Loving the World: Pastor Delfils Brings Message of Inspiration to FPC from Haiti

PASTOR DELFILS

Brings Message of Inspiration to FPC from Haiti

Pastor Delfils and his family at the Alamo

RPC Haiti, led by Pastor Octavius Delfils, has been an FPC Global Missions Partner for about five years. In that time, their country has suffered the hardships of political instability, barriers to education, ongoing and widespread poverty, and the continued aftermath of natural disasters that have shaken the country. In the midst of all of those challenges, Pastor Delfils has remained steadfast in sharing the hope-filled and transformative news of the Gospel in Haiti. He serves as a pastor at church plants in Port-auPrince and La Gonave, leads classes at the Adoration Christian Centre, trains church leaders in Haiti, and is working - in partnership with other Reformed congregations to create a local Presbytery.

I really enjoyed meeting and hearing from Pastor Delfis and his family. They provided a lot of perspective on what life and ministry is like in Haiti. I was inspired by the way that they have faced and overcome challenges, using them to propel their faith in God. – Jake McKenzie

The FPC Family was blessed to spend time with Pastor Delfils and his family this past February. Pastor Delfils shared testimony in worship services, at a Sunday school class, and in a special evening worship opportunity with our Young Adult Community and University Students. Through his visit, our church family was humbled by the faithfulness of the Delfils Family and their firm hope in Christ as they lead faithfully and sacrificially in Haiti. We were joyful to hear about the work of Adoration Christian Centre as they raise up the next generation of children who are receiving a gospelcentered education to which they would not otherwise have access. We were grateful to learn of the growing church that is discipling new believers and equipping new leaders to advance the gospel in Haiti.

It was a privilege getting to witness the work of Jesus through the Delfils’ testimony. They have faced challenges many of us could never fathom and they have responded with an unwavering faith that left me humbled and inspired. – Emily McLoughlin

As our Young Adults and University students were able to hear from Pastor Delfils, they heard testimony that challenged and convicted them to stay grounded in the word, faithful in prayer, and obedient to God’s will for their lives.

For me, meeting Pastor Delfils and his family was a much-needed reminder that the body of Christ transcends all borders. As I heard about the ways God is working in Haiti, I was extremely encouraged but also convicted as I realized how often I neglect to pray for Christians around the world." – Kevin Delano

To learn more about Pastor Delfils and RPC Haiti, or to connect, please contact richdelano@outlook.com or lindsays@fpcsat.org.

Watch videos of Pastor Delfils speaking at fpcsanantonio.org/delfils

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH WELCOME TO SPRING

BESTY ZACHRY

President, Women of the Church

What a great time of year—with trees and flowers blooming— the promises of new life and hope found only in our Resurrected Lord are observed in so many ways as we begin to come out from under the shroud of a pandemic and the challenges associated with a week-long surge of winter weather.

Now we can focus on celebrating Easter, knowing that despite the difficulty faced by many during this past year, we probably cannot imagine—even in the most difficult of times—the complete loss of hope Jesus’ followers experienced as they laid His lifeless body in a tomb. They endured the three darkest days in mankind’s history. Reflecting on what those three days must have meant to those early Christians, I realized how blessed I am to be surrounded by fellow Believers and to be a part of a Church family. We are meant to live in community and to share His love with others. For me, every opportunity to gather—in person—has brought great joy and the realization it is not to be taken for granted. Women of the Church continues to carry on its programs trusting in God’s provisions. We celebrated the Spring Luncheon with a wonderful speaker, Megan Legacy, of SA Hope Center. She is an inspirational speaker and an absolute delight to converse with. Chef Maurilio and his staff did a fabulous job as always and Janie Jimenez and her industrious staff had everyone safely seated in Westminster. Thank you, too, Catherine Whitsett, for pulling together the beautiful Mexican churches (intended for Judy Kruger’s 2020 Spring Luncheon that sadly never happened) and adding her flair for fun to create beautiful tables. So many people worked hard to bring this together—Susan Dullnig, Ross Brown, Dorothy Hecimovich, Hank Cherry, and our wonderful reservationists, Meg Culp and Morgan Fuller! We are looking forward to our Ladies Night Out-side on Tuesday, April 13th. With the success of last fall’s LNO format, Chair Nancy Scheifele and her committee have created a similar set-up with 10 -12 women enjoying the evening together outside on patios around

the city. You will not want to miss the fun! Interested in hosting or attending? Nancy may be reached at: 210-315-1618 or bbnn. scheifele@gmail.com. Women of the Church will be honoring our wonderful Church pastors and staff on Wednesday, April 21st. Pat Stanley, Toni Legrand, Judith McNeel and Anne Scates will serve up food and fun. If you wish to support this opportunity to love on these special people, please contact one of these ladies. Looking ahead, we will be celebrating the passage of yet another year with the May Coffee with Barbara Wood and her committee hosting a fun morning in the backyard of Carolyn Johnson. Make sure to add Wednesday, May 5th to your calendar now! God bless each one of you! Happy Easter!

WOMEN OF THE CHURCH

April Circle Schedule

Circle Number Circle Theme Regular Meeting Info

Circle 1/12 Bible Circle Monday, April 12 | 10:30 AM FPC Geneva Room

Circle 5 Shawl Ministry

Friday, April 16 | 10:00 AM FPC Room 228 Circle 6 Bible Circle Tuesday, April 20 | 1:30 PM FPC Geneva Room Additional Info

Circle chairs will be in contact with details. Circle chairs will be in contact with details. Circle chairs will be in contact with details.

Circle 7 Bible Circle Tuesday, April 13 | 11:30 AM

Circle 8 Mom's Group No formal meeting planned this month.

Circle 9 Bible Circle Tuesday, April 20 | 10:30 AM Circle chairs will be in contact with details.

Circle chairs will be in contact with details.

Circle 11 Bible Circle Monday, April 19 | 6:30 PM

Circle 13 Literature Circle Tuesday, April 13 | 1:30 PM Westminster Hall & fpcsanantonio.org/lit-circle

Circle 14 Bible Circle Monday, April 12 | 12:00 PM FPC St. Andrew’s Room

Circle 18 Circle of Concern Circle 20 Circle of Service No formal meetings: Opportunity for service throughout the year No formal meetings: Opportunity for service throughout the year Circle chairs will be in contact with details.

Open to women & men; April Book: Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen, by Sarah Bird Circle chairs will be in contact with details.