Attend our Sunday Spanish-language praise service at 104 N. Glenfield Road at 12:15 p.m. most Sundays. (We also broadcast live on our Facebook page!) See our calendar for details.
In the heart of Mississippi, La Misión, the Hispanic ministry of the New Albany United Methodist Church, serves as a vital lifeline for the Hispanic community.
This ministry, led by the amazing and energetic Reverend Marta Bolen, offers a safe haven for those who have faced emotional, financial, physical, or spiritual challenges. “We are a safe harbor, a safe space, where the only question we ask is, ‘How can we help?’” says Bolen.
La Misión is deeply supported by NAUMC. As Reverend Dr. Daniel Darling, the church’s pastor, notes, “We are a church that welcomes all. Providing a home for La Misión fits with our commitment to diversity. Our members are proud to support and take part in the work of La Misión.”
The ministry is known for its wide range of programs. One of the most successful is the after-school tutoring program, which helps Hispanic students struggling with English. Bolen speaks passionately about the program: “Our kids are smart and brave. Imagine how you would feel coming to a country and going to a school where you don’t speak the language. Our tutoring program reassures students that they can succeed… and that they do not have to face this alone.”
The success of this program is evident in the happy faces and the sound of laughter in the halls of the church. Bolen, with misty eyes, adds, “These are my kids, and this is a place where they can find help and love, every day.”
La Misión also addresses the basic needs of many Hispanic families who struggle with food insecurity. The ministry provides essentials like rice, beans, and canned goods, which, for many, are a lifeline. But the support goes beyond food. Generous donations from the New Albany United Methodist Church enable La Misión to offer beds, furniture, clothes, and toys to families in need. And “Beds for Kids,” supplied by craftsmen from nearby Tupelo First UMC, is an example of the extended community’s generosity.
“We are a safe harbor, a safe space, where the only question we ask is, ‘How can we help?’”
— Rev. Marta Bolen
If you’re looking for an active, community-focused ministry to support, La Misión provides a powerful way to impact lives right here in New Albany every single day. The best way to keep track of the lively activities offered through La Misión is to follow our Facebook page or sign up for the church newsletter!
