La Familia
A Journey into the Soul of a Family
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José Alba Cruz
José Alba Cruz
José is originally from Mexico City. Now he lives with his family in La Mesa, California.
La Mesa, California is 9 miles from downtown San Diego. It is 20 miles from the Mexican border.
Jimmy Steele
Lead Pastor, The Hill Church
Jimmy Steele
Lead Pastor, The Hill Church
Jimmy Steele pastors The Hill Church
in La Mesa.
When he and his congregation saw that their community was changing, they asked God for witnessing opportunities.
They wanted to share the Gospel with people who in the past might have felt out of place in a church like theirs.
For 14 years, José and his family have lived in a small apartment less than one mile from The Hill Church.
In 2017, they met church members for the first time who invited them to a church service.
José and his wife visited the church, and then decided to bring their daughter Nataly.
They forced her to go.
For 14 years, José and his family have lived in a small apartment less than one mile from The Hill Church.
In 2017, they met church members for the first time who invited them to a church service.
José and his wife visited the church, and then decided to bring their daughter Nataly.
They forced her to go.
Nataly Alba
Nataly Alba
Women from the church took an interest in Nataly.
After several months of meals, hang out time, and after-school Starbucks runs with ladies from the church, Nataly came home one evening and made an announcement.
For a 15-year old girl who once readily admitted to being angry and mad and “not liking people,” the change in Nataly was immediate and noticed by all.
On October 7, 2018, Jimmy Steele baptized Nataly. It was a day she and her family will never forget.
On October 7, 2018, Jimmy Steele baptized Nataly. It was a day she and her family will never forget.
Since that day, José and the rest of his family have been sharing the story of how a relationship with Jesus changed Nataly.
Now, with encouragement from the congregation, Nataly is sharing her faith with her teachers and friends at school.
José has led a co-worker to Christ.
And God’s family in La Mesa keeps growing larger.
En La Mesa, la Familia es hermosa. Siempre.
In La Mesa, the Family is beautiful. Always.