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Ministry to migrant communities grows

Posted on by James Deaton
Large group of people eating
According to recent census data, Van Buren County has a significant Hispanic/Latinx population, with 12.3% registered. The percentage grows during warmer months when temporary farm workers come with their families to live in migrant camps. The Michigan Conference has established a new ministry that is building connections and establishing relationships with people in this vulnerable community. One way this is happening is by helping to provide food at social events in migrant camps like this one. ~ photo courtesy César García-Rodriguez

A new church start focused on the Latinx community is bringing God’s love to many families and children in the Greater Southwest District.

PASTOR CÉSAR GARCÍA-RODRIGUEZ
Greater Southwest Latinx Community Ministry

I have been appointed to the Greater Southwest District’s new Latinx Church Plant. Working in mission for The United Methodist Church is exciting and purposeful. We have witnessed the transformation that the grace of God brings to our community as we visit the migrant camps and the Hispanic families already established here in Van Buren County.

One of the most impactful moments of this past year was leading a Spanish Bible study at the parsonage. While studying how the grace of God works in every person and brings families together, we saw God moving among the families to bring unity. Even during game time and dinner, we experienced the Holy Spirit restoring the bonds between parents and children.

Having a Bible study in a home
Home-based Bible studies at the parsonage is one way this new Latinx ministry is reaching people with the good news of the gospel and providing community to those who may be experiencing loneliness and separation from family. ~ photo courtesy César García-Rodriguez

This ministry is just beginning. We are excited to announce that this summer, the Latinx ministry in our district will be experiencing even more growth.

Miriam Peralta de Garcia has been appointed to work full-time with me to establish the new Latinx Church Plant. Thanks to the support of the Michigan Conference and generous donors, we will open a Hispanic Community Center at Paw Paw United Methodist Church on July 1. They have opened their doors to host this ministry.

Through this center, we will be offering classes and services to the Spanish-speaking community. We currently need equipment, such as a whiteboard and office supplies (white paper, printer ink, pencils, tape, etc.).

Once again, this summer, we are working closely with the Van Buren Intermediate School District’s Migrant/Multilingual Office, which offers a summer program to migrant children. This year, we will support them with 300 reusable plastic water bottles they need during the summer school hours.

Holding water bottles
Pastor César García-Rodriguez (right) is working this year to provide 300 water bottles for migrant children who are attending summer school. ~ photo courtesy César García-Rodriguez

In addition, we continue our partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor’s Migrant Agricultural Office to support the local Bienvenidos Event, which welcomes migrant seasonal workers and their families. Several agencies come together to offer services to these families and individuals. We are going to put together a welcoming kit, which includes hygiene products for the entire family: shampoo, soap, deodorants, sunscreen, etc.

If you or your church would like to support or donate to the new Hispanic Community Center, the summer program for migrant children, or the welcoming kits for the Bienvenidos Event, please contact me at 269-569-4962 or [email protected].

Last Updated on July 3, 2024

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The Michigan Conference