igor alonso…culture, christ, cafe con leche

This week at 180 Church a new series on Parenthood.

2009-08-06T17:22:00.002-04:00

After 4 children of my own who are all now all adults, and 5 Grand Children, I should be an expert on parenting right? Wrong! The truth is no matter how long you have been a parent, or how much you think you know about parenting, we all need to be reminded of what is the real purpose and priority of parenting.

God said that Children are a blessing from Him, yet so many of us struggle in this area. School did not help. Our parents may or may not have been the right examples, either way, it is up to what we do as parents that can make a difference for generations to come.

Come for the next 4 weeks and learn what God has to say about this most important part of our life. We have several meetings times for your consideration. We meet at:

Doral Middle School
5005 NW 112th Ave
10:00 AM English
11:30 AM Spanish

Or you can go to www.180church.net.

Come and enjoy great contemporary Worship, a friendly environment, and a place where you can be you.

See you on Sunday,

Pastor Igor

University of Miami Hospital

2009-08-03T12:20:00.004-04:00

I suppose if you are going to need surgery, might as well get it done with one of the best. Not just that, it should also be a representation of your sports team... why not?

On September 3rd I will be having my surgery. It may be earlier than that if there are any cancellations. For now this is the date.

One of things I'm learning through this experince, is the true value of relationships. People have so much potential to impact your life. What scripture states is true. When we are connected together and really love each other, we celebrate with those who celebrate and hurt with those that hurt (my personal version).

Thank you all for your prayers and support, and go CANES!

Blessings,

Igor

Putting things in perspective

2009-08-01T09:33:00.002-04:00

The news came in at around 10:00 AM this past Tuesday, July 28th, 2009. It was totally unexpected, since we had received earlier results showing the test had been negative. So needless to say, this was not what anyone expected.

For the first time in my life I heard the words most people fear they would hear... you have cancer. The disease I have been so involved in fighting, through the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, had now invaded my body.

The Doctor very carefully explain the results and my options. He also gave us information and several days to think about what to do next. Here are some specifics you may want to know in case you are curious:

1. On a scale form 1-10, I'm in the 6 range.

2. The recommended treatment is either radiation or a Radical Prostectomy.

3. I'm in no pain, only some discomfort right now.

Grecy and I have considered all our options and have decided to go with the Prostectomy. I will have an DR's appointment on Monday at 8:30 am to start the planning process.

I want to thank all my friends and family who are activelly praying for me and my family. It is because of your prayers and love that I we find strength knowing that God is the ultimate healer and is the one who is in control.

I will write more as things develop. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog and for your continued prayers.

Tomorrow we kick off 180 Church new service time and location. It would be an honor to see many of you come out and support us. The details are posted on this blog. I consider it a privilege to be able to serve my Lord in this capacity. We have many seats available now to be able to make a bigger difference in the Doral/Miami area.

Blessings to you all,

Igor

Doral Middle School Beautification Project

2009-07-25T13:15:00.005-04:00

This week was an incredibly busy week for me. 180 Church hosted the First Baptist Church of San Antonio Chapel Singers here in Doral. They came to help two church planters in the area. 180 Church was selected as the benefactors of this great group of young men and women under the leadership of their Music Pastor Steve Carrol.

Steve led this group in working at our new site at Doral Middle with a landscape beautification project. They invested over $2,000 on the project as well as working 4 days under this hot S. Florida weather. Additionally, they did more than plant trees, they were extremely sensitive to the church administration as they serve. As a result, they made a huge impact for Christ in each and everyone they came in contact with. We will reap these benefits of their labor for years to come.

In addition, The City of Doral, with the help from Councilman Robert Van Name and Eric Carpenter agreed to use One of their Subcontractors to make all 22 holes to plant the Fox Tail Palm Trees. Without the assistance of Villa and Sons it would have been impossible to complete this project. Thank you all for your participation.

I will post the final pictures for all to see in my next post.

I hope you can attend our first service here at out new home.

Doral Middle School.
5005 NW 112Th Ave
10:00 AM English
11:30 AM Spanish

Blessings to all,

Igor

180 Church New Location

2009-07-18T08:34:00.004-04:00

Grecy and I are so excited for our new 180 Church home at Doral Middle School. Yes, we will be there starting on:

Sunday, August 2, 2009
service times are: 10:00 AM (English), and 11:30 AM (Spanish).

Doral Middle School is located at
5000 NW 112th Ave. in Doral.

One of things I have found out through this journey of starting 180 Church is that God's way are always perfect. While some of us (me), may take a longer road to get there, eventually we get there... one way or another.

Just a week ago the principal at the school allowed me to post these signs. I'm grateful to God for His provision and the opportunity to begin this new ministry here in Doral. I went by the school yesterday and noticed all the work they are doing to make the place look nice. The Stage looks great and so does all the floors. In addition, we are doing a landscape beautification project this week to spice up the entry. The church purchased 30 Foxtail palm trees, shrubs, sod, and mulch for this effort. The City of Doral has agreed to help with making the holes on the property. A group of students from First Baptist Church of San Antonio will be here working all week in this project. First Baptist San Antonio has been gracious enough to fund this entire project.

It reminds me of this great verse:

Matthew 6:33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

If you like to come by and check it out, it will be an honor to have you visit with us. If you are already plugged in at your church, that's where you need to be.

Looking forward to what lies ahead,

Igor

Update, Update, update!!!!!!!

2009-05-29T14:48:00.003-04:00

The questions is, what is not happening in our lives lately? Lots of stuff to report:

1. First, we are getting ready to go on vacation. I'm so excited for that, and so is everyone who is going on the trip. Grecy, Jacob, Ashley and baby Darwincito. We are traveling to Argentina and Uruguay. We are so ready for this trip. Lots to do, many plans to recharge and disconnect.

2. Ministry is been difficult lately, but I have seen God's hand more than ever. Doing a series on fearlessness, I think it is intended more for me than for those who are listening. It uses Old Testament characters to explain God's faithfulness and the bravery of those who trust him in very difficult circumstances. This week I'm in the book of Daniel speaking about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendigo found in Daniel 3. When we return from vacation, we have some great things in store for the church. More news to come in July... stay tune.

I'm planning to restart my blogging efforts, after a long break. I have a lot to say and dream about these days. God has been so faithful and always so good. His faithfulness never ceases to amaze me. I'm eternally grateful to Him for the opportunities He gives me each day.

Come check us out this week at 180 Church. Click here for more details.

Hope to continue to catch up with all of you again real soon.

ia

This Year's Doral Relay for Life

2009-04-26T20:09:00.016-04:00

Well, after many months of planning, the Doral Relay for Life event is now offically history. As the first year Event Chair, this year's event was a huge blessings for me.

I got the opportunity to work so many great people, who love to give their time and talents to making a difference. I have learned so much from so many people, and now I get to start all over again and do it one more time.

All the numbers are not in yet, but to date we have collected around $105,000 and counting. I want to thank all the volunteers who cam out and helped. A big shout out to my committee, who worked so hard for over six months to make this happen.

The 180 Church team came out and participated by having their own tent and selling pork sandwiches, arroz con leche, tamales (my dad made them), water and soft drinks. We raised over $1,600... great job!

If you want to be considered on the committee or qwould like to start your own team, drop me a note at igalonso@comcast.net.

More pics to come in the near future.

Thanks,

Igor

No Cafe con leche here

2009-04-21T08:46:00.002-04:00

If Cuban food was so bad for you and fatning, why are so many people here in Green Bay obese? Well, so much for that theory.

nyways, it is cold, cloudy, wet and ugly here today. This reminds me why I'm a tropical kind of guy. That's why I like coming to places like this so that I can be more appreciative of where I do live.

Which reminds me, don't we do that with people and things too?

Just a thought!

Can't wait to get back to the crazyness of S. FL and my darling wife!

I miss you more than I miss the weather!

Enjoy the rain if you are in South Florida, it's not too bad!

To Blog or not to Blog, that is the question.

2009-04-20T08:10:00.002-04:00

It's been right around 4 1/2 month since my last blog. I had one persone who asked, why have yo not blog anymore? Well, that leads me to this special blog on this April 20th, 2009.

I'll make it short and to the point. I have just not fealt like writing lately. That simple.

Regardless of the reason, I'm back now and do plan to continue to blog from time to time. I willing to make a daily, weekly or monthly committment, but will blog more frequesnt than every 4 months.

So, for those of you who care, check from time to time and get an up to date status on what is happennig in my life... home, work, and ministry, all right here.

This week: Leaving toi Greenbay, WI today for business. I will be back Wednesday night just intime for the Doral Relay for Life event. Go here for details!

Stay tune for more.

Blessings to you all,

Igor

Welcoming the New year

2009-01-01T17:01:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! Well, 09 is finally here. With it comes an opportunity to look fresh at things and plan for what we want to accomplish that perhaps we have been wrestling with for months or years. That's one of the things that is great about the New Year.

For me, since I'm always looking into what is next, it is just one more reason to take a closer look at my life and ask myself: where do I see myself at the end of the year?

I have definitely experienced many changes this year... a new job, new ministry, new friends, and a reestablishing of old ones. Through it all two things I value most have been constant:

#1. My Family. The relationship with my wife Grecy of 24 years is the most precious to me. Seeing my young adult kids deal with life's decisions and being there to assist them is also a huge blessing; even when it is through difficult situations.

#2. My relationship with my Lord. He has been my true source of strenght and wisdom every step of the way, so many times. I need Him every day to help me keep things in perspective and to make decisions that honor Him. This year I want that experience to go to another level, and by doing that make a bigger difference in this world.

To remind me, I have selected these verses:

Psalm 139

1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!

19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
Get out of my life, you murderers!
20 They blaspheme you;
your enemies misuse your name.
21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?
22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
for your enemies are my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

I want His presence to guide my every decision. How about you? This is the real way to have a Happy New year!

seaworld with 7

2008-11-29T21:49:00.000-05:00

Time sure goes by quickly doesn't it? Seven of us went to seaworld this Saturday for a time away from the normal day to day.

Along for the ride where three of my kids, igor, jon, and Ashley. Two grandkids, Eman and Darwin. A good friend of the family Silvia. And last but certainly not least, my wife Grecy.

Throughout the day it occurred to me that what was once routine, had now shifted to nothing less than a very rare time together.

I definately enjoyed the day and getting to be with each member of my family, recognizing how quickly things do change in life.

My goal for the day was accomplished: enjoy the day for all it had to offer, and that I did. My guess is there may be similar days to this, but done like it.

Thank you lord for change, it forces me to enjoy the moment!

Thanksgiving with who?

2008-11-27T08:53:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving it's a time to spend with people. It represents an opportunity to sit around the table and not only give thanks, but also share with others. I hope you are doing this today with those you call friends and family.

For me it is a very special Thanksgiving. For the first time in 9 years all of my kids are having Thanksgiving with us. I can't tell you how grateful I am for having them all together.

Igor who was just released from the Air Force and who was also awarded the Purple Heart this week, is here with us.

Jon who has been living on his own for about 5 years now is also joining us.

Ashley and Jacob who are still at home will be here to share the day with us as well.

Additionally, we have several friends and their families joining the festivities. Here's a rundown of all our guest:

1. Silvia and Jarek Pastor (friends) (2)
2. Concha and Pedro (In-laws) (2)
3. Roman and Mirjiam Iselin and there families (friends)(6)

All in all, we will have about 20 people over.

I'm thankful today for friends and family. I thank the Lord that we can take time to give thanks with the people we love.

Who are you spending time with today? It's not too late to invite some!

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

Kicking off a new 4 week series @ 180 church

2008-10-24T09:12:00.007-04:00

This week we kick off a new series entitled: Vacio. (in English it means empty). Like an empty ball with no air, a glass with nothing to hold, a home with vacant rooms, our lives can feel empty even though we may be surrounded by many people.Over the next several weeks we will be discussing why we feel empty and how we can get filled so that we can be and do what God created us for. A ball has to have air to bounce, a glass has to filled with liquid to make itself useful, a house has to have people to make it a home, and you and I need God to be complete.

Come and be a part of what God is doing at 180 Church. We are a start up church meeting here in Doral. We Would love to have you as our guest!

I get to Do the Invocation tonight

2008-10-16T17:24:00.002-04:00

Mayor's State Of The City Address

PRESS ALERT

WHAT: CITY OF DORAL
MAYOR JUAN CARLOS BERMUDEZ
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
"DORAL - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE"
A REFLECTION OF THE CITY'S FIFTH YEAR

WHEN:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008 7:00 PM

WHERE:
DORAL GOLF RESORT AND SPA
LEGENDS BALLROOM
4400 NW 87TH AVENUE
DORAL, FLORIDA

I got the call a few weeks ago to open up in prayer at this Year's City of Doral "State of the City Address". This is my first time getting this opportunity, I'm really excited to represent our new church on this platform.

I pray that God would use my 30 second prayer to make a difference in the lives of the leaders in this city. These are the folks who have influence and who can make a difference.

Thank you Lord for openning this door and allowing me to be your instrument.

You too can make a difference by getting involve and representing our Lord in whatever endeavor you are involve in.

I'm grateful to be taking the church to this community,

Igor

4 week update

2008-10-13T07:49:00.004-04:00

Yes I know, I have been really bad about blogging lately. It is not because I have nothing to write about or that there is nothing happening in my life worth blogging, I just needed a break from the routine of blogging for the sake of saying... there you go, I have blog today. I know in the blog world, that is not cool.

Either way, here is my 4 week blog update.

The BIG announcement, we are co-pastoring, with Gaby and Karina Gil, a new church plant here in Doral. The name of the church is 180 Church. Currently it is a Spanish work, with hopes that eventually we would be a better representation of our community and go to some format of Bilingual (Spanish/English). We are still uncertain of what that would look like, but I'm sure we will figure it out.

We have a location we are renting at 1900 NW 84th Ave in Doral. We are meeting every Sunday at 11:00am. This weekend, in only our second week, we had 50 in attendance. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 786.394.3686. We are excited about reaching this community for Christ.

We have several Starbucks events scheduled for November and December. We are praying and believing to grow to 200 people by the end of the year. Our vision states our purpose clearly, and it is:

"Leading people to redirect their lives towards Christ"

"Dirigiendo a las personas a un cambio hacia Cristo"

In case your wondering, what's in the name? We wanted a name that could be translated without a translation. So, we came up with a number. The number 180 indicates a change of direction, that's what we want people to experience... a life redirected towards Christ.

Until next time, God's best!

ia

3 weeks in review

2008-09-14T08:54:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been quit busy for me lately.

First of all, let me just update you on my job situation. It is fast moving, complex, and in some ways fun. almost everything is done via email and conference calls. Meetings are led by folks in other parts of the country or city, often times with a Power Point presentation or Web Base Excel Sheet. Lots of numbers, strategies and confusing acronyms.

One of the interesting things I have discover is that everything has been abbreviated to shorten the words that are used in a conversations. It also makes you sound smarter when you use this acronyms and no one else knows what you are talking about.

In fact I just tried this on a couple of people, and like I expected, it work really well. I used the acronym "HDL" in a text and the answer was: what is HDL? I knew I had them! In case you want to know it stands for "honey Do List". Fell free to use it.

This week I spent the week traveling to Orlando, Tampa, and FT. Myers before coming back on Thursday night. I was glad to be back home.

On another note, my son Igor and grandson Eman will be here on Tuesday. They are moving down and will make S. Florida their home. It's a long story, one that I'm not prepare to discuss at this point. I have lots of feelings and thoughts about this. I will share once I have been able to prayerfully take them through that process. For now, I would ask you to pray for them and us as we make the necessary adjustment. We are all ready and excited to have them here!

Lastly, here's where I am on the church thing. It's been a hard adjustment thus far. Frankly I thought it would be easier than it has been, but it hasn't. I know I'm a called man of God and that He is not done with me yet. I'm trying to make the transition the best I know how for others and myself. In my journal the other day I just wrote for God to help me to trust him every step along the way. He is doing that. I'm comforted! I look forward to the future and God leads.

Next week I travel to Minneapolis, MN for a 3 day sales meeting. I get to present in front of all the other VPs and Senior Staff. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity.

Question: How do you handle change? Do you resist or welcome it? Drop me a note.

Thanks for reading. Many blessings to you all out their.

Igor

Hispanics... who are they?

2008-08-22T06:56:00.004-04:00

I just read this very interesting blog post by Juan Tornoe from Hispanic Trending. It basically points out the importance of online marketing to Hispanics and the differences that exist between Hispanics in different areas of our country.

For the church as an institution that needs to connect with the culture, what does this mean? Read the post and then write me your thoughts on this, i would love to read what you think.

why me?

2008-08-21T04:59:00.004-04:00

Have you ever asked yourself that question? I have. When I do it is usually from the view point when something has not gone my way or when some unforeseen situation has rudely interrupted my life. If you are like most people, you know what I mean.

But what about for all the good stuff in our life? You know, the stuff that we get to enjoy even though we had nothing to do with it.

For example, one of those for me is just the privileged of living in this country... the good USA. While I know it is not perfect, I realize how bless i am for being a citizen of this great country. The main reason for my realization is the fact that here we have opportunities, plain and simple. And even though our economy is currently not the best it has been, I still get to enjoy the freedom and seek out opportunities for myself. What a country!

Last month while on our family vacation to Dominican Republic we visited with my daughter's sponsored child through world vision. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

This picture represents the why me of this post. My grandson Darwin seen here with my daughter Ashley and her husband Darwin, and Pablo the sponsored boy from Neyba. My grandson born of a Dominican father and a Cuban American (American by birth of Cuban decent), and Pablo born to Dominican parents living in one of the poorest of areas in the DR. Why the disparities?

As I sat there with this family, it occurred to me that this could have been me and that somehow God delivered me from a similar environment many years ago when I lived in Cuba. God also whispered... Igor you are the answer to these people's future. What?

God wants to use each and everyone of us to bring hope to this generation. If you are not sure how and are overwhelmed with the challenge, welcome to the adventure of pursuing God. The cool thing is God always makes a way.

What is the one thing you would love to do for God but are too afraid, indifferent, or busy to try?

Jott.com does it again....

2008-08-18T23:15:00.001-04:00

Jott.com does it again. This is a blog, a voice blog from my cell right to my blog. Pretty cool huh! For more information on how you 2 can do this, just go to Jott.com and follow the instructions. Hope you enjoy it. God bless. listen

Powered by Jott

Ronald Reagan/Doral Senior HS back to school BBQ

2008-08-17T21:08:00.003-04:00

Saturday's back to school BBQ was a huge success. An estimated attendance of over 2,000 parents and students were there to enjoy all the fun, food and live music.

The FRC Doral band rocked the house as well as provided many of the resources used to make the event happen. i.e. popcorn machine, snow cone machine, clowns, Cafe Pillon, A large BBQ, hot dogs and buns for 1,000 folks, Guitar Hero competition, gave away t-shirts and Starbucks gift cards. Total cost around $800, opportunity to influence the community... priceless.

The picture shows the school mascot (the bison) wearing a FRC Doral t-shirt... is that cool or what?

As a result of the effort, both our students and Spanish ministry had an all time high attendance. Way to go guys!

Our Student ministry had a Guitar Hero competition. Many students came by our student ministry table to compete and hang out. The winner had to attend the service on Sunday morning to collect his prize; a Nintendo DS.

It is really a big blessings to be able to partner with the school in this way. A big thanks to Principal Doug Rodriguez and the entire staff for allowing us to serve the community in this way.

A big thanks as well to the team who served at the event. You guys made it happened!

Question:

If given the opportunity to serve your community, what ideas do you have to make it a win win situation?

2008-08-17T07:13:00.002-04:00

My Oldest son Igor is here in town visiting. It has been about 5 years since he comes down and spends time with us. That's him sitting at the end along with my wife Grecy at a Marlin's game. Yeah we are both bald!

It is really great to have him here. He has been helping with all of our activities... i.e. back to school picnic, set up at church and all the weekend stuff we are always so busy doing.

I'm really so proud of him in all that he has accomplished. He is a great father and husband, ad a hero for serving in Iraq. I love him dearly.

He will be moving down in October and here for a few more days looking for a full time job.

If you are looking for someone or know of a company that is, please drop me note and i will make sure he contacts them before he leaves.

Yesterday's outreach at the HS was outstanding. I'll post some pics and make some comments about my observation on my next soon tonight.

Have a great Sunday,

ia

New series starts today @ a campus near you.

2008-08-17T07:09:00.001-04:00

a BIG announcement...change

2008-08-10T18:42:00.003-04:00

Today Grecy and I came before the church and made the BIG announcement. Earlier in the week, on Tuesday evening to be exact, Pastor Troy had made the announcement during our quarterly leadership meeting. During the past week, I also had the chance to meet with several of our Doral leadership team members and discussed with them our decision. It was now time to let the rest of church know.

We came up at the end of each of the services to let everyone know we would be stepping down from the campus pastor role. I say we because even though I am the one on staff, the role of a pastor, has and will always be a couple role.

In case you are reading this post and have no idea what I'm talking about, let me just share it with you now.

I have accepted a job with a major health insurance company. I will be taking on my new role starting on August 25th, 2008. Going forward we will remain at the Doral Campus as one of the pastors there, helping with the transition and serving in several different areas on a volunteer basis.

We are very excited about this new opportunity God has extended to us. We look forward to what God has ahead for us and anticipate many continued blessings. I want to be very clear here, we will remain at the campus serving this community like we have been from the very start of the Doral Campus.

I ask you to join me in praying for the next Campus Pastor at Doral. God already knows who He is, we just need wisdom in choosing him.

I love you all and look forward to continuing to serve with you.

igor

"building towards your God-Potential"

2008-08-02T11:48:00.002-04:00

Here are the final pictures of the Garcia project. We were all blessed to be able to be a part of this project. Thank you all for your participation, you all made a incredible difference by your involvement. I'm so proud to have served along side you. enjoy some of the pics.

Are you ready for the next one?

Great opportunity to learn from great leaders

2008-07-31T16:38:00.002-04:00

Leadership Summit from Flamingo Road Church on Vimeo.