On Jan. 5, 2008, Shalom, a daughter congregation of Van Nuys Spanish church opened in the Reseda-Northridge community with more than 100 people in attendance. Due to lack of space during the two services, church members and leaders soon began dreaming of opening a new place where the gospel could be preached with more room for growth than could be found in the parent church.

The dream was placed in prayer for about 16 months until finally, as 2008 began, it became a reality. On the opening Sabbath, Sabbath school superintendent Orlando Chinchilla made a symbolic cake, with ingredients representing the different ministries of the church. “As this cake needs all these ingredients to be tasty,” he said, “so our church needs to be united to accomplish the preaching of the gospel.”

Some 55 members of the Van Nuys church committed to serve at Shalom and help with the work of evangelism in that community. Membership of the new group, Spanish Shalom, is composed of mostly young families and single young adults. “This project will give a great opportunity for our young people to develop leadership in both Shalom and in Van Nuys,” said Marvin Noguera, an elder.

“I am happy to serve in this project,” said Cristina Cuestas, a youth leader. “It seems like God has been blessing us from the very beginning.”

Shalom members are united in their gratitude to Emmanuel Covenant Church for sharing their facility with them — and the feeling is mutual. “We are thrilled to work together with the Adventist church,” said Emmanuel’s Pastor Terry Kenny, “to reach this community for Jesus.”

It is the concerted prayer of Shalom members that God will continue to use them to bring people to the feet of Jesus Christ until He returns.

Shalom meets at 17645 Saticoy St., Northridge, for Sabbath school at 9:30 a.m. and their worship service begins at 11 a.m. A youth meeting is scheduled weekly, one hour before sunset, and prayer meetings are on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. All services are in Spanish. For more information, call 818-782-8498.