This past week, I was blessed to be accompany 11 students from Trinity Seminary in Ohio, along with two of their professors (Mark Alan Powell and Cheryl Peterson) as they visited three of our Hispanic ministries here in NT-NL.  They were on their way to a two week Spanish language intensive class in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  This two day visit with us was their opportunity to learn why they needed to learn more Spanish.

Pra. Irma Banales arranged the visits for a variety of locations.  The first evening was spent with members at Emanuel in Dallas to learn about bilingual ministry, and how to bring the cultures together.  

Thursday morning, Bishop Gronberg spent time in conversation with the students, and led us in worship with Holy Communion.

Lunch was hosted by Pr. Gus Vinajeras and Pr. Norma Cooper at Santa Maria (in Exile) and Holy Trinity in Irving.

We ended the day with a trip to San Gabriel in Alvarado, where Pr. Jesus Escamilla was a most gracious host, sharing the story of San Gabriel.  We were blessed to participate in their monthly healing service followed by dinner with the congregation.  I have to selfishly claim that this experience was particularly moving for me, as I was given the privilege of doing the blessing and anointing of the worshipers (in Spanish, no less!)  But I did pass on the Menudo (pictured below) because it just looked a little too much like what it was made from.  If you don’t know, google it!

I was so fortunate to be a part of this journey with these students, but also with the members of these congregations.  The students were very excited to have this experience of learning as well.  It’s one that will surely be repeated.