Mosaic Mennonites

Missional - Intercultural - Formational

Resplandece Mennonite Church

Resplandece Celebrates Its First Anniversary

by

by Noel Santiago

Resplandece Mennonite Church celebrated its first anniversary in the same way it gathers each week: in a hybrid format.  

Over 30 people joined virtually and in person to recognize, celebrate, and give glory to God for a year of ministry in Florida, Colombia, and Venezuela. 

Participants in Pembroke Pines, FL
Participants on Zoom.

Through videos, Zoom, and in-person participation, members shared what Resplandece means to them. From being a place of belonging to a refuge, Resplandece has created a space where members can be present with one another in God’s presence. 

A brief review of the year included ministry events such as seminars, workshops, and children’s ministry, where activities, food, and gifts were shared. 

The name “Resplandece” comes from Isaiah 60:1, where God’s light shines on those who are called by Him. Resplandece has witnessed how God multiplies what has been given beyond what has been imagined. 

Pastor Manuel shared a message reminding those present to reflect on their journey throughout the year: what went well and what needs improvement. He shared, saying, “One area that always needs improvement is our pursuit of God through His word.” 

Reflecting on childhood fears, Pastor Manuel shared how God’s word brings encouragement, strength, and comfort. Similarly, we can trust in God and His word to encourage, strengthen, and comfort us in the future, just as God has been faithful in the past. 

No celebration would be complete without delicious food. While those present in Florida shared a meal together, the virtual participants celebrated with their own meals. 

May God continue to guide and light the path of Resplandece, so that others may see His light and find the King who is with the Father and lives in each of us. 

Noel Santiago

Noel Santiago is the Leadership Minister for Missional Transformation for Mosaic Conference.

Congregational Profile – Resplandece Mennonite

by

by Javier Márquez

Editor’s note: Resplandece was approved by Mosaic’s board as a member congregation and will be welcomed at Mosaic’s Assembly on November 2, 2024.  

The congregation gathered in the Restored to Restore weekly event.

In the warm city of Barranquilla, Colombia, a spark of spiritual light has ignited a new chapter in the global ecclesial sphere. Resplandece Mennonite, led passionately by Brother Manuel García and his wife Viviana Ávila, has become a beacon of hope and community in an increasingly interconnected yet sometimes distant world. 

Since its inception in November 2023, this hybrid church has broken physical and cultural barriers by offering Sunday services via Zoom. Thanks to this innovative format, Resplandece Mennonite has managed to gather people from diverse corners of the world, from Venezuela and Florida to Pennsylvania and, of course, its home in Barranquilla. Every Sunday, families and friends come together in a virtual space where worship and reflection merge into a deeply connected and enriching experience. 

Brother Manuel García, a psychologist by profession and pastor, has dedicated his life to supporting communities through faith and knowledge. His work in Hispanic ministries, specifically with the “Therapists of the Faith Community” course, has been a vital resource for many. Alongside Viviana, his wife, who also brings her talent and leadership, the García family is committed to making faith and spiritual support accessible to all, regardless of geographical or personal barriers. 

Pastors Manuel García y Viviana Ávila and their family.

In Resplandece Mennonite’s worship services, the involvement of the entire García family is a distinctive feature. Their children, gifted in singing and prayer, not only enrich the services but also exemplify the unity and familial love that is at the heart of the church. 

The impact of this virtual community extends beyond borders. A member from Miami, who works every Sunday, finds in these services a way to stay connected with his faith, while a Venezuelan family, facing the repression of the Maduro regime, can participate in worship and receive support in a safe and supportive environment. 

Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you,” reflects the spirit of Resplandece Mennonite. The church seeks to illuminate the path of its members and serve as a refuge of restoration and hope. 

On Fridays, the church organizes the “Restored to Restore Seminar,” an online evangelical event that reinforces its mission to build and strengthen the faith community. Additionally, as part of Mosaic Conference, Resplandece Mennonite has the support and collaboration of faithful leaders who believe in its mission and vision. 

Resplandece Mennonite Church is a living testament that faith can flourish and expand in any circumstance, bringing light and hope to every corner of the world. In times of distance and challenges, this digital community reminds us that true spiritual connection transcends physical limits, illuminating the path with the love and glory of the Lord. 

Read more about Resplandece Mennonite.  

Javier Márquez

Javier Márquez is Writer & Communication Coordinator for Mosaico Colombia. He is an Anabaptist Colombian pacifist and poet.

Hybrid Church Plant Blooms in Pembroke Pines, FL 

by

by Andrés Castillo

Many of us remember when the COVID-19 pandemic forced churches online. While most have returned to in-person worship, some congregations have found online church to be the new way to worship. Such is the case for a new church in Pembroke Pines, FL, Resplandece Mennonite Church, which will have an entirely virtual pastor. 

Josué Gonzalez of Encuentro de Renovación in Miami, FL dreamt of planting a church in Pembroke Pines, so much so that he offered up his house to host the new church. However, it wasn’t possible to find an Anabaptist pastor in Pembroke Pines, so Leadership Minister Marco Güete suggested starting a virtual and in-person church, using Gonzalez’s house as the base.  

The pastoral candidate they identified was Manuel García, a resident of Barranquilla, Colombia and a former student in the Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispana (SeBAH) who was then studying at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS). García had been forming a church body online prior to meeting Güete through AMBS. As new migration policies in Florida were causing people to leave their homes, and it occurred to García to invite them to form a church. “It was a natural process. We just started talking, accompanying people,” García says. “These people formed the church that became Resplandece, but now there is more intentionality.” 

Pastor Manuel García of Resplandece Mennonite Church, his sons Adrian and Esteban, and his wife, Vivi. Photo by Manuel Garcia.

Through Güete, García met Gonzalez, who had the space and desire to plant a new church in Pembroke Pines. “Josué [Gonzalez] video-called me and was very excited. He was showing me the house and where everything would happen,” García remembers. “So in that way, God united many intentions.” 

A team was created to represent Mosaic and support the newly-born Resplandece, including Marco Güete, Noel Santiago, Josué Gonzalez, and Naún Cerrato. This board has been meeting with García monthly, and will eventually be replaced by a church leadership board. For now, García works on Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Live, and other social media platforms. His first official day as their pastor was December 1, 2023. 

“This is a way that God is using to create new models of church,” Güete says. “The pandemic forced the change quickly and people resisted it. Now we are realizing there is another way to do church.”  

Noel Santiago, Mosaic’s Leadership Minister for Missional Transformation, says that the online aspect helps Mosaic in its global ministry. “These are ongoing steps that come from a long history of face-to-face relationships.” 

García describes his experience with Mosaic as a big house of refuge. “There is a sincerity and tenderness when people from Mosaic talk to you,” he says. “I already felt like a part of Mosaic.” García is currently studying with Mosaic Institute. 

The tech setup for Resplandece’s hybrid services at Josué Gonzales’ house. Photo by Josué Gonzales.

The first service for Resplandece took place on December 24, 2023. Their weekly activities include a Tuesday morning prayer time and Thursday family devotional time. They invite prayer for those leading the new church as well as those who will know Jesus through its ministry. 

Pastor Manuel García loves spending his free time with his sons Esteban (8) and Adrian (6), and his wife Viviana. He also enjoys fishing with his father.

Andrés Castillo

Andrés Castillo is the Intercultural Communication Associate for the Conference. Andrés lives in Philadelphia, PA, and currently attends Methacton Mennonite Church. He loves trying new food, learning languages, playing music, and exploring new places.