There is a real need for Latin Americans to serve in Britain and Ireland. The Church here is shrinking, and is challenged by a society that is becoming increasingly multi-cultural and multi-religious and abandoning its Christian roots. As a result, the Church is losing its influence and becoming marginalised. Christians are struggling to know how to express their faith.
This is where Latin Americans can make such a difference. With your passion for the Gospel, your vibrant faith and easy-going nature, your ability to make friends and cross-cultural boundaries, Latin Americans can be of great assistance to churches in Britain and Ireland as they seek to reach out to their communities with the love and message of Jesus.
Throughout Britain and Ireland, there are churches who are keen to have a Latin American serve with them. The Incoming Mission ministry of Latin Link seeks to provide a channel by which Latin Americans can come to these shores and serve a church in a well-supported, loving and caring environment.
Things are happening. Cathy became a Christian after a Christianity Explored course. We are ding a discipleship course together. It's wonderful to see God working in her.
Mariane, from Argentina, served in Glasgow
As I have worked with international students, I've found that being a Christian here is about showing love to people. This raises questions. Why are you being nice to me? Who are these Christians and why are they loving, happy people? What's the relevance of Christianity to me? Sharing the gospel, reflecting God's love and being like Jesus are universal acts that can show the answers.
Pamela Sikahall, from Guatemala, served in Norwich
The Incoming Mission ministry seeks to place Latin Americans in churches where they can contribute to church life by using their skills, culture, training and personality to maximum effect for the kingdom.
The work that you might get involved in is as varied as the work of the Church. So that could include:
If you have a particular area of expertise or work that you want to get involved in, let us know and we will do our best to match a placement to your needs.
In the first instance, please contact the Latin Link team in your country to register your interest.
To do this, please go to our International website (www.latinlink.org) and click on Contact at the top of the page. Then fill in the form that pops up. If you indicate the country you live in, an email will be sent direct to the team in that country. (If you are already living in the UK we will receive the email in the office here.) They will then start a conversation with you to find out more about you and the sort of work you are interested in.
As the journey progresses there will be a number of things to work through and be confirmed, including:
Please note that you will be expected to have a reasonable level of English before you arrive in the UK. This will be to at least level 4.5 on the IELTs exam scale. Once in the UK, it may be agreed that you do some further English study if required.
As a UKVI official sponsor, Latin Link will normally sponsor your visa application and supervise the process. There are different categories of visa that can be appropriate, depending on your particular situation.