“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20, NIV

It all began on September 24, 2024, an unforgettable day. At Fishers of Men in Port Isabel, Texas, we held our first Evangelist Training in Spanish. On that day, four women, Alicia, Juana, Melany, and Vianey, stepped out in faith, ready for a journey that would change their lives and the lives of others.

At first, the journey wasn’t easy. The training wasn’t just about translating materials into Spanish. It was about understanding the hearts, culture, and unique needs of the people we were serving. We had to take God’s Word and make it come alive in a way that truly connected with our community in the 956 Area, a place with its own traditions, values, and ways of life. It wasn’t enough to just speak the language; we had to ensure the message of Christ was deeply understood and felt.

We needed to adapt. We learned about the cultural context, traditions, values, and spirit of the people. We translated materials into Spanish, but more importantly, we ensured the training spoke the language of the heart. Every step was a reminder that God’s love goes beyond culture and that His message is timeless. We trusted that He would help us overcome every challenge, big or small.

With each obstacle, we turned to Him for wisdom, creativity, and strength. And, as always, He provided. With pencils, paper, and unwavering faith, we kept moving forward. By November 24, 2024, we were able to send the first group of Spanish-speaking Evangelists into the Rio Grande Valley, not just with knowledge but with a passion to share Jesus’ love in a way that truly connected with their neighbors.

The results have already been amazing. Just a few months later, these four women are doing incredible things. Every Tuesday evening, they lead an ESL class in Port Isabel, where 23 people come together to learn English and experience God’s love. Through these classes, lives are being changed, relationships are forming, and hearts are opening to the Gospel. Alicia also leads a youth group at her home once a month, where the Holy Spirit moves through shared meals, fellowship, and teachings about Jesus.

But here’s where it gets even more amazing. God brought people from the English-speaking congregation at Fishers of Men to join the mission, filling them with a desire to serve. They stepped up, volunteering to help teach the ESL classes, and the classes became even more connected, where people from all backgrounds came together as one body in Christ. And it doesn’t stop there. Alicia and her group are now helping in the classes too, assisting both the teachers and the students. This is truly a beautiful example of how God brings people together to serve and grow in His love.

The impact of this movement is continuing to spread and other congregations in the area are now reaching out, eager to learn about the Evangelist Training and how they, too, can share the Gospel and start new faith communities in their neighborhoods.

We are seeing God work in powerful ways, breaking down barriers and building His kingdom. What began with four women has already touched lives across communities, and the movement continues to grow. The Holy Spirit is stirring hearts, empowering people, and uniting us in ways we never imagined.

And here’s the truth: It is God who is doing all of this. Through His Holy Spirit, He is leading us, guiding us, and strengthening us. His love is what fuels us and connects us across cultures, languages, and communities. We are simply instruments in His hands, doing His work with His power.

To everyone who has been a part of this journey, whether through prayer, support, service, or faithfulness, know this: you are making a difference in Jesus’ name. Your efforts matter. You are part of something much bigger, something filled with God’s love and impacting lives for eternity.

We are just getting started. The work God is doing in the 956 Area is only the beginning, and we are excited for what’s to come. God is good, and He is faithful. Together, with His love as our foundation, we will keep moving forward, knowing that as we walk in His will, He will do even more than we could ever ask or imagine.

The best is yet to come.

Gladys Franco
Texas District Evangelists Training Ministry
Spanish Lead Trainer – Area C