MIAMI (BP)–With the Hispanic population of the United States expected to surpass African Americans as the largest minority within the next few years, John Redding is committed to helping LifeWay Christian Stores nationwide to meet their needs.
Every store carries Bibles and tracts in Spanish, and more than 80 stores carry a full line of resources, said Redding, Spanish buyer for the chain for the past three years.
Redding, who grew up in Peru as the son of Southern Baptist missionaries, said Hispanics are no longer found just in the traditional areas of New York, Chicago, Miami, California and the Southwest.
“It doesn’t matter where you go, you’ll find Hispanic people,” he said, noting the southeastern United States currently is seeing some of the fastest growth.
“The mission field, more than ever, is moving next door,” he said.
“Our mission is not just to help Hispanics with products but also Anglo churches wanting to reach Hispanics,” Redding said. He added that Hispanic churches that primarily are English-speaking also seek Spanish resources in their ministries with immigrants.
Redding stays on the lookout for bilingual resources for Vacation Bible School and other church activities.
From spending his childhood in Peru, Redding has “always had a burden for Hispanic people. I knew this was where God wanted me. I’ve loved every single minute of it. It’s not just a job. It’s an adventure.”
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(BP) photo posted in the BP Photo Library at http://www.bpnews.net. Photo title: MEETING IN MIAMI.
