PEARLAND—“Sin Limites/Without Limits” was the Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas meeting theme as speakers challenged Hispanic Texas Baptists to consider limitless possibilities, because they serve a God of unlimited power.
“It is not about what we have accomplished but what God accomplishes through us,” Josue Santos, pastor of Iglesia Hispana Bautista Buena Tierra in Houston, said in the annual sermon.
Santos urged Hispanic Texas Baptists to practice greater dependence on God and humbly pursue greater intimacy with God.
Johnny Tec, pastor of Iglesia Bautista Agape in San Antonio, recalled how his father, California Baptist Pastor Manuel Jesus Tec, was kidnapped in Tijuana, Mexico, in 2008. His abductors held him 13 days, demanding a $1 million ransom for his release.
Margarita Zavala de Calderón, then first lady of Mexico, learned about the pastor’s plight while attending a prayer meeting, and she urged her husband, President Felipe Calderón, to intervene. Calderón dispatched the top hostage negotiator in the Federal Police, who secured Tec’s release.
“No ransom was paid,” Johnny Tec said. “When God moves, he has no limits. Felipe Calderón didn’t know us. But God knew him.”
Preaching from the Old Testament book of Joshua, Tec recalled the time when the people of Israel were preparing to cross the Jordan to enter the Promised Land, and Joshua commanded the people to “consecrate” themselves before God.
The people obeyed, and just as he had done at the Red Sea, God parted the Jordan River and allowed the Israelites to cross on dry land.
“We must consecrate ourselves if we want God to do wonders among us,” Tec said.
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Antonio Gonzales Sr., pastor of the Hispanic ministry of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, similarly called on Hispanic pastors who want to see God do the seemingly impossible in their churches to practice obedience in three areas—prayer, forgiveness and love.
During the business session of their annual meeting, Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas messengers approved a $478,353 budget for the next year, an increase of more than $28,000.
Messengers reelected Sergio Ramos, church engagement officer for Buckner International, as president; Edson Lara of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel in McAllen as first vice president; and Claudia Treviño of Iglesia Bautista El Calvario in San Antonio as secretary.
They elected Fernando Rojas of Iglesia Bautista Azle Avenue in Fort Worth to his first term as second vice president.
Messengers approved as Convención Executive Board directors Eder Ibarra of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen, Sylvia Villareal of Cliff Temple Baptist Church in Dallas, Nick Holguin of Oak Ridge Baptist Church in San Antonio and Abigail Rojas of Iglesia Bautista Azle Avenue in Fort Worth.
UPDATE: After being re-elected president of Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas, Sergio Ramos was appointed to lead GC2. Convención First Vice President Edson Lara is now president. Second Vice President Fernando Rojas is now first vice president. Convención’s executive board will select a new second vice president.
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