Imagine it this way: You live in China and start an English-speaking Bible training center. You attract several people. Some are from England and Ireland, a few are from Australia. Then you have several from the United States - from Appalachia and from New York City.

Teaching that group would be a challenge. Yet that's exactly what happens in Cordele once a month, according to Victor Lyons, Houston associational missionary.

The Hispanic Bible Institute began in 1993 with a few students, lasting about three years. It was revived in 2000 by Lyons and GBC catalytic missionary Dennis Rivera, who serves in South Georgia.

Today the institute serves people originally from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. They come to the once-a-month day-long classes from several neighboring states.

"This is a hard ministry, but it's important," Lyons said.

With about half a million HIspanics in Georgia, Spanish-speaking churches are one of the most needed ministries.

"Right now we need 100 times the workers we've got. We have (church) leaders who quit because they are frustrated. They just don't know how to do it. A lot just need mentors, but we don't have them," Lyons said.

It's difficult to find teachers who can speak fluent Spanish. Lyons and Rivera teach the majority of classes, although they try to bring in guest speakers whenever possible. Lyons wife, Lucinda, cooks lunch for the students.

The institute in Cordele has provided teaching to about 80 people in the last three years. But classes aren't like the Anglos do it, said Rivera. Both men and women attend the classes that include doctrine, evangelism, church planting and basic Bible teaching. Therefore, they provide child care and lunch for just a $1.

"We don't want anyone to stay home. If they want to come and be equipped, we do what we can to help them," Rivera said.

But it only happens because of the support of churches in the Houston association. It recognized the need for the institute and agreed to fund an educational center built behind the associational office.

"Churches donate food for lunches. The $1 we charge usually just covers drinks and bread for everyone," Lyons said.

The program offers a certificate program and a diploma program. It is also affiliated with the Mexico Baptist Theological Seminary in Mexico City.

But the true purpose isn't helping people get degrees; it's about equipping them for ministry.

"Every time I go I learn something new," said Natalie Mai, 22, who has attended classes for two years.

Born in Belize, Mai moved to the states with her family when she was 3. She works at her church, Mision Evangelica Bautista en Valdosta, with youth, is a secretary for the church council, and also serves as Sunday School director. She is also a pre-med student at Valdosta State University.

"It helps me so much as far as spiritual growth. I just keep coming back."

 

Did you know...

The Hispanic Bible Institute is supported through your gifts to the Cooperative Program. "This ministry wouldn't happen if it weren't for the Cooperative Program," said Victor Lyons, director of the Hispanic Bible Institute.

GBC Continuing Education provides funds for teachers at the institute. Students pay for their books. For more information about continuing education, contact Frank Major at fmajor@gabaptist.org or (770) 936-5244 or 1-800 RING GBC.

Your church's giving through the Cooperative Program is vital to the missions and ministries of the GBC and the Southern Baptist Convention.

For more information or to order free educational materials on the Cooperative Program, contact the GBC Cooperative Program office at ahill@gabaptist.org or (770) 936-5240 or at 1-800 RING GBC.

 

You and your church may send Cooperative Program gifts to:

Dr. J. Robert White, Executive Director
Georgia Baptist Convention
2930 Flowers Rd., South
Atlanta, GA 30341-5532