Internationalmatt's Blog

Weekend Fun with my Hispanic Friends- Father’s Day at Ministerio Manantial de vida

On Father’s Day I joined my friends at Ministerio Manantial de Vida for their worship service and a potluck dinner afterward. The worship service was full of poignant moments as the church celebrated Father’s Day or Día de Padres. Women in the church came up and read from the bible in español to the congregation. The children performed a drama that the church created. At the end of the service fathers came forward to the front and their children prayed for them. I got a kick out of the message by the Pastor’s wife. She shared about what it means to be a father and a man from the bible while using a tool box and tools as props. I listened with a smile while I wondered how often she used the tools.

the women reading

the children's drama

fathers being honored

After worship service we had a potluck dinner at the church. There was a lot of delicious food such as barbecue chicken, papusas, barbecue ribs and much more. During dinner I sat for a while with a family that has three girls who go to an elementary school where I teach Family Literacy. Then I walked around and took pictures for families. It was a wonderful way to cap off my weekend of fun with my Hispanic friends. I also had a chance to go for ice cream with Pastor Rogelio, his wife Chayo and daughter Jezharela in the afternoon.

The day reminded me of how important family is for our Hispanic friends. The weekend was full of fun, food and friends and also gave me many opportunities to practice my español, see how former students are doing, and appreciate the diversity of God’s creation especially when it comes to people. God loves all people of all cultures. I had a chance to observe that at different Hispanic churches this weekend.

June 20, 2011 - Posted by internationalmatt | Cutural Celebrations, Hispanic friends, Holidays, international students, Internationals, Mexico, Uncategorized