Ablaze! in the Northern Illinois District

by Brenda Ulrich

The night was miserable! But thunder, lightening, and driving rain did not deter the 125 guests, from 20+ congregations, who came and enjoyed Fiesta de San Pablo at Iglesia Evangelica Luterana San Pablo in Aurora on Friday, November 10th.

We were treated to a spread of authentic Hispanic cuisine prepared by the wonderful cooks of San Pablo – Panbasos (Mexican), Cuban Sandwiches, Pastelitos (Honduras), Papas Rellenas (Peru) and more. After enjoying our meal and fellowship time, we moved to the sanctuary and were blessed by hearing the Praise Band play music enjoyed during Sunday worship. When Pastor Alex Merlo attempted to move the group back to the fellowship hall for the rest of the program, the crowd resoundingly requested “one more song!”

But the highlight of the evening was hearing of the wonderful work being done at San Pablo. Doors are being opened. Lives are being changed. The hands of God are at work.

Elizabeth and Diego shared their story as Pastor Merlo and his wife Maria interpreted. They were just driving in front of the church and Diego thought it would be a good idea to learn English. They came in and met Pastor Merlo, who received them as friends. When they came to San Pablo, they found a family, which they didn’t have in their lives, and their lives were changed. Next Sunday their 3 children will be baptized. They believe God planned all of this for their family and they thank Him for San Pablo.

Raymundo and Violeta also shared their story through Pastor Merlo and Maria. Raymundo jokingly said that he had no business driving by San Pablo that day! Looking for a place to learn English, they saw the sign outside the church and decided to give it a try. Pastor Merlo greeted them at the second class, but Raymundo didn’t realize that Pastor Merlo was the pastor of the church, because he greeted them as a friend. Raymundo and Violeta have been together over 30 years, and 30 of those years were ones in which Raymundo did not know Jesus. Violeta noted tearfully that 30 years is a long time to wait, but now Raymundo not only shares God’s love, he also shares His love with others.

Pastor Merlo received a chuckle from the audience as he assured the crowd that San Pablo’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program is very good and very effective, however, the speakers chose to speak from their hearts in Spanish.

Veronica, who grew up attending Cristo Principe de Pas, the Hispanic ministry started by St. Pauls and Emmanuel Lutheran churches in Aurora, is in awe at how San Pablo is serving “our neighborhood.” Her family now attends San Pablo because it is close by, it provides a loving and supporting environment; and it provides encouragement. If you are missing for a few weeks, it is not unusual to receive a call from Pastor Merlo checking to see where you are!

Veronica shared that she knows San Pablo is doing good things. This was especially evident during the recent funeral of Eduardo “Eddy” Lopez, a member of San Pablo who was killed in Iraq. As Veronica choked back tears, she shared that she had the pleasure of serving as one of Eddy’s Sunday School teachers. She is at peace knowing Jesus was in his life and knowing he is with Jesus. What is done in the name of the Lord is not done in vain.

“When I see members of San Pablo, I see God,” Pastor Merlo emphatically stated. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, people are serving, sharing, and loving the families who enter the building. The ESL program (see "Volunteers Create an Exceptional Program") has opened the hearts of people who were coming only to learn English and have since learned about Jesus. Over 40 ESL students have joined San Pablo over the last 2 years.

A year ago when I first wrote a story on San Pablo (see "Seeing God's Plan"), I was deeply moved by the testimony of Guadalupe who so eloquently expressed, “I thank God that through His plan, the Germans built the church that my family & I attend today. Thank you.” I was blessed by her again this evening. She has gone back to school to get her degree. Once a month, she is facilitating a Bible Study on Friday & Saturday evenings with topics that encourage better family communication, friendship, relationships. Guadalupe’s goal is to work with people inside the church first. Educate them. Love them. Encourage them. Once they are healed, they can bring the message to others.

Pastor Jock Ficken from St. Pauls, Aurora, Illinois, gave some final remarks as the evening came to a close, including a challenge to each one of us in the room to touch someone different than ourselves.

The hands of God are truly working at San Pablo!