Jess Bluvan, Kaw Valley Baptist Association
By Jess Bluvan
What opened your eyes to the fields where you serve? What drew you there? How did God call you there?
First, the tug was because I had grown up in a family where ministry and church planting was important. Second, I started to learn about the population in Topeka and the need for Hispanic focused ministry. Finally, I knew that I belonged in ministry and that as a Hispanic American, I could bridge the gap between Hispanic culture and American culture to lead people to a relationship with God. The pieces started to come together in all areas; prayer, family, housing needs, everything and God’s timing was perfect.
When you look at the fields, what do you see? When you see what stirs you? When you see whom do you see?
When I look at our community, I see broken people and poverty in every direction, and I see people who just need to be listened to. I also see people who are “religious” but know no God. Honestly, I see sheep without a shepherd. What stirs me the most about our community is how lost the people are. Hispanic culture is very focused on family and being together, but they often struggle to be a part what they think the world around them is supposed to be about. I want them to know that they can be a part of something when they have God as a part of their lives and a church that helps them grow and supports them.
How ripe has your harvest been? What does this ripeness look like? Who is helping you in the gathering?
The harvest has not always been easy, but God has reminded us that it is important to focus on relationship, responsibility and spiritual maturity. God has given us the heart to press on no matter what the circumstances. We have about sixty who attend regularly and I can see the growth in them spiritually. Now we are working on starting a discipleship program that will help them continue to grow spiritually, but will also give them the tools to reach their co-workers, family members and their community. We are praying that we see growth in the harvest in all areas. There are so many who have helped to make all this possible from sponsor churches willing to jump in, to my director of missions and his team, to those who are a part of making the church run every Sunday. My brother has been a great help in all areas, including youth. We also have great volunteer help from our own church people. My wife has been working with the children from the beginning of our ministry. Recently there has been a need for leadership in our women’s ministry and she has stepped up to fill the need.