An Update From The Pastoral Family

An update from the Garay Family:
As many of you are aware, the last few years have been a rollercoaster of sorts for Cely’s health. Along with increasingly intense and frequent migraines, she also suffers from an autoimmune disease. Most recently (in January), a blood clot was found in her lung which led to more medications and further tests that brought to light some areas of concern that become more prevalent and difficult when exposed to the cold and the varying changes in the seasons.

After much prayer, discerning, tears, and doctor recommendations, we have made the difficult decision to relocate to Florida in June. As you can imagine, we are sad to leave our beloved Urban Poiema Church, and the amazing people that this ministry is composed of. However, God has provided confirmation to us in several ways that this is the best step for our family. We will be pastoring a church in Florida, but will also have the opportunity to provide the best environment for Cely to recover and receive healing in Jesus’ name.

As the founding pastors of Urban Poiema Church, we feel proud of our directors and leaders for all of the amazing work they have done right alongside us, and for the work they will continue to do when this transition takes place.

1 Corinthians 3:6-11 says, “6 I planted the seed,Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

The best is yet to come for sure. Our love and appreciation for Urban Poiema Church is too great for words. We love you all. We expect to hear great things!

In Him,

Pastor Juan, Cely, Dariana and Markito