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Each year, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. It’s a time to recognize and honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our culture. For churches and Christians, it’s also a time to deepen our understanding of how God works through diverse experiences and people.
One way to celebrate this heritage month is to take time to learn from the stories and experiences of our Hispanic brothers and sisters in Christ. Héctor Garcia is International Ministries’ Chief Advancement Officer. His story is a powerful example of what it means to embrace a unique cultural experience while living in diverse communities.
Héctor was born in Puerto Rico to a hardworking, low-middle-class family. His father was a liquor salesman, spending long days traveling across the island to make sales and connections. From these connections, Héctor’s father became a tropical plant exporter just when he needed a new job. His mother worked for many years as a telephone operator. Later, she became a dental assistant to earn more income for the family. They both worked hard and sacrificed greatly to give Héctor the opportunities they never had.
The Influence of Generosity
One of the most powerful aspects of Héctor’s upbringing was witnessing generosity in action. Héctor fondly recalls his early years filled with simple joys. He loved flying kites, playing baseball, racing cars and celebrating El Día de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day.
On Three Kings Day, Héctor and his parents collected extra toys and delivered them to families in need around the island. His father also gave gifts every year to the garbage collectors, showing dignity and appreciation for all people. For Héctor, generosity wasn’t an abstract lesson that it is better to give than to receive. It was an experience that was woven into his upbringing and an example that would guide his entire life.
Resilience Amid Challenges
When Héctor started high school, his parents made significant sacrifices. To give him better opportunities after graduation, they chose to send him to a private Catholic school an hour and a half away. Héctor would leave before dawn to take public transportation and return well after dark. He struggled with feelings of being different and not fitting in with wealthy classmates. However, those years shaped his character and faith. As an upperclassman, he also found the courage to challenge unjust systems.
Héctor attended the University of Florida in the 1970s. He faced racism and discrimination as one of the only Puerto Rican students. Yet, his family values, faith, and high school experience laid the foundation he needed to persevere in this new culture away from home.
During this time, Héctor learned to be different while maintaining his identity. His closest friends were those who understood what it was like to be outsiders in certain spaces. Although difficult, the struggles in his teen and young adult years shaped him into a leader who could navigate different cultures with grace.
A Life of Service and Leadership
After earning his Master’s of Business Administration, Héctor’s career took him from managing restaurants in the U.S to opening them in Puerto Rico for the same company. He then joined the American Red Cross as an associate to spend more time with his family. Héctor built connections and showed a strong work ethic. Because of this, he became the first Hispanic in a leadership role with the American Red Cross.
“Being able to travel to Puerto Rico for both work and family visits was a gift,” Héctor shared. He became the Chief Operating Officer for the Red Cross, and later pursued his passion for service as CEO of a nonprofit. He served immigrants navigating the complex path to citizenship and worked to address healthcare disparities affecting Black and Hispanic communities.
As Héctor sought ways to use his skills in a faith-based organization, a new opportunity arose. As God would have it, his first day at International Ministries fell on January 6, El Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day)!
Throughout his journey, Héctor has never forgotten the lessons of generosity, perseverance, and faith he learned as a child in Puerto Rico. He credits his success to his supportive family, his father’s influence and advice, and “relying on humility, character, and relationships.”
Héctor’s story reminds us that Hispanic heritage goes beyond the beautiful expressions of food, music, or language. It’s about how God uses Hispanic voices, values, traditions, and leadership to help the body of Christ thrive. Here are some ways churches can honor and celebrate God’s diversity during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Ultimately, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t about just one month of recognition. It’s about building lasting relationships and understanding. In this way, churches and communities create a more complete picture of what the Kingdom of Heaven will look like.
