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FAQ

1. What is Amigos en Cristo?
2. Why is a special ministry to Hispanics necessary?
3. Are not Hispanics already Christians?
4. How many Hispanics are there in Southwest Florida?

What is Amigos en Cristo?

Amigos en Cristo (Friends in Christ) is a ministry of the Southwest Florida Outreach Council of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. It exists to proclaim the Good News of salvation to the Hispanic community of our area so that many respond by us committed disciples of Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations of Southwest Florida circuit have called Rev. Robert V. Selle to serve as Missionary for this Hispanic outreach.

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Why is a special ministry to Hispanics necessary?

Jesus said that we should "go and make disciples of all nations." He says that we should go to the nations, not wait for them to come to us. That means we should go to where they are. We meet them on their turf. We speak their language. We interpret the gospel according to their culture and world view.

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Are not Hispanics already Christians?

For the past five-hundred years Latin Americans have lived with the symbols of the Christian faith. Most Hispanics strongly identify themselves as Roman Catholic. However, a lack of good solid Biblical teaching has kept people in the dark concerning the basic tenets of Christianity. Basic doctrines have always been mysterious and fuzzy to most Latin Americans. Our challenge is to teach the true significance of these Christian symbols and to bring the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ into clear focus. We are not saved by being a nominal member of a Christian church body. We are saved by grace alone, through faith in Jesus. Many Hispanics have not heard the gospel in a way that enables them to respond with saving faith.

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How many Hispanics are there in Southwest Florida?

Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the United States. Southwest Florida is experiencing a growth in its Hispanic population superior to the national growth rate. In Lee County about half are of Mexican ancestry. At 18%, Puerto Ricans make up the second largest group. There are also many Cubans and Guatemalans. Almost every Latin American country is represented, each with its own unique political, economic and cultural history.

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