While covering the religion beat for more than eight years, I have written profiles on more than 300 places of worship in the central San Joaquin Valley -- and one congregation stands out for reasons that readers probably wouldn't imagine.
Liberty Baptist Church in northeast Fresno had just eight visitors when I paid a visit in September 2007, including me and The Bee's photographer. But that didn't stop the church's pastor, the Rev. Jose Miano, from giving his sermon as if he were preaching to hundreds.
Miano explained that the congregation had been going through a split over doctrinal issues since its first service Sept. 10, 2006, at Liberty Elementary School. Time apparently healed the wounds.
Miano now reports the congregation has grown to 60, including 23 families. And he says many are excited about celebrating the church's third anniversary with a special service at 11 a.m. Sept. 13 at the church, 8681 N. Chestnut Ave. A tri-tip lunch will follow the service.
"We are expecting God to open windows of heaven on that day," Miano wrote in a recent e-mail.
Details: (559) 299-3453 or libertyfresno.com.
Honoring Eller
This week's opening of the Central California Blood Center's Jenny Eller Donor Center on West Herndon reminds me of the strong faith that Eller showed in her final years.
She died Oct. 28, 1995, after a battle with leukemia. She was 21.
In spring 2002, I visited her at then-Valley Children's Hospital on East Shields Avenue. She was a Bullard High School softball player, having chemotherapy treatments and showing remarkable faith as the blood center's ambassador. I was a Bee sportswriter interviewing her for a story.
"Jenny, how are you able to remain so full of hope?" I asked.
She flipped open her Bible and recited Philippians 4:13: "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."
Eller's legacy lives on at a donor center named after her.
With open arms
Temple Beth Israel goes to great lengths to welcome new members.
At the Havdalah service/potluck dessert at 8 p.m. next Saturday, synagogue officials will light an outdoor campfire and welcome new members with roasted marshmallows. Afterward, they will gather at Slichot service at 10 p.m.
Hope in tough times
Fresno Community Bible Fellowship will present a women's conference on hope in tough times.
The Women of Hope Conference 2009 will be held 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. next Saturday in the Satellite Student Union at Fresno State.
Speakers include Sharifa Stevens, admissions counselor at Dallas Theological Seminary, and her sister-in-law Shannon Stevens, also of Dallas. Cost is $50. Details: (559) 275-4126 or 970-4199.
Anniversary Mass
Bishop John T. Steinbock of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno will preside at the Anniversary Mass at 10 a.m. next Saturday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E. Champlain Drive. The event recognizes couples celebrating their wedding anniversary milestones. Details: (559) 434-7701.
'90 Minutes in Heaven'
Don Piper, author of "90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Life and Death," will be the main speaker at the Reedley-based Choice Books of West Coast dinner and fundraiser at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 17 at Grand Occasions Catering & Banquets, 4582 W. Jacquelyn Ave. Cost is $30. Reservations must be made by Friday. Details: 638-1745.
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