Congratulations to Rev. Tim Hutabarat of the Dodge City district of the Kansas West Conference for making one hour Spanish classes a part of all sub-district gatherings. He believes that gaining a minimal understanding of Spanish and learning something of Hispanic culture is vital for pastors to be in ministry with the fastest-growing ethnic group in south-west Kansas. Rev. Hutabarat has enlisted the help of Ms. Dora Falc¢n, community developer in Garden City, Mr. Jos‚ Olivas, also a community developer based in Satanta, and Rev. Juan Ruiz, pastor of the Hispanic church, Evang‚lica UMC, in Garden City, Kansas.

La pareja Alma y Rafael Figueroa, recientemente comisionados como misioneros de la Junta General de Ministerios Globales y del Plan Nacional están sirviendo en la Conferencias Pacific-Northwest. EIIos escriben que sus metas de largo plazo incluyenr principiar tres misiones (con 60 niños y 60 adultos), establecer un centro de recurso y referencia que proyea consejeria familiar, servicio de traducción, notario público. Piensan formar grupos de estudios biblicos y proveer actividades para jovenes, mujeres, y niños los s bados. También esperan desarrollar un ministerio de música y jovenes.

Dios bendiga y guie a esta pareja entusiasta al desarrollar ministerlos Hispanos en una parte del estado de Washington donde no ha existido antes.

Rev. Daisie Barcelona-Coloma, serving a new Hispanic ministry in the Dalton district of the North Georgia Conference, reported that this past July a total of 59 Hispanic children attended a Vacation Bible School and Sunday School classes. See photo in last page. Rev. Coloma began several years ago serving Hispanics as a trained lay missloner of the National Plan before becoming a local pastor. She is now also a trained facilitator for lay misisoners.