Greg and Sue Smith

ATLANTA – Three Baptist organizations have recently partnered to fund ongoing ministry among Hispanics in Virginia.

The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) and Fredericksburg Baptist Church are partnering to provide financial support for Greg and Sue Smith, who lead LUCHA (Latinos United through Christ in Solidarity and Support) Ministries, a community-based outreach ministry in Fredericksburg. The Smiths helped start the ministry in April 2004, and they have previously served as missionaries in Costa Rica.

With the Hispanic population in Virginia rapidly increasing, the partnership is timely, according to BGAV executive director John Upton.

"It’s such a valuable ministry. We’re quite happy that we’re able to be a part of it," he said. "It enables us to expand the ministry statewide."

Through their partnership with the BGAV, the Smiths will continue their work through LUCHA. Additionally, they will serve as members of the Latino Network of Virginia Baptists and work with the Latino/Muslim Outreach team of the BGAV’s Virginia Baptist Mission Board and the Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia to develop Latino outreach ministries and start new Latino congregations.

"The need for Hispanic ministry in Virginia is perhaps greater than any of us realize. The ability to minister to their needs is of great concern," said Larry Haun, pastor of Fredericksburg Baptist Church, where the Smiths are members.

CBF Global Missions recently approved the Smiths as AsYouGo affiliates, who will be commissioned at June’s General Assembly in Atlanta.

"The Smiths will become part of one of our CBF teams, and this new arrangement will create further synergy in our collaboration to become the presence of Christ among the most neglected," said CBF Global Missions interim coordinator Jack Snell.

For more information on LUCHA Ministries, visit www.luchaministries.org.

CBF is a fellowship of Baptist Christians and churches who share a passion for the Great Commission and a commitment to Baptist principles of faith and practice. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.

The Baptist General Association of Virginia was established in 1823 to give Baptist churches in Virginia a means for cooperation to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and is made up of over 1,400 member churches.