Modesto Church Launches New Ministry: From Healing to Leading

MODESTO, Calif. — At a time when emotional resilience and spiritual leadership are increasingly vital, a new faith-based initiative, Sanando Para Servir—translated as “Healing to Serve”—is providing individuals a pathway to personal growth and service-oriented leadership.

Led by Dr. Marcio Palencia and Pastor Josue Hernandez of the Modesto Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church, the program combines spiritual formation with leadership training in an immersive and transformative format.

A Journey of Renewal and Service

Designed for individuals seeking personal healing and a deeper calling to serve others, Sanando Para Servir offers a structured, hands-on curriculum that fosters self-awareness, emotional recovery, and practical ministry skills.

"This is more than a course," said Pastor Josue Hernandez. "It is a deeply personal journey, helping participants better understand themselves, deepen their faith, and gain tools to support others facing emotional and spiritual challenges."

The program invites participants into a blend of learning and real-world ministry experiences, structured to encourage both personal introspection and active engagement.

Program Features

Key elements of the Sanando Para Servir curriculum include:

• Interactive group sessions

• Readings from the book Crucial Conversations

• Autobiographical storytelling exercises to encourage vulnerability and connection

• Real-life ministry experiences paired with reflective journaling

• Opportunities to lead brief spiritual devotionals

• Facilitated discussions based on reflective readings

• One-on-one mentoring sessions with Dr. Palencia

• A spiritual retreat titled “The Presence of God in My Life”

The program launches with an in-person weekend retreat, followed by daily group meetings during the first week. Participants then transition into a 12-session virtual series, allowing for continued engagement while offering flexibility for busy schedules.

Impact and Testimonials

The first cohort included key leaders from the Modesto Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church: Alejandra Sanchez (elder), Antonio Espitia (head deacon), Irma Huerta (treasurer), Guillermo Huerta (elder), Miriam Leyva (new interest coordinator), Roberto Marcelo (personal ministry leader), Hermia Venegas (deaconess), and Pastor Josue Hernandez.

Participant Miriam Leyva shared, "I am grateful to God and to our therapist and pastor, Marcio Palencia, for being part of this project. This program has helped me listen more carefully to people's concerns and guide them to make decisions that improve their lives. It has also helped me heal personally so that I can serve more effectively."

Alejandra Sanchez echoed the sentiment, stating, "We want to serve God, but how can we do so if we are still carrying unhealed pain from the past? Through this program, and with God's help, we are healing and learning to understand one another."

"The Healing to Serve program has had a great impact on our lives. It has helped us to inspect our lives and get to know ourselves, to see our character flaws and also the potential we have to help others. At the same time, it has helped us understand others. We are grateful to God first and to Dr. Marcio Palencia for the professional way he instructed us. May God bless him abundantly," added Irma and Willy Huerta

The first cohort celebrated the completion of their initial unit with a small graduation service during the church’s Sabbath morning program. Participants shared testimonials, highlighted key experiences, and joined in prayer for the second cohort, which launched later that week.

Currently, three cohorts are actively engaged in the program—two adult groups and one young adult group—each deepening their understanding of themselves and preparing to serve others with renewed strength and empathy.

How to Enroll

Prospective participants are asked to submit their contact information, a brief history of their church involvement, and a signed commitment form. Graduates receive a certificate of completion recognizing their dedication and growth.

"This program isn’t just about personal change—it’s about equipping leaders to bring healing to their communities," said Dr. Palencia.

Sanando Para Servir offers a vital and transformative opportunity for anyone seeking to strengthen their faith, grow as a leader, and extend the healing power of service to those around them. You can find more information about this ministry at https://www.sanandoparaservir.com/