Mission La Esperanza has been serving Emporia's Hispanic community since 1991. This mission started by helping kids on their homework, teaching kids about God, and letting kids have a fun and safe environment to make new friends.

          In 2000 Grace United Methodist and First United Methodist worked together to bring Hector and Sherri Sanchez to help this mission grow.  Together Hector, Sherri, FUMC and Grace expanded the programs to include education programs for parents of the children and began having small worship services in the Chapel at our church.  Their programs flourished and attendance rose.

          Quickly out growing the space in the chapel it became apparent that they would need their own church.  In 2002 La Esperanza raised money to purchase their own church at 201 S. Commercial and became Mision La Esperanza United Methodist Church.

          Mision La Esperanza now offers adult and youth education programs, Worship services, their own praise band (Citizenes of Heaven), wood working programs, etc....

          First United Methodist Church still proudly works with Grace United Methodist to help Mision La Esperanza grow and flourish in the Hispanic community.