Still On Mission

The Energizer Bunny may have been known for keeping it going and going, but octogenarian Flora Vergara also has staying power when it comes to ministry work.

An appointed Assemblies of God U.S. missionary since 2003, Vergara has planted a dozen Spanish-speaking churches in Oregon with assistance from the AG’s Church Multiplication Network and served in prison ministry. Vergara, 85, continues to spread the gospel to everyone she meets.

“I am in relatively good health with a few aches, pains and a bit of arthritis settling on my knee,” she says. “But I plan to continue doing the work of the ministry as long as the Lord strengthens me or tells me otherwise. I have no plans to retire anytime soon.”

An ordained AG minister since 1992, Vergara relocated in 2021 to Southern California, where she is originally from. She provides pastoral care for the Spanish congregation at Living Faith Church in La Mirada, an AG church pastored by Steve and Maria Camarilla, and on Tuesdays, she leads a Bible study at a near-by senior residential housing complex.

“She brings a weekly expository message to the Spanish congregation referred to as the Fe Viviente Bible study with five to eight attendees,” explains Maria Camarillo, 67, Vergara’s daughter.

“Pastor Flora is very personable, pastoral and committed to discipleship. She challenges those who attend the Spanish-speaking classes to evangelize to their family members, neighbors, and those they encounter in the community,” Camarillo adds. “She challenges them to pray for the sick and expect God to respond.”
 
Ana Broasa, 81, who attends the Fe Viviente Bible study, notes that Vergara helped her learn how to read and she now reads the Bible.

“I have learned a great deal from her,” she says. “She takes the time to explain the Bible to me in detail, I didn't know anything about the Bible before. Thanks to her, I'm learning a great deal.”

Clarita Ojeda, 73, who also attends the Fe Viviente Bible study, points out that Vergara is a blessing to the entire group.

“She encourages us to go forward in our faith walk with God,” she says. “She instructs us in God's path and in His Word. She always encourages us to share Jesus' salvation story with others as she does at every opportunity. I'm very grateful to God for Pastor Flora and for all her efforts she demonstrates in her love for God and for us. She's an example on how to continue going forward with the Lord.”

Additionally, Vergara does ministry at the Senior Center in Whittier, where she shares the love of Jesus with seniors--many of whom are unchurched, some who are temporarily unhoused, and others who do not express a personal relationship with Christ.

Because she no longer drives, Vergara believes the Lord opened the door at the center since it's within walking distance from her home.

“Once a week she makes burritos to share with the seniors there and they appreciate receiving a small meal that is home cooked,” Camarillo says. “She shares Jesus in casual conversations with those who are open to receiving the message.”

Gabriele Nuizar, 79, knows Vergara from the center, where she interacts with 20 to 25 people on a daily basis.

“Pastor Flora is the most devout and knowledgeable person of the Word of God that I know,” she says. “She is totally involved to bringing hurting people to the Lord, also instilling in them to trust in our Lord. She also helped me to be encouraged in many occasions. She has been used by the Lord Himself to calm my mind and to not worry.”

Matthew Pokanshi, 75, has known Vergara at the center for the past two years.

“She is the sweetest and [most] giving lady there is,” Pokanshi says. “She brings me the tastiest, homemade burritos. She has a beautiful outlook on life and she just spreads joy to everyone she comes across. She is truly an inspiration. Her faith is so strong. She exudes love in the example that Jesus would have.”

Rebecca Nunez, 70, is another friend of Vergara at the center.

“She always helps everybody,” she says. “It has been a pleasure knowing her. I feel that she is my mother. I hope to know her for many years to come. I thank the Lord for her friendship.”

Eileen Zaragoza, 62, adds, “Flora is a beautiful minister. She has shown me how to pray with authority in Jesus' name. Flora's testimony is one of courage and strength in Jesus. Her walk with Jesus is inspiring. We all love Flora.”

Camarillo notes that her mother is an unsung hero.

“She is an 85-year-old woman who is still on mission to serve the master in any way possible,” she says. “She is an admirable woman continuing to expand God's kingdom in such an obscure but effective way.”

Eric Tiansay

Eric Tiansay has been a full-time journalist since 1993, writing articles for Christian media since 2000. He lives in central Florida, where he is an active member of an Assemblies of God church.