I just read this very interesting blog post by Juan Tornoe from Hispanic Trending. It basically points out the importance of online marketing to Hispanics and the differences that exist between Hispanics in different areas of our country.
For the church as an institution that needs to connect with the culture, what does this mean? Read the post and then write me your thoughts on this, i would love to read what you think.
Have you ever asked yourself that question? I have. When I do it is usually from the view point when something has not gone my way or when some unforeseen situation has rudely interrupted my life. If you are like most people, you know what I mean.
But what about for all the good stuff in our life? You know, the stuff that we get to enjoy even though we had nothing to do with it.
For example, one of those for me is just the privileged of living in this country... the good USA. While I know it is not perfect, I realize how bless i am for being a citizen of this great country. The main reason for my realization is the fact that here we have opportunities, plain and simple. And even though our economy is currently not the best it has been, I still get to enjoy the freedom and seek out opportunities for myself. What a country!
Last month while on our family vacation to Dominican Republic we visited with my daughter's sponsored child through world vision. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. 
This picture represents the why me of this post. My grandson Darwin seen here with my daughter Ashley and her husband Darwin, and Pablo the sponsored boy from Neyba. My grandson born of a Dominican father and a Cuban American (American by birth of Cuban decent), and Pablo born to Dominican parents living in one of the poorest of areas in the DR. Why the disparities?
As I sat there with this family, it occurred to me that this could have been me and that somehow God delivered me from a similar environment many years ago when I lived in Cuba. God also whispered... Igor you are the answer to these people's future. What?
God wants to use each and everyone of us to bring hope to this generation. If you are not sure how and are overwhelmed with the challenge, welcome to the adventure of pursuing God. The cool thing is God always makes a way.
What is the one thing you would love to do for God but are too afraid, indifferent, or busy to try?
Saturday's back to school BBQ was a huge success. An estimated attendance of over 2,000 parents and students were there to enjoy all the fun, food and live music.
The FRC Doral band rocked the house as well as provided many of the resources used to make the event happen. i.e. popcorn machine, snow cone machine, clowns, Cafe Pillon, A large BBQ, hot dogs and buns for 1,000 folks, Guitar Hero competition, gave away t-shirts and Starbucks gift cards. Total cost around $800, opportunity to influence the community... priceless.
The picture shows the school mascot (the bison) wearing a FRC Doral t-shirt... is that cool or what?
As a result of the effort, both our students and Spanish ministry had an all time high attendance. Way to go guys!
Our Student ministry had a Guitar Hero competition. Many students came by our student ministry table to compete and hang out. The winner had to attend the service on Sunday morning to collect his prize; a Nintendo DS.
It is really a big blessings to be able to partner with the school in this way. A big thanks to Principal Doug Rodriguez and the entire staff for allowing us to serve the community in this way.
A big thanks as well to the team who served at the event. You guys made it happened!
Question:
If given the opportunity to serve your community, what ideas do you have to make it a win win situation?
My Oldest son Igor is here in town visiting. It has been about 5 years since he comes down and spends time with us. That's him sitting at the end along with my wife Grecy at a Marlin's game. Yeah we are both bald!
It is really great to have him here. He has been helping with all of our activities... i.e. back to school picnic, set up at church and all the weekend stuff we are always so busy doing.
I'm really so proud of him in all that he has accomplished. He is a great father and husband, ad a hero for serving in Iraq. I love him dearly.
He will be moving down in October and here for a few more days looking for a full time job.
If you are looking for someone or know of a company that is, please drop me note and i will make sure he contacts them before he leaves.
Yesterday's outreach at the HS was outstanding. I'll post some pics and make some comments about my observation on my next soon tonight.
Have a great Sunday,
ia
Today Grecy and I came before the church and made the BIG announcement. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday evening to be exact, Pastor Troy had made the announcement during our quarterly leadership meeting. During the past week, I also had the chance to meet with several of our Doral leadership team members and discussed with them our decision. It was now time to let the rest of church know.
We came up at the end of each of the services to let everyone know we would be stepping down from the campus pastor role. I say we because even though I am the one on staff, the role of a pastor, has and will always be a couple role.
In case you are reading this post and have no idea what I'm talking about, let me just share it with you now.
I have accepted a job with a major health insurance company. I will be taking on my new role starting on August 25th, 2008. Going forward we will remain at the Doral Campus as one of the pastors there, helping with the transition and serving in several different areas on a volunteer basis.
We are very excited about this new opportunity God has extended to us. We look forward to what God has ahead for us and anticipate many continued blessings. I want to be very clear here, we will remain at the campus serving this community like we have been from the very start of the Doral Campus.
I ask you to join me in praying for the next Campus Pastor at Doral. God already knows who He is, we just need wisdom in choosing him.
I love you all and look forward to continuing to serve with you.
igor
Here are the final pictures of the Garcia project. We were all blessed to be able to be a part of this project. Thank you all for your participation, you all made a incredible difference by your involvement. I'm so proud to have served along side you. enjoy some of the pics.
Are you ready for the next one?
