wfn.org | ABCUSA: HISPANIC BAPTISTS CELEBRATE 100 YEARS

[RICH.SCHRAMM@ecunet.org]

AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS SERVICE 
Office of Communication  
American Baptist Churches USA 
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320 
Web: www.abc-usa.org
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
 E-mail: richard.schramm@abc-usa.org

HISPANIC AMERICAN BAPTISTS CELEBRATE 100 
YEARS OF MINISTRY, SHAPE FUTURE PLANS
by Fran Homer, American Baptist National Ministries
 As Hispanic American Baptists celebrate 100 years 
of ministry in the United States, strategic plans are 
underway to shape future ministries that will reach the 
growing Hispanic population for Christ. 
 "This historic milestone is a testament to the 
faithfulness of God and a tribute to the Hispanic leaders 
who laid the foundation for the growth in ministry that we 
see today," said the Rev. Eddie Cruz, director of Hispanic 
Ministries for National Ministries/The American Baptist 
Home Mission Societies.
 Figures released earlier this year by the U. S. 
Census Bureau show that the Hispanic population in the 
United States grew by almost 60 percent from 1990 to 
2000. Growth in the general population is paralleled by 
Hispanic representation in American Baptist Churches USA, 
with more than 45,000 believers and 360 congregations in 
the United States and Puerto Rico.
 "By the year 2050 it is estimated that one in four 
individuals in this country will be Hispanic," said Cruz. 
"Many first, second and third generation Hispanic 
Americans now serve the Lord, because of an American 
Baptist church in their barrio (neighborhood)."
 In 1899, following the end of the Spanish-
American War, American Baptist home missionaries 
initiated ministry among Spanish-speaking people in 
Puerto Rico. Two years later in 1901 Primera Iglesia 
Bautista Hispana de Santa Barbara, Calif., was 
established-the first Spanish-speaking mission in the 
United States. 
 Today Hispanic American Baptists represent a 
broad spectrum of nationalities and cultures and share a 
strong commitment to mission. In the 1980s church 
planting was identified as a key priority. As a result during 
the denomination's "500 More by '94" decade, 32 percent 
of new church starts were Spanish-speaking 
congregations.
 In 1991 Vision 2001 was launched, which took the 
Hispanic American Baptist commitment to church planting 
to a new level, setting a goal of 100 new churches and 
30,000 new believers. Focusing on spirituality, evangelism, 
Christian education, stewardship and social action, Vision 
2001 helped lay the groundwork for NEW LIFE 
2010/NUEVA VIDA 2010-the denomination's current 
emphasis to plant 1,010 new churches, reach 1,000,010 
new Christians, reach out in a multitude of caring 
ministries, and so transform our congregations by the year 
2010.
 "Together, we are moving forward," said Cruz, 
"reaffirming the Spirit's vision for the next 100 years and 
beyond--­a la Gloria del Senor!"
 At the American Baptist Biennial Meeting in June 
Hispanic American Baptists plan to celebrate Vision 2001 
and 100 years of ministry in the United States. A video, 
"Celebrando Nueva Vida/Celebrating New Life," has been 
produced for premier showing in plenary session.
 For more information visit Hispanic Ministries on 
the Web at www.nationalministries.org/hispanicministries/ 
or contact Cruz at eddie.cruz@abc-usa.org or 1-800-ABC-
3USA/x2421. 

WFN0611A

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