hayward_inlineEven though the thermometer outside marked 102 degrees in Hayward, California, no Sunday afternoon siesta took place at Iglesia Biblica La Roca. Meeting in the host facility of Fairway Baptist Church, believers of all ages had come to learn and worship with an intense desire to know God and His Word better.

In the hour prior to the worship service, Pastor Carlos Vasquez led a Bible class in which he challenged participants to think deeply about the Scriptures and to make applications. With a broad smile and pointed questions, Pastor Vasquez guided his students to Scriptural truth. Calling on people to share answers, he clarified with “Correcto” or “Incorrecto.” He set such a cordial atmosphere that no one was offended by the incorrectos.

Regular Baptist Ministry staff members Clare Jewell, Darrell Goemaat, and John and Daria Greening thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant worship and skilled Biblical teaching at Iglesia Biblica La Roca during their recent West Coast tour of church plants. In the midst of its joy, the church is also experiencing concern for Pastor Vasquez’s wife, Issa, as she is hospitalized with cancer. At the beginning of the worship service, he gave an update on Issa’s health and the church prayed for her healing. The Vasquezes are missionary church planters with Baptist Church Planters.