Bishop D. Chris Thompson
July 14 – 15, 2016
Texas Latin is like several conferences now that have a “family conference.” Thursday, July 14th was a day that the kids, youth, Men’s Ministry, and Women’s Ministry met in separate tracks. Friday, July 15, was a day of training and business. The kids and youth continued to meet as well.
The attendance at the meetings was fantastic. Here are the results: 76 kids, 208 youth, 72 men, and 148 women. During the actual conference, some 143 were registered delegates.
The meetings were held at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in San Marcos, Texas. This is an excellent place for such a meeting. The Texas Latin team had made phenomenal preparation. Every detail had been carefully planned. The Conference Secretary David Trevino and his son, Jason, led the preparations. Jason had formed a team of millennials and youth to help. Their work was beyond imagination.
Bishop David Avila did an excellent job in leading the meeting. His Council was present and with him every step of the way. Bishop Avila has a vision for the future. In his State of the Conference and at other opportunities, he spoke of church planting and uniting all the generations. His words were verified with actions.
Four people were ordained on Friday afternoon. These were Guillermo Hernandez, Lindolfo Mireles, Jaime Jaimes, and Eliseo Vasquez. One was licensed. She was Blanca Hernandez. Ten received a Local Church certificate.
Two items of business were discussed and decided. Both were resolutions from prior conferences. It was decided to not purchase a conference office at this time. It was also decided to investigate the cost of changing the Conference’s name. (Most agree that the name of the Conference needs to be changed to reflect greater diversity. It is a matter of time.)
I always greatly enjoy attending the Texas Latin activities. I arrived on Wednesday in time to enjoy a delicious (and spicy) dinner with the Council. On Thursday morning I was able to speak in the Men’s Ministry meeting. Both Bill Terry, National Director, and David Moore, National Royal Ranger Commander, were present. On Thursday night, I was invited to speak to the Men and Women in a camp meeting type service.
On Friday morning I presented the theme – We Prayerfully Value Holiness. It was well received. In the afternoon I did a workshop on church finances and led in the Ordination/License service.
Rev. Fernando Angulo, Hispanic director of the North Carolina Conference, was present as a presenter. He did a workshop on Friday afternoon and preached on Friday night. He was mightily anointed and well received.
I was also able to speak Friday night at the Deborah’s Daughters Banquet. The banquet was well attended. Director Lydia Trevino does an excellent job. Every conference needs a Deborah’s Daughters organization to encourage the female clergy.
My translator for the event was Mario Ayala. He is excellent. We have worked together before. Mario also serves on the National EVUSA Council.
While the adults were meeting both days, 208 youth were having their own services. The kids also had a separate meeting. It was truly a family meeting! I understand both of these venues were blessed with a powerful anointing.
Several special guests were present and were given a seat and voice in the Conference. They were:
Bishop Scott Hampton of Great Plains
Pastor Dennis Hartley of Great Plains, Assistant Superintendent
Carlos and Nuria Balaños, missionaries to Hawaii
Rev. Fernando Angulo of North Carolina
I am always blessed and greatly encouraged when I attend the Texas Latin Conference. They are positioned for greater ministry. They are leaders with a desire to reach the 2nd and 3rd generation Hispanics. May they be blessed.
I was given the opportunity to stay over and preach at the Oasis Church in Taylor, Texas. The church is pastored by Rev. Mary Flores. It was great time in the Lord.
