Miguel Vásquez and his wife, Rachel, in partnership with Shawnee, Immanuel, are working to plant Iglesia Bautista Emanuel in Shawnee to minister to the Hispanic population in the area. Currently, they offer a live interpretation of the service, Spanish-language Sunday School classes, English as a Second Language classes and Wednesday night discipleship. They hope to have 400 Gospel conversations and church invitations before their official launch, which is scheduled for Easter 2023.
“Evangelism is my passion, and I share the Gospel with 10–20 people a week,” Miguel said. “I love getting to talk to people about the hope Jesus gives us, and it is very rewarding when people take a legitimate interest in hearing what the Bible has to say.”
Sadly, not all the people Miguel encounters share his enthusiasm for Jesus.
“Most people do not want to hear or respond to the Good News,” he said. “I can present the Gospel to hundreds of people, but I cannot change their hearts. People say they do not have time, that they are not interested, that they do not want to give up their sin or that they already have their own religion. Most people in our area believe salvation comes through the Catholic church rather than through Jesus. They have no concept of salvation by grace, and they do not want to hear the Gospel.”
But Miguel understands that the battle is spiritual and that things happen in God’s timing. When Christians wait for God’s timing, things happen in transforming ways.
“We met a single mom who was a new believer with three unbelieving sons,” Miguel said. “We could tell the mom was hungry to learn and were excited to see her grow through the Spanish ministry. After several months, her middle son showed interest in the Gospel. He decided to follow the Lord with his life and be baptized. It has been cool to see the before and after of this young man and witness Jesus’ transforming power in his life.”
Miguel asks prayer for these new believers and that the Holy Spirit will draw the hearts of Hispanics in the Shawnee area to Him. Pray also for the Lord’s provision in the immigration process and in the growing of the Vásquez family.
Because of the generous giving of Oklahoma Baptists through the Cooperative Program, an amazing array of ministries are supported. This unified giving encourages fellowship with other believers all over the world. Collectively, Oklahoma Baptists are advancing the Gospel together.
Miguel Vásquez is featured in the 2023 Missionary Prayer Guide for Oklahoma Baptists. For more information about the Cooperative Program, visit oklahomabaptists.org/cp.
