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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
September 2002 |
Vida Nueva: 'New Life' thrives in Hispanic community
By Robin Andres
Special to the Hoosier UM News
"Sometimes you do not see right away where God is leading you," said the Rev. David Peñalva. Last year it seemed like a disaster when structural flaws in the building on east New York Street forced Vida Nueva UMC to move from its home of 11 years.
However, the ministry's move took it to West Washington Street and the center of the largest Hispanic community in central Indiana. The church and outreach programs are flourishing in the new location. Vida Nueva UMC provides Hispanic people with an opportunity to worship in their own language. The ministry is also a place to turn to for reliable information and assistance.
Last October, the ministry opened the Centro Familiar Vida Nueva to provide information, classes and services to help Hispanic people succeed in their new culture. It is not unusual for 70 people to be in the new facility on any given evening. Programs include beginning and advanced English classes. A professor from El Salvador is teaching the GED class in Spanish. Six people plan to take the exam in the fall and receive a high school diploma.
Survival skills, sports & special services
The new computer lab and tutoring program will work with students in the neighborhood schools. These schools have the highest percentage of Hispanic students in the city. Children who are still learning English need special attention to ensure they succeed in school.
The Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic provides free legal assistance and referrals each week. Visiting Nurses provided training for Home Health Care Workers and is helping to find employment for all 20 graduates. The Deportivo Latino Soccer Club conducts youth training programs at the church.
Children's programs and childcare are always provided so parents can participate in the programs. In mid-August, the new food pantry opened. This fall, Survival Skills for Women workshops will be offered in Spanish. Little Red Door, March of Dimes, Wishard Health Services, Indianapolis Housing Partnership and the Marion County Public Library offer seminars and information.
On the grow
And, of course, the congregation, itself, is growing. Even in the hot un-air-conditioned sanctuary, attendance on Sunday mornings has risen to one hundred people. A Bible study/prayer service has been added on Wednesday evenings. A young person's service is planned. Over thirty-five children participated in Vida Nueva's first-ever Vacation Bible School.
Vida Nueva is the Hispanic mission church of the South Indiana Conference, and is supported by the Indianapolis Districts' Metro Ministries agency. "There is incredible potential for this ministry to grow," said the Rev. Bob Walters, Director of Metro Ministries. "We are definitely in the right place at the right time." Gloria a Dios.
Last updated on 01/14/2004