MCALLEN— Mensajeros de la Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas se reunieron en McAllen para la reunión anual en la cual aprobaron una resolución condenando el abuso sexual como un crimen y un pecado contra Dios.

También llamaron a los bautistas hispanos en Texas a reportar cualquier abuso a las autoridades, ministrar a las personas afectadas por esos actos y guiar a las congregaciones a adoptar e implementar pólizas y normas para proteger a menores de edad.

“Como iglesias bautistas hispanas tenemos el gozo de participar en las cosas más bonitas de la vida. Nacimientos, bodas, quinceañeras, bautismos y salvaciones,” dijo el director ejecutivo de la Convención Jesse Rincones. “Pero también enfrentamos cosas muy difíciles. Pecado, terror y abuso.”

Abuso en las iglesias bautistas

Una investigación reportada por los periódicos Houston Chronicle y San Antonio Express-News reveló  que alrededor de 400 ministros y voluntarios en iglesias de la Convención Bautista del Sur abusaron de más de 700 personas en un periodo de 20 años. De los infractores que fueron declarados culpables o fueron condenados por delitos sexuales, más casos vinieron de Texas que de cualquier otro estado, reportaron los periódicos.

Cuatro de la iglesias identificadas en los artículos era congregaciones bautistas hispanas, Rincones notó.

“Este abuso ocurre en iglesias anglo donde tienen consejeros, maestros, directores de escuelas, policías, doctores, jueces y personas muy preparadas que entienden las pólizas y el abuso, sin embargo, ocurre en esas congregaciones,” Rincones dijo. “Si eso puede ocurrir en esas iglesias con tantos recursos, ¿cuánto más están en riesgo nuestras iglesias hispanas de este abuso?”

Las leyes en Texas requieren que cualquier persona que sepa del abuso de un menor de edad debe de reportarlo a las autoridades, él mencionó. La resolución condena el abuso y llama a las iglesias a tomar acción.

“Muchas veces (víctimas de abuso) sufren doblemente porque nosotros no sabemos cómo ministrarles, cómo amarles y cómo poder ayudarles a sobrevivir éste abuso,” dijo Rincones.

Rincones les llamó a poner atención a la iniciativa Caring Well, la cual empezó la Convención Bautista del Sur y que pronto estará disponible en español.

Las personas afectadas por abuso sexual en congregaciones afiliadas con la Convención Bautista General de Texas pueden recibir asistencia por medio de sus servicios de consejería.

La BGCT también ofrece recursos educativos y entrenamientos por medio de su asociación con MinistrySafe.

Rincones también anunció una donación de parte de una pareja la cual ayudará a congregaciones pequeñas y con recursos limitados a verificar antecedentes penales de líderes y voluntarios en la iglesia.

Convención elije oficiales, aprueba presupuesto

Los mensajeros también votaron para elegir a Tony Miranda,  pastor de campus en Stark College and Seminary. Miranda también supervisa el ministerio de enseñaza en la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Robstown.

El sucede al pastor Rolando Aguirre de Calvary en Español en McAllen, quien completó su cargo como presidente. Carlos Valencia, pastor de Victoria en Cristo en Fort Worth, fue re-elegido como primer vice-presidente, mientras que Edson Lara de la Iglesia Bautista Emanuel en McAllen fue elegido como segundo vice-presidente. Abiel Aké de la Primera Iglesia Bautista en Edinburg también fue re-elegido como secretario de la Convención.

El presupuesto de $118,000 fue aprobado para el siguiente año y representa un aumento de $3,400 al presupuesto del 2019.

Este presupuesto ayudará a que la Convención use los servicios del contador financiero y siga esforzándose por tener transparencia en sus finanzas, explicó Rincones.

Al poner el presupuesto a voto y hablar de la iniciativa de Conexión, Rincones compartió que Guide Star otorgó su sello de plata a la Convención por su transparencia financiera. El sello coloca a la Convención en el 10 por ciento superior de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro en el país, mencionó Rincones.

La convención bautista hispana se llevará a cabo en Dallas el próximo año. Tras la invitación de Dallas Baptist University, la reunión anual de la Convención se realizará en el campus de la universidad.

SUTHERLAND SPRINGS (BP)—When First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs kicked off annual Vacation Bible School in early June, it looked profoundly different from two years ago.

On Nov. 5, 2017, a gunman entered their sanctuary, opened fire, and took the lives of 26 people. Several of those who lost their lives were instrumental in the VBS ministry of the church in Sutherland Springs.

“VBS takes up a large portion of our year, because we do VBS big,” said Sherri Pomeroy, wife of Pastor Frank Pomeroy. “Everybody around here knows this church produces an amazing VBS event every year, and all the kids want to go to it.”

Among those killed in the church shooting was the Pomeroys’ 14-year-old daughter Annabelle.

“VBS was her favorite event of the year,” her mother said. “She loved having the DVD after VBS was over and being able to do the moves along with it. She loved playing with the other children and was excited about being a helper for the first time.”

Standing in the gap

As the early months of 2018 rolled around, the leadership of the Sutherland Springs church had to make a tough but necessary decision: They would once again host VBS, despite the painfully obvious voids.

“We didn’t want their work in the years past to be in vain,” Sherri Pomeroy said. “But it was tough. We had all new teachers—people who stepped up to stand in the gap. We knew we had to do it not only for the Lord, but to honor the memories of those who were gone.”

Jennifer Holcombe is among the Sutherland Springs members who stepped up. She lost her husband, her 18-month-old daughter and several other family members in the attack.

“I knew we had to keep going and not stop doing these things to be able to heal,” Holcombe said. “Some of what we do is to keep it going for them. For me, if I could do it, I wasn’t going to say ‘no.’ I had to do it to keep myself going.”

Her mother-in-law, Karla Holcombe—described by Sherri Pomeroy as the “creative genius” behind the VBS décor year after year—was among those killed during the 2017 attack.

Holy Spirit at work

Karla Holcombe’s daughter, Sarah Slavin, recalls a pivotal moment of healing during the 2018 VBS week—an event that seemed impossible to carry out, given the searing loss of her mother, father and brother who all died in the shooting.

“My mom was very involved in Vacation Bible School when she was alive,” Slavin said. “And my dad (Bryan) would always make lots of props, and my brother (Danny) always made props. I couldn’t imagine VBS without them. But I realized the Holy Spirit was the one doing all this that I gave them credit for.”

Pastor Frank Pomeroy noted the Holy Spirit not only has been working in the church and the surrounding community to heal them, but also has been working through VBS to bring healing— and maybe a little joy.

Between 40 and 50 children attended VBS at Sutherland Springs last summer—the same number that had attended in years past, Sherri Pomeroy said.

This year, attendance more than doubled—the church ran out of nametags after distributing 100.

“VBS—at least in our church—has been an outreach to the community,” Frank Pomeroy said. “Not only have we reached children, parents and grandparents—and had parents come to know Christ through VBS—but people came together to pull it off.”

“You could be in here every morning during the worship rally. You could feel the Spirit moving in these kids. But I would even venture to say the VBS was more for the adults of Sutherland Springs than for the kids.”

While the VBS leaders, volunteers and children of First Baptist in Sutherland Springs were in a new facility this year, the pastor noted it’s the same Holy Spirit who will continue to heal hearts.

“It lets us see … we can hold to the hem of his garment and still move forward,” he said.

“The tragedy that inflicted so much heartache can still be healed if we hold on to the Lord and look at our situation through the laughter of these children.”

MCALLEN—Messengers to the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas annual meeting in McAllen approved a resolution condemning sexual abuse as both a crime and a sin against God.

It calls on Hispanic Texas Baptists to report any case of abuse to proper authorities, minister to people affected by it and lead congregations to implement policies and procedures to protect children.

“As churches, we get to be present in some of life’s most beautiful events. Births, weddings, quinceñeras, baptisms and people coming to Christ,” said Convención Executive Director Jesse Rincones. “But our ministry also faces very difficult situations—sin, evil and abuse.”

Abuse in Baptist churches

A major investigative report by the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News revealed about 400 ministers and volunteers in Southern Baptist churches sexually abused more than 700 people in 20 years. Of the offenders who pleaded guilty or were convicted of sexual offenses, more were from Texas than from any other state, the newspapers reported.

Four of the churches identified in the newspaper articles are Hispanic Baptist congregations, Rincones noted.

“Abuses happened in Anglo churches where they have counselors, teachers, principals, police officers, doctors, judges and people who are very much prepared to understand what policies say about abuse,” Rincones said. “If this happens at those churches with so many resources, how much more at risk of facing abuse cases are Hispanic churches?”

Texas law requires anyone who knows about the abuse of a child to report it to authorities, he noted.

The resolution condemns all forms of abuse and calls churches to action.

“Many times, survivors of sexual abuse suffer again because churches do not know how to handle their cases or provide care for them,” Rincones noted.

He called attention to the Caring Well initiative launched by the Southern Baptist Convention and the resources it makes available.

Anyone affected by sexual abuse in a congregation affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas can receive assistance through Texas Baptists’ Counseling Services. The BGCT also makes educational resources and training available through a partnership with MinistrySafe.

Rincones also announced a recent donation that will enable small-membership churches with limited financial resources to conduct criminal background checks on leaders and volunteers.

Convención elects officers, approves budget

In other business, Convención messengers elected as president Tony Miranda, campus pastor at Stark College and Seminary. Miranda also oversees the teaching ministry at Primera Iglesia Baustista in Robstown.

He succeeds Pastor Rolando Aguirre of Calvary en Español in McAllen, who completed his term as president.

Messengers also re-elected Carlos Valencia of Victoria en Cristo at Fort Worth as first vice-president, elected Edson Lara of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel in McAllen as second vice-president, and re-elected Abiel Aké of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Edinburg as secretary of Convención.

Messengers also approved a $118,000 budget for the next year. It represents a $3,400 increase over the 2019 budget.

The budget increase will enable Convención to secure the services of a financial accountant, advancing its efforts to ensure transparency and maintain responsible handling of finances, Rincones explained.

In submitting the budget for approval and talking about the funds for the Conexión Pastors Initiative, Rincones announced Guide Star awarded its Silver Seal of Transparency to Convención. The seal places Convención in the top 10 percent of nonprofits in the country, he explained.

The 2020 Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas will be held in Dallas. At the invitation of Dallas Baptist University, next year’s annual gathering for Convención will take place on the university campus.

MCALLEN—Speakers at the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas annual meeting urged churches to take necessary steps to plan ahead financially in order to have fewer ministry limitations.

Financial adviser Andres Gutierrez taught principles of budgeting, emphasizing the importance of not getting in debt and controlling expenses.

As individuals and churches grow in financial maturity, they find peace and liberation from the anxiety brought by fiscal constraints, Gutierrez said.

Plan for emergencies

According to Scripture, the wise store up and plan ahead for unexpected emergencies, he noted.

“Life will surprise you,” Gutierrez said. “Whether you are Christian or not, life will be hard sometimes.”

Limiting oneself by resisting impulse buying—purchasing things that bring comfort, pleasure or distraction—can be the greatest challenge, he said.

“We all crave something, but the lie is we tell ourselves we have to get it,” Gutierrez said.

Good stewards plan what will happen to the resources they receive even before they have them, he said.

God is not limited by the good or bad stewardship of his people. God moves and acts with or without offerings and tithes, Gutierrez said.

However, good stewards honor God when they think before they act and live abundantly with the resources God gives, he explained.

Reject a theology of scarcity

Convención President Rolando Aguirre interviewed Gutierrez, along with Convención Executive Director Jesse Rincones, and Julio Guarneri, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen.

Rincones said a theology of scarcity not only limits what churches can do, but also contradicts what the Bible teaches.

“Jesus says, ‘I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance,’” Rincones said.

So, Christians are responsible to live in abundance, he added. However, he made it a point to distinguish abundant living from the so-called “prosperity gospel,” which also contradicts biblical teaching.

Churches need to help their members by offering tools that enable them to grow in financial discipleship, Guarneri said.

“Saving and spending money is a spiritual act. So, churches have to instruct families how they can do that,” he said.

Financial discipleship requires a change in thinking and practice, Rincones said. He urged congregations to present programs and teach lessons. He encouraged pastors to preach more than a couple of sermons throughout the year on how churches can serve as examples of financial maturity and stewardship.

“This all has to first come from church leaders,” Gutierrez said. “Only then churches will see a change.”

GREENVILLE (BP)—Straight-line winds seriously damaged a church building about 50 miles northeast of Dallas.

Just before Highland Terrace Baptist Church in Greenville received a direct hit from wind gusts in excess of 80 mph June 19, Pastor Chet Haney and his staff sent an alert to the congregation that church activities were canceled for the evening.

“We were just about to go in there for our Wednesday night service,” Haney said. “The front quarter of the sanctuary was peeled off by the high wind. The whole altar area is basically exposed to the sunshine.

“Part of the roof that blew off landed on another part of our building and demolished some of our Sunday school space like a missile hit it.”

Extensive damage but no injuries

Haney estimated that the area would have been filled with students just 15 minutes later had they not closed the church.

Several individuals had arrived early for choir practice but were in another part of the building when wind ripped the roof off part of the sanctuary.

“We specifically prayed for God to take authority over this storm and prevent loss of life, people getting hurt, and minimize the damage,” Haney said.

He reported the storm missed an apartment complex and did not touch another residential area even though some hundred-year-old oak trees were “uprooted like weeds.”

“Now, we’re kind of in chaos, but God’s been moving and we’ve been seeing a lot of blessings in the midst of this,” Haney said.

In a video posted on social media, Haney delivered a message of assurance to the community.

“By the way, if you hear that our church was damaged, don’t you believe it, because the church is not a building. It’s the people, and our people are just fine,” he said.

The church gathered for worship June 23 in the Greenville High School auditorium.

TBM: ‘Up to our eyeballs in chainsaw work’

Texas Baptist Men has been helping residents throughout North Texas deal with damage since the first of several severe storms swept through the region June 9.

Immediately after the winds hit Greenville, TBM personnel delivered a pallet of tarps for Highland Terrace Baptist to use and distribute in the community. The church also made available food, bottled water, garbage bags and cleaning supplies to neighbors in need.

“We are up to our eyeballs in chainsaw work right now,” said Dwain Carter, TBM disaster relief director. “We had, the last two Sundays in a row (June 9 and 16), pretty bad wind storms go through the city of Dallas. We’ve had about seven chainsaw teams working pretty much nonstop for the last two weeks.”

Through June 23, TBM workers had donated more than 4,300 volunteer hours, completing about 100 chainsaw jobs, logging 250 heavy equipment hours and preparing more than 700 meals.

To contribute financially, send a check designated “disaster relief” to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron, Dallas, TX 75227, call (214) 275-1116 or click here.

With additional reporting by Managing Editor Ken Camp.

McALLEN—“Abundancia” es el tema de la reunión anual que la Convención Hispana Bautista de Texas tendrá este  23-25 de Junio en McAllen, la cual marcará el principio de un énfasis anual en discipulado financiero.

Las Iglesias bautistas hispanas serán desafiadas a abandonar una teología de escasez y tomar una de abundancia—la cual no es la misma que la del “evangelio de la prosperidad, dijo Jesse Rincones, director ejecutivo de la Convención.

La Convención ofrecerá materiales para sermones y estudios bíblicos para que los líderes de las iglesias puedan enfocarse en el discipulado financiero, los cuales también servirán para guiar a familias e individuos a tomar control de sus finanzas, mencionó Rincones.

Trabajando en conjunto con Andres Gutierrez y su programa “Paz Financiera,” la junta anual sostendrá talleres para que las iglesias puedan después compartir esos entrenamientos en las congregaciones.

Al ir adoptando las familias una nueva perspectiva en sus finanzas, las iglesias y la Convención entonces continuarán creciendo, dijo Rincones. Los cristianos que se comprometen a un discipulado financiero también son más generosos y fieles con lo que tienen, él notó.

En la sesión de negocios, mensajeros de las iglesias hispanas bautistas considerarán una resolución acerca del abuso sexual en las iglesias, dijo Rincones. La resolución propuesta “llamará a nuestras iglesias a adoptar procedimientos y pólizas para proteger a menores de edad,” él dijo.

La Convención Bautista del Sur adoptó una nueva iniciativa llamada Caring Well—la cual es un programa para aumentar y mejorar esfuerzos para prevenir el abuso, así como también ofrecer cuidado a sobrevivientes de abuso—será traducida al español y disponible para las congregaciones bautistas hispanas de Texas, él dijo.

El entrenamiento y currículo para que las iglesias  tomen parte de Caring Well Initiative será accesible a través de la página Church Cares.

En la reunión anual, el grupo de Young Latino Leaders también recomendará la creación de una plataforma a través de la cual podrían seguir trabajando.

La propuesta se enfocará en desarrollar a los futuros dirigentes y educar a pastores de primera generación para que incluyan más a las generaciones jóvenes en el ministerio, dijo Rincones .

Los 15 miembros de Young Latino Leaders se reunirán después en San Antonio para continuar el trabajo y alcanzar las metas indicadas.

DALLAS—When high winds hit North Texas on consecutive weekends, Texas Baptist Men disaster relief volunteers responded with chainsaws and heavy equipment to remove fallen trees from homes.

The first severe thunderstorm hit the Dallas area June 9, packing 70 mph wind gusts and initially leaving about 350,000 homes without electricity. TBM disaster relief crews deployed quickly to assist affected families and individuals.

One week later on Father’s Day, another storm hit North Texas. Straight line winds of 60-plus mph and three confirmed tornadoes in Tarrant County and one in Dallas County caused widespread damage and more power outages.

Seven TBM chainsaw crews, along with heavy equipment operators, food-service teams and shower/laundry unit volunteers, continue to work throughout the region.

At one house in Dallas, TMB volunteers removed a fallen tree that had blocked a woman’s front door, making entry and exit almost impossible. The woman told members of the chainsaw team they were “truly a Godsend.”

“I’m so grateful for what you all were able to do,” she said when the volunteers completed their work. “I’m going to have a great story to tell my Sunday school class next week.”

Through June 16, TBM crews already had donated 1,886 volunteer hours, completing 38 chainsaw jobs and logging 100 heavy equipment hours. Three days later, the number of volunteer hours had risen to 2,973, crews had completed 73 chainsaw jobs and logged 152 heavy equipment hours.

Other TBM personnel deployed to Greenville July 19 to provide temporary roofing after high winds—possibly one or more tornadoes—caused widespread damage in Hunt County, including ripping off a significant portion of the roof from the sanctuary of Highland Terrace Baptist Church. TBM delivered a pallet of tarps for the church to distribute in the community.

Disaster relief in North Texas could take up to one month.

Meanwhile, a TBM incident management team deployed to Arkansas to assist with disaster relief after flooding there. The team is housed at Southside Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Ark.

To contribute financially, send a check designated “disaster relief” to Texas Baptist Men, 5351 Catron, Dallas, TX 75227, call (214) 275-1116 or click here.

Rand Jenkins, communications director for TBM, contributed to this report.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article, originally posted before noon on July 19, was updated on July 20.

McALLEN—“Abundancia” is the theme of the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas annual meeting June 23-25 in McAllen, which marks the beginning of a yearlong emphasis on financial discipleship.

Hispanic Texas Baptist churches will be challenged to abandon a theology of scarcity and develop a theology of abundance—not to be confused with the so-called “prosperity gospel,” said Jesse Rincones, executive director of Convención.

Convención will offer sermon materials for pastors and Bible study materials for church leaders focused on financial discipleship, along with practical help to teach individuals and families to take control of their finances, Rincones noted.

Working in conjunction with Andres Gutierrez and his “Paz Financiera” program, the annual meeting will offer workshops so churches can provide training to their congregations.

As families adopt a new perspective on finances, churches and Convención will continue growing, Rincones said. Christians who commit to financial discipleship become more generous and faithful with what they have, he noted.

In business sessions, messengers from Hispanic Texas Baptist churches will consider a resolution regarding sexual abuse in the churches, Rincones said.  The proposed resolution would “challenge our churches to adopt procedures and policies to help protect children,” he said.

Southern Baptist Convention’s newly adopted Caring Well Initiative—a program to enhance efforts to prevent abuse and provide care for abuse survivors—will be available in Spanish, and it will provide a valuable resource for Hispanic Texas Baptist congregations, he said.

Training and curriculum for churches taking part in the Caring Well Initiative is accessible on the Church Cares website.

Also at the Convención annual meeting, the Young Latino Leaders group will recommend the creation of a platform through which they could continue working.

The proposal focuses on the development of up-and-coming young leaders and education for first-generation pastors and churches so they can include younger generations in their ministries, Rincones said.

The 15-member core group of Young Latino Leaders will meet at San Antonio in October and continue working toward the suggested goals.

Thirty-three years ago, Paulino Esquivel received a call he was reluctant to answer.

He responded as most do when faced with a similar circumstance, saying, “Please God, send someone else.” Or in his case, “Por favor, Dios, mande alguien más.”

During a recent mission trip, members of First Baptist Church in Charlotte working with Operation Christian Love, a ministry founded by Frio River Baptist Association, visited with Esquivel in Piedras Negras. He sat at the head of the table and thanked the group for coming.

From the beginning

Esquivel took a deep breath and told them he was going to share his testimony—from the beginning. His guests could see the pain in his eyes as he struggled with his words.

Esquivel was 24 when he began helping families in his neighborhood. Parents either worked or were in prison. Children needed a place to go while their guardian was at work. Wanting to help and spread God’s love to kids, he and his wife Gilberta opened their doors to these children.

During the initial five years, the Esquivels received no governmental aid or church support. They used their own money to feed and care for visiting children, with some support from those who served alongside them.

Paulino Esquivel intended to keep children safe and off the streets where crime was rampant. Even 5-year-old children were being used as go-betweens for drug sales. Taking them in gave them the chance to play without fear and to hear the gospel.

Special needs

As word spread about what Casa Bethesda was doing, parents with disabled children started to show up. Not having the ability to care for children with special needs, Esquivel politely declined. But he felt he must do something. He searched for someone to help through other churches and ministries, but no one would help. Yet, the parents continued to come.

Esquivel prayed for five months. However, his prayer was not for the ability. He prayed, “Por favor, Dios, mande alguien más.”

But those he contacted gave him the same excuses he was using. There’s not enough room. I don’t know how to care for them. There are no resources. Some just flat out acknowledged they did not want to do it. They felt it wasn’t their problem, and the answer was always “no.”

Life-changing visit

Then one day, Esquivel received a visitor who would bring a dramatic change to his life.

In 1995, an hour south of Piedras Negras, a woman cared for a 5-year-old with cerebral palsy. One night, she knocked at Paulino’s long white gate.

“I am bringing you my grandson,” she told him. “I don’t know what to do. I have no experience with his condition. His mother is an addict and living a bad life.”

She went on to explain that she was old, sick and no longer able to care for his needs.

Esquivel’s first reaction was to respond as he had, but this time was different. He asked her, “How did you find out about me?”

Her answer changed his life forever.

“I was at home, and a man knocked on my door,” she said. “He told me to find Paulino Esquivel in Piedras Negras. He said you would help me.”

At that moment, Esquivel knew he could no longer resist. He took the child in—the first permanent resident of many.

God ‘placed me in the middle of his work’

For the next three years, Esquivel struggled with his calling.

“I did not say ‘yes’ to the Lord. He just placed me in the middle of his work,” he said.

Being in unfamiliar territory, he prayed, trying to negotiate with God.

“I told God two things. First, I wasn’t going to tell people what I do. It was up to God to send people,” he said. “Second, I told God I wasn’t going to look for resources. He would have to provide them.”

God delivered.

Three years and several children later, a pastor from a church in Atlanta contacted Esquivel, asking how his congregation could assist Casa Bethesda.

“How did you hear about us?” Esquivel asked.

After serving in California, the pastor and his team had been working on another project in Del Rio. Since it was nearing completion, they were praying for another ministry to serve. One night a man knocked on the pastor’s door.

“Go to Piedras Negras. Paulino Esquivel needs you,” the visitor said.

That pastor was the first of many whose churches now assist Casa Bethesda.

Current opportunities, current challenges

Twenty-four years later, Casa Bethesda cares for 28 people. All of them, 15 men and 13 women, have special needs. Their conditions vary: mental illnesses, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, deafness and epilepsy. Eleven are wheelchair bound, and nine are completely disabled, requiring assistance with even simple tasks.

Many residents have been there most of their lives. Eight are orphaned, 20 were abandoned, and two kids were taken in after their parents signed paperwork renouncing all claim to them. One father dropped off his son to find work. The man never returned.

Casa Bethesda is the only home in the Piedras Negras area that cares for children with special needs. One doctor visits monthly, giving minimal care to residents.

Esquivel next spoke about issues Casa Bethesda faces now. The first is his health. Esquivel has an unknown condition affecting his white blood count. Due to his health, he and his wife “retired” about a year ago, but they still are active in the ministry. He is training two men, Omar and Pablo, who will one day take over.

He also expressed concern about an incident that occurred at Casa Bethesda and what it could mean for the home’s future. Esquivel said it involved a male resident and a female resident, and it was reported to the proper authorities. However, some asserted it involved a staff member abusing a resident, and he fears government authorities may close the home.

‘You cannot deny your calling’

For 33 years, Esquivel has helped children. For 24 of those years, he has been involved with the well-being of those with special needs. Only two of the 28 residents have parents whose location is known.

After he finished talking, Esquivel took his guests on a tour. They visited with residents. Three women were working hard to get lunch ready. At the same time, they were taking those in wheelchairs to an outside pavilion to sing praise and worship songs.

Esquivel greeted each child—shaking hands, giving hugs, receiving kisses and acknowledging each of his kids.

“When you are a pastor, you expect to be over a church, not a home. But you cannot deny your calling. God convicts, knowing that we will always follow him,” Esquivel said. “Even though sickness comes, his work will continue.

“Whatever comes my way, I will be here, serving him.”

Jeff S. Bray is a freelance writer and a member of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, Texas.

ABILENE—As a student at Logsdon Seminary and youth minister at Potosi Baptist Church in Abilene, Hunter Brown knows what it means to be mentored by professors and church leaders, while at the same time learning to mentor the next generation.

Brown earned his undergraduate degree in ministry from Hardin-Simmons University in 2016, and he anticipates graduating from Logsdon with his Master of Divinity degree in December.

He credits Mike Auten, associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Clyde, with teaching him many of the practical aspects of ministry.

“I had a great mentor who taught me things about engaging with people,” he said. “Now I’m breaking away from having mentor/mentee relationships into a place where I’m by myself.”

New ideas

Brown is not afraid to try new things. When Rodney Watson, pastor of Lytle South Baptist Church suggested a collaborative DiscipleNow weekend, Brown agreed wholeheartedly. Before long, four other churches joined them in the student ministry event, and the Baptist General Convention of Texas provided financial assistance.

“We had the plan of making it an associational-based D-Now,” he said. “We got funding from the BGCT, and they said we’re the only association in the state of Texas who has done anything like this.”

Brown has introduced his congregation to new experiences such as the flowering of the cross at Easter.

“My church had never seen it before, and we had a large amount of people say how unique and cool they found it,” he said.

As part of Holy Week observances, Brown also created an experience similar to the stations of the cross. Church members went through three rooms including the Lord’s Supper, three crosses to reflect on the crucifixion, and a video about the resurrection.

Serving in a variety of roles

When the pastor at Potosi Baptist left earlier this year, Brown gained more responsibilities. He has preached some weeks and helped with administrative duties. With all the responsibilities of school and ministry, Brown remains optimistic.

“It’s been great with me,” he said. “My mentor taught me that sometimes ministry means doing kids’ stuff on Wednesdays, helping out with the youth, taking the van to get inspected, knowing when to clean up and be the janitor and when to participate in worship. I’m used to needing to be in different roles.”

While Brown knows church members can differ about many things, he sees some biblical principles as straightforward.

“Jesus’ love is really simple. It’s very clear in the Bible—love other people,” he said.

Brown shows this love to his students by spending time with them outside of Bible study.

“One of the most enjoyable things is hanging out with students, when we get to go places and spend time together,” he said. “It’s really easy to get down in ministry, and it’s really hard to remember the good parts of church. When we do things at my church that are fellowship-based, and they shine through, that’s really helpful to me.”

Influence of Logsdon professors

In addition to his church mentor, Brown has found his professors at Logsdon to be especially uplifting.

“All of them care about you, and they ask more about your life than just the academic part. They’re really helpful with the ministry part too,” he said. “There have been several instances where I’ve felt defeated with church, and going to those different mentors and asking their advice is really helpful.”

Brown also has learned to recognize the connections between his classes and his ministry.

“The Bible courses are helpful to understand how we read and interpret Scripture in new ways,” he said. “There are definitely things that I want my congregation to learn. In small-town West Texas, even though lots of people say they are Christians, there’s not much knowledge about the Bible. Logsdon has helped me prepare to teach these things.”

He also says his theology classes have been helpful in his spiritual formation.

“Christian philosophy was really great in helping me frame out what I think about God and to help me realize that I don’t have all the answers,” he said.

Brown said his ethics courses have helped him engage with his context and in the wider context of the church. He also said his general ministry classes encourage him to keep pursuing his calling.

“Church history has helped me see how we’ve moved from one point to another in Christianity,” he said. “There are some things that we need to focus on, and there are some things that we need to move on from and learn from.”

ALLEN—Three students from Allen and Alice received first place in individual events at Texas Baptists’ 2019 State Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament.

Riley Smith, a junior from First Baptist Church in Allen, took first place in high school Bible Drill. Caroline Kemp, a junior from First Baptist in Allen, placed first in Speakers’ Tournament. Kristen Aguirre, a freshman from West Main Baptist Church in Alice, won first place for Youth Bible Drill. Seventy-one students representing 26 Texas Baptist churches participated in the state finals.

‘Treasure God’s word in my heart’

Smith, a homeschooled student, has been involved in Bible Drill since 4th grade. One of the best components of Bible Drill for Smith is the emphasis on knowing and memorizing Scripture.

“I have a love for God’s word and want to learn more, always wanting to treasure God’s word in my heart, like Psalm 119 describes,” Smith said.

Kemp attends Allen High School and also has participated in Bible Drill since 4th grade. In her speech, “Why I Exist,” she shared recent experiences at a summer camp where she learned about how she was created to glorify God.

‘To glorify God and not myself’

“A lot of my life, I’ve been seeking to glorify myself and try to impress people,” Kemp said. “Over the summer, it dawned on me that my purpose is to glorify God and not myself. As I tried to change, I realized how incapable I am of doing that apart from him.”

Bible Drill has taught her the importance of memorizing Scripture, she noted.

“This year, I started to memorize on my own, finding verses that were important to me,” she said. “As I’ve grown older, those verses have meant more to me and really helped me in my walk with God.”

Pam Davis, Youth Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament coordinator for First Baptist in Allen, has worked with both Kemp and Smith several years and witnessed great growth among the students.

‘Teaches lifelong lessons’

“What’s more exciting to me than seeing Riley and Caroline succeed is seeing how it’s changed their character,” she said. “This ministry helps mold the character of students and teaches them lifelong lessons.”

Aguirre, a freshman at Alice High School, has been involved in Bible Drill five years. She not only enjoys how Bible Drill helps her learn God’s word, but also how it has allowed her to build a strong connection with her fellow Bible Drill participants at her church.

“Through Bible Drill, you learn how to spread God’s word with others,” she said.

Her Bible Drill leader, Wanda McDaniel, emphasized Aguirre’s commitment to the program and dedication to learning Scripture.

“Kristen stands out in the group,” said McDaniel. “She sees the good in everything.”

Kemp, Smith and Aguirre will compete at the National Invitational Tournament for Bible Drill and Speakers’ June 13-14 at Parkwood Baptist Church in Concord, N.C.

“We know personal Bible engagement contributes to growing disciples of Jesus. That’s why so many churches value Bible Drill and Speakers’ Tournament,” said David Adams, director of discipleship for Texas Baptists.

“Together We Will Succeed” is the theme of the 2019 Texas Baptist African American Fellowship Conference, scheduled July 8-11 at First Woodway Baptist Church in Waco.

“We are family, and we work together,” said Elmo Johnson, president of the statewide fellowship and pastor of Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in Houston.

The African American Fellowship Conference offers more than 30 workshops for pastors, church staff and lay leaders. Topics include “The Triumphs of Teamwork,” “Mistakes Successful Pastors Don’t Repeat,” “Understanding Millennials and Generation Z” and “Effective Outreach Resources.”

‘Learn from each other’

“We learn from each other,” Johnson noted. “We are a diverse people. We are not offering cookie-cutter approaches. You can do ministry within your own culture.”

The four-day conference begins at 7 p.m. on July 8 with a “Sweet Hour of Prayer” service led by Louis Rosenthal, pastor of The McKinney First Baptist Church in McKinney.

Johnson plans to emphasize “unity and family” in his presidential address at a pastors’ luncheon on July 9. Representatives from several regional groups the statewide fellowship has launched around the state also will bring reports to the pastors.

Special events planned

Michael Evans, president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Mansfield, is featured speaker at the James W. Culp Banquet at 7 p.m. on July 9. The banquet is named in memory of the long-time coordinator of black church development for Texas Baptists.

Roy Cotton, Texas Baptists’ director of African American ministries, noted more than 100 predominantly black congregations affiliated with the BGCT in the last two years, and an orientation luncheon is scheduled for representatives of newly affiliated congregations July 10.

Conference leader Michelle Fergus of DeSoto will speak at the Sisters Who Care luncheon for Women on Mission on July 10.

Breonus M. Mitchell, senior pastor of Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., is keynote speaker at worship services at 7 p.m. on July 10 and 11 a.m. on July 11.

Patrick Bradley, minister of worship and creative arts at Westside Baptist Church in Lewisville, will direct a mass choir Wednesday evening and lead in worship.

Dennis Young, pastor of Missouri City Baptist Church near Houston and chair of the BGCT Executive Board, will lead an observance of the Lord’s Supper at the concluding worship service.

Registration cost is $125 per individual or $1,000 for a group of 10 or more until July 1. Beginning July 2, cost per person is $165. For more information, click here.