For more than five years, Grace Covenant has been honored to befriend and provide worship space for an emerging Hispanic congregation in our community. The congregation was initially gathered and continues to be lead by Martin Luna, an Oak Ridge National Laboratories Credit Union Service Officer.
Martin (pronounced Marteen) Luna is a native of Mexico, born in Morelia, Michoacan. He immigrated to the U.S. at age 12 and grew up in California and Florida where he was active in Hispanic Apostolic Assembly churches. In Florida, Martin received a technical school diploma as a Specialist in Office Systems and was certified as an Associate in Theology by the Florida Apostolic Bible College. He and his wife Martha, also a native of Mexico, have two delightful children, Jasmine and Jaden.
The congregation, now in its sixth year, gathers for worship at 1:30 p.m. on Sundays and for study and music on various evenings throughout the week. Services are conducted in Spanish, although Martin and Martha and some in the congregation also speak English.
The relationship of Grace Covenant Church and LUAPA may appear to be a strange mix to some. Differences in language, culture, race, and denominational roots have raised questions about how such different people can come together. Grace Covenant Church is interdenominational and committed to embracing diversity in Christian faith. Both Grace Covenant and the LUAPA congregation share one faith in Christ and are a part of the one body of Christ--the church. Enriched by the mutual respect and friendship that have emerged over our years together, we look forward with anticipation to the continuing bond in ministry we will share in years to come.
