An Update on the Hendrix Hispanic Institute...

The World at Our Doorstep

By Lorene Miley

A verse that has become dear is Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” What an amazing truth, and I rejoice in its promise. But what about verses 14-15? Aren’t they true as well?

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

Free Will Baptists have been committed to missions from earliest beginnings. This is certainly true at First FWB Church in Inman, South Carolina, where our leadership has always been passionate about supporting missions and sharing the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. At one time, we were focused primarily on sending missionaries to other countries, but now the mission field has come to us.

According to the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 54 million Hispanics live in the United States, representing approximately 17% of the total U.S. population. Nearly half of the 2.3 million births from July 2012 to June 2013 were Hispanic.

With a rapidly growing Hispanic population, how can we continue to reach the Hispanic world while neglecting the Hispanic population in our own country? This question spurred Earl and Gwen Hendrix to establish an institute in 2002, a school dedicated to training men and women in the fundamentals of the faith and essentials of evangelism. God has added His blessings to their “grass roots” efforts.

Over 230 students have graduated from the Earl & Gwen Hendrix Hispanic Institute and serve faithfully in 47 works in the United States and 53 international locations. On any given Sunday, over 2,800 Hispanics will assemble to worship our Lord in churches established by the graduates.
Graduates have begun works in the U.S. and every Central American country except Bolivia. Teachers and graduates have begun several satellite institutes in Houston, Texas; Johnson City, Tennessee; and Costa Rica.

Recently, God opened yet another door for the Earl & Gwen Hendrix Hispanic Institute. After purchasing an elementary school with 40,000 square feet of space, the institute relocated to Bartlesville, Oklahoma. This will better equip the needs of the school, not only now, but as we grow in the future. Already, God has shown that He is in this work. A couple came to the dedication service and committed to enroll in the Institute. After graduation, they have a desire to go to Bolivia to start a church. To God be the glory!

Though the institute was a vision of the Inman Church, it has progressed and grown because of the faithful giving and prayers of Free Will Baptist people. The institute is not supported by outside entities, only the faithful giving of Free Will Baptist churches and people like you. We ask you to keep us in your prayers and to make us a part of your individual giving and church budget. God bless you; may we remain faithful to His cause until He returns.

About the Writer: Sean Fortner pastors First FWB Church, Inman, South Carolina. To learn more about Missions North America, visit www.HomeMissions.net.