PLAN Website

Update on PLAN Bilingual Ministries

By Charlie Hill

Calvary Third Presbyterian Church, Fort Wayne

In 2003 the Reverend Leonel Pech came to Fort Wayne along with his wife and three sons to bring a Presbyterian ministry to the rapidly growing Hispanic population in the Fort Wayne Community. Rev. Pech is what is called a “Tentmaker”, which means, like the Apostle Paul, he has a job that provides for his and his family’s needs. His missionary efforts are endorsed by he Presbytery of Whitewater Valley and Leonel is locally supported with the guidance of the Presbyterian Latino Alliance Northeast (PLAN), made up of the ministers and other representatives of the area Presbyterian churches. The Presbyterian Churches in Fort Wayne and the Presbytery of Whitewater Valley provide Leonel with a modest stipend and program funding for his outreach efforts.

Children at a bilingual VBS led by Rev. Pech and hosted by United Faith Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne.

Rev. Pech has been working diligently within the Hispanic community in Fort Wayne to build personal relationships with as many families as possible. In 2008, Leonel has started to hold monthly gatherings to bring together these families who, for the most part, did not know each other beforehand. From these monthly gatherings a growing support group of families is beginning to evolve. The latest support group gathering, on Saturday, September 20th. was attended by 28 adults along with a number of young children.

On August 10, 2008, Rev. Pech conducted the first bilingual worship service known as Amistad Christiana (Christian Friendship), inviting all those with whom he has been engaged in relationship building. This worship service was held at Calvary Third United Presbyterian church, and since then, he and his family have led Sunday bilingual worship services beginning at 11:30 am there.

The ESL (English as a Second Language) program is following the Fort Wayne Community Schools schedule of semesters this year. Currently the program involves 36 students plus children at Grace Presbyterian and 24 students plus children at Calvary Third. There are about 15 children participating in Kids Club at each site. Volunteers are still needed to assist at both sites with the children's program and as teaching assistants. Click here to see pictures of the ESL classes.

Promoting the bilingual ministry efforts by Rev. Leonel Pech and the Presbyterian churches in Fort Wayne on a Spanish language radio program. In the picture: Rev. Leonel Pech (second from left), Rachel Myhre (summer intern), Rev. Joe Fields (Calvary Third), Rev. Kevin Boyd (Trinity)

Beginning the week of September 22-27, 2008 and running for the following three weeks, a series of advertising radio announcements will air on the local Hispanic radio station 102.3 FM to promote all the these opportunities as well as upcoming special events. In addition, the possibility of a call-in radio show sponsored by PLAN is being explored. The purpose of this broadcast will be to inform and educate Hispanics about social services available in Fort Wayne.

For additional information regarding the objectives of the Presbyterian Latino Alliance Northeast, for any questions regarding the current programs and activities, or to volunteer your time and talents for any of these special ministries, please contact your church office or Rev. Leonel Pech at (260) 486-6679.

PLAN Update June 2009

Spring 2009 PLAN Update

Monthly PLAN Update

November 2008 PLAN Update

Click here to see pictures of a recent bilingual worship service.