Elkton Hispanic group receives church status, celebrates paying off mortgage

On the morning of February 17, 2024, friends and members of the Elkton, Ky., Hispanic Church, along with Kentucky-Tennessee Conference (KYTN) officials, rejoiced in a special dedicatory service as the company transitioned to a church. The congregation also participated in a meaningful note burning ceremony, symbolizing the fulfillment of their financial commitment in paying off the church’s mortgage.

The Elkton Hispanic Church originated as a church plant from the Springfield Hispanic, Tenn., Church, holding its inaugural meeting on March 24, 2015, at the residence of church elder, Paco Cajija. Before this milestone, members undertook weekly journeys of over 40 miles every Sabbath to join the Springfield Hispanic Church for worship.

Starting with only 10 members, the then mission group conducted Bible studies, evangelistic meetings, and extended warm invitations to friends. Their commitment bore fruit, and on March 22, 2016, they attained official recognition as a company.

“[The church members] were always focused on the mission, consistently welcoming visitors and engaging in missionary work,” said Pastor Natan Delima. Delima, who now serves as a pastor at the Texas Conference, was the first pastor for the Elkton Hispanic Church plant. "Another remarkable blessing was the continuous support from the Mother Church—they were never left alone in their journey."

In 2017, having previously rented a space from the Elkton Nazarene Church, the Elkton Hispanic Church was finally able to purchase their own temple. Despite the considerable need for repairs in the purchased building, members eagerly volunteered to work on it, driven by their determination to both contribute to its restoration and ultimately complete the mortgage payments. This goal was achieved six years later, in December of 2023.

“From day one, God blessed us tremendously,” Cajija said. “Even when we, as human beings, failed God, He never failed us. It’s been such a privilege seeing our church grow and being a part of this journey.”

The dedicatory service included a ribbon cutting ceremony, a history presentation of the church and a note burning commemoration. KYTN administration, alongside the conference Hispanic Coordinator Armando De Leon, had a special prayer for the church’s journey ahead.

“Our church is made up of humble but loving people,” said Hector Garcia, the current pastor at the Elkton Hispanic Church. “The truth is they love Jesus very much above all things. They have a deep desire to continue growing, and by God’s grace we will continue doing His mission work.”

Currently, the Elkton Hispanic Church has 42 baptized members and averages a bit over 50 people in attendance each Sabbath. Their upcoming goals include building a gym for the church to hold social events and to conduct more outreach projects in their neighboring communities.