Dennis and LeeAnn Luker Visit Brethren in Latin America

Posted on Mar 11, 2012 by Mario Seiglie

On their first trip to Latin America, Dennis and LeeAnn Luker visited three countries—Mexico, Argentina and Chile. The brethren there were greatly looking forward to the visit by the president of UCG, and it proved to be very spiritually uplifting.

The Lukers arrived in Mexico City on Thursday, Jan. 26, and were met by Mario and Caty Seiglie, Dan Tenorio, a deacon in the Mexico City church, Israel Tenorio his brother, and his son, Israel, Jr.

On Friday, they toured the city and also the Toltec pyramids an hour away from the capital. On the Sabbath, 49 members were present, and Mr. Luker delivered a very inspiring sermon, “God’s Five Great Promises.” After dinner, they watched a Mexican folkloric show with colorful dances from the different regions in Mexico.

On Sunday, they took a flight, accompanied by the Seiglies, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. On Monday evening they met several of the Argentine members and were able to answer questions the members had. Although few in number, they are very enthusiastic with what United is providing them—the church literature, the Beyond Today program translated in Spanish, sermon tapes and visits from the pastor in Chile, Jaime Gallardo.

On Thursday, they flew to Santiago, Chile, and on Friday they were given a tour of the city and also of the newly-rented church building, which will provide a church hall and offices. On the Sabbath, 110 brethren met for Sabbath services, and Mr. Luker gave a very encouraging sermon, “Servant Leadership as Christ Leads.” That evening, the youths of the church presented a folkloric show with dances and singing. One member commented about the warm-heartedness of the Lukers and their willingness to greet everyone with an affectionate hug.

The Lukers returned to the U.S. on Sunday, Feb. 5.

Mario Seiglie

United Church of God Pastor

Mr. Seiglie was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States when he was a child. He found out about the Church when he was 17 from a Church member in high school. He went to Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, and in Pasadena, California, graduating with degrees in theology and Spanish. He serves as the pastor of the Garden Grove, CA UCG congregation and serves in the Spanish speaking areas of South America. He also writes for the Beyond Today magazine and currently serves on the UCG Council of Elders. He and his wife, Caty, have four grown daughters, and grandchildren.