There are nearly 150 ELCA Latino ministries and some
350 ELCA new congregations under development in the United
States and the Caribbean.
Most of its original residents have retired out of state or have died. Tey’ve been replaced by new faces from Mexico, Africa and Latin America, along with second- and third-generation Latinos. Records report that 80 percent
of the children and their families are living at or below the poverty line. Te neighborhood’s largely working-poor families are also chal- lenged to support their families in their native countries. As mission developer, Cor-
rea built Parroquia Emaús on the foundation of Emmaus’ outreach ministries. Trough their children, parents became involved with home Bible studies and prayer groups. Over time, people asked for a more formal worship experience. And it was important that it be in Spanish for practical or cultural reasons.
The challenge of coexisting Janz says coexisting has been a learning process. For Emmaus, it means getting past barriers such as language, latent racism and uneasy feelings about undocumented immigrants. For Parroquia Emaús, “it’s impor-
tant that members develop and claim their own identity and voice, organize themselves and create the best possible way forward,” Correa said. “It’s a tricky balance between the two groups, to learn how not to be separate, but also to not let one group’s culture and energy over- whelm the other.” But Emmaus has evolved and
today Janz reports that members see Parroquia Emaús as an asset as both congregations focus on neighbor- hood outreach. Coming together with Parroquia Emaús, Emmaus’
Parroquia Emaús averages up to 200 for Sunday worship. Pictured here is the Chairez-Ramirez family.
members are broadening their knowledge of Latino culture and traditions. And their presence is igniting
hope. “Te kids of Parroquia Emaús bring a lot of life and a lot of hope,” Janz said. “Te parents are people of strong faith—to hear their stories is inspirational.”
Defining home Correa said Parroquia Emaús is successful because it’s a home away from home for immigrant families. “Latinos feel included—they feel
like family and, indeed, they are family,” he said. “Tey feel God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. Tey
feel listened to. Tere’s a shoulder to cry on. Some felt rejected [in Racine] but now feel at home. Tey can be themselves, follow their own path in life and live in their own tradition in each moment.” Ilse Merlin, 20, started attending
Parroquia Emaús with her mother six years ago. She said the congre- gation provides a sense of accep- tance that she didn’t find at other churches. Parroquia Emaús, she said, changed her whole life, giving her and her mother the courage to leave a dangerous living situation involving her stepfather. Now, as youth group leader,
Merlin is learning how to reach out November 2015 37
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