More than 1200 people gathered at the Wilshire Grand Hotel this past Sunday February 19th to celebrate the first Congregational Latino service of 2006, a gathering of Spanish speaking disciples form every region of the Los Angeles Church. Coming on the heels of the Festival de Las Americas, a conference for Spanish speaking disciples from around the United States which was held in Anaheim last fall and was hosted by the LA Church, the service was a continuation of a spirit of unity and faith in the Latino Ministries in Los Angeles. The title for the service was \The Family of Believers,\ and there certainly was such a family feel as brothers from all around LA and also from other churches such as Antelope Valley sang, fellowshipped and were inspired by the word of God. 

Peter and Laura Garcia, leaders of the East Region Latino Sector, welcomed everyone to the event and shared about their recent trip to encourage and strengthen the Mexico City church. Hugo Casillas, leader of the Sector Latinoamericano in Long Beach, also shared about a mission trip several disciples from the South region took to the church in Monterrey Mexico. A great highlight of the service was having the entire new Riverside Latino ministry at the event. Congregational singing, which was led by the Central Latino Sector band & choir, was further enhanced as the Riverside Latino ministry band & choir led 3 great songs, one of which, \A Quien Temer?\ (Who Shall I Fear), was written by a member of the Riverside ministry, David Arevalo and moved many hearts.

Rudy Navarrette, also of the Riverside ministry, gave a great communion talk, reminding us that Jesus\' sacrifice on the cross was not for the strong, rather for those that are weak and challenged, and how we must focus on the cross especially in difficult times. Luis Priego, leader of the Sector de Las Americas in Orange County, closed the service off with a convicting, inspiring and dynamic message that encouraged us all to renew our commitment to the \Family of Believers.\ We look forward to future events and all the plans God has for Spanish speaking ministries in Los Angeles.