Brigette Maldonado, Marietta Hispanic Director
Brigette Maldonado, Marietta Hispanic Director
The Mableton Hispanic Church burned its mortgage on Sabbath, April 11, 2026, marking a historic moment of faith, unity, and commitment to mission.
The weekend celebration, held April 10–12, also marked 27 years of ministry. Pastors who have served the congregation from its earliest days as the Marietta group through today took part: Neftaly Ortiz, Miguel Tirado, Richard Urdaneta, Aldo Escobar, and current pastor Danilo Cornejo.
Also attending were Kurt Allen, representing the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, and Biene Marlin Walter, representing the Professional Business Association, which provided the loan to purchase the church’s current building.
The congregation acquired the building in 2017, when it faced the need to vacate its rented worship space. God opened the way to purchase the property for $527,000. After six years of minimum payments, the church board voted in July 2023 to increase the monthly payment by $1,000, significantly reducing the remaining balance. Through the faithfulness and commitment of its members, the church paid off the mortgage in August 2025, with a final $27,000 contribution from its savings.
The weekend featured a full program. A thanksgiving service opened the celebration Friday evening. Sabbath morning brought the mortgage burning ceremony and the dedication of the sanctuary, with music from Voces Femeninas de Mableton and the church choir, both directed by Cecilia Cornejo. A celebratory luncheon followed at midday.
In the afternoon, a special concert featured Adventist singer Laura Ceballos and the women’s group “Blessed” from the Atlanta Metropolitan Church. Founding members also shared testimonies, and the congregation revisited its history through videos from 1998, and photographs that traced 27 years of growth, sacrifice, and God’s blessings.
The congregation also recognized Obdulio Seguí, pastor, who founded the Marietta group in 1998. Though unable to attend due to health reasons, he was remembered with deep gratitude for his legacy and vision.
The celebration concluded on Sunday, April 12, with a family 5K organized by the Pathfinder Club and the church’s Health Ministries Department. Participants also completed the “Challenge 27,” a workout of 27 push-ups, 27 burpees, and 27 squats. Many families took part, with enthusiasm evident among children, youth, and adults.
This milestone strengthens unity among members and leadership, and opens a new chapter in the church’s mission. The church reaffirms its commitment under the motto: “Serving with love, proclaiming hope, and reaching souls for Christ … until He comes.”
Georgia-Cumberland | June 2026
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