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LUBBOCK—More than a hundred pastors, leaders, and members of Hispanic churches gathered Oct. 26-27 to celebrate what God is doing through their churches during the Spanish session of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Annual Meeting.
The event began Sunday, Oct. 26, with a time of fellowship and food. SBTC Executive Director Nathan Lorick joined the group to express his appreciation and encouragement to the churches.
“I am very grateful you are here,” he said. “Know that the convention is here to walk with you. I thank God for all He has done through the events, retreats, and work of SBTC en Español. It has been phenomenal. But we want you to continue walking with us, because we need to plant more churches throughout Texas, and we are counting on you.”
Doing more together
On Sunday evening, attendees gathered for a time of worship—led by Pastor Diego Manosalva and Pastor Jonathan Reyna and his wife, Karla—and biblical teaching. The main message was delivered by Bruno Molina, executive director of the National Hispanic Baptist Network and former SBTC associate.
His sermon, titled “Transforming Fellowship” based on Acts 2:41–47, emphasized that believers are part of God’s team and that the works prepared by Him can only be accomplished in community.
Molina explained the early church persevered in four essential areas through:
- Doctrine: listening, learning, and marveling at the Word of God;
- Fellowship: cultivating relationships through prayer, celebration, and mutual service;
- The breaking of bread: sharing Christian life and remembering Christ’s sacrifice; and
- Prayer: maintaining a constant life of communication with God.
“I don’t believe in miracles—I depend on them,” Molina said, noting that cooperation and prayer are the foundation of a living church. “We can do much more together than apart. Collaboration is the antidote to expressive individualism.”
The service included a special time of prayer for church planters and their wives led by Luis González, director of SBTC en Español, along with Luis López, pastor of Forney en Español and Hispanic church planting lead catalyst for Send Network SBTC. More than a dozen planter couples were accompanied by pastors from across the state in a time of intercession, asking for strength and provision for their calling.
Rivera honored for lifetime of service
During the session, the Ministerial Legacy Recognition Award was presented by Michael Gonzales to José “Joe” Rivera, pastor of First Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, for his faithful service and commitment to the gospel.
Rivera, born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Texas, has served faithfully for more than a quarter century at the church, where he has been pastor since 2008. He and his wife of 28 years, Nancy, have dedicated their lives to serving God and their community with humility and commitment. He has been active in the Southern Baptist Convention and the SBTC, as well as various local boards and ministries.
Teaching and training
The program on Monday, Oct. 27, included workshops focused on leadership, character, and mission. Terry Coy, who offered a historical overview of the transforming power of the gospel, spoke about “The Legacy of the Cross.” David Ramirez spoke about “Character Before Charisma,” encouraging leaders to prioritize being over doing.
Arlene Sanabria addressed the women in attendance, speaking about “My Part in God’s Plan” and guiding them to discover their purpose in the kingdom of God. Clara Molina’s topic, “Testifying in the Midst of Pain,” encouraged women how to share their faith during times of suffering.
A powerful testimony
Saturday’s program concluded with lunch and a time of testimony led by Luis González, who shared how he has seen God’s hand sustain him and his family throughout his life and ministry. González recounted moments when the Lord proved Himself faithful—from his call to ministry, through health challenges that required five surgeries, to the miracle of the birth of his children after a time of prayer and waiting.
He also shared about the life of his youngest son, Josué, who departed to be with the Lord after eight months of life, facing a medical condition since birth. During that time, God used Josué’s life to fulfill an eternal purpose: to strengthen his parents’ faith, open doors to share the gospel in the hospital, and minister to other families in the midst of pain.
“God allowed us to see His power in our weakness,” González said. “He sustained us with supernatural strength to continue serving, preaching, and pastoring [during our time at] Lamar [Baptist] Church in Arlington.”
González encouraged pastors and leaders to seek unity, to not remain silent when going through difficult times, and to support one another on the path to fulfilling their mission.
