Mexicans NS
Home 9 Latest News 9 CBAC News 9 Welcoming Migrant Workers: A Neighbourhood Story

Welcoming Migrant Workers: A Neighbourhood Story

March 1, 2018

Mexicans NSRev. Sam Jess, Pastor of Barss Corner Baptist & Emmanuel Baptist Church of Parkdale-Maplewood (NS) shared this story about how they welcomed migrant workers from Mexico working in the Christmas Tree industry, some of whom have been coming to the area for 10 years.

“In September 2016, I knocked on the door to say “hola” using my broken Spanish. Over a few months we developed a relationship with Felix, a committed Christian but he was having a rough year when we met him. He welcomed our friendship and support, and he helped me improve my Spanish.”

Esau baptism“Our prayer was that we could build bridges with others when they returned from Mexico in the spring. God answered that prayer, and surpassed our expectations as we connected to more of the workers in the following months. We saw God at work in their lives. One of the men named Esau was baptized in a cold lake at the end of October. He is eagerly growing in his faith.”

“In December on their last day before returning to Mexico, 17 joined us in our worship service. Our prayer that God will keep working in them and through them, that our little churches would have the privilege of blessing their entire nation.”

What we’ve learned:

  • Joys and Benefits:
    • Learning a new language. And, my children grow up learning Spanish.
    • Being Missional – Our two little churches feel the joy of being “missional,” by showing hospitality. One of the churches put on a year-end Christmas dinner for the Mexican workers. The tables were set beautifully, the food was “rico,” or rich, and the atmosphere in the room was of grace and joy in both directions.
    • Sharing – When the cold weather came, many of the guys didn’t have warm coats, and many people in the churches went into their closets and got extra coats out for them. (John the Baptist named that as an act of repentance, Luke 3:11)
    • The community looks at the church differently – It’s easy for people in the community to write the church off as narrow, old-fashioned, closed-minded, etc. But when they see the church engaging with people no one else is, then they take another look.
    • Training ground – Just as the work load was becoming too much for me, God brought some help. Two Canadian men came across our path, both of whom have the goal to serve as missionaries, and both of whom already started learning Spanish. By joining us here they will learn both the language and the cross-cultural ministry skills that they will need.
  • Challenges:
    • Language barriers.
    • Time and tiredness – they work long days and are far from their families. Sunday is often the one day they have off.
    • Food tastes – Canadian food can be difficult.
    • Cultural barriers & past experiences of being exploited. Trust takes time to build up.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Learn the language! Get some Bibles in their native language, find online resources that can help with translation. Learn some songs!
    • Maintain contact through the week. Drop off leftovers.
    • Do some sightseeing – show them around and the beauty of Atlantic Canada.
    • Be available to help them run errands.
    • Pray with them and for them.

To read more learnings and details about this story, click here: https://barsscornerbaptist.wordpress.com/2017/12/14/ministry-with-mexican-migrant-workers/

Submitted by Rev. Sam Jess, Pastor of Barss Corner and Emmanuel Baptist Church (Parkdale-Maplewood) in Lunenburg-Queens Association, Nova Scotia.

More

Transition in Our CBAC Youth & Family Team

Transition in Our CBAC Youth & Family Team

The Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) announced today that Laura Bennett will complete her ministry as Associate Director of Youth & Family Ministries effective September 30th, 2025, while continuing in her role as Coordinator of Justice & Advocacy...

read more
Tidal Impact 2025 – June Prayer Update 2

Tidal Impact 2025 – June Prayer Update 2

Tidal Impact is just around the corner! Please partner with us in prayer as teams finish their final preparations and youth get packed and ready to go! Let's pray over Tidal Impact using some portions of Psalm 23. 'The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need......

read more

Active in Mission 2025 Playlists

Looking for some music to motivate you while you GET ACTIVE for this year's Active in Mission? The planning team has put together some motivating playlists!  SPOTIFY:   Full playlist 1 Hour Workout 20 Minute Workout  APPLE MUSIC:  Full playlist 1 hr workout  20 min...

read more
Depositing Records at Oasis

Depositing Records at Oasis

📂 Depositing Records at OASIS? Please Contact Atlantic Baptist Archives in Advance Are you planning to bring records for deposit with the Atlantic Baptist Archives during this year’s OASIS conference? To ensure a smooth and secure transfer, we must...

read more