Congregation members and friends gathered Sunday, April 3, at Cristo Cordero de Dios, Grand Island, as Rev. Jorge Santamaria was installed as pastor of this new congregation.

District President Russ Sommerfeld preached for the service and circuit pastors assisted in celebrating and welcoming this congregation into the District. Members of local congregations, many of whom had connections with this congregation from its early days as a District ministry, were also in attendance.

Chairman of the Nebraska District Board of Directors, Ron Rathe, presented the president of Cristo Cordero, Alberto Ramos, the deed to the church property as a gift from the people of the Nebraska District. The financial gifts of mission-minded people in the Nebraska District made it possible for the Nebraska District to purchase this property in 1996. President Ramos thanked all the people in Nebraska who came together at that time and since to clean, paint, and remodel the old Trinity church building and who donated items for use by the Hispanic ministry.

Following the service, a time of food and fellowship was enjoyed by those in attendance. During this time, many more memories were shared about collaborations between the people of the Nebraska District and the ministry of Cristo Cordero. Praise God for the generous and mission-minded hearts of the people of the Nebraska District in partnership with Cristo Cordero and the many other ministries across Nebraska.

Cristo Cordero joined the LCMS and became the first Hispanic congregation of the Nebraska District in February, 2005.