The Annual Conference of the Sonshine Hispanic Ministries was held August 18-20, 2016, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event was hosted by Pastor Angel Diaz and the Christ the Rock Church. Bishop Blas Ramirez is the superintendent/bishop
It was my privilege to preside over the Conference. I do enjoy my visits to the conference. During my time there I had five translators. I have worked with each before. They do an excellent job. They are old friends. Four were pastors. I have preached in each of their churches.
The Annual Conference began with a camp meeting-style service on Thursday night. Bishop Blas preached a powerful message on evangelism, expansion and reaching out in the midst of great cultural challenges. His message was well received.
On Friday morning and Saturday morning, Bishop Blas hosted a private breakfast for new pastors, etc. I was able to attend each. Approximately 20 attended each meeting. The conference is experiencing some great growth. Bishop Ramirez is a gifted networker.
Friday morning was filled with various workshops. At 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Apostle Cèsar Minera preached. He was exceptional. He has a church in Reno, Nevada. I enjoyed some good fellowship with him and his wife.
I spoke on Friday afternoon. My topics were introducing the holiness theme and “Recapture the Wonder.” Bishop Blas gave a time of vision casting in his Conference Report.
The attendance at the meeting varied from 150 to 380 on Friday night. Most of the churches were represented. Many of the pastors I know personally. I was privileged to get acquainted with many new ones. They had many questions about EVUSA and Hispanic Ministries. Many asked about the Extension Loan Fund.
On Friday night before the message, I charged and license some 16 individuals. We also awarded 9 Local Church Minister’s Certificates. There was much diversity in age and gender. Nearly half of the candidates were women. On Friday morning I would charge and ordain 10 individuals. This was a very special time. Several of the candidates I knew personally.
After the ordination service on Saturday, the Conference concluded with a graduation service of the Theological International University. Nine received diplomas. This is an accredited Hispanic training institution with its home base in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Julian Rosario is the president. The organization does a good job. The organization is known by EVUSA. Dr. Luis Avila has known of them for some time.
I did enjoy the Conference. Bishop Ramirez and his team had filled every moment with instruction and worship. The bishop involved all his council in various activities. The worship was excellent. Red de Ministerios Sonshine is moving forward and beginning to grow exponentially.
On Sunday I preached twice at the Abundant Life Vision Ministries in Hallandale, Florida. The pastors are Jorge and Aida Hernandez. They have a church of nearly 300. If they can get into their own building, they would jump to 500 immediately. These two have been dear friends of five years. Aida is one of the conference secretaries. They both are certified in DCPI. We have taught together several times. Their worship team is composed of singers, string musicians, a keyboard and a full brass ensemble. Wow! Their worship is phenomenal. May the Lord grant them a building and quickly.
May the Lord continue to bless Sonshine Ministries!
By Bishop D. Chris Thompson
