On Oct. 1, Vista Grande Baptist Church became one of Carson Valley's newest churches.
After 18 years of church planting among U.S. military communities in England, Scotland and Germany and four years as a pastor in Cheyenne, Wyo., pastor Jean-Paul Escalera and his wife, Melody, have come to Carson Valley to begin a new Baptist church. They are excited about what the future holds and look forward to serving and ministering to the people in this area.
"We appreciate the warm and friendly welcome we have received in the community. We chose the name "Vista Grande Baptist Church" for two reasons," said Pastor Escalera. "Vista Grande means 'grand view' and Carson Valley certainly has that and is truly a beautiful place. However, the real 'grand view' is looking forward to eternity in Heaven with the Lord!"
He believes that everyone needs the great homes: a Heavenly home, a Christian home and a church home.
"Only Jesus Christ can make these possible. My goal is to preach His wonderful gospel and to share timeless truth with eternal impact," he said.
Escalera was born in the city of Pau located in the Southern Basque region of France. He met Melody in Ipswich, England, while serving with the United States Air Force. The Escaleras will celebrate 40 years of marriage in June and have six children and 11 grandchildren.
Vista Grade Baptist Church is presently meeting in the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center meeting room located at 1477 Highway 395 in Gardnerville.
"We have our service at 2 p.m. each Sunday afternoon and in time will begin morning and evening services. Our worship services are Christ centered and family oriented," said Escalera.
VGBC is an independent Baptist church, which means that it is a self-governing church with no ruling body over it. At Vista Grande Baptist Church you will receive a warm welcome and find: "A Place to Belong, A Purpose to Fulfill and a Person to Know."
For further information call Pastor Escalera at 265-2245.
