Each week groups of people not native to Alabama gather in homes and at churches across the state to study the Bible. While the concept is not new, those attending are bringing a fresh look and a different language to an expanding ministry opportunity.
The participants are part of the various Hispanic ministries popping up across the state, which address the spiritual needs of Alabama’s growing Hispanic population.
Richard Alford, an associate in the office of associational and cooperative missions with the State Board of Missions (SBOM), said the increase in Hispanics in this country makes them a people group ripe for ministry.
He said Baptists are currently facilitating 18 congregational units that minister to Hispanics in Alabama.
And in north Alabama a Hispanic pastor works with Hispanics living in areas served by 10 Baptist associations.
“They are the fastest growing segment of our population and they are receptive to the gospel,” Alford said. “This is missions.”
During the seven years Byron Mosquera has been pastor of the Hispanic ministry at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, he has seen as many as 180 Hispanics participate in that ministry, with an average of 100 each week.
Mosquera said some Hispanics will attend regular services at a church, but others are more willing to participate in a ministry targeting Hispanics. The ministry offers them a chance to hear the gospel in their own language, along with meeting other Hispanics.
“People feel comfortable when they hear things in their own language, and that applies [especially] to things that deal with their life situation,” he said.
Mosquera noted those involved with Dawson’s Hispanic ministry participate in Hispanic Sunday School classes and a worship service held in the church’s chapel. In addition, the small group Bible studies are held in members’ homes during the week.
The ministry also aids Hispanics adapting to a new culture, with Mosquera and other Hispanics doing what church members in any church would do — helping others by being there for them.
“This has become kind of a support group,” Mosquera said.
Mosquera said assisting Hispanics with finding jobs, learning English and other needs is important, but stresses it does not replace the ministry’s main goal.
“We are dealing with many things, but the focus is always to share the gospel with them,” Mosquera said.
The growing Hispanic population in north Alabama led to the decision a few years ago to hire a pastor to minister to Hispanics in Etowah, Cherokee, DeKalb, St. Clair, Marshall, Tennessee River, Madison, Sand Mountain and both Cullman associations.
Fred Bueto Sr., director of missions for Marshall Association, said the work the Hispanic pastor, Juan Tovias, does is instrumental in helping lead local Hispanics to Christ. Bueto said Tovias travels throughout the area, taking on assignments that include locating new Hispanic churches and training lay leaders to share the gospel.
Ministering to Hispanics also presents missions opportunities through reaching those who may eventually return to their native homes. “When they do that, hopefully they can carry the gospel back to their people,” Bueto said.
It is that opportunity for reaching people from another country here in Alabama that Alford said has churches excited. “I’m hearing that from churches all over the state,” he said.
Tomas Arias, the Hispanic pastor at First Baptist Church in Enterprise, said reaching out to all people groups is biblical. “People are thirsting and hungering to hear the Word,” he said.
Most Hispanics are eager to learn, Arias said, noting many have been taught false doctrines or have no belief in Christ at all. He said Hispanic worship services, Sunday School classes and activities are making a difference in the lives of Hispanics there, with residents not only embracing Christianity but also sharing it with others.
Discussing other ministries to Hispanics, Alford said the SBOM hopes to eventually hire a Hispanic pastor who will minister to Hispanic populations along the I-20 corridor in cities such as Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Anniston.
Reaching Hispanics in Alabama is important for Alabama Baptists as their ranks continue to grow.
Although census numbers indicate approximately 70,000 are currently living in Alabama, Alford said his office believes the total is actually somewhere between 130,000 and 150,000.
Regardless of the actual count, the census’ latest estimate of 70,000 Hispanics is three times more than the 22,000 the government estimated lived in Alabama in 1991. Commenting on how Baptists have responded to the increase, Alford noted Alabama’s 18 congregational Spanish units operated by Baptists are almost five times as large as the four which existed in 1991.
Classes in English as a second language (ESL) are also offering opportunities for ministry. Alford said five Hispanic congregations have been formed as a result of ESL classes in Baptist churches.
“There’s definitely a connection with that as far as a church growth and evangelism effort,” Alford said.
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