Michael Hight – Spotlight on Arkansas Hispanic Missions

VISION

It’s hard to believe that it has been three years since my family began working with the Hispanic Community here in Arkansas. We moved here with a simple vision burning in our hearts to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is amazing how a vision can be challenged by Satan and circumstances, but God always has a way of keeping the candle lit. Not only does he keep the candle lit he finds ways to increase the flame.

One of the ways that he fans the flames is by sending people into your life that share your vision. Working with Jorge Vasquez and his family here in Little Rock has been a huge blessing. We are co-workers, brothers in the Lord and friends. I pray that God allows us to work together for many years to come. It has also been a blessing to have so many churches share a part of our work. They have been a blessing. I will not name all of them because there are too many and I will fail to mention a church or two, but I do want to say that I am proud of being a BMA Baptist and I will forever be indebted to you for your support of our ministry. Your prayers, offerings and participation will never be forgotten. I do want to thank North Hills Baptist Church and their pastor Jim Ward for sponsoring us. I have also been encouraged by the State Missions Department for helping us to go forward with our dream.

VICTORIES

Another way God fans the flames is to allow victories to come along. We have seen many people saved in the last two years. We have also planted two new missions, one in Hope and one in Little Rock. Some of the most exciting growth has been the two couples that were recently married. One couple had been together for 14 years, the other has a child that is three. Marriage was not even on the radar until they accepted Christ and began to grow as believers. Their marriages were based upon obedience to God’s Word, evidence that He blesses the teaching and preaching of truth.

The clinic ministry has improved and we continue to seek guidance for future direction and improvement. This ministry continues to be a true medical-missions ministry. The salvation of souls is still the underlying cause and motivation for all we do. In June we had 13 professions of faith and one of them called me this week to come pick him up for church on Sunday. This motive of ministry may hinder us from recruiting volunteers and at times limit our resources, but the eternal well being of an individual is still supposed to be the primary concern of Christian ministry.

All of our missions are doing well in that they are discipling believers and winning souls. The numbers could always be better and the offerings could surely be better, but people’s lives are being changed.

We continue to make progress on the new building. It is our prayer that we will be finished within a year, but only the Lord and the City of Little Rock Permits Department know for sure. I know that God will bless the work that will take place there for many years to come.

The Bible Institute is progressing well. We have assembled a team of advisors to help set up an institute that will make a lasting contribution to the Lord’s work. We need your prayers and support for this project. We have started a library. If you know anywhere we can find Christian books in Spanish for a very reasonable price let us know.

Church Planting: Almost all of our mission projects have other projects in mind. They are praying and seeking God’s leadership to start other works. I pray that we will be as creative as the New Testament Apostles in finding ways to reach people and plant churches. Please pray for all of our Hispanic pastors in the state.
Francisco Martinez in Rogers, AR
Jorge Vasquez in Little Rock, AR
Salvador Barumen in Jonesboro, AR
Jose Luiz Alvarez in Batesville, AR
Javier Gonzalez in Hope and Warren, AR

Thanks again for all your support and prayers!