Religion

Last Updated on Monday, 30 December 2024 01:29

By Charlotte Hopkins

Pictured at Calvary Chapel South Pittsburgh's Spanish-speaking service are (left to right): Elizabeth Leon-Vargas, Abigail Leon-Vargas, Andrea Shetterly, Elizabeth Leon, Jesus Leon, Andres Leon-Vargas, Pastor Tim Green, Bryan Steiner, and Maria Isabella Steiner. The group celebrates the launch of this new ministry aimed at serving the Spanish-speaking community.

Calvary Chapel South Pittsburgh (CCSP) Church in West Elizabeth has introduced Spanish-speaking services, led by layperson Jesus Leon, which are held every other Saturday at 5:00 PM, providing an opportunity for worship and fellowship in Spanish.

Jesus Leon and his wife, Elizabeth, met Pastor Tim Green, of CCSP, when they moved to Clairton from Las Vegas. It was during this meeting that the seeds for the Spanish-speaking services were planted. They have since embraced this ministry with humility and faith.

Leon recalled how Pastor Green shared his vision for reaching the Hispanic community and invited Leon to partner with him in this ministry. After much prayer and consideration, the two began an eight-month journey to establish the services. Leon credits divine guidance for this opportunity, saying, “God always had a plan before we knew it, and He was preparing Pastor Tim by putting that in his heart for a long time.”

Although Leon had felt a calling to become a pastor 15 years ago, the timing had never been right—first in Las Vegas, where he served as a deacon, and later in Pennsylvania. “When we moved to Pennsylvania, we did not expect this opportunity to come up. It was the Lord’s calling,” Leon explained. “We love to serve the people because for us, it’s about being of gratitude to the Lord for everything He has given us.”

Leon’s faith-filled journey is rooted in family and service. He and Elizabeth have instilled in their four children a love for God and a desire to serve others whenever they have the opportunity. “This was something I really wanted to do,” Leon said of the Spanish-speaking ministry. “But I wanted to make sure it was not just emotional but that it was the Lord’s calling.”

The Leon family’s dedication to outreach and service is evident as they strive to grow this ministry. “We’re hopeful that God will open more doors for us to reach out to more people,” Leon shared.

The Spanish-speaking services at CCSP are an exciting addition to the church’s mission to serve. While they aim to maintain a regular schedule, upcoming holiday events may bring some changes. For more information about the Spanish-speaking services or to confirm dates and times, contact Calvary Chapel South Pittsburgh at 412-656-1304.