The Spanish Work in Madera
1996-1998

In 1996, the West-Ark congregation sent Vince & Gretta Payne to Madera, California, to begin a stateside mission directed toward those who speak Spanish in that area. This was done in cooperation with a local Church of Christ in Madera. When Vince & Gretta arrived on 1 February 1996, the Spanish congregation had 4 people meeting regularly. By mid-1998 the numbers grew, with fluctuations from 15 to 48. The congregation was composed of resident Hispanics (who account for roughly 60% of Madera's population) and migrant farm workers. As a result, the number of people in attendance varied from week to week.

Many people will be in Madera for only a few months each year. Others may never return to that area. However, these circumstances help to spread the Gospel. As the mature believers and recent converts travel to other areas, including Central and South America, they take with them the Gospel, God's power to save.

In June of 1998, Vince accepted the position as the full-time pulpit minister for the English congregation. He, his wife, and family remained in Madera working with both English and Spanish-speaking Christians. Vince, Gretta, and daughter Bryanna moved to Panama in 2008.

May God be glorified by the work of His children.