Families enjoy exchange  of their culture and faith

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By Bridgette Outten, Staff Writer Updated 7:25 AM Tuesday, July 27, 2010

SPRINGFIELD — “The heart of good ol’ family” fun at the Clark County Fair has gone international.

Members of the North Hampton Community Church are hosting the Rev. Filadelfo Alquisiras Martinez and his family of Bucerias, Mexico, until Aug. 2. The hosts took their visitors to the fair Monday, July 26.

The family arrived in Springfield on Sunday; their visit has been two years in the making, said Stephanie Smith, church organist and pianist.

Martinez preached a sermon at North Hampton Sunday, through interpreter Dave Knightly, and will do an anointing service this Sunday at the church, located at 105 N. Main St. in North Hampton.

Smith and her husband, Paul, have been friends with Martinez and his wife, Hulda Casildo Roman, for 18 years, Stephanie Smith said. The couples met in Puerto Vallarta.

“There was something very special,” Stephanie Smith said. “I couldn’t figure out what it was; I just knew it was something unique. But their faith drew me in. And their church drew me in.”

The Smiths have gone back to Puerto Vallarta every year. Members of the church have visited Martinez’s congregation, but it’s the first time the family has visited North Hampton.

The family’s three children Fredy Vladimir Alquisiras Casildo, 18; Felix Iuan Alquisiras Casildo, 12; and Arely Vianett Alquisiras Casildo, 17, enjoyed the fair, getting a chance to pet llamas and alpacas, sample fair food and experience the rides.

After Felix got off the bungee-jump, he said one word: “Awesome.”

Martinez said he’s enjoying his visit and “the unity I have sensed” has been one of the best parts of his trip, Knightly translated. He also liked questioning youngsters about their livestock at the fair Monday, favoring the turkeys because he has a few back home.

“He’s just very happy with everything,” Knightly said. “Very content.”

North Hampton Pastor Jim Welch said the exchange is something the churches want to continue.

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