Almuerzo de Líderes Hermanos de Habla Hispana: Spanish Speaking Brethren Leaders Luncheon

By Frank Ramirez

The attendees at the Almuerzo de Líderes Hermanos de Habla Hispana (Spanish Speaking Brethren Leaders Luncheon) spoke Spanish, English, and Haitian Creole, sometimes but not always translated from one tongue to another.

But as one person said, quoting moderator Madalyn Metzger’s opening sermon, speaking in Spanish, “We’re all yearning for community,” adding, “We have many differences but we have much more in common. We are one body in Christ.”

Following music by the Bittersweet Gospel Band, Metzger shared greetings in Spanish, adding, “I apologize for my poor Spanish.” She reflected on her own bi-cultural upbringing, hearing English and Vietnamese growing up, and affirmed, “Speaking Spanish is very important to me.” Reading from her tablet, Metzger shared a blessing for the meal in Spanish.

David Steele, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, noted, “It is good to be here with you. We in the church greatly appreciate the work of our Spanish speaking ministers…. We have been working to realign our priorities. Where we see growth and enthusiasm in our life together is in our Spanish-speaking and Haitian congregations.”

Nate Polzin, executive director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation, shared his excitement working with Spanish- and Creole-speaking congregations, as did Founa Augustin Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries.

Badet invited anyone and everyone at the meal to share concerns, setbacks, joys, and successes. During this time of general sharing, one pastor assured the group, “The Lord hears you when you pray to God. He will give you what you desire…. We are not alone. We are on a team.”

Another listed the several Spanish-speaking enclaves in Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe where “we have one testimony, one witness. It is a beautiful thing.”