My name is Tony Hancock, and I serve as Director of Hispanic Missions with ABC Regional Hispanic Ministries.  ABC is a cooperative effort of Allendale-Hampton, Barnwell-Bamberg and Colleton Baptist associations. 

ABC was born in the early 1990's out of a desire to reach the growing numbers of Latino immigrants in this part of the state.  Large numbers of transient farm workers are present to work in the fields virtually year round, and there are growing numbers of permanent residents as well.  In order to achieve our mission of reaching and winning the Spanish-speaking residents of our area and discipling them so they might become passionate followers of Jesus Christ, we adopted a two-pronged approach. 

The first prong is outreach to transient farm workers. I found this to be an area of ministry with unique challenges and opportunities.  The challenges arise from the lifestyle that farm workers, due to the nature of their employment, are forced to leave.  Many times, I have begun to build a relationship with someone only to have them move to another area in search of work.  The opportunities include the fact that I am able to reach out to over a thousand people every year with the good news of Jesus Christ, and that many of those with whom I come in contact are ready to receive a message of hope.  As much as possible, I visit in the camps, distributing health kits and showing evangelistic films.  I also offer English as a Second Language classes upon occasion, and help people with practical needs. 

The second prong of our ministry consists of ministry to transient residents, which includes outreach events throughout the area and with Iglesia Bautista Nueva Esperanza, our mission church. This church uses cell groups to reach the Hispanics scattered throughout our rural area.

I am excited to be a part of what God is doing in reaching people with the good news of salvation and the love of Christ. I am thankful for the assistance the Convention provides to our churches. How might God be calling you to be involved in Hispanic ministry?

Pastor Tony Hancock,

ABC Ministries and

Iglesia Bautista Nueva Esperanza