Hispanics for Jesus

2008-02-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

FLOR LEARNS TO SEW

Until there is some resolution to the status of undocumented worker in our country, many families continue to live in fear of that moment when they can no longer find a job, when their posessions are confiscated, and they are forced to return to the poverty that compelled them to leave their native countries in the first place. Flor is such a friend.

"Señora, if we are forced to go back, there will be no work for the men there. The small farms are gone and there is no place for Jose Luis to find a days labor. But for a woman who can sew, there may be work." A number of Korean sewing factories have relocated to southern Mexico and they employ women and girls to stitch apparel that is then sent back to Korea for wholesale. "Si puedo aprender - If I can learn, then perhaps I can work at one of those factories if we have to go back. Will you teach me?"

Flor had been selling comida tipica - common food - to the working men and boys living near her. From her earnings, she bought an old Singer sewing machine. One day recently, I took some bright pink cloth to her house and we spent the morning learning some very basic skills. It was Flor's first sewing lesson, but as you can see from the photo, she has promise!

We may not be able to build factories in impoverished areas around the world, we may not even know how to repair the broken immigration policies of our own part of the world, but we can teach useful skills - even one at a time - to men and women who have the desire to learn. Perhaps when we hold on to such knowledge, willingly or not, keeping it from those who could most benefit, it is not so unlike holding on to bread when our neighbor is hungry.

NEW ESL CLASSES AND GOD SHOWS UP!

2007-03-08T15:09:00.000-08:00

HERE IS AN INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE FIRST NIGHT OF OUR NEW ESL CLASS AS WRITTEN BY CAROL TIPTON ~ ENJOY!

Once again, the anxious faces lined up to be questioned.

“Hello, how are you?”
“What’s your name?”
“Where do you work?”
“Where are you from?”
“What did you do yesterday?”
“What will you do tomorrow?”

After eight years of doing these interviews you’d think it would be tiring, but participating in this process must have some sort of addictive quality - the anticipation of each student is like some untapped source of energy, each one concentrating, listening… giving all they have. No, these are not questions for a job interview or a border patrol check; these are questions designed to determine how much English a person already knows. How well a person responds will determine whether he is placed in a class for level 1, 2 or 3. After several hectic minutes of questioning, all the students at last are assigned to their proper teacher and the lessons begin.

I meet my newest class of Level 2 students last night. Twelve adults sat with pencils in hand, ready to practice making the “th” sound, repeat a list of familial nouns and attempt personal introductions. The 90 minutes raced by far too quickly and after exchanging telephone numbers, all but two of the students left the room to pick up their children or to hurry home for a late supper. Rocio and Rafael were whispering together as I gathered up my books and notes, then Rocio spoke in lovely broken English.

“Teacher, you understand Spanish?”

“Yes I can,” I answered.

“Do I su permiso speak to you en español? I need speak with my heart.”

“Yes, of course.” I put down my book bag and sat in the chair beside her and her husband.

Rubio, without one moment of shyness, began this story:

“Rafael and I have four children back in Mexico. Uno de ellos tiene Downs – one of them has Downs. The medical care for her is very expensive. We are here to work for our children – we each have two full-time jobs. Earning money for our children is the reason we are in the United States, but it isn’t the reason we are in Alabama. My sister came to work in Alabama several years ago. While she was here, she meet a woman of God who told her about Jesus. My sister would call us from Alabama and tell us things that this woman of God was teaching her about Jesus. We began to know that my sister was different – she had happiness, she had her real needs meet, she began to change greatly. When she returned to Mexico we could see for ourselves that she was like a new person. She said that Jesus had made her new. Rafael and I have been working here now for 1 ½ years and for all this time we have been looking for someone who can tell us about Jesus. We want to have what my sister has. We want to take this back to our children when we return to Mexico.”

I was speechless. I have never imagined a story like this before and for an instant I doubted that I was understanding her Spanish – perhaps I’d made an error in the translation. But any doubts fled as Rocio continued.

“This is our first time to be in un iglesia evanjelica – an evangelical church. Is there anyone in this big church who can tell us about Jesus? We work every day except Wednesday. But if there is someone who can meet with us on Wednesdays we will go anywhere. Maybe they can come to our home. Or maybe they will meet with us before the English class – or even afterwards. Do you know anyone like that?”

By then tears were flooding, overflowing, pouring down my face. I reached out and hugged Rocio and said, “Rocio, I promise that I will find someone for you. I promise this.”

“But how can you make this promise? How can you be certain? We have waited for so long – how can you know that you can find a teacher?”

“I know that God has given you this hunger to know Him, and I know that He has prepared someone who can teach you. He will bring it to happen.”

Rafael was overjoyed, “When can we call you? Can we call you tonight? When will you know?”

I laughed, “Perhaps not tonight. But I will know by Friday who will teach you.”

“By Friday…we will know our teacher by Friday…”

As we walked out of the classroom, I heard someone call my name, “Carol, como estas?”
It was my friend Jose Luis. “Do you know this family?” I asked.

“No, I don’t believe that I do.”

“Rafael and Rocio, let me present Jose Luis, our pastor. Jose Luis, this family has expressed a great desire to know Jesus and I’m wondering if you can meet with them here next week before English class.”

Rocio was astounded, “God truly does answer your prayers!”

“No,” I replied, “He answered your prayers.”

“But when did I pray to God?” she asked.

“Just now, Rocio. Just now.”

2006-12-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

ALL ARE WELCOME ~ BRING A FRIEND!

MEN'S COFFEE/FELLOWSHIP TIME

A bi-lingual fellowship for men happens every Sunday morning at the Shelby Baptist Medical Center cafeteria beginning at 8:30 A.M. giving both Hispanics and Gringos the opportunity to spend great fellowship time together getting to know one another. We share experiences, frustrations, and personal stories, encourage and support each other, pray together, and examine as a group what God's Word says about the things we all encounter daily in our lives. Everyone is welcome to join in this excellent forum for men, where personal translation is provided so all can participate in the interaction.

PLEASE COME AND VISIT WITH US!

WE MISS YOUR SMILING FACE!

MEN NEED ACCOUNTABILITY ~ NO MAN IS AN ISLAND

Sharing in each other's lives represents blessing, encouragement, growth, and the opportunity to know and share in the unique perspective God has given us to benefit others.

PRAYING TOGETHER BRINGS RELEASE AND STRENGTH

Turning over our burdens, concerns, struggles, and desires to God as men together is an uplifting, freeing, experience that binds us together.

NEW ORLEANS MISSIONS TRIP JULY 2006

2006-08-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

"With good will render service, as to the Lord...knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord..." Ephesians 6:7

A team of 20 Iglesia Biblia de Alabaster church members served their brothers in Christ in the devastation of the city of New Orleans, and returned with pictures, stories of pain, love, mercy and blessing. Working in the stifling heat and humidity of Louisiana in July, this group shingled roofs, installed sheet rock, cleaned (and cleanedsome more!), participated in a children's bible school, visited families, and much more, with the greatest accomplishment being service to others (Christ) with a giving and open heart. These 20 represented many more who could not go, and the remainder of the church met and prayed so that the love of Jesus would penetrate each person with which the team came in contact.

MORE FISHING TOURNAMENT 2006!!

2006-04-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

REAL MEN EAT WORMS!!

Ladies of the Church at the 1st Museum Trip

2006-04-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

"Each one of you has your own story of 'exodus'. For many different reason, all good reasons, each of you left your own villiages, your family and everything familiar, to finally arrive here in America."

This is how I began to introduce the art exhibition "Through the Eye of a Needle" that we went to see at the Art Museum. The 32 hand stitched panels on display were created to illustrate the exodus of two little girls out of Poland during the Nazi occupation. Some showed the girls playing in their village home, others showed them traveling along dangerous roads with a companion their mother had paid to guide them away, and in others we could see them hiding in forests or encountering Nazi guards along the road. As I faced my little group of 15 women, I was moved to tears as I saw their own tears begin to flow. Representing five different countries, each one of them was identifying with some aspect of the little sisters' trails. We walked through the exhibit quietly, thoughtfully. It was a moving experience for us all.

I hope that I can inspire some of the women to "illustrate" a chapter from her own exodus in some way. They are an important part of the continuing story of America - a part that needs to be recorded.

I am recalling the verses in the Bible that refer to Jesus giving up His own place in order to become an immigrant here on Earth. He left everything in order to give His children an opportunity for Life. How much more powerful these verses are to me now after the experience at the museum.

If you choose to view the attached photos, I hope you will think to pray for these ladies, most of whom have become Christ Followers in the last year. As their tears indicate, they carry with them such great wounds. May the God of peace heal those deep places and may their sacrifices, somehow, someday, bring Life.

Blessings to you!
Carol

Pictures of the NOLA Church Assistance Trip

2006-04-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE!!

2006-04-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the upcoming cross-cultural / bi-lingual ministry opportunities.
Of course you can call me for more information on any of these.
Carol Tipton 668-0539

Tuesday, April 4 "Jubilee" - Women's cross-cultural praise
Spring Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church - hwy 12 Montevallo
10:00 - 12:00

Wednesday, April 5 Ladies trip to the Birmingham Art Museum
There are two meeting locations:
Spring Creek Pres. Church - for those who need child care. Van will leave at 9:00
Leon home in Alabaster - for those not needing child care. Van will leave at 9:30

Wednesday, April 12 ESL class
Wednesday, April 19 ESL class
Wednesday, April 26 Final ESL class - "Cooking American Food"
These classes meet at 9:30 in Spring Creek Pres Church

In May, "Jubilee" will celebrate the 1 Year Anniversary.
There are several exciting activities planned.
Mark your calendar and come celebrate with us!
Teacher and missionary, Sra. Flora Pommier (Bolivia) will be our guest-speaker.

Monday, May 1 - 7:00 p.m.
In the home of Jose Luis and Magvis Leon in Alabaster.
Tuesday, May 2 - 10:00 a.m.
In Spring Creek Cumberland Church in Montevallo.
In addition to Sra. Pommier's excellent (translated!) teaching, you can expect to share in a multi-national meal, take a punch at a pinata, learn music from various Hispanic cultures, and take home many "recuerdos" - memories of this landmark event.

Iglesia Biblica Church Picnic and Public Baptism
This is a highly anticipated Annual Event for Iglesia Biblica de Alabaster!
Sunday - May 21, 1:00 p.m.
Oak Mountain State Park - the BIG lakeside pavillion
Bring your family and a pot-luck dish (we will be cooking REAL fajitas on the grill! ) and wear your play clothes. After our lakeside worship service and public baptism, we will enjoy a cross-cultural feast and some afternoon beach volleyball

HFJ - Ladies Cross-Cultural Missions Prayer Requests

2006-03-18T15:45:00.000-08:00

New Orleans Prayer assistance – March 21 – 24, 2006

TUESDAY
As we begin our journey, pray for God’s travel mercy and that our hearts will be prepared to serve.
Cuando empezamos nuestro viaje, ore para la misericordia del viaje de Dios y que los corazones se prepararán para servir.

Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord’s approval. Judges 18:6
Vayan en paz. Su viaje tiene la aprobación del Señor. Jueces 18:6

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. Ephesians 6:7
Sirvan incondicionalmente, como si usted sirviera al Señor, no hombres.
Efesios 6:7

WEDNESDAY
Open our eyes to see Jesus in those we serve.
Abra nuestros ojos para ver a Jesús en esos servimos.

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25: 40
Yo le digo la verdad, cualquier usted hizo para uno de lo menos de estos hermanos míos, usted hizo para mí. Matthew 25: 40

Pray that we would depend on God to direct our steps.
Ore que dependamos de a Dios para dirigir nuestros pasos.

He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.
Proverbs 28:26
Un tonto es el que confía en si mismo, pero quien andan en la sabiduría es mantenido seguro. Proverbios 28:26

THURSDAY
As we grow tired for the work, pray that God will renew our strength.
Cuando nosotros nos cansamos para el trabajo, oremos que Dios renovará nuestra fuerza.

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way. Isaiah 35: 3
Fortalezcan las manos débiles, afirmen las rodillas temblorosas. Isaiah 35: 3

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41: 10
Así que no teme, para yo estoy contigo; no te angusties, porque soy t Dios. Yo le reforzaré y le ayuda; yo le apoyaré con mi mano derecha justa. Isaiah 41: 10

Pray that we will be transparent, subduing our own interests, so that those around us will see Christ in us.
Ore que seremos transparentes, dominando nuestros propios intereses, para que ésos alrededor de nosotros verán a Cristo en nosotros.

Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven. Matthew 5:16
Hagan brillar su luz delante de todos, para que ellos puedan ver las buenas obras de ustedes y alaben al Padre que está en el cielo. Matthew 5:16

FRIDAY
As we return home, pray that God will speak words to our hearts as we reflect on all that we have seen.
Cuando volvemos en casa, oramos que Dios hablará palabras a corazones como nosotros reflejamos en todo que hemos visto.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Psalms 77: 11 – 12
Recordaré los actos del Señor; sí, recordaré sus milagros de hace mucho tiempo. Meditaré en todos sus trabajo y consideraré todos sus actos poderosos. Salmos 77: 11 – 12

RESULTS!!

I know you will want to read this little note from Ann Carolyn Davie regarding the help we were able to give to those still suffering in New Orleans. Praise God for giving us this incredible opportunity to serve the Body of Christ. May the labor of our hands bring a great harvest!!

Carol Tipton

Dear Carol:

Thank ALL of you so very much for your tremendous labor of love with the people here around us! Ernestina could not say enough about her 2 angels that came to visit her and encourage her. John and Rosa were so grateful for the help and love you showered on them! And one of the Jo Anns stopped me in the hall at church yesterday and said that the ONLY way those closets got cleaned out was because we were willing to be there and help. She said that the task was so overwhelming that she was ready to run but when she saw us so cheerfully hacking away at it, it gave her the courage to go on! Thanks for being so interested in Daphne and Daniel's mission and for asking for the private showing! It was so good for them to share---they get more pumped up every time they do! And Fernando and Gely's fence foundation looks so great! Pat and I were there yesterday after church and checked it out. They are thrilled to have the fence so far along.

Love, AC

2006-01-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a recent article on Luis Leon, son of Jose Luis and Magvis Leon. This family is full of talent! Be sure and congratulate Luis when you have the chance on his accomplishments as an excellent student.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!! POST AT CHURCH OR WORK

2006-01-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

You are welcome to pass this invitation on to your friends or church!!

Hispanics for Jesus is seeking workers / volunteers to start English class.

English tutors
Nursery workers - full or part-time
Children's ministry - full or part-time

The class proposal is:
March - May
Tuesday nights 7:00 - 9:00
Spring Creek Cumberland Church - Hwy 12 (between Calera and Montevallo)

If you are interested in helping in any of these areas, please contact
Carol Tipton (668-0539) or Debb! ie Ingram (665-4145) immediately.

***A training session will be provided for those desiring to tutor English.***

LPC Meeting Items for January 2006

2005-12-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of Hispanics for Jesus Ministry,

Here is our new communications website!! I am excited to be able to unite us in our efforts for the ministry, and hope you find this to be a helpful addition to our tool box. Please feel free to submit items to post here, give suggestions for improvements and corrections, and use this site often.

Blessings,

Steve

December Updates

2005-12-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of the Ministry:

The goals outlined by Jose Luis Leon and his wife Magvis, pastors and church planters with our ministry, which personally reveals their heart and passion for this ministry for the upcoming New Year. Their fresh excitement surrounding Hispanics for Jesus is highlighted by the candid, unpolished presentation of these goals, and I hope you enjoy reading them.

The attached vision statements came from our planning meeting last Saturday, and hope you will be able to attend in the future if you did not have the opportunity to do so last week. I know if would be a blessing to you, and you are welcome anytime you can make it. I encourage suggestions or other points of contact we might list to keep us as connected as possible with each other, so please respond as you can with your ideas and input, and with any persons names and contact information that you think would like to know more about this ministry. We need you!!
My goal for the ministry as the acting chairman of the LPC is to do a better job of communicating with, and encouraging each of you so the exciting work the Lord has called us to will be accomplished in better fashion. I earnestly solicit your prayers, and know each one will receive a tremendous blessing in this service as I have.

Blessings,

Steve Tipton