NW Latin Conference Votes in New Bishop
WRITTEN BY:
BISHOP CHRIS THOMPSON
Eleuterio Prieto
On arrival in Yakima, I went straight to the service where Bishop Trinidad Gutierrez was scheduled to speak. The conference on Saturday was well attended. Bishop Trinidad Gutierrez had promoted well and 70 plus registered delegates were in attendance. By the evening service there were over 500 in attendance. The Conference was held in the Yakima Convention Center.
Bishop Gutierrez gave an excellent oral report. During his term as bishop some fifteen new churches were planted and several other churches grew. He had pastored for 31 years at Yakima. The church grew phenomenally under his and Norma’s ministry. Just this year, he transferred himself to Othello and that church has grown up to 150. As a leader, he has been superb in leading the conference in the 21st Century. He especially led involving in building up and encouraging the next generation.
The Conference ended at 5:30 p.m. and the evening service began at 6:00 p.m. I preached and enjoyed the service. During the evening service I installed the new department leaders. During the day, the Conference would elect five Council Members and six Department Leaders.
Then the election for the position of bishop/superintendent was held. Our dear brother, Bishop Trinidad did not receive a 2/3rd vote for nomination. The new Bishop for the NW Latin Conference is Pastor Eleuterio Prieto. He is an excellent pastor. For the last four years he has served faithfully as Assistant Superintendent. Before that he served well as the Conference Men’s Ministry Director. I have known him for five years. I believe he will be an excellent leader and good bishop and will continue to build on the foundation that has been laid. I was also very impressed with the new department leaders that were selected. They are leaders and committed to the work of the Lord.
Trinidad Gutierrez, Elias Morreno and Enrique Guillen, former Superintendents assisted me with the installation ceremony. It was a joy to have these former leaders present. We were thrilled to give them the honor and respect that they deserve because we know that they have certainly earned it. It was a wonderful conference and I was honored to share it with the wonderful pastors and people of the NW Latin Conference.