Ministering to Immigrants
As most people know, in recent months we have received many immigrants from various countries in Latin America and around the world. Some arrive in Kansas City and have no family or anywhere to stay. For this reason, we have seen the need to prepare a dormitory and open the doors of the Multiethnic Center so that some of them can stay temporarily, normally a week, a maximum of two while they find a place to stay.

Additionally, we have helped them in several important areas such as understanding how things work in the United States, the importance of knowing the laws of the United States, how to find help in their immigration cases, how to find a place to live, and how to navigate a variety of common situations for all people residing in Kansas City.

This has been a good opportunity to tangibly show them the love of Christ. Most of them are only passing through, with the purpose of reaching other cities in the United States, but some remain (mainly those with a Christian background) and integrate into some of our churches. In fact, some of them are already serving in some local congregations. Without a doubt, the great influx of immigrants has been a worthy challenge, but at the same time a wonderful opportunity to speak to some about the love of Christ and even more so, to show them Christian love in a tangible way.

Ministering to Pastors and Leaders
Recently we had the great privilege with the help of the Association, Missouri Baptist Convention, and the 6:4 Fellowship Ministry of holding an event whose fundamental purpose was to help pastors and leaders be able to guide their churches to become churches that pray.

During the conference, a biblical, practical, and tangible model was presented to implement a culture of prayer in our congregations. As part of the follow-up, we have the desire to continue meeting with the pastors and leaders who attended the event and working together until we reach the great goal of becoming churches that regularly seek the face of God. Churches that prioritize God’s will, are empowered by God to fulfill His mission.

In addition, we have continued meeting with international pastors and leaders on a regular basis to learn about their ministries (triumphs and struggles), have fellowship, pray for one another, and work together to reach our communities with the gospel.

Contextualized Leadership Development Classes and Church Planting
With the assistance of MBC and the establishment of a new partnership with Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, we began teaching CLD classes (Contextualized Leadership Development) at MBTS. The CLD program is oriented to help international students (in this case Hispanics) to receive basic biblical training. We have fifty-seven students enrolled in these courses. The courses are taught every Monday from 6:30-9:00 pm.

In this specific track, we offer the following subjects: Hermeneutics, Christian Doctrine I and II, Evangelism and Discipleship, and Church Life. The first group of students will be graduating this coming December. Out of these fifty-seven students, we have selected six students who are already either helping us plant churches or who are planning to help us plant churches this year.

Such is the case of Jesus Delgado and his wife Alegria Torin who are both students at MBTS (They have both started doing a residency through NAMB at First Baptist Church Blue Springs). They are working remarkably well with the church, serving in different outreach ministries, teaching a Spanish Bible study, visiting people in the community, and developing relationships with Hispanics who live in that specific area.

Furthermore, we have identified two new specific locations where we need to start new Hispanic works in the Kansas City area. We know for sure we need to start a new Hispanic work in South Kansas City and another work in the north near the airport. We already have leaders that will help us to lead these new church plant sites.