Three Baptist organizations have recently partnered to fund ongoing ministry among Hispanics in Virginia.
The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Baptist General Association of Virginia and Fredericksburg Baptist Church are partnering to provide financial support for Greg and Sue Smith, who lead LUCHA (Latinos United through Christ in Solidarity and Support) Ministries, a community-based outreach ministry in Fredericksburg.
The Coooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia, the state affiliate of the national organization, started the ministry with the Smiths in April 2004. The Smiths are former missionaries to Costa Rica.
With the Hispanic population in Virginia rapidly increasing, the partnership is timely, according to BGAV executive director John Upton.
“It's such a valuable ministry. We're quite happy that we're able to be a part of it,” he said. “It enables us to expand the ministry statewide.”
Through their partnership with the BGAV, the Smiths will continue their work through LUCHA. Additionally, they will serve as members of the Latino Network of Virginia Baptists and work with the Latino/
Muslim Outreach team of the BGAV's Virginia Baptist Mission Board and Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia to develop Latino outreach ministries and start new Latino congregations.
“The need for Hispanic ministry in Virginia is perhaps greater than any of us realize. The ability to minister to their needs is of great concern,” said Larry Haun, pastor of Fredericksburg Baptist Church, where the Smiths are members.
CBF Global Missions recently approved the Smiths as AsYouGo affiliates and they will be commissioned at June's General Assembly in Atlanta.
“The Smiths will become part of one of our CBF teams, and this new arrangement will create further synergy in our collaboration to become the presence of Christ among the most neglected,” said CBF Global Missions interim coordinator Jack Snell.
“CBF of Virginia is proud to have birthed such a vital ministry and welcomes the partnership as the best way of ensuring the continuing ministry among Hispanics,” said Rick Clore, coordinator of the CBF of Virginia.
“With some sadness, but mostly with a great sense of celebration, we now deliver this ministry into the oversight and sustenance of other worthy partners,” he said. “We love Greg and Sue and admire the way they wisely built ministries around partnerships.”
The CBF of Virginia will continue to support the Hispanic ministry with financial gifts to any of the offerings of the three partnering organizations which fund the ministry.