A Planting of the Lord

By Wilfredo Tucto, pastor of Iglesia Alianza Cristiana y Misionera in Oneonta, Alabama

Joseph was consumed by liquor. His marriage was in trouble, but his wife persevered in prayer. She invited church members to lead prayer meetings in her home, and after hearing the Word repeatedly, Joseph realized he needed Jesus. “Since I made ​​that decision,” he says, “God has blessed my life; my marriage has been restored, and my children have decided to follow the Lord.”

God is transforming lives like Joseph’s at Iglesia Alianza Cristiana y Misionera. The church’s many evangelistic activities reach Oneonta’s Hispanic community, which is about 13 percent of the town’s population of 6,500. Children’s and youth groups, marriage ministry, and sports programs bring families together. As new believers share their excitement about Him with others, they are drawn to the message of hope and come to hear the good news.

Trusting God’s Call

Four years ago, we weren’t sure that God was leading us to plant a church here. After six months with only a single family responding to neighborhood outreaches, it was thought that a better place to minister might be central Birmingham, 30 miles away. But when another family joined our small group, we trusted God’s call to Oneonta and continued the work. Soon more families joined us, and an official church service was held in October 2009 with 40 people.

We know that prayer is the key. Like Joseph’s wife, some church members are opening their homes for prayer meetings. During the past two years, 30 people have declared their faith in Jesus publicly through baptism.

More than 80 people now attend regularly. The church’s goal is spiritual growth and stability, so discipleship is a priority. We teach new believers about who God is and His purpose for their lives.

Emotional and Physical Healing

Several couples came to the Lord in a state of hopelessness, close to divorce. The Lord restored their marriages, and we celebrate to see the stability in their families. Also through prayer, the Lord’s healing power is present, with people delivered from diseases such as sclerosis, lupus, AIDS, ear problems, infertility, and other ailments.

Eighty-year-old Prisca says, “Why did I not learn of the gospel before? If I had, I’d have been a preacher.” She is eager to understand God’s Word and has a passion to testify of Christ’s love to others.

God’s glory is present in many more exciting testimonies. We are grateful to Him for His transformational power in the lives of Alianza church members.

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