You say Spanish, I say Español:
A new approach to bridge culture gaps in ministry
The first time we stepped onto American soil was at the Miami airport in 1987. Sitting there for six hours after a long trip from Chile was overwhelming. But when a lady, who likely made her home on the street, wearing a long coat, a big hat and holding a big bag, came to us asking for money we were touched. In our broken English we told her that we were missionaries in our way to Canada and we didn't have much money. She immediately opened her big purse, took all her money and put it on my lap, saying "God Bless You."

The experience in the Miami airport touched our lives and gave us an incredible love for this new culture. That was 19 years ago. Today, we are responding to the call to serve and bring our own culture together, and it begins with the children. Serving in Anglo churches in Children's Ministries for many years has strengthened our passion for this generation and helped us learn about this new society.

Our approach to bridge cultural gaps in ministry focuses on children and begins with equipping leaders. We are expanding the Spanish Children's Ministries Seminars to across the country and beyond our borders. This year with Entre Niños we will be conducting the Seminars and training opportunities together with the International Network of Children's Ministries (INCM) combining efforts of reaching and loving our fellow brothers and sisters.

The seminars provide:
  -Networking opportunities for children's leaders throughout North America, South America, Mexico and United States
  -Spanish resources
  -A much needed pastoral element that meets the need to pray and discuss ministry with our fellow brothers and sisters
We continue working with the Spanish children's ministry magazine (Educación ENTRE NIÑOS) for children's leaders, parents and educators. The incredible response from leaders, churches and ministries abroad keeps us moving forward in faith. We believe this resource will become a tool that will help raise up the best of these leaders that are doing incredible things and also provide a bridge between the different cultures.

The Latinos in the USA:
Our approach to ministry is tied to the notion of diversity and understanding culture. To love the 35.3 millions Latinos living in the United States (close to 10 per cent of the US population!), means that we not only need to understand diversity but we must embrace it.

If we are to reach the Latin population, understanding the culture is vital. Being Latin in America means to feel, behave, love, eat, and live in a Latin way, still speak English and Spanish with a mix of both languages. However, despite the diverse mix of cultures the different countries represent we value the love for family and people. It is exciting to highlight that the Hispanic population is the youngest group in the United States, according to the statistics they say that the average age is 26.5, this means that half of the Hispanic population is younger than 26.5 years of age. (Current Population Survey, March 2002, PGP, 5). In addition we can confirm George Barna statistics that says that 46% are parents with children under the age of 18 living at home. (2001)

The Spanish churches continue to grow in numbers but with a need for unity, training and resources. There is a lack of cooperation and communication among local churches. The leaders who want to reach the children are affected by the tradition and customs from their previous generations. However, as we talk and connect with leaders and pastors throughout the United States, we see that the desire and need of working together is great. Passionate people are moving forward willing to connect, learn, share and serve Him. The common denominator in this diverse population of these leaders is Jesus and their passion to reach the children.

Conclusion:

There is a big need to change the Spanish Children's Ministries. The need stems from years of tradition, negligence, lack of resources and vision. We are responding to this call and we are committed to embrace diversity with excellence. The "Educación ENTRE NIÑOS" comes to support and bring unity among the children's leaders, parents and educators. We want to partner with other ministries and bring the tools and resources needed.

This focus to expand Spanish Children's Ministries Seminars along with the magazine comes at a strategic time. As we reach other cities we see an incredible response from the leaders. They are touched, motivated encouraged and energized. Their testimonies and their stories are very similar in content; they feel alone and with little resources reaching a bilingual generation that want to keep their culture. These leaders who may not be able to communicate well in English, they are so thankful that we are willing to show love by bringing support and encouragement, helping them connect with one another and providing resources in their own language.
Our desire is to see the invisible walls of these two cultures dissolve by the power of love with dedication, commitment and understanding. When we respond in love, He will make it happen.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)


Jose and Luz Figueroa
Mitzi and Jose Jr.