The Southern Florida District held its 16th annual Hispanic Mission Congress February 21 at the Miami Beth-El Church of the Nazarene. Dominican Republic missionary Scott Armstrong encouraged representatives from the district's 20 Hispanic churches to avoid clutter and remain diligent to God's call to the 21st century church.

"The response by our children, teens, and adults to this congress was phenomenal," said Ardee Coolidge, host pastor and District Nazarene Missions International Council Hispanic language coordinator. "Our people love Scott Armstrong and his passion for the gospel." 

There were age-specific mission education opportunities and activities for the 300 people who attended the all-day event.

Several churches brought praise team bands, soloists, and interpretive dance groups. In addition to Armstrong, the group heard from District NMI President Dennis Moore and District Hispanic Coordinator Jorge Diaz.

The event concluded with an outdoor food festival. Each of the churches built colorful booths where authentic food was served from Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, and other Latin American countries.

"It is amazing what the Hispanic churches in Southern Florida do each year for this event and especially for the food festival," Armstrong said.

The churches also competed for festival awards. First place went to Pahokee Hispanic, second place to Miami Beth-El, and third place to West Palm Beach Maranatha.

The District NMI Council sponsors the annual Hispanic Mission Congress as a way of directly educating and inspiring the growing number of Hispanic churches in Southern Florida.
--Southern Florida District via NCN News submissions 

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