Hispanic Convention creates its own governing board

SAN ANTONIO—Standing at the start of its second century, the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas is seeking to move “adelante”—forward—making an impact on communities across the state with the gospel.

Throughout the annual statewide gathering at Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, speakers implored Hispanic Texas Baptists to be people of action known for sharing the gospel, caring for people and participating in mission work.

Messengers and guests at the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas join in worship as speakers challenge the group to move forward in reaching their communities for Christ.

In business, messengers voted to incorporate the body into a nonprofit organization with its own executive board.

Initial members of the board are Carlos Alsina, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Austin; Frances Barrera, member of Crossroad Baptist Church in Plainview; Baldemar Borrego of Wichita Falls; Alfonso Flores, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana in San Antonio; Abraham Garcia, Hispanic pastor at First Baptist Church in Kaufman; Bea Mesquias, member of Second Baptist Church in Harlingen; Johnnie Musquiz, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Houston; Juan Puente, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Texarkana; Sabrina Sariles, youth minister at Iglesia Bautista Getsemani in Fort Worth; Ortega; Angel Vela, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Westway in El Paso; and longtime leader Rudy Camacho of Fort Worth.

Convention president Jesse Rincones, pastor of Alliance Church in Lubbock, said the decision allows the Hispanic convention to govern and receive funding for its own ministries designed to make an impact on communities while remaining in cooperation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Currently, the Hispanic Baptist Convention receives most of its financial support from the BGCT, which provides the funds for the Hispanic convention through the Texas Baptist Cooperative Program, the primary giving channel of Texas Baptists.

Rincones encouraged continued cooperation with the BGCT, including asking messengers and congregations to increase their gifts to missions through the Cooperative Program during the next three years.

“The question has been asked, ‘Are you separating from the BGCT?’” Rincones said. “The answer is no.”

President Jesse Rincones of Lubbock.

The two conventions will continue to partner and work together on designated ministries, but each body will have its own ministries facilitated by each convention, Rincones said. Growth of the Texas Hispanic population requires increased ministry.

“This is an opportunity for Hispanic churches to administrate ministry that will impact churches,” Rincones said.

Hispanic Baptist Convention messengers also elected officers: Rincones, president; First Vice President Daniel Dominguez, pastor of Community Heights Church in Lubbock; Second Vice President Vela; Third Vice President Ruben Chairez, pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Del Rio; and Secretary Rafael Munoz, member of Waves of Faith Church in Fort Worth.

Martin Ortega, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel in Midland, urged Hispanic Baptists to push through any obstacles they may encounter in the next 100 years and mirror the heart of God. To do so, they must lean on the promises of God, constantly obey the teachings of the Bible and put all their strength into kingdom work.

If they are determined and faithful, Hispanic Baptists will reflect the nature of God who delivered the Israelites, Ortega said. Likewise, God calls his followers to share the hope of Christ with others, allowing them to be delivered spiritually.

Les Hollon, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, encouraged convention messengers to move from awareness to action and achievement for God’s kingdom.

Hispanic Baptists cannot stop at simply knowing the need, he said. They must seek to meet it by sharing the gospel in ways the people who need it understand.

David Tamez, regional coordinator of Latin American and Hispanic initiatives at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., pushed messengers to seek God’s vision for their lives. When believers can see that vision clearly, they can create a way to make that vision a reality in faith and perseverance.

“Forward, forward, forward,” he said. “When I can see the end, I can plan the way to get there.”