From a Small Group to a New Life

Story by Stephen Lee

Just one year ago, the First Filipino church launched a Hispanic/Latino ministry to serve its growing Spanish-speaking community. E. Jardiniano, senior pastor, and Rafael Monteiro, volunteer lay pastor, began small Sabbath afternoon gatherings focusing on prayer, Bible study and personal testimony.

What started quietly soon blossomed into a living expression of the New Jersey Conference vision: “World Without Strangers Created by Loving and Lovable People.” That love reached Omer Akyuz.

Born into a Muslim family, Akyuz later abandoned religion all together, identifying as an atheist. But when a friend invited him to the Spanish small group, something stirred. Through bilingual translation, he listened to testimonies, felt the warmth of the community and encountered the love of Christ—unfiltered and undeniable. He kept coming. Questions turned into conviction, and over time, he chose to be baptized.

“Akyuz’s journey from Islam to atheism to faith in Jesus is a powerful reminder of what Spirit-led ministry can do,” says Monteiro. “His story embodies the mission of Pentecost 2025: to reach every heart with the gospel through community, compassion and the power of the Holy Spirit.”