How Brian is Impacting Immigrants with God's Heart

Today, roughly 15 percent of the US population is made up of immigrants, with more than half of them being Spanish speakers. Twenty-five years ago, Brian sensed God’s heart for this growing community and started doing something about it. He began planting Spanish-speaking churches in northern Indiana, which has since become a vibrant and fast-growing hub for the Hispanic population. 

About a year and a half ago, Brian felt God leading him to take the next step towards intentionally developing leaders from within the Hispanic community. That’s why he and his team recently founded a Spanish Language Bible Institute in Goshen, Indiana.  

The institute offers a four-year program with 23 classes to equip Hispanic pastors, elders, and teachers to plant and shepherd Spanish-speaking churches. Brian recognized a significant gap and chose to step into it. While it isn’t a formal seminary, Brian says, “God has given us good stuff to teach, and no one else is doing it. It’s very much needed.” His vision is practical, grounded, and deeply pastoral. 

One passage that continually motivates Brian to invest in the Hispanic community is Acts 17:26–27, which reads: 

“From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us.” 

“The students don’t show up here by accident,” Brian says. “It’s by God’s sovereignty. God moves people so that they will seek Him, reach out to Him, and find Him. God is doing this for their salvation.” Brian sees the shifting demographics as a kingdom opportunity unfolding right before our eyes. 

We no longer need to travel overseas to make an impact on the nations. They’re our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends. Engaging them doesn’t require special credentials or elaborate programs—it begins with hospitality, humility, and a willingness to see people the way Jesus does. Brian’s story reminds us how much of an impact we can have when we just slow down, listen, and take small steps of obedience. 

Are there immigrant or sub-culture populations in your area who are currently unreached by your traditional programming? What would it look like for your church to better welcome, engage, and invest in them?