How do you reach people who aren’t interested in church?
It’s a question many church planters wrestle with, especially in New England where many people have little connection to a local church.
For Jhorman Rivera, that question became especially important as he began reaching out to the Hispanic community in downtown New England. As a Dominican, Jhorman thought about something familiar and meaningful to his culture: dominoes.
He began wondering, How could a game of dominoes help me reach people with the gospel?
That question led to a Thursday night domino club at the church. What began with Jhorman’s family and a few church members soon became an unexpected opportunity for outreach. Today, two families are connected to the church because they first came to play dominoes.
For Jhorman, it’s a reminder that God can use even the simplest things to open doors for the gospel. Because the dominoes themselves aren’t the point. The relationships are.
By creating a natural place for people to gather, talk, and build friendships, Jhorman is finding new opportunities to share the gospel with people who might never otherwise walk through a church door.
As Jhorman continues revitalizing the English-speaking congregation of Pleasant St. Baptist Church, establishing a Spanish-speaking congregation there, and helping plant a Spanish-speaking church in East Boston, we’re thankful for the experience and vision he brings to our NEU family.
