I discovered that we are in the middle of  Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15. September 15  is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.  We have a month to celebrate the unique contribution of our Hispanic population that has come to the US  from Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Here are a few facts you may not know.
  • The estimated Hispanic population of the United States is over 48 million.
  •  Hispanics are now about 16 percent of the nation’s total population.
  • The average age is about 28 years.
  • About half of all Hispanics live in Texas and California.
  • While about 10% speak Spanish at home, about half of these also speak English.
  • The first female Hispanic astronaut was Ellen Ochoa.

I live in a neighborhood where Hispanic immigrants are a common part of life. Many of our stores have morphed to provide for the needs and interests of our Spanish speaking neighbors. At first I saw mostly men who had come to Alabama looking for work and a better life. Now I see their wives and children walking with them. I see signs of advancement as Hispanics are employed in many local businesses. My community is going through profound change as every aspect of life is influenced by new traditions, foods, customs, needs, and contributions.

My church has partnered with a Spanish speaking congregation for many years. I’ve participated from time to time in the Spanish language worship service, and rejoice in the Hispanics who worship in our English services and serve throughout our church.

Publishing books in Spanish is a commitment New Hope made some years ago. If you have a Spanish speaking neighbor, this is a great time to consider gifting them with a book in their heart language. Here are three I highly recommend.