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God’s Work in Southwest Detroit’s Hispanic Ministry4 min read

More than 26,000 Hispanic migrants have arrived in Detroit in the last 5 years. Many of them have left their homes and families behind due to the economic and political crisis that their countries face, being persecuted, fleeing from gangs out of fear of losing their lives, and going through very painful tragedies in their lives.

They have traveled thousands of miles to reach this country in hopes of finding a better future for their families. Many of them arrive without any physical possessions, but with an intact faith. They are those whom the love of God reached in their countries and are willing to live their faith in Christ, wherever God takes them, and grow together with other families. Others come full of doubts and despair, but God’s love has reached out to them along the way with acts of compassion and mercy that hundreds of churches have shown them. Others are still being called by God and He is using many of us to bring His love and forgiveness to them.

God in His sovereignty has placed these Hispanic immigrants near us, and it is a unique and precious opportunity to do mission and show compassion without having to travel far. As a Church we have a lot to do, with God’s help, in order to communicate His grace and Gospel.

In partnership with Family of God, St. Stephen, and the Michigan District, the Hispanic ministry is joyfully serving God and the Hispanic community in Detroit. We constantly visit them at places that they frequent such as warehouses, schools, grocery stores, and their own homes, to support them with clothing, food, furniture, etc., but most importantly, with the love of God in Word and Sacraments.

The Hispanic Ministry also partners with different organizations in the city of Detroit that support Hispanic immigrants. This connection has been incredibly valuable for outreach within the community. An example of this is Maiko Camacho’s story. One afternoon, pastor Granado received a call from “Detroit Hispanic” because they needed help with a person who did not speak English. He had arrived in the city at the end of October 2023 after having been kidnapped by a drug cartel in Mexico. They needed someone who could guide him and give him words of hope. So that afternoon Pastor Granado met Maiko and they have walked together for the past several months. God has done the work in his life, and he was baptized on Sunday, November 19, 2023 since, despite being 28 years old, he had never been baptized. On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Pentecost Day, Maiko was confirmed as a member of Pan de Vida Lutheran Church.

Stories like these are the ones we want to share with you, stories in which God’s love is being poured out into the hearts and lives of many immigrants who are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

You can also be a part of what God is doing among this community! Pray for this ministry, participate as a volunteer in some of our events and activities, or financially support us. You can also support us by opening your congregation to start a Bible study or a small group if your area has a significant Hispanic population; this way we will be able to reach various parts of the state of Michigan.

Revelation 7:9 paints a beautiful picture of the triumphant praise of all nations: After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’”

What a joy it is to celebrate together what God is doing in the lives of those He is sending into our midst. May God continue to use us to share His love and forgiveness with them. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Thank you for joining us to do it together!

Photos by Elisa Schulz/Michigan District, LCMS

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About the Author

Rev. Ricardo Granado is the Michigan District Missionary Pastor for Hispanic Ministries.

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Sandra Beens - June 26, 2024

I am moved by your words. I will pray for Hispanic ministry and for you as you continue to serve your Lord and His church. God go with you,