Praise Testimony: Iglesia Bautista El Buen Pastor, Brownsville

Last fall as part of the Rio De Esperanza tour for TX Hope 2010, Dr. Randal Everett was invited to preach at a new church start located in a Colonia in East Brownsville, Iglesia Bautista El Buen Pastor. At the time, the church had been in existence for six months. At the service that Sunday there were about 35 people in attendance from the Colonia. Pastor Jaime Mata, who does not lack energy or initiative, was energized by Dr. Everett’s encouraging words and challenging message. He caught the TX Hope 2010 vision and has been running with it ever since.

Since the beginning of the year Iglesia Bautista El Buen Pastor has hand delivered over 200 Bibles to families in their neighborhood. Groups of church members go out and knock on doors to deliver the Good News of Christ and to invite folks to church. Also during the last four months the church has begun English as a second language (ESL) classes for the community to attend weekly and learn to speak, read, and write English. During this time 23 people have been won to Jesus. The church average Sunday attendance is now 55 and continues to grow weekly.

It is exciting to see the movement of God in this church through His faithful servants who are on fire for Him. Pastor Jaime Mata continues to work diligently as he encourages his members to “be a part of the journey” that God has laid before them. He says that he is already thanking God for allowing him and his church to be a part of what God will continue to do through this Colonia Church.