HOME BIBLE STUDY IMPACTS SOUTH FLORIDA AND BEYOND

by Abel Paulín
Adriana and Jorge Guarisma, and their three children, responded to a friend’s invitation to visit Davie Spanish Company one Sabbath morning. Afterward, feeling well-received and comfortable, the Guarisma family decided to return.
Pastor Demetrio Hernandez visited in their home. He began to study the Bible with them which later evolved into a small group study that meets every Wednesday night in the Guarisma home.
After a time of fellowship and Bible study, Adriana, two of her children, and her niece, Alexandra, made their decisions to accept Jesus and be baptized. Adriana also shared her new-found love for Jesus with her sister, Mila Ramirez, who lives in Venezuela.
Deciding she wanted to be baptized with her sister, Mila traveled to the United States, and the two sisters were baptized together in the Davie church on August 9, 2014. Adriana’s husband, Jorge, also made his decision for Christ and was baptized October 18.
When Mila came from Caracas, she brought Alexis Corrales; his wife, Lilian; and their two sons to witness her baptism. While in Florida, they all participated in the weekly small group meeting.
Returning to Venezuela, Mila invited family and friends to her home in central Caracas to participate by video conference with the Guarismas and Pastor Hernandez in the weekly Bible study. Alexis and his family, who live in southwest Caracas, are also participating in the Bible study via video conference. Mila and Alexis attend church each Sabbath in their respective communities.
Using the material provided by Pastor Hernandez and the Davie church, Mila holds a Monday night Bible study group at her house with 10 people attending. Through the witness of the Guarisma family, the Word is growing and multiplying.
A welcoming church that makes guests feel comfortable, the availability of small group Bible studies, and the use of modern technology are effective ways that can be employed in reaching a city for Christ.