CRESTVIEW — Pastor David Rivera and his wife Lucy say they’ve seen increasing Hispanic attendance among Lifepoint Church’s membership.
The Riveras have noticed the gradual uptick since the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)’s arrival. Now, the couple said, nearly 90 percent of the Hispanic servicecomprises military couples stationed in the area.
Sometimes, there’s a language barrier, so the Riveras have reached out to military spouses with a Hispanic service.
"A lot of the military men marry these women from Latin America," Lucy said. "So when they bring them here, they don't speak the language."
The Riveras said the group offers comfort to those not fluent in English, and it allows attendees to share their favorite Latin dishes.
Additionally, the Riveras have directed Spanish-speaking spouses toward the Okaloosa County School District’s free English as a Second Language classes.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Hispanic worship service
WHERE: Lifepoint Church, 400 S. Ferdon Blvd., Crestview
WHEN: 2 p.m. Sundays
NOTES: Hispanic Bible study is 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Hispanic Life Group meetings are 7 p.m. Fridays at the same location
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Church sees increasing Hispanic population among the faithful