Comment

Comment by Jonathan Hanegan on December 12, 2008 at 5:23pm

Let me recommend the book, The Hispanic Challenge by Manuel Ortiz. Before I moved to South America, I spent for years in Hispanic Ministry in the States. I found many surprising challenges in blessings in this ministry. This book elaborates upon these challenges that are unique to Hispanic Ministry.

One of the greatest mistakes is to assume that because a group of Hispanics all speak Spanish, this means that they all understand each other and know how to get along. There are many prejudices among Hispanic peoples. A few stereotypical examples: Argentines are arrogant, Mexicans are usually poor and uneducated, Colombians are likely involved in drug trafficking, Nicaraguans are snobby, all Venezuelans are all beautiful and talk too fast, all Peruvians are of indigenous descent, etc. One of the great joys of Hispanic Ministry is uniting these cultures, breaking down socio-economic and language barriers (yes, languages barriers) and being powerful examples of the unity we share in Christ!

Every time I return to the States on furlough I forget what a challenge it is to preach in Spanish and use terminology that everyone can understand! For example: One time a Hispanic minister came from the US to Venezuela and preached about being salt and light. He asked if we were being salt in our community, "ustedes estan salados?" which literally means, are you salty? However, in Venezuelan this means, "are you under a spell of bad luck?" Everyone responded with a resounding "SI!"

Comment by Wilmer Christopher Rivera on December 12, 2008 at 2:48pm

As second, generation, we have english and spanish, we have Chili's and we have the Taqueria, we have english speaking friends, and spanish speaking friends, we have Univision and ABC. Now there is even radio stations that put a combination of spanish and english! Spanglish or how it's called. Could this be a new language? What about as second generations we have both cultures in one and I think that's fascinating. Candidate for president Bill Richardson who is born of Latino parents (Nicaragua, and Mexico), said that this is an asset. We can understand two cultures, two worlds.

Comment by James Nored on December 12, 2008 at 12:20pm

Sixto, I like your analogy to Moses. That is great!

Every culture has a story by which it is shaped. I will be interested in hearing you guys talk about this.

Comment by Wilmer Christopher Rivera on December 12, 2008 at 12:17pm

We, as the second generation have and see both worlds both that of the United States, and that of Latin America, wherever we are from.

Comment by Sixto Rivera on December 11, 2008 at 11:55pm

Moses lived in Egypt for forty years. There he learned the language and culture. Then he run to the desert and lived another forty years. This made him a bi-cultural person. God called him and sent him to deliver His people. Today, Hispanic Christians in USA are bi-cultural. We need to hear the call from God to go and deliver, to reach the lost souls for Christ.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page