La Vida Bethania

Templo Bethania is a small latino Assemblies of God Church located in the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego.

Los Pastores

Refugio and Esther Tejada (my in-laws) have been the leaders of this close-knit congreation for over 30 years. This photo was taken in their home before service several weeks after a plumbing failure had flooded their entire home. The original floor was replaced with ceramic tile, Some damaged furniture that earlier held the items now on the floor had yet to be replaced.

Miracle 9-1927

Young families, carrying the third generation to attend under Refugio and Esther's shepherding arrive for Sunday services.

El Maestro

Pastors preparing for worship service in their home at Templo Bethania.

Welcome to Bethania

Refugio is seen here leaving his home on the small gated property that holds the Templo Bethania Chapel.

Don't focus on the irony dripping from a welcome sign on a double bolted metal door to his living quarters. The message is completely sincere. All are welcome here. Refugio is a gentle man of 80 plus years who responds to his calling with passion and grace. After 30 some years in the US, he still lacks confidence in his ability to speak in English, yet he understands almost all of what's spoken. He's an educated man who reads, writes, and studies the complexities of his faith at the deepest levels. And he holds his congregation's rapt attention when he preaches the gospel.

Stained Glass and Oak

Hands of the Pastor

Moved By the Spirit

...and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

This isn't a quiet little church. It's not at all uncommon for worshipers to vocalize their praise and raise their arms to receive the holy spirit that is present among them during services. Speaking in tongues is less common, but not unexpected.

Devotion

Templo Bethania is a family oriented place of worship, even as different generations may approach their adulation and devotion in divergent ways.

In Front of Every Good Woman...

Reggie, standing in front of Esther–an equal spiritual influence and co-leader of the church.

Annointing the Pastors

Refugio and Esther are surrounded by Bethania's worship leaders who are praying for their well-being and asking for God's continued blessing on them.

As a point of personal reference, the beautiful woman in the front row (left) is Refugio and Esther's daughter, and my wife, Becky. Her presence is driven by a sense of respect for family authority, rather than the presence of any deep spiritual conviction.

Receiving grace...

Su Mejor Vida Ahora

In Pastor Tejada's tiny office at the back of the community hall is a bookcase of his most treasured and well-used resources. Among the heavy theological tomes there is room for the latest from Texas megachurch leader, Joel Osteen. An interesting juxtaposition.

Youth Sunday School

Along with the regular services, Templo Bethania includes opportunities for children and teens to participate in classes. As you might expect, the level of engagement and reasons for being there vary significantly.

... a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Really?

A Bethania youth pastor goes over the requirements for youth Sunday School members to qualify for the upcoming trip to Disneyland.

Innocence

The third and fourth generation of Bethania families under Pastores Tejada are among the regular attendees at the weekly children's church classes.

Cocina de amor

In the community kitchen, there's always something cooking. Periodically the community sticks around for an afternoon potluck. There are dozens of authentic Mexican restaurants near here, but the meals at Templo Bethania are beyond compare.

After Worship, Life

After Sunday worship, everyday life slowly resumes. This photo is taken in the driveway outside the church (to the right). The pastors' home is out of the frame to the rear and left. The three women (L to R) on the right are the pastor's two daughters and a close family friend. A church elder acknowledges and thanks a younger community member for attending.

Sign Me Up

Admonition

Parting the Waters

Each of these devotional pieces are on the floor because furniture and carpeting was damaged by burst plumbing.

Los Pastores - Redux

Here is what turned out to be the shortest glimpse of joy in these two dedicated souls in the entire three days of shooting I did at Templo Bethania. They are gentle souls, dedicated to the strength and compassion of their community. But... they seldom show outward signs of joy or affection, content to know it lies within them, expressed through dedication and service to their community.