The service to our Hispanic-Latino brothers and sisters is our intentional response to the commandment of Jesus Christ when He said: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28.19). The Holy Spirit whom in the day of Pentecost, in Jerusalem, allowed people from everywhere to hear the Gospel in their own language (Acts 2.6); this same Spirit inspires our ministry to people of other races, language or culture.
The Kingdom of God is related with the Church when we proclaim and make evident in our lives and congregations the virtues of this Kingdom through a holy and uninterrupted process of reconciliation and sanctification. As church, we believe all people are created by God in God's own image, are infinitely and equally worthy, and are equal beneficiaries of God's love and grace. God's vision for our world includes the church as a community, which embodies love, grace, reconciliation, acceptance, peace, and justice for all people.
In the United Methodist Church, we have groups such as The National Plan for Hispanic-Latino Ministry, M.A.R.C.H.A. (Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans), Hispanic Women, Hispanic Clergywomen, and others who advocate for the Hispanic-Latino people.
The Hispanic-Latino faith communities in South Georgia thrive in diversity and include brothers and sisters from Cuba, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Ecuador and more.
Nationally, Hispanics-Latinos are one of the largest-growing demographic groups in the US. There is a rich mission field and abundant possibilities for evangelism and discipleship with the Hispanic/Latino community.
For more information about Hispanic-Latino Ministries in South Georgia and how your church can be involved, please contact Rev. Daniel Medina at danmedina007@bellsouth.net.