SCC

LATINO MINISTRIES

Edgardo Herrera Edgardo Herrera - Director (Ext. 131)

Alice Hospedales
Alice Hospedales
Administrative
Assistant Treasurer
(Ext. 113)

Blessings in the name of the One that we are expecting to return for the second time—the Lamb of God. To Him are the honor and the glory for the success the Latino Ministries Department in South Central Conference has experienced.

The reason for our success is based on the word “Familia”—understanding that we are one family, undivided, passionate for Christ and willing to exchange positions from spectator to financial partners, mentors, team members, advocates and Christian friends.

My team and I are more than grateful to serve under the banner of Christ and our conference.


How The Latino Department Began
The Latino Ministries Department began after years of serious brainstorming debates and careful analysis from the head trust of our South Central Conference. It was on May 30, 2003, under the leadership of the former president, Elder Joseph McCoy, Dana C. Edmond, Philip G. Palmer and many others that the decision was made to make this dream a reality.

Upon my arrival, two groups where handed over to me to pastor—Russellville Spanish and Kilpatrick Spanish. In addition, I was to supervise four other groups in our territory, devise a plan to stimulate growth, and create the Latino Ministry Department.

After a year and half of praying, fasting, brainstorming and studying the living conditions of the Latino people in the South, we saw two main factors that contribute to the mushroom growth that the South is experiencing. First, there is the labor market in special sectors such as the poultry and construction industries which are benefiting from the low-cost labor. Second, there is the geographical location of special states in the South which provide conditions such as warm weather, mountainous terrains and vast farms. These are part of the reasons why many Latinos are trading the coastal areas of the United States for the above. Finally, the real estate market, with its construction industries and less expensive property, makes it favorable for Latinos to make the South a suitable place to obtain the American dream.

We have conducted two camp meetings, three church-growth seminars, four simultaneous evangelism events, and several laity training seminars at local churches. Now with the supportive leadership of President Benjamin Browne the Lord Jesus has blessed us with nine established Latino congregations, and we are currently planting two new groups.

 

Latino Department Newsletter
January 2008