There had long been a desire for a Hispanic Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas. Finally, in March 2008, four Hispanic Mennonite women started leading services, while Western District Conference (WDC) helped search for a church planter. In June, Jaime Cazares arrived in Newton with his wife Suhelen. Several WDC Newton churches helped with financial support during the first years. First Mennonite Church of Newton offered a recently purchased house next to the church as a place for the new church to gather throughout the week. Children and youth of Casa Betania were welcomed into First Mennonite's programs. When the church outgrew the living room, First Mennonite offered a large double classroom on the lower level, for the church's Sunday gatherings. Eventually, Casa Betania requested using the sanctuary for their worship service, and moved their service time to Sunday afternoon.
Throughout this time, First Mennonite's spacious kitchen has been utilized by Casa Betania for meals and celebrations, as well as for making tamales and burritos for fundraisers. At times Casa Betania has prepared fundraising meals and served Wednesday night meals for both congregations. The intersection has been much more than facilities. The Wednesday meals and activities provide a time of interaction together. Early on, a few First Mennonite members with Spanish capability began participating regularly in Casa Betania. Linda Shelly, Latin America Director for Mennonite Mission Network, worships with both congregations and is available for simultaneous interpretation into English for non-Spanish speaking friends of Casa Betania. First Mennonite has included Casa Betania children and youth in scholarship programs for Camp Mennoscah and Mennonite colleges. And some of the youth have participated in First Mennonite's youth group and mission trips. Both youth and adults have joined together in MDS trips. Occasionally, the two congregations have a joint worship service meeting either in the afternoon or the morning.
Both congregations consider it a blessing to share space and get to know brothers and sisters of different cultures.