Fall 2005
Facing Bench

Hispanic Friends in Eastern Region

During the past decade, twelve Hispanic churches have become a part of EFC-ER. Spoken language can be a barrier but the common language of Christ brings us close.

For several years, our annual sessions have taken on a distinctive international flavor as translators work to make sessions available to spanish - speaking Friends.

Traditionally, Hispanic Friends gathered for fellowship and leadership training prior to the Missions Ban-quet on Saturday. In 2005, over 150 arrived and a desire for deeper fellowship and sharing of ministry across the language barrier was expressed. The leadership team at EFC-ER responded by initiating an EFC-ER Hispanic Leadership Conference to be held in September.

Eleven of our twelve Hispanic churches sent leaders. Some pastors drove through the night for this time of fellowship. The sessions were led by a team from EFC-ER with David Byrne, Director of Coalition for Hispanic Ministries, translating. Highlights included encouragement, sharing goals, and discussion of how Hispanic churches are linked to Friends through fellowship, doctrine, and participation in ministry.

“The conference went very well,” explained Area Superintendent, John Ryser. “We wanted to set aside some time to really share with these pastors a little more of our vision and leadership principles for this Region.”

Times for fellowship were also tossed into the mix. The soccer goal competition was won by one of the few women attending. Friday night’s field trip was a high school football game - a first for some of our Hispanic leaders.

Cross-Cultural Ministries are Next Door!
The Coalition for Hispanic Ministries(CHM), coordinated by David Byrne, is a part of God's strategy today to help Friends and others to reach the special people group of Hispanics in North America.

According David Byrne, Hispanics in the U.S. have become the largest minority group in the United States with a growth rate of 9% in the last 2 years. Today, 40 million latinos live in the U.S., many spiritually lost and alone, sending money to support familes abroad.

“This is a people group that must not be ignored by the American church,” explained Byrnes. “CHM is actively involved in calling the church to this mission field and helping to develop and promote those ministries that advance the Hispanic church.” For more information, check out the CHM website at:www.institutoalma.org