On October 28, 2018 Gabriel Pennington was ordained at Pleasant View Mennonite Church near Hydro, Oklahoma.  About two years ago Gabriel and his wife Christa moved back to Oklahoma after he graduated from Anabaptist Mennonite Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana so that he could serve as Associate Pastor at Pleasant View.     Lead pastor, Jeff Selzer gave the message during the Sunday morning service and Regional Conference Minister, James Wenger conducted the ordination service.  As part of the service each of the Elders of the church gave Gabriel a gift explaining a blessing that God wants to give Gabe as he serves.  A fellowship meal followed the service.  As a hobby and a ministry opportunity, Gabe serves as a volunteer coach for the wrestling team at the high school in Weatherford.  Gabe and Christa are also foster parents at the present time for two children.

On October the 6^th the congregations of UCIM met together at Fuente de Agua Viva to celebrate and give appreciation for the tremendous work done by Conrado and Ester Hinojosa. All of the congregations of the UCIM District were represented. There were about 150 persons present and many speakers who, given 5-10 minutes, spoke about Conrado and Ester. Conrado has had a hand in the existence of most of the congregations in South Texas and Northern Mexico.  Starting in the early 70s, when the only churches were in Corpus, Alice and Mathis, Conrado and Ester decided to plant a Mennonite Church in Brownsville, Texas. The congregation grew and Conrado proved his leadership and lobbying skills as he lead the district (including Northern Mexico), to great growth. Many of the pastors in South Texas owe their accomplishments and spiritual growth to this couple. It was fitting that UCIM and it’s congregations take time to let our pastors know what an excellent job they did. Surely the Lord will say to them as we see in Mathew 25:21 Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!

On October the 6^th the congregations of UCIM met together at Fuente de Agua Viva to celebrate and give appreciation for the tremendous work done by Conrado and Ester Hinojosa. All of the congregations of the UCIM District were represented. There were about 150 persons present and many speakers who, given 5-10 minutes, spoke about Conrado and Ester. Conrado has had a hand in the existence of most of the congregations in South Texas and Northern Mexico.  Starting in the early 70s, when the only churches were in Corpus, Alice and Mathis, Conrado and Ester decided to plant a Mennonite Church in Brownsville, Texas. The congregation grew and Conrado proved his leadership and lobbying skills as he lead the district (including Northern Mexico), to great growth. Many of the pastors in South Texas owe their accomplishments and spiritual growth to this couple. It was fitting that UCIM and it’s congregations take time to let our pastors know what an excellent job they did. Surely the Lord will say to them as we see in Mathew 25:21 Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!