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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.

“‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you a stranger and invite you in?’ ... The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” — Matthew 25:35-40

Over 900,000 international students will attend U.S. universities this year. They are strangers in a foreign land, experiencing separation from friends and family and the challenge of navigating a different culture and language. Fortunately, International Students Incorporated (ISI) is there to help them get settled at over 900 university campuses across the U.S.

MCC teams up with the local ISI chapter in serving the University of New Mexico. It is part of our strategy for accomplishing cross-cultural missions right here in our own community. Working with ISI we are able to expose international students to the gospel as well as disciple those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord. Many of these students return home to influential careers, as well as the opportunity to have influence for the gospel.

Welcoming the stranger takes many forms. At UNM alone, ISI has served hundreds of international students through:

• Airport pick-ups for 95 students
• Temporary homestays for 85 students
• Furniture for 480 students
• Friendship partners for 85 students
• Hiking and sightseeing trips for 77 students
• Serving 1,750 lunches at the Welcome Center
• Three home groups meeting weekly
• Forty students attending Bible studies
• Fifteen students being discipled

More important than the statistics is the lasting impact that the welcoming of international students is having. One student started going to church with her host family and after several months made a profession of faith and was baptized. She was discipled for several months before she returned home to Germany. She is now leading a Bible study with six high school age girls, teaching them the truths she learned during her time in the U.S. Another student was introduced to Jesus through his friend who was an ISI volunteer at the English Corner. The student and friend met together regularly and often went grocery shopping. After a short while, the student announced he wanted to follow Jesus. He is now being discipled before he returns home in December. Beyond these two, three other students made a decision to follow Jesus this year through the efforts of ISI.

With ISI we have a unique opportunity to do cross-cultural ministry right in Albuquerque. If you are looking for a new opportunity to serve, there are a lot of different ways to get involved with ISI. If you are interested in helping or want more information contact Vince Tidwell at (505) 413-2647.