As the number of Latinos grows in Lexington County, so grows the need for familiar worship services. 
They come from Mexico, Central and South America and other Spanish-speaking countries. 
Most are hard-working, former Catholics who have not taken communion for a long time. 
Two local churches have joined together to provide a venue for traditional Latino worship. 
St. David Lutheran Church in West Columbia hosts Cristo Rey, and Gethsemane Lutheran Church opens their door to Sagrada Familia Church in Columbia. 
I met pastor Jorge Leone, the first Latino ordained pastor in the SC Lutheran Synod, to find out more about it.
Dr. Andres Leone, Pastor Jorge’s son, started Christo Rey Church in 2008. 
Pastor Jorge began to serve as a deacon at Cristo Rey and in 2013 was called to serve as the pastor of Sagrada Familia in Columbia. 
In 2016 the Bishop called him to serve both Churches as their pastor.
To grow the churches, Dr. Andres visited trailer parks, apartment complexes, tiendas and social venues, spreading the word about Christo Rey.
They started off with 2 families at a 5 pm service at St. David Lutheran. 
They meet there as their new facility is being built on 6.7 acres of land. 
Pastor Jorge said the members have developed a sense of ownership and are building a “Lutheran Identity.” 
The churches host events and programs for the community such as family finances education, English as a second language courses, family gardens and others.
Non-profit organizations SC Hispanic Outreach and Central Carolina Foundation participate in the programs and provide funds for them.
Some churches provide volunteers that develop activities for children during the worship. The children are able to practice their English.
Jorge said that all the kids and many adults are already bi-lingual. 

Do you have a ministry that you want to talk about? Contact me by phone at 803-348-0243 or email at Chuck.lexchron@gmail.com