Growing up in Mexico, Dotty Mobley says she dispised the Hispanics
there. That was before she became a Christian.
Now, she is teaching Hispanics in Sunday School at Holly Grove
Baptist Church in Wisner, a group she says she “cant get enough of.”
A major part of the churchs Spanish-speaking ministry,
Mobley was responsible for starting the Bible Study class.
Growing up in Mexico, Dotty Mobley says she dispised the Hispanics
there. That was before she became a Christian.
Now, she is teaching Hispanics in Sunday School at Holly Grove
Baptist Church in Wisner, a group she says she “cant get enough of.”
A major part of the churchs Spanish-speaking ministry,
Mobley was responsible for starting the Bible Study class.
The group, mostly from Catholic backgrounds, has been studying
the book of John for a year.
“I chose John because I felt that was a good start for
them,” Mobley explains. “This was because they were mixed up about
who God and Jesus were and needed to know praying to idols wont get you
into heaven.
“I was wanting to get them on the right track.”
A year ago, Carl Haring, manager of Harings Pride Catfish,
approached Holly Grove Baptist Church pastor Neal Raborn with the idea of starting
a Spanish-speaking ministry.
“I employed about 35 Guatemalan and Hispanic workers through
a work study program and felt theyd be better workers if we could get
them in church,” Haring says. “After all, a Christian worker makes
a better worker.
“I wanted to show them a better life.”
Haring and Raborn prayed about the situation. However, they
faced the problem of having someone to head the program who spoke Spanish.
That same day, they asked Mobley, a member at Trinity Baptist
Church in Wisner, to teach the class.
Mobley had not spoken Spanish in more than 35 years. However,
after much prayer, Haring, Raborn and Mobley decided to host a banquet at Harings
business to invite the workers to Holly Grove Baptist Church. That next Sunday,
18 attended the church.
“This group of people was a group I couldnt stand
all my life,” Mobly says. “Once I was saved, the Lord put those same
people in my life, and now, Im having to deal with them all week. I have
an agape love for them.”
Today, the Spanish-speaking ministry attracts as many as 30
to its Sunday activities. While the service is almost entirely in English, Raborn
attempts to “slip in a few Spanish words from the pulpit.”
Sometimes, the Hispanics perform special music in Spanish.
Raborn says a Hispanic male named Celso, whose father is a preacher in a Hispanic
country, is one of those who sings for the congregation periodically.
Raborn says the Anglo congregation, which averages between
50 and 60 in attendance each Sunday, has reached out to the Hispanics.
“The whole church has reached out to them and made them
feel welcome,” Raborn says. “I havent heard one word of dissent.
Its been such a blessing to have them here, especially when I baptized
the two (Hispanics) in our church.”
Raborn adds that during last winter, church members purchased
the Hispanics jackets and coats. They also donated funds to make sure they have
money to go home and return when their visas are renewed. Some are required
to return to their country and get visas renewed in order to work.
The churchs local association, Deer Creek, sets aside
money for ministries like the one at Holly Grove Baptist. Those funds have helped
provide song books, Bibles and tracts in Spanish.
Despite the language barrier that exists at times, Raborn says
there have not been major obstacles since the ministry to the Hispanics began.
Holly Grove Baptist Church also has started a Spanish library
for its new members and guests. The Hispanics check books out every Sunday,
Raborn says.
While dinner on the grounds is a popular pastime of churches
throughout the state, Holly Grove Baptist Church offers the same meal but with
added Spanish dishes. Many Hispanics serve Spanish dishes at the gatherings.
“I was talking with (Louisiana Baptist Convention Language
Missions Director) Elie Woerner last month and told him what a blessing it is,”
Raborn says. “I have them come over to my house and have a good time talking
with them.”
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, Hispanics make up 12 percent
of the countrys population, including 2.4 percent of Louisianas
citizens. Haring says that since this ethnic group makes up such a significant
part of the United States population, they are an ideal group to minister to
with the gospel.
Meanwhile, Mobley says she has a dream for what God can do
with the Holly Grove ministry.
Another business near the town employs 40 to 50 Hispanics.
She says if they joined those already attending the church and if a Hispanic
preacher were present each Sunday, they could have a complete worship service
for them.
“I could see it happening with help,” Mobly says.
“But the Lord would have to provide people to work with those people.”
For his part, Raborn says he has learned many lessons during
the new ministry.
“Ive learned never to underestimate your church,”
he explains. “Ive also learned that if you let people get involved,
theyll become involved.
“One thing Ive noticed is that the Hispanics dont read the
Bible; they read you. If they see the love of Christ in you, then, we can reach
them.”