Sandra Montes-Martinez (right) leads a session at the biennial assembly of Iglesia Menonita Hispana.
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Mennonite Church USA) — Iglesia Menonita Hispana (IMH), a Racial/Ethnic constituency group of MC USA, held their biennial assembly in Kansas City July 1-2, where they developed plans to launch Academia Liderazgo Misional (ALM), a new initiative for missional leadership in partnership with Eastern Mennonite University and Mennonite Mission Network.
ALM will support and encourage Hispanic Mennonite leaders in their calling by connecting them with the resources already available within Mennonite Church USA, said Sandra Montes-Martinez, outgoing moderator of IMH. Resources include missional initiatives through Mennonite Mission Network, Hispanic Ministries programs through Mennonite Education Agency and seminary courses and programs. IMH plans to hold an initial event in Dallas, Texas, Nov 1-2.
Iglesia Menonita Hispana affirmed new leaders at the 2019 biennial assembly (L-R) Fernando Ramos, moderator-elect, Abraham Ulises Arena, moderator, and Sandra Montes-Martinez, executive director.
“I’m excited that we’re putting our efforts and resources into mission in the community and churches, connecting with conferences and local Hispanic congregations,” said Montes-Martinez.
Also at the assembly, Montes-Martinez was appointed in the new role of IMH executive director, and Abraham Ulises Arena of San Juan, Texas, was affirmed as the new moderator of IMH. Fernando Ramos of Davenport, Iowa, was elected as the incoming moderator-elect. Approximately 15 attendees completed the Healthy Boundaries 101 training in Spanish, offered in conjunction with MennoCon19.