A new Hispanic work has begun in Greenville under the combined efforts of Gerald Roe, associate professor of intercultural studies/missions at North Greenville University; Dan Messer, director of Hispanic ministries for Greenville Baptist Association; and Juan David Prettel, Hispanic church planter.
Roe saw the need to reach the growing Hispanic population and felt compelled to assign two of City View First Baptist’s four summer interns to develop a plan of action for taking Christ to the Hispanics of Berea. Messer introduced the interns to Prettel, who was doing work outside of the nearby Cherrydale area, but was meeting great resistance to his efforts there.
Messer, Prettel, the interns, and several students from NGU began to do visitation at Hunter Park Apartments on Saturdays. With the aid of Prettel’s father Miguel, pastor of Iglesia Bautista, Easley, many people heard the gospel, and quite a few received Christ.
After a few weeks of visitation, Prettel happened to meet Damien, a new Christian who has a heart and passion for sharing Christ with those around him. On Nov. 8, the first Bible study was held in Damien’s apartment in Hunter Park. Approximately seven people from the surrounding apartments attended, much to the joy of Prettel.
On Nov. 18, students from Roe’s Practicum 1 class organized and held a block party in Hunter Park. They had music, games, and refreshments and showed the “Jesus Film.” The turnout was fantastic, many people heard the “Four Spiritual Laws,” and approximately 15 people stayed after the video to listen to Damien’s testimony and participate in a time of prayer and praise.