Wellton church distributes leather-bound Bibles

The word of God will be handed out in Wellton on Saturday.

More than 400 leather-bound Bibles will be distributed to families attending an informal open house from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Assembly of God Church at 29369 Los Angeles Ave.

"It's a small way to spread the gospel and introduce people to our church," says the Rev. Alan Puccini, pastor of the church.

"We will be giving one Bible to each family," Puccini said. "The King James Bibles are black, leather-bound, not fancy, not pocket size, nor as large as my preaching Bible, but one an individual can carry to church.

"We'll serve hot dogs and sodas, to welcome people to become acquainted with our small church. It will be a 'first' for Wellton."

The Bible distribution is part of the church's efforts to build up its congregation throughout the year, he said.

"Ours is a small church, and has been in existence for more than 30 years," said Puccini, who has been pastor for the past five years. "It has been a place of worship mainly for snowbirds, but we're encouraging and adding more local people to our congregation."

Puccini said the Bibles, each worth about $28, were purchased through the Assembles of God program Light for the Lost. Light for the Lost provides funds for missionaries traveling around the nation.

"Our son, Nicholas, is a missionary in Armenia and is working to translate the Bible into Armenian" through Light for the Lost, Puccini added.

Puccini, an ordained minister for 38 years, and his wife, Carolyn, moved to Wellton five years ago from Illinois with their two adopted daughters. In addition to serving as a pastor, Puccini teaches social studies at the Wellton Junior High School, where he also serves as athletic director and basketball and baseball coach. His wife is a substitute teacher at Antelope Union High School.

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Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.