Language:
The Spanish language serves as an important unifying force in the Mexican American community. Unlike members of many other immigrant groups, most 2nd and 3rd gener-ation Mexican Americans have not given up their native language. Both English and Spanish are spoken in over 70% of Mexican American households. English is often used in the public sphere, particularly business and at school. Spanish is used in the home, for religious occasions, among family members, and in popular entertainment. Spanish links Mexican Americans to other Hispanic Americans, particularly those from Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean and Central America. Also, because of the close proximity of the United States and Mexico, many Mexican Americans spend time in both countries. The Spanish language used by most Mexican Americans is different from the Spanish spoken in Mexico – It has become heavily influenced by the English language, and is often now referred to as Spanglish. The complex nature of Mexican American language use reflects the community’s hybrid identity. The continual influx of Hispanic immigrants, who continue to speak their native language within their communities, has reinforced the role of Spanish in the United States.
For this reason, the Latin American Bible Institute of Mexicali will not only be training men who speak the Spanish language to go into the communities of Mexico and Central America, but the same training will become available in “satellite” locations, where the classes will be available to men who speak both English and Spanish. These preachers and teachers will be taking the Gospel into the Spanish-speaking communities of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and beyond. As we have done in other places, we want to send men into the Spanish-speaking world who are able to cross both the language and cultural barriers.
- It’s good stewardship because it’s effective
- It’s obedient to the commission we have been given (Mark 16:15).
- It’s an opportunity for us to work together for our common purpose, which is to glorify God (Rom. 3:23).
Become a “partner.” It’s the investment opportunity of a lifetime. Hold this ministry up to the Lord in your prayers. Get financially involved by supporting a chair”(see details on our donation page). Make our LABIM coin cans a habit in your home, and in your congregation too. Talk to others about getting involved! This is a “grass roots” fund-raising effort for the entire Body of Christ.