MIAMI (BP)–Spanish speakers in the United States and abroad are embracing LifeWay resources, especially family Bible studies, discipleship materials and the evangelistically effective Vacation Bible Schools, according to reports at a seminar for Hispanic church consultants in Miami May 11-12.
The conference, attended by 43 participants representing Spain, Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile and the United States, was sponsored by LifeWay Español, an outreach of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The conference theme, “Correr la Carrera con Paciencia” (Run the Race with Patience), based on Hebrews 12:1, seemed especially relevant when conversation turned to VBS in Mexico.
“We’ve been promoting VBS in Mexico for five years,” said Cesar Badillo, LifeWay Español’s consultant in Mexico. “In the beginning we had to do all the legwork, but now LifeWay Español’s VBS has become so well known that many of our churches buy the material before they ever attend a training event.”
Churches don’t just buy the resources, Badillo added, but are committed to VBS training. “We have planned VBS training events expecting 40 people to show up, and more than 120 come,” he said.
The growth in LifeWay’s VBS material is exciting enough, but there is an added benefit, Badillo noted.
“This success with VBS materials in Mexico is making all of LifeWay Español’s resources better known,” resulting in increased sales of other LifeWay discipleship materials, leading to healthier churches and empowered believers.
LifeWay Español director Luís López said LifeWay Español resources are making a difference in churches throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Jorge Figueroa, pastor and volunteer consultant for the western region of the United States, said the small group ministry in his church soon will introduce the Spanish-language version of MasterLife. “They have begun with some basic discipleship and have come to me asking for a more in-depth discipleship study,” he reported.
This year several new LifeWay resources in Spanish were unveiled at the conference, including “Peregrinando” (Stepping Up by Beth Moore); “Discernamos la Voz de Dios” (Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer); “3:16 Los Números de la Esperanza” (3:16 The Church Experience by Max Lucado); “Cautivado por la Grandeza de Dios” (Gripped by the Greatness of God by James MacDonald); and “Escuela Bíblica de Vacaciones Isla Canoa” (VBS Outrigger Island).
“We want to help Hispanic churches fulfill the Great Commission by providing culturally relevant resources that will transform individuals into Great Commission Christians,” López said. “Our strategy is simple yet challenging: to know churches, to help churches and to help people through churches.”
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Ralph Tone is a regional consultant in LifeWay Christian Resources’ international department.
