It's the Truth! Church marks 10 years in town

Truth Church, which began its journey conducting local home Bible studies, celebrated its 10-year church and pastoral anniversary.

"We have a rich apostolic heritage, coming from Greater Bakersfield First Pentecostal Church, where over 50 preachers have been sent throughout the world under the leadership of Elder I.H. Terry and Bishop Leon Frost," said Truth Church's founding pastor, Rev. Frank Cabrera, who has served since its inception in 2010.

In 2009, Frank and Alicia Cabrera felt a deep burden to start a church in Shafter. They prayed for God to send them a family with whom they could start a home Bible study. Within a week of that prayer, God connected them with a local family through the help of the late Rev. Eldon Eckles, a Shafter resident and member of Greater Bakersfield First Pentecostal Church.

After several months of the studies, Truth Church launched in 2010 with two families and several Sunday School children at a small warehouse office on Central Valley Highway. The congregation outgrew the location and obtained a storefront in 2016 on East Lerdo Highway, right next door to local eatery Generals Headquarters.

Under his and his wife Alicia's leadership, the church has grown into a vibrant and thriving apostolic Pentecostal church. Pastor Cabrera holds a bachelors of science degree in business management and is a member of the Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship.

In March, Truth Church purchased a one-acre facility located at 101 Beech Avenue, directly across the street from Mission Bank. Throughout the recent pandemic, the church was able to use the facility (in partnership with Shafter's Youth Center) to assist with the state's emergency food distribution and to facilitate a blood drive (in partnership with Houchin Blood Bank).

During its 10-year history, Truth Church has been faithful to its mission of "Sharing Truth, Strengthening Families and Serving Community," by delivering the gospel of Jesus Christ, helping individuals and families out of homelessness, drug addiction and marital problems, and participating in community cleanups and humanitarian efforts. Cabrera also contributes pieces for the regular feature Pastor's Corner in [BEGIN ITAL]The Shafter Press.[END ITAL]

Truth Church has plans to implement a Be Set Free program, facilitate future food banks and blood banks, and participate in various other community endeavors.

Cabrera invites the Shafter community to visit on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. and Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. to experience dynamic worship and preaching. The church sanctuary seating is properly distanced and sanitized. Outside patio seating also is available, along with parking lot radio transmission.

Truth Church video streams live services on both Facebook and Instagram at @tcshafter. For additional information, visit the church website at tcshafter.com or call 661-630-5044.