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“The men from Juntos are the only positive guys that my kids have ever been around. They are the only good example they have.” Karen and I stood in her apartment parking lot talking about her four boys. She was telling me that the three youngest weren’t allowed to play outside anymore because they kept getting in trouble and fighting with neighborhood kids. Her oldest has chosen to live with his dad and is spending his days and nights on video games. She was clearly overwhelmed by the situation – three young boys cooped up in a small space in 100+ degree weather while she is trying to make ends meet. “Any time there is anything happening at Juntos, please come take them!”  

This summer Karen’s boys participated in Kids Club, summer camp at CrossBarX Youth Ranch, sports camp at Highland High School and two of them met with their mentors weekly. Her oldest, now in high school, spoke weekly with a Juntos volunteer who is discipling him.  

As the school year kicks off they will all attend weekly Rally Nights at Juntos (our Monday large group outreach), continue to meet one on one with their mentors through the Juntos Mentors program, and participate in tutoring and outdoor opportunities with godly volunteers. Her oldest son will have the opportunity to participate in leader training with other young high school students.    

Programs are not our focus at Junto, but, rather, we call them “a vehicle for relationship.” Through them, the Lord has provided wide open doors into families like Karen’s. As we build trusting relationships, the Gospel naturally flows and there are many opportunities to share the transforming love of Christ.

Although Juntos is a youth leadership program, we believe that the Lord has put us in a position to minister to whole families. As a reminder, “At Juntos we believe that whole families and entire communities can be transformed by young people discovering and living out their God-given purpose.”  

Spending time with Karen’s kids has allowed us develop a deep, trusting friendship with her. This has led to Gospel conversations and a front row seat to the transforming, healing, and restoring work of Christ in her family.

A Sunday school teacher of mine once said “you become like the people you surround yourself with.” While I’m certain she isn’t the first person to have quoted this, her words ring true to me today more than ever before. The path set before the Christian is not a solitary road. Despite what the world may tell us, being alone, aloof, and autonomous is not a symbol of strength of Character.  Self-sufficiency can be the bane of humility.

I was blessed to spend 9-months at a gap year program in Pine Mountain, Georgia. This program, called Impact360, walked me through books, experiences, and disciplines, all which grew me in my walk with the Lord. While these practices were incredibly valuable and have transformed my relationship with the Lord, it’s not any of the assignments, trips, or even the habits which stand out to me in retrospect. 

What stands out to me as the most influential part of my time in Georgia, is the people. 

This brief 9-month span of life brought me into contact with the heart of Jesus through the amazing community I was able to live life alongside. I was able to see a large group of young adults, all friends and peers of mine, living not for themselves, but for God. Being immersed in that culture alone began to shape and transform my desires. Jesus met me at some of my lowest points through my community. The Lord brought specific brothers and sisters in Christ alongside me to encourage, convict, and point me back to Him. These believers spoke truth and life into me and the Lord used their faithful witness to demonstrate just how vast His love is for me. 

We need other believers in our lives. We cannot walk the path set before us on our own. When we try, we inevitably drift, becoming closed off and hardened people. The life that Jesus calls us to is one where we walk in the light and seek to stir one another up to love and good works.

We need community that is Christ-centered and authentically pointing us to Jesus.  We are called to actively build others up, while also inviting others in and letting them build us up. Regardless of our role, the words of one faithful Sunday school teacher still ring true today: “you become like the people you surround yourself with.” 

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Dolores Jiron, who serves as one of our Women's Community Bible Study leaders. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I’m a Native New Mexican, born and raised in Las Vegas, NM. William and I moved from Las Vegas to Albuquerque after we got married in 1970. In 1997 we moved to the East Mountains and then to Cedar Crest. I consider Cedar Crest my home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

Before I married William, I wanted a career as a hairstylist. Things changed after I got married and I never pursued that dream.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My earliest spiritual influence was my Bible Study Fellowship Leader.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I was raised Catholic. In 1985 my neighbor Sherolynn invited me to B.S.F. I didn’t have any knowledge of the Bible, but I wanted to learn about God’s Word. The first time I attended, I fell in love with Jesus and the Word of God. I know that it was at that point that my conversion took place. All I desired was be in the Word learning all I could. I knew about God and Jesus, but very little about the Holy Spirit. I didn’t know anything about salvation and other Christian terms, but the more I heard and the more I studied, the more I learned about Christianity. I attended B.S.F. for five years and at end of the five years in 1990, I surrendered my life to Christ.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

There are too many to count. The Word of God is my passion. I take every opportunity that God gives me to share His Word with others.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

When I became a Christian, one of my prayers was that He would use me and He has in many ways. I attended a Christian church in Albuquerque where the Lord used me. In 2013 we started attending M.C.C. and He has used me here as well.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge in serving as a Bible study leader?

I don’t see leading Bible studies as a challenge but as a BLESSING! I love serving the Lord and sharing His Word. I think the only challenging thing is that you have to study, study, study, and be prepared. That takes time. 

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I really don’t have time for any hobbies.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Up until this past Christmas, one of my favorite family traditions was getting together with one of my daughters, my daughter-in-law, and some of my granddaughters and making homemade tamales for Christmas. Homemade tamales are the best but making them is time consuming, so, I didn’t take the time to prepare any this past Christmas. I hope to keep this tradition going.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Sundays are my ONLY days off. I love going to church and spending time worshiping with the body of Christ. After that, we come home, eat breakfast, and I spend time in my Bible studies. When time permits, I will rest and take a nap.

What is the perfect meal?

My perfect meal is anything that contains HOT, red or green chili.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

I love the holidays because it’s the only opportunity that our family gets together.  It’s a joyous time with lots of laughter.

We asked William the following questions: 

What is your favorite trait of Dolores?

Her smile, her personality and above all her love for the Lord.

What is something Dolores does that will always make you smile? 

All the ways that she blesses me make me smile, but especially when she brings me a dessert from the grocery store.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Sharon Albonico, who is one of the leaders for the Women's Community Bible Study. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in central Illinois and I still consider it where I came from, but my home is where I live now.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream

I wanted to be a mom when I was a little girl. I was blessed to have 4 boys.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My earliest spiritual influence were my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I am so thankful that they all loved God and following him was the most important thing in their lives.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I was called to Christ when I was 15 years old. I awoke one night with His presence. He asked me to follow him, and I did.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

“Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?"

What are the blessings and challenges you have leading women's Bible study? 

The deep friendships and growing togetherness are the blessings. Prayers for wise discussions and the truth are the challenges.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I like to walk in the woods frequently. I like to make baby quilts for my grandchildren when they are born. I read historical novels and Christian novels, along with other types of stories. I also love to go camping when possible.

What is your favorite family tradition?

I enjoy cooking meals for family dinners when they can come to visit us.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

All my days are off as I am retired!

What is the perfect meal?

My perfect meal? Dessert is important. I do love dark chocolate salted caramels.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

The innocence of small children.

We asked Sergio: What is your favorite trait of Sharon?

My favorite trait of Sharon is that she loves God.