New position will strengthen Hispanic/Latino church starts

As the Hispanic/Latino population in North Texas continues to grow rapidly, the NTC is taking steps to strengthen effectiveness in starting more new churches for this important part mission field. To further enhance this effort, Liliana Pena has been named to the administrative staff assisting Dr. Jim Ozier Director of New Church Development and Transformation.

Pena was born in Columbia and grew up in the Garland area. She brings excellent bilingual skills and sensitivity to Hispanic Ministry to her position. She is scheduled to graduate at the end of next year from The University of North Texas and is contemplating entering seminary. She also has business/administrative experience at Neiman-Marcus.

Presently, Pena is active in children’s and youth work in the Hispanic ministry at Casa Linda UMC, Dallas. The area of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation does its administrative work with three part-time staffers targeted to specific areas of need: Pena in Hispanic/Latino churches; Holly Wright in Congregational Transformation; and Deniece Mason in New Church administration.