Hispanic Ministries Reports Successful Hispanic Congress
Athens, Tenn.–More than nine hundred delegates from all eight Church of God Hispanic Regions in the United States gathered in Athens, Tennessee at the Woodward Church of God for three powerful days, August 4-6, 2011, to celebrate the National Hispanic Congress.
The event celebrated the Centennial of the first Spanish-speaking congregation of the Church of God, which was organized in 1911 in Raton, New Mexico. The theme that was emphasized was “Honoring our History, Heritage, and Heroes. Seventeen former Regional Administrative Bishops were honored for their service to the Lord and the Church of God. Dr. Donnie Smith, Director of the Care Division made a generous presentation in blessing each overseer with a financial gift. Further, other leaders of the Division of Care participated in affirming the overseers and included Dr. Bill and Luann Leonard.
At the opening service, the Honorable State of Tennessee Senator Mike Bell and the Honorable State Representative John Forgety visited the congress. They both met Dr. Raymond Culpepper, General Overseer and other members of the Executive Committee including Dr. Tim Hill, First Assistant General Overseer, Dr. Wallace Sibley, Secretary-General, and the Regional Administrative Bishops, Bishop Clifford and Cathy Waters, pastors of the Woodward Church of God, among other guests from World Missions and other departments.
Prior to Dr. Raymond Culpepper taking the pulpit to preach, the eight regional bishops honored him with a plaque for his generous support and contributions to the expansion of Hispanic Ministries and Editorial Evangelica. Dr. Culpepper preached a powerful message on the “Irresistible Church.” The second night, Dr. Sammy Rodriguez, NHCLC President, preached a message that focused on the crow and the dove of Noah. Dr. Miguel Vega presented a great message on “Immigration and the Bible” followed by Dr. Tim Hill’s message on “By This Time Tomorrow”. Dr, Hill was also honored with a plaque for his support and advancement of Hispanic Ministries and Editorial Evangelica. He also took the opportunity to officially released “Beyond the Mist” in Spanish known as “Más Allá del Rocío”. The book is an excellent resource for pastors and teachers for Bible studies and preaching on the topic of revival. This inspiring book will help the reader to experience greater intimacy with God and know how to discern the qualities of a genuine spiritual awakening. The book is available at Editorial Evangelica at 1.800.451.2441.
The Department of Hispanic Ministries expresses appreciation to the Woodward Church of God and Pastor Clifford and Cathy Waters and Chaplain Abel and Gabriela Cuen, pastor of the Spanish-speaking congregation for their bighearted and untiringly support of the congress. The next National Hispanic Congress is slated for 2013.
