Welcoming congregations
do make a difference

By Miguel Ahumada
Pharr UMC
When I visited Pharr UMC for the first time, one of its members invited me to a Bible study on a Thursday afternoon. At first I found myself playing the guitar and helping the pastor with the interpretation of the message in Spanish. I liked the atmosphere very much—the moments of study and the fellowship.
It was not until two or three months later that I visited the church for the first time on a Sunday. I was received very well with a lot of attention and kindness.
At the door I was received by Dorothy Evans. I came in and sat down in the section near the altar, although I did not know anyone there. The worship music was traditional, and I didn’t sing much with a hymnal, but I was rapidly able to enter into worship through the music. 
The service ended, and I thought, “Good. They were very friendly, and everything looked good for my first time to attend.”
I didn’t go back for several weeks, but when I did, Dorothy welcomed me at the door again. She was very friendly, just like before. I stretched my hand to shake her hand, and she asked me how I had been doing. I think she has a special gift of making people feel welcome. I felt more confident in my visit to the church this time.
I attended the church for a year, sitting in the back. I met other friendly people, like Minta, who invited me to participate in the Holy Communion. I recall that she said to me, “You don’t have to be a member to participate in the Holy Supper. It is for everyone.”
Her invitation encouraged me. I had wanted to participate, but I didn’t know if I could.
I became a member after participating for one year, and to this day, I feel impacted with the love of God in this town. 
I don’t sit in the back portion of the church anymore. Now I participate during the service in different manners, and Pharr UMC has given me very meaningful support so that I can enter the ministry.