Helping Hispanics to Heaven

While in elementary school, I developed an interest in learning Spanish. That was triggered by watching “Sesame Street” during the early 1970s when they went bilingual. Later, I watched another show on PBS called “Villa Alegre” (“Happy Village”). Around that time, my fifth grade English teacher taught us some Spanish. I could’ve taken Spanish classes in high school and college, but my interests drifted toward computers and music.

After becoming a street evangelist, I wish I had learned more Spanish. Nowadays, there are many Hispanics in America who don’t speak English. Most of them come from Catholic backgrounds. Therefore, a majority believe the gospel but haven’t yet made a decision to be born again. 


Up until a few years ago, I simply gave Hispanics gospel tracts in Spanish. If I encountered one that knew some English, I'd witness to them by speaking simple words but mixed in a few Spanish words I knew to build rapport. That resulted in a few salvations. Then I started using a “cheat sheet” with evangelistic phrases translated from English to Spanish. That has helped me lead many more Hispanics to the Lord. Translation apps on my iPhone have also assisted me when someone needed to ask questions. 


Since returning to Tampa, Florida, one place I’ve often evangelized is near Home Depot. Early in the morning, Hispanic men often hang around by the parking lot hoping to find work. There is a Home Depot close to the missionary house I stay at. I used to occasionally go there by myself since I didn’t have a regular soul winning partner. This time I’ve had a translator named Milco who is originally from Cuba. We have gone to numerous Home Depots in the Tampa Bay Area and led multitudes to Christ. We’ve even done some open air preaching thanks to our friend Eduardo who has a portable speaker. 


It’s likely some of these Hispanics are in America illegally, but I don’t ask them about that. My focus is getting them saved. If you are being obedient to the Great Commission, then I exhort you to step out more and share the Good News with the Hispanics in your area. They are our potential brothers in Christ.


“Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.” - Zechariah 2:11


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