By Walt Scarborough, Immanuel Church
SALISBURY, Md.–—Immanuel Church celebrated its diversity in Christ as it brought its four language groups that worship at the church together on Dec. 6 for a “Celebration of Nations” program. In addition to its English-speaking congregation, the church hosts Spanish, Portuguese and Korean churches. The celebration concluded the week of prayer for international missions, organized by Immanuel’s WMU, led by Carolyn Aurelio, director and Wanda Ferrier, assistant director.
Immanuel Church
Bruce Glisson, pastor of Immanuel, told the approximate 140 worshippers that even though their languages are different, “We can come together to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Glisson reminded the diverse congregation that “Christ has called us to go and tell the nations.” He listed a number of ways in which the servants of the Lord can spread the message including preaching ministries, agriculture, education, medical and sports missions.
Pastors Wilfredo Rodriguez-Jimenez, Paulo Roberto Pavia Santos and Kee Chul Kim of the Spanish, Portuguese and Korean groups accompanied Glisson on the platform.
The program included a dinner before worship, featuring the nations of Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Moldova, Panama, Puerto Rico, Switzerland and Venezuela. Foods from the different nations were served and tables were decorated with items representing the many cultures.
The worship service began with a parade of flags from many countries while members sang, “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.” Throughout the service, music and prayers were offered in Spanish, Portuguese, Korean and English. “Jesus Loves Me” was sung in Korean. Julia Foxwell, a member of Immanuel Church and a native of Panama, translated throughout the service.