Mission is changing. In the last few decades it has become apparent that the church in the UK and Europe has decreased in size and influence in our multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious societies. In this climate the church in the UK and Europe is becoming more aware of its need for help and is much more open to receive others from outside.
At the same time, the Church in Latin America has grown. Among its characteristics are vibrant faith and love, enthusiastic worship, spontaneous evangelism and expectation, and a passion for world mission. The Global South (including Latin America) has become the powerhouse of sending mission workers across the world.
In Britain and Ireland there is an increasing need to communicate our faith effectively within the context of our relationships. Latin Americans are naturals at cross-cultural personal evangelism, and find considerable rapport with ethnic minorities through shared values such as hospitality and emphasis on extended family.
Incoming Mission is the ministry of Latin Link that connects and supports Latin Americans with receiving churches in the UK and Europe. We have been doing this since 1999. Over these years we have been excited by the growth of the ministry and the impact these people have had where they have served.
Through our Incoming Mission ministry, we accept Latin Americans who love God and are passionate to see lives changed by the Gospel. They will be of different ages and life experience, with different gifts and qualifications.
Latin Americans come to the UK for various reasons and for different lengths of time, for example:
Latin Link offers Latin Americans the opportunity to participate in two of our programmes – Stride (placements between 6 months and 24 months) or Stay (placements over 2 years).
Rather than set up its own projects, Latin Link places selected people within the ministry teams of local churches or church projects.