Posted: 10/31/03
Hispanic laymen challenged to set pace
By Orville Scott
Texas Baptist Communications
About 250 Baptist laymen from across Texas were challenged at the Hispanic Baptist Convocation of the Laity to be the vanguard in reaching the state's 7 million Hispanics for Christ.
Sponsored by Varones Bautistas (Hispanic Baptist Men), the convocation at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center near Austin was designed to rally laity to reach the state with the gospel of Jesus Christ, said Eli Rodriguez of Dallas, state coordinator of the convocation.
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| Hector Gamboa of Primera Bautista Iglesia in Ingleside ties a witnessing bracelet during a training session for Royal Ambassadors. |
One of the key speakers, Alfonso Flores, pastor of First Mexican Baptist Church of San Antonio, called on participants to remember the vision of the Apostle Paul on the Damascus Road.
“It has to begin with a vision that will shake our lives,” Flores said. Christ “commands you to stand on your feet and become a vessel he can use for the glory of his name.”
Flores added: “We cannot imagine what God can do with a simple witness for Christ. Christ is not asking that we invent a new message but to be faithful in giving witness to the old, old message.”
Another speaker, Alcides Guajardo, president of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas, also focused on Jesus' command to his disciples: “As the Father hath sent me, even so I send you.”
Guajardo, who lives at Mineral near Beeville, also noted that Jesus told his disciples: “You won't be able to do it alone. I will send the Holy Spirit.”
E.B. Brooks, coordinator of the Church Missions and Evangelism Section of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, said the New Testament church was alive. He urged participants in the convocation to “refocus on what those people did in the day the church began to grow.”
In addition to Rodriguez, area coodinators for the statewide evangelistic effort included:
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| Tony Alcorta of Sur Zarzamora Bautista in San Antonio demonstrates disaster-relief equipment. |
West Texas, Leo Samaniego, River Ministry coordinator for El Paso Baptist Association.
Top of Texas, Pedro Nevarez and Larry Naranjo of Lubbock.
North Texas, Ben Silva of Dallas, former president of Varones Bautistas, and Sonny Aguilar of Dallas, vice president of Varones Bautistas.
East Texas, Ray Carrillo and Juan Barroso of Tyler.
Coastal Plains, Jose Leal of Dickinson and Mike Tello of Edcouch.
South Texas, Noah Rodriguez and Abel Delgadillo of San Antonio and Domingo Quintanilla of Weslaco.
Central Texas, Ciro Garcia of Austin and Leo Guerra, director of Region 21 Children's Mission and Ministry.
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