Photos Courtesy of Lilian Fuentes
Long before the first sermon was preached during the Nashville, Tenn., First Hispanic Church’s evangelistic series, members had already been building relationships through small groups, community service, prayer ministries, and personal outreach. Those ongoing efforts helped prepare the way for 25 baptisms during the church’s evangelistic meetings, June 20–27, 2026.
“We believe these ministries have helped unite the church around one purpose,” said Lilian Fuentes, church secretary. “In previous evangelistic campaigns we worked hard, but we didn’t always see these kinds of results. This has motivated our members to serve together and has strengthened the church.”
Over the past year, the congregation has expanded its network of small groups, which meet in homes throughout the week for Bible study. Organized under the names of the 12 tribes of Israel, the groups provide members and guests with opportunities to build relationships while growing spiritually. Several of those baptized first connected with the church through these gatherings.
The church has also invested in community outreach through “The 300,” a ministry inspired by Gideon’s 300 warriors. Although the group began with just 10 members, it now mobilizes volunteers from across the congregation to distribute food, literature, and personal care items; visit people experiencing homelessness; pray with community members; and organize service projects throughout Nashville. “The 300” volunteers have handed out roses on Mother’s Day, sandwiches and literature on Father’s Day, blankets and food during the Christmas season, and meals for church guests every other Sabbath.
“One of our greatest joys is seeing the entire church come together to serve,” said Fuentes. “Some people hand out food or pray with those they meet, others prepare meals or collect donations, but everyone has a part in sharing Christ’s love with our community.”
Prayer has also become a defining part of the congregation’s outreach. A dedicated prayer ministry gathers daily, including a group that meets at 4 a.m. to intercede for the church’s ministries and community, while another group meets each evening to pray over requests submitted throughout the week.
Fuentes said all these ministries have done more than just prepare for an evangelistic campaign.
“[These ministries] have brought us closer together,” said Fuentes. “Through our brothers and sisters, through prayer, and through God’s Word, we are strengthened…. [Now] we want every visitor to feel welcomed, supported, and part of our church family.”
The ministries helped set the groundwork for the church’s June evangelistic series, themed “I Will Come Again.” The featured guest speaker, Herbert Orellana, shared nightly messages focused on practical Christian living and a relationship with Christ. Approximately 120 people attended each evening. At the conclusion of the meetings, 25 individuals got baptized, including many first-time visitors.
“Our prayer is that these new members will continue growing, and become leaders themselves,” said Fuentes. “We want them to keep sharing the Gospel so that together we can continue reaching our community for Christ.”
Kentucky-Tennessee | November 2026
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