The sanctuary where Mision Hispana at San Juan meets in Elgin, Illinois.   * Translation: Good morning. We are happy you are worshiping at our church today. Please introduce yourself to the pastor after the service.

Buenos días. Somos felices que usted está adorando en nuestra iglesia hoy. Preséntese por favor al pastor después del servicio.*

If you don't speak Spanish, how welcome would that greeting make you feel in church on Sunday morning? Now imagine you only speak Spanish and you visit an English-speaking church. That language barrier is what has prompted the Northern Illinois District to be aggressive in establishing Spanish-language missions.

One such new start is Mision Hispana Elgin, which is housed at St. John (San Juan) Lutheran Church, and which celebrated its five-year anniversary in May. Under the auspices of the Northern Illinois District's Circuit 5, and thanks to a district Ablaze! Mission Outpost Grant, Rev. Carlos Catalán is called as the mission's full-time pastor.

Every Sunday afternoon, while St. John worshipers are having lunch or watching the ball game, Catalán reopens the historic church and begins setting up the sanctuary for Bible study and worship.

Most pastors have to be jacks-of-all-trades, but it is particularly true in a mission such as this, as Catalán sets up AV equipment, passes out bulletins and generally makes sure all is in order. This, he says, is the biggest challenge of the ministry.

“We have to figure out a way to do everything ourselves,” he explains.

But Catalán doesn't dwell on the challenges. In five years, the mission at San Juan has grown to a worship average of 70 per Sunday and often tops 100. In the last year alone, there were seven people brought to Christ through baptism.

The anniversary of the mission start was celebrated with a bilingual service attended by 130 people from both congregations, followed by a meal and entertainment provided by Mariachi Jerusalem, a Christian mariachi band.

Rev. Hannibal Frederich, pastor of St. John, explains that many members of the Hispanic Mission are bilingual and that “we do invite each other to events with varied success.”

In addition to worship and Bible study, San Juan Mission offers a variety of programs and events tailored to its target membership. Outreach and Christian education efforts include English conversation classes, movie nights, counseling sessions as needed and the monthly Circulo Oraciones (prayer circle).

Assisting with these efforts is Deaconess Heidi Bishop. Though on staff at St. John, she volunteers at the Hispanic mission to specifically help with Sunday School and other youth events, as well as joint young adult activities. A recent pizza and movie night, for example, welcomed 12 young adults, about equally Hispanic and Anglo.

Catalán goes door-to-door, introducing himself and the Hispanic Mission at San Juan to the unchurched in the area. How do they react?

“Their reaction to this offer of faith is different,” he says. “Hispanics aren't familiar – they want to know ‘what is this Lutheran church?' So I bring the evangelical Lutheran Christian message – that Christ is the rock.”

Another key to the growth is that weekday Bible studies are held not at church, but in homes of those already attending San Juan mission. This allows them to invite friends to their homes and get a low-key introduction to both the mission and Catalán.

“Creating that relationship opens doors,” Catalán explains.

Speaking of relationships, both Frederich and Catalán are delighted with the one that has taken hold between the congregation and the mission.

“It has been a big help to be at St. John,” Catalán states. “Both pastors and the leaders of St. John are all very friendly and supportive of San Juan.”

And according to Frederich, the feeling is mutual.

“San Juan has been a joy to host and share offices with,” he says. “Carlos is an exceptional pastor and a good friend to all. The future looks bright for San Juan under his leadership.”

In addition to the NID Ablaze! funds, Mision Hispana at San Juan has also received support from other Circuit 5 congregations, including a recent $20,000 donation from Good Shepherd, Elgin.

“Part of our stretch goals,” Frederich says, “are to include more and more cooperation between San Juan and all Circuit 5 congregations.”

As with most missions, Catalán's long-term dream is for San Juan to have its own church building.

“That depends on many things,” he acknowledges. “On God, on the economy, on the immigration situation.”

In the meantime, he has already achieved what he considers his greatest blessing in the ministry.