her experiences with Calixta who then decided to be part of the newly formed health committee in Pajigua.

Isidro giving advice to some of the members

Isidro chatted with church and community members about a topic close to his heart: Home gardens. As an agronomist with ENLACE, his job includes giving training and advice to those participating in the cultivation of family plots.

Pastor Andres

"People have seen the work we do and now they believe in what the church says."

Neighboring house near church

Pastor Andres

"Our church is motivated. They ask, 'Can we do it?' And everyone now knows, yes we can!"

Lucas learning to knit

Calixta has taken it upon herself to teach various youth in the region how to knit and weave such things as hammocks and bags. Lucas, a nephew of Calixta, shows off his newly learned skill.