Radical Hospitality - The Mexican Consulate
Written: 9/1/2009
After a long wait to check and verify paperwork, another wait for pictures and finger printing, then a couple hours for verification from Mexico, 200 adults and children received new and updated Mexican visas and passports. Sometimes pictures were taken to remember this day and many thank yous and smiles were given as the grateful people left, a result of our radical hospitality.
On August 15th, the Church of the Redeemer hosted 400 people for this nine hour event. Six churches from the Latino Ministries Partnership (Church of the Redeemer, New Albany, Stonybrook, St. Andrews, Whitehall, and Bexley UMC's) and Church of the Messiah helped in various ways with hospitality. Some helped in the parking lot, some greeted, while others directed the applicants and their family and friends to the Fellowship Hall. Others helped with the food and drink tables, some helped with the children's activities, playground, while others who spoke Spanish passed out forms and answered questions. In the midst of a very busy week for many of these churches, 27 volunteered and numerous people furnished supplies showing Christ's love in a very tangible way.
Our on-going Latino Ministries involve English as a Second Language (ESL) classes offered twice a week at Whitehall UMC and twice a week at the trailer park at 755 Steltzer Rd. Bible Studies and home repairs have been offered weekly. Health fairs and fun days with a carnival like atmosphere, called Fiestas, are offered quarterly, as new ministries emerge this coming year.
Your Community Ministries, Conference Apportionments for Latino Ministries, and the financial and volunteer support from our six partner churches help provide for this much needed ministry in the Columbus area. Thank you for you faithfulness, prayers, and love, all given in Jesus' name.
Rev. Debra Ketcham