Hispanic Ministries
Risen Savior Lutheran Church and School, located in an impoverished area in northwest Milwaukee, recognizes that its Hispanic Ministry is unique in a number of ways. First, we are the only Christian organization serving the Hispanic population in northwest Milwaukee with a full-time Hispanic pastor (Seth Haakenson) and the only church in all of north Milwaukee offering services in Spanish. We understand that other congregations in different areas of our country serve their Hispanic neighbors well and also may offer services in Spanish. However, in many of those areas there may be a number of Christian churches at which Latinos could worship. Such is not the case in our area. We are the only option Hispanics in northwest Milwaukee have to learn of God's grace.
Second, the population that we serve is first-generation immigrants, many of whom intend to return to their homeland. Their return results in an opportunity for them to become missionaries and spread His word beyond the borders of our city. Pastor Haakenson has received numerous calls from people in Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico who were referred to him by those who once were members of his flock in Milwaukee.
In addition, many of these immigrants lack basic reading and writing skills. Understandably, they labor in low-paying positions. Should they be able to save any money, it often is sent to their immediate family members back home. The people to whom we minister simply do not have the means to address the budget for the ministry that means so much to them.
Finally, our congregation not only is committed to its Hispanic ministry, but also to a raft of other outreach programs. Our members (many of whom are elderly and on fixed incomes) support a Christian elementary school, an African-American population whose spiritual and physical needs are as great as their Hispanic neighbors, after-school programs for children, pregnancy information classes, a food pantry, summer school sessions, a free health clinic, and a host of other activities through which we are able to spread His word. All of this spiritual and physical assistance is desperately needed in this neglected neighborhood.
In spite of these challenges, our five-year-old Hispanic Ministry has been blessed beyond that which anyone could have initially imagined. Our Spanish worship attendance has risen from an average of ten per service five years ago to a high of 135 last May. More than 400 souls were nourished this past year in private bible study - many who previously had been led to believe that they must pray to saints and that their salvation was based upon their good works. The Lord has watched over us and encourages us to continue our efforts on His behalf. Cutting back on our Hispanic Ministry efforts simply is not an option - no matter how great the financial challenges.
We invite you to contact us for more information, visit us, and walk with us as we fulfill His great commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations."
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