The Hispanic population started to grow in Sedalia in 1997, after Tyson opened a meat processing plant there. The town attracted Hispanics looking for work and stable community to join.

The Sedalia Lutheran Church played an important role in welcoming the new arrivals. The church offers classes that include traditional Latin American music that is played on instruments like the guitar and marimba.

Elvira Satterwhite said music serves Hispanic worshippers as well as everyone else.

"It helps them build their self-esteem because is something that it is appreciated by our congregation and the community as well; they are invited to play in the community," Lutheran Church Coordinator Satterwhite.

In Marshall, the Methodist Church offers free English as a Second Language courses twice a week.

"We practice a lot of conversation therefore, the conversation is going to help them in the community for example, in their jobs to be able to speak with their boss and also at the store at the post office life skills basically," E.S.L. teacher Rebecca Hernandez said.

According to the United States Conference of Hispanic Bishops, 72.6% of Hispanic in the U.S. are Catholics. When settling in the United States, finding a Spanish religious services are among their top priorities.

Secret Heart Catholic Church in Columbia is one of many area churches that offers Spanish masses every Sunday.

Ana Garzon is a member of the Catholic Church and said that having Spanish services has made a difference for her and her family.

"It also help us to teach and show our children the traditions we have at church and how a Spanish mass is conducted," Garzon said.

And White said that churches play a big role in helping Spanish speakers adjust to their new communities.

"To let them know that they are accepted, and we love them,"

Garzon said she appreciates the church's role in his life.

"It doesn't matter if they are from a different religion. They help us to improve our lives and our future," Garzon said.

The Methodist Church in Marshall also offers Spanish classes and activities for kids while their parents are learning another language.