SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The homeland of newly elected World Missions Assistant Director, Víctor M. Pagán served as host for a service of celebration of the first Hispanic elected by the Church of God International General Assembly on Friday, September 18, 2008.
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The Barrio Palmas Church of God in the Cataño/Bayamón area of Puerto Rico was the site of a special celebration in honor of Victor and Ada Pagán on Friday, September 19, 2008. Victor Pagán is the first Hispanic elected to international leadership by the Church of God General Assembly. The evening was dedicated to bringing glory to God through song, testimony, preaching and remembrance.
Colleagues, friends and family filled the building of Bro. Pagán’s home church. Pastor Luis Velásquez of the Barrio Palmas church helped to welcome all who attended, while master of ceremonies, Santiago Rosado introduced notables such as Andrés Rincon, Regional Superintendent of Spanish Caribbean; Elvis Medina, Overseer of Dominican Republic; Ildefonso Carraballo, Puerto Rico Overseer; pastor and friend, Carlos Labra, as well as the speaker for the service, Hector Camacho.
Congratulatory letters from General Overseer, Raymond F. Culpepper and World Missions General Director, Douglas LeRoy were presented to the Pagáns and read to the congregation. Every ministry of the Church of God in Puerto Rico was represented and spoke of the impact Bro. and Sis. Pagán have made in Latin America. A letter from the mayor of the town and the State Senator for the Cataño/Bayamón area shared the congratulations of the public as well.
Members of the Pagán family were in attendance, sharing in the testimony of how God has been in great evidence throughout the lives of the new World Missions Assistant Director. Daughter, Milly spoke of the influence on immediate family, representing her two brothers Danny and Javier who were not able to be there. Brothers José, Daniel, Lolo and Wiso, along with sisters and wives, Annie, Isabel, Iris and Edna shared gifts and memories of the favor of God upon the Pagáns.
A special poem was written and read by Ada for her husband, Victor, that celebrated how the grace of God overcame the poverty of his life and raised him to a place of leadership. Bro. Pagán’s favorite song and an original song to indigenous music livened the evening. Longtime mentor and friend, Hector Camacho brought a tender tribute with a gospel challenge to all in ministry. He spoke of Bro. and Sis. Pagán’s pastoral heart. The many pastors and district overseers in attendance also spoke of the Pagán’s friendship and investment in others.
Bro. Pagán’s response was filled with memories of God’s grace upon his life. He gave thanks for the blessings of God, for family, friends and the church. He also talked of people – not the elected position – revealing his and his wife’s philosophy that people are a treasure. Finally, Bro. Pagán indicated that being elected was an indescribable honor.
Carlos Labra, friend and fellow pastor, summed up the evening and the feelings of the congregation when he said, “We now feel like an International Church.”
Grady Murphy Coordinator of Missions Communications
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