During our time at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, it became clear that God was calling Juan to be a church planter. When we thought about where our family should move to plant a church, it seemed obvious that the Bay Area was the place for us--back home‚ for Juan, where he was familiar with the culture and had many unbelieving friends he wanted to reach. Our previous experience in urban ministry eventually led us to the wonderfully eclectic city of East Palo Alto, where our mission continues to be to build diverse communities that help people meet and follow Jesus. 

We've gradually formed small group Bible studies for men and women as well as an Adventurers Guild club for dads and sons. In addition, we meet monthly for social events and have recently added a monthly communal meal, which includes a brief devotion, prayer time, and communion. We're excited about the ways we see God knitting together people of all colors and economic backgrounds into one community seeking to follow Him together.

Our baby church also has a strong focus on serving our city, a place with a history of economic and social struggles. In its current chapter, East Palo Alto is undergoing rapid gentrification, which is causing economic hardship and insecure housing situations for many families in our neighborhood. We've been able to show Christ's love during this time by serving food at the local food pantry, cleaning and organizing at a home for teen moms, volunteering and building relationships in our neighborhood school, packing and distributing homeless care kits, and coordinating park/street cleanup events.