Five Ways You Can Get Involved with the CBF Latino Network: FAMILIA!

Ruben Ortiz, CBF Latino Network Coordinator 

1. Pray. A large part of the Latino community consists of first-generation immigrants. In the midst of the country's current situation, data shows that violence against minorities has increased by 48% in the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period last year. The Latino community needs your prayers. 

2. Consider creating a small group Spanish-only Bible study and/or introducing the Spanish language in worship at your church. Studying the Bible in one's primary language (i.e. the language of the heart) makes such a difference in the understanding of God's Word. Including some phrases in Spanish within the hymns and choruses you sing in worship can also be a meaningful way to connect to the Latino community. You might be surprised by the reaction of church members when they realize they just sang in the same language that more than 30 million Latinos worship in each Sunday! 

3. Find out more about DREAM ACT, DACA, DAPA and SNAP. By supporting just laws on legal immigration and paying attention to poverty in the Latino community, you contribute to the Latino Network of CBF, encourage your congregation to get involved in this type of advocacy.

4. Encourage your missions committee/team to consider engaging in missions in a Spanish-speaking country. CBF Florida can help you with this! Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Central America - the list is long of more than 20 Spanish-speaking countries where you can engage in missions.

5. Discern the voice of God. You may receive the call to visit a Spanish-speaking country or get involved with Latinos right in your own community. You might even discern a calling to be a missionary in the Latin countryside. CBF has alliances with Baptist groups throughout Latin America and there are plenty of service opportunities!

For more information on the CBF Latino Network of CBF, contact Ruben Oritz at rortiz@cbf.net. To learn more about mission engagement opportunitues in Cuba, Puerto Rico etc., contact Rachel Shapard at rshapard12@floridacbf.org.