USA (MNN) — Crossroad Bible Institute in Miami, Florida, is aglow with a passion for prison ministry. CBI’s Spanish Program Instructor rally brought together dozens of veteran instructors as well as new volunteers, all on fire to reach the Spanish-speaking prison population.
Participants were especially eager to meet other Instructors from the area and to share stories about their ministry. “In Latin American culture, having gatherings is very important,” said CBI international coordinator Sandra Chang Raak. “We think of it as a time in which we can get to know each other and realize that we are not ministering alone.”
Raak, who recently traveled to Florida to host the rally, encouraged and thanked the instructors–the majority of whom disciple Spanish-speaking prisoners awaiting deportation in American detention centers. “I reminded them that their work is precious and that they are part of a bigger ministry that reaches six continents,” said Raak.
CBI offers discipleship courses in Spanish, and soon a course for the children of prisoners will also be available. Instructors correct lessons and write letters of encouragement in students’ “heart language,” providing a community of support and encouragement to an often overlooked demographic.
In accordance with Deuteronomy 10:19, Crossroad seeks to offer love and acceptance to these “strangers and aliens.” As Crossroad opens its arms to those who are far from home, students’ lives are being touched. “I did not have the privilege of living in a family, because I was left an orphan as a baby,” says CBI Spanish program student Sigfrido. “But with Crossroad, I have felt embraced by a great and beautiful family.”
Pray that the rally will continue to encourage the instructors as they reach out to Spanish-speaking prisoners.
