In the United States, Hispanics are the second-largest ethnic population. By 2060, it is expected that Hispanics will constitute more than 27 percent of the American population. As a mass media Gospel outreach organization, LHM is committed to reaching this rapidly growing audience with the Good News of the Gospel.
"The future is bright for connecting with Hispanics in North America. Join us in these efforts with your prayers that God reaches down through LHM to bring the Gospel to those who have yet to hear, that they might meet Jesus and find a home in His church," says Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, LHM's vice president of ministry engagement.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time designated to celebrate and recognize the rich cultural and historical heritage and contributions of Spanish-speaking communities in the United States. It can also be a time to educate and learn together.
When did it begin? It began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to encompass a 30-day period.
When is it celebrated? It is celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15.
Why September 15? It begins on that date to commemorate the independence of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which gained their independence on September 15, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18.
Who is "Hispanic"? Hispanic Heritage Month is not limited to a single nationality or ethnic group but celebrates the diversity of cultures and countries that make up the Hispanic community, including the millions of people whose ancestors came from Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Spain.
Responding to the increasing need for Spanish resources in the United States, LHM continues developing and growing our Hispanic ministry efforts by pouring significant energy into growing our engagement with Hispanics through a variety of resources and programs (visit paraelcamino.com).
"I love going to get my groceries at 9 p.m. because that's usually when I find that some Spanish-speaking young families are shopping," says Lois Schaefer, of Central Florida. "I want to share the love of Jesus with them and let them know they are welcome in the community. I'm equipped with two things. I give them a card about our early learning center at my church. I also have Spanish prayer cards that I got from LHM so that I can tell them I'm praying for them intentionally. Sometimes it will be the seven-year-old in the family that can speak English. I then have the opportunity to talk to them and ask if there is something in particular I can pray about for their family. They are quite often ready to come up with something that they could offer as a request for prayer. I just love the people of our community, and there are so many opportunities for new relationships."
"Over the years that I served in the Florida/Georgia District, we significantly grew our Hispanic ministry, and the resources from LHM were a tremendously helpful way for us to do that," says Rev. Dr. Gregory Walton. "We've been very blessed through our partnership with LHM."
Rev. Mark Eisold, pastor of Pelican Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida, says, "My heart for Jesus showed me the importance that we have as Christians to reach people. LHM's resources are incredibly important; most of them are available online for any church to download, so it's cost-effective. It is such a blessing for anyone who does Spanish outreach. Anywhere you go, and everywhere you look, there are Hispanic people, and they are a blessing, and they want to learn English. But in the meantime, and probably for many years after, they need to hear, read, and receive Christ's love in Spanish."
LHM has created a bilingual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration focused on raising support for our U.S. Hispanic Ministries. During this time, your donations to LHM directly support these efforts and continue to provide biblical resources and Gospel-focused outreach to our local Hispanic communities.
Visit lhm.org/hhm to learn more about LHM's Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, including free Project Connect booklets and stickers.