Ablaze! in the Northern Illinois District

Rev. Alex Merlo, right, of San Pablo and
Rev. Jock Ficken of St. Pauls are partners
in outreach in Aurora, Illinois.

Advisory Council Members Speak

Iglesia Evangelica Luterano San Pablo has been blessed by another group of volunteers--its Advisory Council, men and women who serve as prayer partners and spokespeople, and who share of their expertise in support of this ministry. Two of them share their thoughts:

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"The San Pablo ministry has been a blessing to me. I can see the Holy Spirit working through the English as a Second Language Program, the LWML involvement, and Word of Life's outreach to the ministry. The testimonials from the members of San Pablo are inspirational. This is a critical ministry in a very needy neighborhood."

Judith A. Peterson, Member Word of Life Lutheran, Naperville
and School Social Worker, East Aurora Schools

"I have been involved with this Hispanic church since its inception in the late 1980s. . . . My most vivid recollection is our difficulty in retaining a pastor. . . .We were advised of Mr. Alex Merlo who was training with the Hispanic Institute. We requested that he fill in to preach on Sundays as the Council searched to call an ordained pastor to fill a vacancy for the fourth time. Living in Romeoville, he continued with his full-time secular job as he commuted to Aurora on Sundays. This was in September of 1993. By February 1994 it was clear that Pastor Merlo was the one to lead this flock, and a commission was extended to him the following month. I recall our feeling that truly God was leading us and that we had finally secured a shepherd to lead this fledgling group of Hispanic Christians. . . . It is said behind every successful man is a woman. This is certainly the case with Pastor Merlo. Maria is a wonderful Christian woman. She is an integral part of this ministry, helping out in whatever way she can to further the work of the Kingdom and giving her husband the support he needs in every way. . . . What a treat to see so many people learn of the work God is doing at San Pablo at Fiesta de San Pablo. What a blessing to be a part of it since its inception. What joy to see this ministry continue to grow and prosper. Thank you, Jesus! Your Kingdom come with many new additions as this congregation continues to be blessed by You.

Walter H. Duy, Chairman of the San Pablo Advisory Council

Member's of San Pablo's Advisory Council are available to bring a video of San Pablo's ministry to your congregation. For more information, contact Walt Duy, Chair of the Advisory Board, at WaltD39@aol.com.