National Hispanic Congress Set for Next Week
Every two years, the Spanish-speaking congregations of the Church of God in the United States meet to celebrate their National Hispanic Congress. This year the 14th National Congress will convene Thursday, August 4 through Saturday, August 6, at the Woodward Church of God in Athens, Tennessee.
As the Church of God International celebrates its 125th Anniversary, the National Hispanic Congress will be emphasizing the theme, “Honoring our Heritage, History and Heroes.” According to the late Charles Conn, former Church of God historian, in 1911 the first Spanish-speaking congregation in the United States was organized in Raton, New Mexico. The one thousand churches and missions of the Church of God in the United States will be celebrating their Centennial at this event. Hundreds of participants will be traveling from all eight Hispanic regions with their respective administrative bishops. There will also be guests from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Canada and Costa Rica among other countries.
At the opening service, Thursday, August 4, seventeen former Hispanic state/regional overseers will be honored. The list includes Dr. Hector and Loida Camacho, Manuel and Haydee Perez Sanchez, Antonino and Dora Bonilla just to name a few of the former regional administrative bishops. Dr. Donnie Smith, director of ministerial care and other members of his team will make a presentation that evening to the deserving servants of God. The event will also be visited by leaders from sister denominations like Dr. Jose Reyes, Church of God of Prophecy former executive member and Dr. Sammy Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. The opening evening speaker will be Dr. Raymond Culpepper, Church of God general overseer. Other Church of God Executive Committee members are expected to be at the event including, Dr. Tim Hill, first assistant general overseer, Dr. Mark Williams, second assistant general overseer and Dr. Wallace Sibley, secretary general.
The program for Friday morning will address the three initiatives, Prayer, the Great Commission and the Quest for Trust. At Friday’s evening service NHCLC President Dr. Sammy Rodriguez will speak. The meeting will conclude with a presentation by Dr. Miguel Vega followed by the closing message by Dr. Tim Hill, first assistant general overseer.
For more information, please contact the office of Hispanic Ministries at 423.478.7164.
