Dear First Pres,
Yanelly Solorio-Rivera and her 3-week old daughter, Celine, were tragically murdered last week in their home in Southwest Fresno. I imagine you saw or heard the news. It was a horrible, evil crime that has yet to be solved.
What you may not have known is that Yanelly used to live across the street from Martin Park, the home and ministry hub of Oscar and Julie Rodriguez, members of our congregation. Because of the connection with the Rodriguez family, Yanelly was a regular participant in our ministries over the years. I particularly remember greeting her before or after Wednesday night activities. She often had a big smile on her face.
Yanelly and Celine’s violent death is a stark reminder to us that God’s Kingdom has not fully come from heaven to earth. This is not the way things are supposed to be. And yet, the ministry that Yanelly was part of – the ministries of Martin Park, Bethany Inner-City Church, FPC Fresno, and others – was evidence that the Kingdom of God is here. Yanelly heard the good news of Jesus again and again. She saw the transforming power of the Gospel, and she experienced the Kingdom of God through God’s people who loved her, served her and shared their hope of Christ with her. And, according to those who knew her best, Yanelly responded with faith, which is itself a sign of the Kingdom here as it is in heaven. Praise God that we can entrust Yanelly and Celine into His hands.
Still, Lord, have mercy.
Beloved, our city desperately needs the advancement of God’s Kingdom. It might seem overwhelming. It might seem like nothing ever changes. But we can’t give up. We can’t turn away from a hurting world. We can’t grow cold to the brokenness all around us (or in us). And we can’t let that brokenness overwhelm us. So, what do we do? We keep doing simple, little, faith-filled actions that demonstrate the beauty of God’s Kingdom. We keep responding to God’s incredible grace by loving God, loving neighbors, making disciples and pursuing shalom. Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is like a tiny mustard seed that, when planted, grows to become the biggest plant in the garden. Our work and joy is to sow the seed. God brings His Kingdom.
So, Father, may Your name be hallowed, Your kingdom come and Your will be done, in Fresno as it is in heaven.
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