This past week (December 4-7) a training event took place in Mississippi that provided training to pastors and lay missioners who want to be more involved and intentional in helping get started small communities of faith/churches and community programs geared specifically towards Hispanic people currently living within our conference.
Over a long weekend at a camp retreat 18 folks were involved in an intensive 30 hour program designed to teach pastors and lay missioners basic ministry skills in how to carry on mission and outreach with Hispanic people in our communities. Language, cultural, leadership, worship and other specific subjects dealing with ministry in this environment were explored .
People participating in this bi-lingual training event represented 7 nationalities and some of these folks also reported having spoken 5 native indigenous tongues as their first languages (not counting English or Spanish). This is a witness to the great diversity of backgrounds and cultures with whom anyone dealing with this population will be confronted (education and economic diversity notwithstanding).
Both the pastors and new lay missioners were greatly pleased with the things learned as were the GBGM-trained workshop leaders and conference representative. These highly motivated people expressed not just great commitment and passion, but also the desire to do God’s will.
Remember … In mission and Outreach Pray, Give and Do!!! Sunday, December 14 will be a special offering day for the Children’s Home at your church. Please Give … Generously!!!
Call me, Jorge.
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This was one of the best workshops I've attended. It was well organized. The facilitators were professionals and knew how to keep a diversified group interested, talking and moving. Above all, the young people who attended showed me a depth of Gospel commitment that was educational, inspiring and confidence building. We will do the right thing when we give our Hispanic/Latino Ministries high priority in our districts and congregations. jps
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