Newsletter

July 1999, Volume 6 No. 4

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Contents



Hispanic Ministries Flourishes in Mississippi

Hispanic Ministries is flourishing in Mississippi thanks to God's faithfulness and Trinity Mission Center, reports Rev. Sally del Castillo, a non-Hispanic missionary of the National Plan. "Our story is one of success. In Mississippi we are the first project of its kind," explains Ms. Castillo.

The center provides a variety of services to about 50 to 60 Hispanics per week, including clothes closet, food pantry, English as a second language, citizenship and drivers license exams, tutoring for children and youth, computer classes, and assistance with immigration and employment matters. In addition, the center offers Spanish classes to the business and professional community as well as to the police department.

The Center also provides help with issues ranging from tax returns to health care, and is an advocate for justice and equality in the community. Each class that is offered begins with a short devotional and prayer. Special services are planned to observe each religious holiday. The staff of the Center consists of Rev.Del Castillo, who serves as director, and a dozen volunteers.

Del Castillo notes, "Our journey has not been easy because of racial resistance and simple ignorance. ...We have had to struggle with stereotypical thinking, discrimination, and fear. Divisions are great and discipleship seems segregated. However, after three years of struggling to be heard, God has answered saying: 'These are my people this Center has my purpose and it is GOOD!'"

She explains, "As a pastor, I have experienced the brokenness of the institutional United Methodist Church. My journey for the last four years has been full of mountain tops and valleys. I must confess, the Trinity Mission Center is a result of the institutional church at its best. We have been blessed by the United Methodist connection that has nurtured us to wholeness through labor, money, and prayer."

The Center's programs are supported through volunteer giving and grants. A community college pays the teachers, and local church people are continually giving to the thrift shop and food pantry.

Rev.Del Castillo is committed to serve the Hispanic people that constantly come to her office to see her; "Their needs vary, their struggles are painful. Every day I look poverty and injustice in the face and it is ugly. At the very same time, I see the face of our living Savior Jesus Christ, and it is beautiful. The people call me 'the American Lady who is our voice.'What an honor, what a privilege to walk beside my Hispanic brothers and sisters in our struggle to survive with dignity. As we entertain angels, may we continue to do the work Jesus began years ago."


Regional Workshops Prepare Facilitators

By Marigene Chamberlain

Refer to caption for description of photo.
Participantes en el Taller Regional Noreste para Facilitadores en Newark, Nueva Jersey.


The National Plan for Hispanic Ministry through the General Board of Discipleship is sponsoring five regional facilitator training workshops for the Lay Missioner-Pastor-Mentor Training Program in 1999. The purpose of the workshops is to prepare local, annual conference and regional facilitators to facilitate Modules I and II of the Lay Missioner/Pastor-Mentor Program.

Three workshops have been held so far: one in Dallas, Texas, February 13-15; another in Newark, New Jersey, April 22-25; and the third in Nashville, Tennessee, April 29-May 2. Fifty- three people have attended the three workshops. The Western Jurisdiction will hold its workshops September 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Western Jurisdiction will hold its workshop September 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The North Central is still arranging the workshop for that region.

The workshops are by invitation from the regional planning team, and the participants must have experienced Module I or II and have had the opportunity to facilitate one of the units.

In the Northeast workshop, Bishop Alfred Johnson from the New Jersey area visited and encouraged the participants to continue in their ministry. At each workshop, there was a special fiesta meal, and time set aside for companionship and celebration.


Church's Multicultural Ministries Includes Hispanic Ministries

Culmore UMC in Falls Church, Virginia, is a unique church composed of 32 nationalities from all over the world. Its multiculrural ministries are reaching Filipino, African, Hispanic or Latino families, as well as European and Afro-American families. The majority of its membership is first generation immigrant. About 50 of its full members are Latinos from Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Puerto Rico.

Culmore was one of the first churches in the Virginia Conference to actively engage in Latino ministries. It has had two Latin American pastors, and Rev. Ileana Rosas from Puerto Rico is currently directing its ministries with Latinos. The church offers two Spanish-language worship services on Sundays, in the morning and the evening. Bible studies in Spanish are conducted on a weekly basis.

The church also provides classes in English as a second language, a school tutoring and gang prevention program, biweekly community leadership training seminars in Spanish, and collaborates with Barrios Unidos/United Communities of Northern Virginia, a gang-prevention program. Rev. Rosas' pastoral ministry includes assisting Hispanic persons meet their spiritual/physical, social needs. About 70% of the immediate community of Culmore UMC is Hispanic. Rev. Steve Rhodes had been serving as senior pastor of this church, but he will be moving to Richmond, VA.


II CONSULTA NACIONAL HISPANA tendrá lugar los días 6 al 9 de agosto en Southern Methodist University en Dallas, con el tema "Nuestra Visión hacia el Futuro". Como 500 personas de todas partes del país y Puerto Rico se reunirán en Dallas para estudiar la Biblia, adorar, participar en talleres y orientaciones sobre distintos temas de ministerio, y dialogar sobre asuntos de interés. Para más información, llame a 214/768-2265 o fax 214/768-1042. La inscripción antes del 20 de julio será de $150 por persona, pero estudiantes y jubilados tendrán otro precio. Cuarto y comidas son aparte. La Consulta es auspiciada por varias organizaciones, juntas, y dos conferencias.


All photos copyright © The General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church unless otherwise noted. GBGM is the official mission agency of The United Methodist Church.


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