ATLANTA – The third annual gathering or "Encuentro" of Virginia Latino Baptist pastors and leaders will be held June 2-3 at Manassas Baptist Church, Manassas, Va.

Greg and Sue Smith, soon to be commissioned as Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Global Missions affiliates, founders of LUCHA Ministries and members of the Latino Network of Virginia Baptists, have been instrumental in developing and planning the "Encuentro" over the past three years.

The main goal of the gathering is to provide opportunities for fellowship among Latino pastors. The Smiths also hope the meeting offers training for Latino pastors and leaders to learn from one another.

"This is a great opportunity to come and learn from and share with fellow Latino pastors about what’s happening in your church," Greg Smith said.

Carlos Tobar, pastor of the Latino American congregation at Manassas Baptist Church since 1991, has never attended an "Encuentro" before, but said hosting the event allows his church to become connected with other Latino churches and ministries in Virginia.

"I enjoy this time because I’m able to communicate with other pastors and have an opportunity to take time out of the regular activities of the church to go and talk with others and know what they are doing and also provide some advice," said Habacuc Díaz, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Hispana Maranatha in Culpeper, Va., who attended the gathering last year. "Also it was an opportunity to get some information about the different resources available for churches in the state."

The "Encuentro" is sponsored by the Latino Network of Virginia Baptists, an organization that formed in September 2004 from the efforts of five Baptist organizations in Virginia that desire to focus attention on Latino ministries in Virginia. The network combines resources from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia, Virginia Baptist Mission Board, Woman’s Missionary Union of Virginia, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond and the John Leland Center for Theological Studies.

"I think it’s a great tool for churches to partner with each other to get to know each other and to network for mission opportunities among Latino’s in Virginia," said Daniel Carro, professor of Divinity at John Leland Center for Theological Studies. He also serves on the Virginia Baptist Mission Board staff with the Global Mission and Evangelism Team. "We hope it encourages other communities to get to know each other and do mission work with one another as well. Our desire is to encourage the Latino churches to partner with Virginia Baptist Churches."

The "Encuentro" will feature Javier Elizondo, vice president of academic affairs at Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas. Elizondo will speak on "Making Ethical Decisions in a Changing World" during Saturday’s plenary session.

Break-out sessions on Friday include "Working with Youth in the Church," "Medical Services that Churches may Provide," "The Ministry of Deacons" and "Inductive Bible Study: Philemon."

At Friday evening’s "Celebration of Cultures" banquet, participants are asked to wear traditional clothing or bring music and cultural artifacts to represent their country of origin.

"This is the highlight of the ‘Encuentro,’" said Sue Smith. "It is wonderful to celebrate the pride that people have in their heritage. We eat, sing, and have a great time of fellowship together."

Last year, 14 Latin American countries were represented. Over the last three years the meeting has grown consistently in numbers. About 100 attended the first year, 180 the second and over 300 are expected this year. This year’s "Encuentro" will be the first bilingual event.

For more information about attending the "Encuentro" contact Greg or Sue Smith at (540) 370-4502 or (540) 370-1881

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.