The Central Valley church was organized on Nov. 20 as an official church in the Arizona Conference, subject to the vote of the constituency.

The church was born out of a dream that Gary Venden, senior pastor of the Glendale church, had for a Hispanic congregation in the Glendale area.

Substantial growth took place under the leadership of Pastor Virgilio Huerta which included the purchase of a new church property.

During the organization ceremony, Arizona Conference President Duane McKey challenged the church congregation to become actively involved in evangelism, especially in the "Mega Arizona" campaign that continues to win people by the hundreds.

During his prayer of dedication for the new church leaders, newly-appointed Pastor Abimael Escalante, asked for God's blessing to be poured out on this leadership team as they began their mission as a new church.

"This is a wonderful occasion," said Tony Anobile, executive secretary of the Arizona Conference, "We see the fulfillment of Gary Venden's dream for a substantial Hispanic presence in Glendale. I have no doubt that this church will double in membership very quickly, and we praise God for His leading."