Churches United in Christ for the Comunity (CUICC) continues to thrive as a ‘community first’ organization. Formed in 2025, this local Christian coalition has united Bible-believing churches in the area to host joint community outreach events. One such event was a free holiday community meal, and this past Saturday, the group successfully held its second annual Gospel Jamboree in LaPolt Park. The park buzzed with visitors as lawn chairs spread across the grass while attendees listened to preaching and uplifting gospel music.

Felicita Almodoval eagerly attended the Gospel Jamboree for the second time with her daughter, Brittany. “Last year was just the beginning. The only way to reach the people is to come together,” she remarked. Pastor Kathie Ienuso expressed her joy at the gathering saying, “There is a feeling of unity here. After all these years in this county, God is breaking through. That’s why we keep putting our shield of faith up every day.” Along with her husband, Pastor Rich Ienuso, the two lead Lighthouse Ministries Church on Triangle Road in Liberty.

Pastor Rich’s powerful message of unity resonated with guests who listened intently. His encouraging words, “tie another knot and just hang on,” offered a message of hope. This year, CUICC reached an even wider audience as Pastor Delores Vargas delivered her message of La Palabra de Lucas quince (The Parable of Luke 15) in Spanish.  The Lost Sheep parable tells of a shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost. She shared a personal story about a “gallina” (chicken) she reluctantly searched for when it went missing, highlighting the theme of how much more God searches for us when we stray.

Plans are underway for Pastor Vargas to preach in Spanish at Lighthouse, reaching the growing Hispanic communities in Liberty and the surrounding areas. Volunteers generously prepared free hot dogs and refreshments, ensuring that everyone had enough to eat. Even those who didn’t stay long left with full stomachs. CUICC’s November Thanksgiving dinner served over 100 guests last year, illustrating the organization’s commitment to feeding those in need as a vital community resource. Throughout the year, the organization, composed of nine local churches, collaborates to plan future community events that strengthen their mission and impact.