December 9 , 1999 Return to the McDanel's Picture Page

By Sharon Smith

It was Martin Luther King weekend when Belinda and her family were in Madera, California, visiting her parents. Her mother asked Belinda, why not plant a church here in the San Joaquin Valley? She had been asking her for the last seven years, but this time it was different. Belinda spent the weekend in prayer and really felt the idea of a church plant was coming from the Lord, not just her mom. Belinda's greatest dream is "to be absolutely submitted to God so that He has freedom to use me in any way He wants." Because of her commitment to obedience, Belinda and her family are packing their belongings and moving to Fresno.

Belinda has been equipped and educated for this church plant, and Skyline was a primary influence in preparing the McDanel family for the move. Belinda and her husband, Bruce, interned with Pastor Sheryl Fleisher for two years. After they completed their internship, they attended Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. After graduating they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and recruited a core group of 20 people to launch a church. The church was later taken over by another pastor and is currently running approximately 500 in attendance. When Belinda returned to San Diego, she was hired as the Director of Women's Ministry at Amistad Cristiana with Pastor Abel Ledezma for a year and half. The McDanel family then returned to Skyline and Belinda continued to disciple and to teach the "Lord, Heal My Hurts' class in Spanish.

Why plant a church in Fresno? Belinda listed three specific reasons:

1. 1. To meet the need for a church in the area.

Fresno is growing exponentially, but the churches are closing their front doors. She purposes for the church to be a "healing community" so that the Hispanic culture would have an avenue to heal from emotional wounds and spiritual bondage.


2. 2. To establish a multi-cultural church.

She wants to introduce an environment that celebrates cultural diversity, preaches more in the cultural context of scripture, and addresses the issue of Christ and culture.


3. 3. To answer the call.

She is not reacting to the women's rights movement but in obedience to what God has called her to. Belinda claims that women are "missing in action" due to rejection and criticism from other believers. "The world needs ministers of the gospel and if God calls a woman, who are we to interfere?" She wants to encourage women to obey God with reckless abandonment.

The uniqueness of this new church is that it will be non-traditional (a woman pastor), Hispanic, as well as seeker-sensitive.

Belinda and Bruce and their two children Benjamin (8) and Briana (5)have made their big move. They are going forward with a supportive prayer team that has grown to 40 people. Bruce has a new job he accepted in San Diego, but can bring to Fresno. He is a contractor and he will be doing technical writing at home. Belinda will be working for her husband in the beginning and Bruce will be supporting his wife in ministry.

As this family obediently moves to Fresno, let us pray blessings over their transition. The Skyline Church loves and supports them.