A New Beginning in Milwaukee: The Heartbeat of a New Church

For decades, Milwaukee has been a city I’ve carried in prayer. For 35 years, I felt that God was preparing me for something special here, even though I didn’t know when that moment would come. Today, after planting churches in Venezuela and Miami, and serving alongside other leaders in different cities, that dream is taking shape with a name: Vive Church Milwaukee.

Milwaukee is a city filled with rich tradition, deep needs, and untapped potential. There are many churches here—some doing amazing work—but we’ve seen a specific and growing gap among Spanish-speaking families, immigrants, and younger generations who feel disconnected from traditional church models. Many are spiritually hungry but hesitant to engage with church because of past wounds, cultural disconnection, or a simple lack of community.

Vive Church exists to meet people where they are, especially those who may feel like outsiders—spiritually, culturally, or emotionally. Our heart is to be a church that is not just in the city, but for the city—relevant, relational, and radically inclusive.

Church planting is never easy—even if you’ve done it before. In our case, this is the fourth church my wife and I have planted. We began our journey 30 years ago in Venezuela, and later planted two more churches in Miami, Florida. But this time feels different. My wife and I feel like it’s our first time all over again. Everything is new: the people, the weather, the local culture… but one thing remains the same: the calling.

We started with what matters most—people opening their homes and hearts to form small groups. Today, we have three active groups that meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. It is in those spaces that the first pages of what we believe will be a powerful story of transformation in this city are being written.

One of the most impactful moments so far was when we hosted a gaitas event—gaitas being traditional Venezuelan music. It was an explosion of culture, joy, and warmth in the middle of a northern winter. We didn’t know what to expect, but the turnout was incredible. People from various countries, backgrounds, and ages came. Many were moved to tears, feeling “at home” for the first time in a long time.

One of the testimonies that touched us the most came from a woman who had been invited by a friend. At the end of the event, she approached us with tears in her eyes and said, “It’s been years since I felt like God saw me. Today, I felt like this event was just for me.” Since then, she hasn’t missed a single small group gathering.

Another young woman shared that she had decided to seek God again after many years away from the faith, simply because someone made her feel welcome during one of our activities—and even opened her home to host one of our small group Bible studies.

These moments are not isolated anecdotes. They are clear signs that God is already moving.

Today, Vive Church Milwaukee is a community taking shape. At our last Sunday gathering, we welcomed 30 people, and we are preparing in faith to receive around 40 in our next meeting this May.

In fact, starting that month, we’ll be holding two Sunday gatherings each month, with the goal of offering weekly Sunday services by August. In June and July, we’ll host two community picnics in parks on the south side of the city. These will not only be moments of fun and connection, but also strategic opportunities to build relationships, share a message of hope, and invite people to our groups and Sunday gatherings.

Vive Church is not a building—it’s a family that’s growing, believing, and moving forward. We want to be a church that beats with the rhythm of the city—that listens to its needs, responds with practical love, and offers a safe place where faith can be rebuilt.

But what does that really mean?

It means learning the stories of our neighbors, not assuming we know what they need. It looks like visiting immigrant families who feel invisible and helping them find their voice again. It looks like offering practical tools—English classes, tax help, donated furniture and clothing, medical support—while reminding people that they are seen and valued by God.

It means building a bridge between cultures, between generations, and between pain and healing. And above all, it means creating a place where people can believe again—maybe for the first time.

This is just the beginning. We’re dreaming big, loving intentionally, and sowing seeds in faith. Because Milwaukee is not just a place on the map—it’s the place God has chosen to write a new story. One that is just beginning… and you can be part of it.