Latin American Congregation In Tampa
About three years ago there was a request by a Latin American woman in another city for someone to go to West Tampa and teach the gospel to her mother. Sister Harry Pickup made arrangements for brother Pedro Puig, a Cuban student at Florida Christian College, and brother Griffith Copeland, professor of Spanish at F.C.C. to conduct a Bible class in the home of Mrs. Trini Alfonso. After about three months, Mrs. Alfonso expressed her desire to be buried with her Lord in baptism. During this time several Latin Americans who were already Christians began attending the class and soon it was necessary to have the class in a larger room. The Howard Avenue Church of Christ invited the group to use their building. A little later the Latin American group began meeting on Sunday night also.
Since most of the attendants were women, it was difficult for brother Puig to conduct the whole service. There were others who wanted to attend, but they had no transportation. Brother Copeland decided to put his efforts with the Spanish group regularly to help brother Puig with the services and to furnish transportation.
In November, 1956, Howard Avenue sold its building and moved to Henderson Blvd. There were not enough members nor enough finance among the Spanish people to retain the Howard Avenue property. Then the Habana Avenue church invited the Spanish group to use its property. They continue to meet at Habana Avenue. Since the beginning of this work, five have been baptized and three restored. There are about 15 or 20 who meet regularly. Three of these are not yet members.
They hope by June, 1959 to be able to raise $200 monthly or enough support for brother Puig so that he can devote full time to personal work and preaching.
Churches and individuals who have contributed to this work are: MacDill Avenue; Temple Terrace; Sulphur Springs; and Belmont Heights, all of Tampa; Municipal Airport church in Valdosta, Georgia; and brother E. K. Brown of Miami. Brethren or churches interested in assisting in this work are urged to write Griffin Copeland, 308 Glen Burnie, Tampa 10, Florida.