A Strategic Trip To Puerto Rico

An update from Joselo Mercado, Lead Pastor of Iglesia Gracia Soberana in Gaithersburg;

After taking 3 Covid tests prior to leaving, I flew to San Juan on Thursday, August 6th.  I was able to enter the Island without the need to quarantine because I fulfilled the requirement of having a negative test taken 72 hours prior to arrival.  

On Friday I had a meeting with the Reformados leadership and after careful thought, we decided to have Josue Caceres become the new President. We think that having a pastor in the Island lead the ministry will be wiser, as he is more aware of the need of the Church.  I will still be part of the leadership, and will be supporting Reformados, especially with finding resources. I am really excited about this. 

On Saturday, I then gave a marriage seminar at Iglesia Bautista Metro (IBM), a three-year-old Southern Baptist Convention Church plant.  There were around 20 couples present and we had a great time. Their pastor is doing an outstanding job of creating a gospel culture.  

On Sunday, I then got to preach twice at Josue Caceres’ Church in Quebradillas.  It was very encouraging to see the Church gathering in the middle of the pandemic.  They now have two services and have taken all the needed precautions.  I preached on Isaiah 62 and the need to have watchman that will ask God to remember his promises to love us. After that I spent the afternoon with all of Josue’s and Pastor Monchi’s (Josue’s Dad, who is also a pastor in the Church) extended family.  

On Monday, I was then interviewed by a podcast that the IBM leaders have put together. They interviewed me on the importance of having a worldview and how the lack of worldview has affected the Church in the midst of the pandemic and the influence of Critical Race Theory.  After that I met with the main leaders of the Church and they asked me some questions regarding Church life and leadership.

Overall, this was a very fruitful trip.  

Thanks so much for the support,

Joselo