Alianza Hispana

In the interest of combining vision and efforts to make a greater impact in this world, ministries and mission endeavors are practicing TEAMWORK. The biblical example of utilizing teamwork is seen in the missionary practices of the Apostle Paul. Throughout his ministry as recorded in the Book of Acts, Paul worked and traveled with a ministry team.

For years, veteran missionary John Dykes [serving Hope International Missions based in Hobe Sound, FL] envisioned a magazine for Hispanics which would provide something for the whole family. As the lack of time and the pressures of missionary life proved itself, his vision remained that...simply a very good idea.

One August summer day in the Rio Grand Valley (in Texas), John, his missionary colleague Philip Burch, and Steve sat in a McDonald's restaurant munching on some french fries while they laid out a strategy for how this "Hispanic magazine idea" might become a reality. A plan-of-action was devised and job assignments were given. About six months later, the premier edition of Alianza Hispana rolled off the press.

The magazine is designed with the idea that missionaries, Hispanic national leaders and their churches, US pastors and their churches, and anybody wanting to impact Hispanic communities for Christ can purchase as many copies as they desire and impact those around them.

Many Hispanic ministries have been blessed by this magazine. The theme articles, Bible studies, the children's stories, the youth lessons, the family articles, and even the graphic designing are all enculturated as much as possible, thus, making the magazine contextualized to the general Hispanic community.

The initial role Steve played in this project was an organizer regarding the plan-of-action to see this idea become a reality. Also, he offered his services as a graphics designer. Each edition is designed with his layout. This July (following SíMO ) he will begin working on the newest edition of Alianza Hispana.

John Dykes is the editor and article coordinator. The rest of the team members contribute their skills of writing and proofing while Steve does the layout & design. In addition to John and Steve, other team members include: Steven Hight [Vice President of Evangelistic Faith Missions -- www.efm-missions.org]; Rex McDowell [Co-ordinator of the Hispanic Studies Program at Penn View Bible Institute]; Saul López Martinez [the director of a Bible school in northern Mexico]; Sharon Weaver [Christian worker serving the Construction Department of Mission Helps, Inc.]; Butch Heath [Director of Crisis Family Care -- crisisfamilycare.com]; Sid Grant [Director of Hope International Missions -- www.hopeinternational.cc]; and Eli Balderas [Director of the Bible school in Salamanca, Mexico.

To purchase copies of this professionally produced 12 page magazine for ministry distribution within your local Hispanic community or to sponsor a bulk purchase of Alianza Hispana for mission churches to distribute, contact John Dykes @ JohnFDykes@juno.com or Rex McDowell II @ AHDistributions@hotmail.com.

Summer Institute
for Missionary Orientation

The Summer Institute for Missionary Orientation (SíMO) has completed six years of ministry training! It is hard to believe that we have reached such a milestone already. Again this year, the Lord brought together the missionaries He wanted together for this specialized training. [See group picture above.]

Co-founded in 2000 by veteran missionary Leroy Adams and Steve (who is the Director of SíMO), this annual missions training program has addressed issues related to mission life particularly, the missionary attrition rate. As one author wrote, “Missionaries are too valuable to lose.” Thus, we deal with a variety of pertinent issues such as, submission to authority and conflict resolution, interpersonal relationships, cross-cultural ethics, the missionary work ethic, stress management, family issues, music and worship styles, missionary finances, and many other relevant topics.

Over the few years of operating SíMO, we have had forty missionaries and mission leaders in the program. These cross-cultural Christian workers represent about ten holiness mission organizations, plus a few who were not connected with an organization. We continue our steady service to holiness missionaries and their organizations.

New to this year’s training was SíMO for Leaders. Running simultaneously with some of the regular SíMO training, this track focuses on the needs of mission leaders, mission board members, and mission office staff. Although the duration of this training is abbreviated to accommodate leaders’ schedules, the training is intensive addressing specific issues confronting mission leaders.

We are now beginning preliminary preparation for SíMO’07. The dates are June 18-29 for SíMO and June 20-22 for SíMO for Leaders. For more information regarding the SíMO or SíMO for Leaders training and for a list of subjects for this year’s SíMO for Leaders training, contact Steve using the contact information in the header of this newsletter.

Thank you for your prayers for this unique and vital ministry. Your financial support for us helps to make our involvement in this orientation training possible.