Posted below are the English versions of the stories that ran in Spanish in the Oct. 18, 2017, edition of El Periódico.
Iglesia Hispana remodeling Lynden house Pastor Ivan Montenegro has a vision for multiplying growth LYNDEN — On Saturday, Oct. 7, a varied crew of volunteers was helping to transform a former funeral home site into the lively base of operations for the rapidly growing Iglesia Hispana movement. Remodel work continues at the 1907 Front St. building, with impacts far beyond as well. Pastor and missionary Ivan Montenegro is in awe of what has happened in just the few years he has devoted himself to being a full-time missionary based in Lynden. He was previously trying to balance being an attorney across the border in British Columbia. “I am so joyful for this because Lynden is my life now and I see so many churches coming together. I see the gospel happening and I see the unity. Unity is what this is all about,” said pastor Montenegro. About a dozen church groups sent workers and funds in a spirit of encouragement and service on that Saturday, said Steve Hortegas, who was involved and used to work for the funeral home. The extensive remodel will continue, with people coming by to help out as they can. New restrooms are needed, as well as upgrades of roof, ceiling, floor and exterior siding to make the house into a worship center. It will not be luxurious, just functional, Montenegro said. Iglesia Hispana is made up mostly of people who are manual laborers working long hours themselves. “Church for us is a community center. (It) is the only thing beside work, a gathering place,” he said. This all began in 2016 when previous property owner Moles Farewell Tributes reduced the price for a sale. Then a church in Taiwan sent $100,000, and another in Texas sent $100,000 to help with materials for the remodel. “God is moving, because my budget is zero,” Montenegro said. A documentary film crew is capturing all this activity and momentum as a story