In the United States, Hispanics are the second-largest ethnic population. About half of those who identify as Hispanic in the United States today speak Spanish primarily. By 2060, it is expected that Hispanics will constitute more than 27 percent of the American population.
Established to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 to October 15 each year. September 15 marks the anniversary of the independence of Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
As a mass media Gospel outreach organization, LHM is committed to reaching this rapidly growing audience with the Good News of the Gospel. We're doing more than just translating materials written for English-speaking audiences. We're crafting programming and media content for Hispanics by Hispanics. Below is a glance at LHM's Spanish resources and the impact they have had on individuals in the United States.
Para el Camino (paraelcamino.com)
A Hub for All LHM Spanish Resources
On the Para el Camino (For the Journey) website, users will find practical, Christ-centered resources to help them successfully manage their daily lives in the United States. Bible-based teaching, sermons, videos, devotionals, and more benefit Christians and non-Christians alike, encouraging them to grow in their knowledge of God and to follow in His footsteps.
The Para el Camino website also offers Daily and Seasonal Devotions, Bible studies, topical Project Connect booklets, children's booklets, a radio drama (Ayer, Hoy y Siempre), and links to the Sentido Latino and Vivenciar websites. In addition to the website, Para el Camino has a social media presence that connects people to our resources and provides encouragement.
Impact of Para el Camino
Doris is a faithful reader of our Daily Devotions. She called our dedicated 1-800 Spanish line asking for advice since her marriage was falling into pieces. She wanted to do the right thing, but she didn't know how or where to start, and she didn't feel comfortable talking with her pastor. After a 40-minute conversation and prayer, she had a clearer vision of her situation and a plan to start moving forward.
A listener to the sermons shared, "Thank you for this morning's message. It was very encouraging. It is excellent to see how LHM has invested in Spanish-speaking ministries."
A pastor shared, "This is an exemplary message of the Good News of Jesus Christ for us in this Holy Week. Listen to it, and you will be richly blessed and strengthened in your faith in Christ!"
Sentido Latino (sentidolatino.com)
Weekly Podcast
The 15-20-minute weekly podcast's vision and mission are born out in its title. "Sentido Latino" means Latin sense, and its tagline, "Donde tu vida tiene sentido," means where your life makes sense. The program objective is to raise and discuss issues and values that directly impact U.S. Hispanics' family, spiritual, and community life.
Drawing from a rich and time-honored Christian-Hispanic perspective, program hosts tackle issues with insight and humor, engaging listeners with a lively exchange of good advice and godly wisdom for their journey. In addition to the weekly episodes, Sentido Latino offers a weekly one-minute reflection, downloadable resources, and a growing social media presence that provides encouragement to many.
Impact of Sentido Latino
Berta, a woman from New York, had been listening to our Sentido Latino podcast on healthy boundaries and wanted advice on her relationship. She said she was going through a challenging moment because she found out that her husband was unfaithful to her. She felt like her life had collapsed, and she was at the end of her rope. After talking for a few minutes, we asked if she would like us to pray for her. She said: "Yes, I ask that God would unite my family again... my home is divided. My 14-year marriage is falling to the ground. I don't know how to accept this reality". LHM staff assured her that they would be praying for her and offered to have a local pastor contact her, which she graciously accepted.
Vivenciar (Vivenciar.net)
A Digital Platform Offering Spiritual Guidance to Life's Issues
Pioneered and developed by LHM ministry center staff in the Latin America region, Vivenciar.net is a bi-lingual platform that reaches Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking individuals. Since it began in 2017, the purpose of Vivenciar.net has been to start conversations with non-Christians who are looking for help and guidance about relevant topical issues on the internet. Young adults are gravitating to the internet seeking help, including millions who are curious-or have doubts-about Christianity.
The Vivenciar.net website serves as a hub for digital outreach throughout Latin America and now North America. Through Vivenciar.net, staff and volunteers enter into digital conversations with individuals and provide biblically-based answers for their lives. Since its expansion into the U.S. in 2021, Vivenciar.net has offered help, support, and direction to Spanish-speaking individuals. The live chat, blogs, courses, and e-books give additional support to those seeking answers to their questions.
Impact of Vivenciar.net
Rosa, suffering from terminal cancer, wanted to talk to someone because she was scared and could not find peace. She accepted the invitation to be referred to a pastor, who called her right away. Rosa told him she had heard about Jesus, but she wasn't sure about her salvation or what happens after we die. The pastor patiently and lovingly talked with her about the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus and what that means for each of us, including her. He also talked about repentance and the forgiveness of sins Jesus provides. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, at the end of the call and after praying, Rosa confessed Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was assured of her salvation and at peace with herself and with God.
CPTLN Mobile App
The CPTLN (Christ for All Nations) app is a mobile hub for Para el Camino sermons, sermon notes, Daily Devotions, Project Connect booklets, Bible studies, reflections, Vivenciar, a Bible app, and a chat function. This is our first smartphone app entirely in Spanish, with access to all the resources from Para el Camino, Sentido Latino, and Vivenciar. With this app, we offer a convenient way to connect Hispanics to Jesus and to equip them to share the Good News of the Gospel with others.
Hispanics use their phones all the time. When they are working outside the home or otherwise away from a computer, they nevertheless always have access to their phones and can conveniently use our resources on the go. Having the resources on a mobile app gives them access to everything they need without sitting down at a computer.
You can help support LHM's growing Hispanic Ministry. Click here to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month and get involved today.