This year, we celebrate an important milestone in the life of the Texas District: 100 years of Hispanic Ministry. As we look back, we give thanks to God for His faithfulness. As we look forward, we do so with confidence, knowing that the Lord who began this work continues to guide it today.

The story began in 1926 when Rev. Sergio Cobian arrived in San Antonio to begin reaching the growing Spanish-speaking population of Texas. The first worship services were held in a simple residence on West Commerce Street. Attendance was small at first, but the Gospel was being proclaimed, and the seeds of a ministry that would impact generations were planted.

From those humble beginnings, the ministry expanded into communities such as Three Rivers, Vanderbilt, Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and many other locations across Texas. Faithful pastors, teachers, missionaries, congregations, and lay leaders worked together to share the saving message of Jesus Christ with Spanish-speaking families throughout the state. Through difficult seasons, limited resources, cultural challenges, and changing demographics, God continued to open doors for His mission.

Today, we continue to see the fruit of that faithful work. Hispanic ministries are active in many cities across Texas. Congregations are proclaiming the Gospel, baptizing, discipling, serving their communities, and raising up new leaders. One of the greatest blessings we are witnessing is the development of future church workers. Today, we have approximately 17 seminary students preparing for ministry. Alongside them, God has raised up a growing number of pastors, deaconesses, evangelists, and lay leaders who faithfully serve in congregations and communities throughout Texas.

Leadership development remains one of our greatest priorities. Through the Hispanic Bible Institute and other training opportunities, we continue equipping men and women to serve in God’s mission. Our Evangelist Training Program is helping prepare more lay leaders to become daily witnesses of Christ in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. These evangelists are sharing the Gospel through personal relationships, Bible studies, mercy work, community events, and many other opportunities God places before them.

Another important ministry effort is the Rural Rebuilding Project. Across Texas, we have partnered with congregations in rural communities to assist with facility improvements, repairs, and revitalization efforts. While these projects often involve paint, repairs, cleanup, and building improvements, their purpose goes far beyond physical structures. They help restore relationships, build bridges with communities, create new opportunities for outreach, and remind congregations that they are not alone in the mission God has given them.

As we celebrate this centennial, we also recognize the challenges before us. Texas continues to experience remarkable population growth and increasing cultural diversity. New generations are emerging, including second- and third-generation Hispanic families who often move between cultures and languages. Reaching these generations will require wisdom, flexibility, and intentional discipleship.

The opportunities are tremendous. Yet the need for workers remains as great today as it was one hundred years ago. We need more pastors, more deaconesses, more evangelists, more church planters, and more lay leaders. We need young adults willing to serve and lead. We need congregations willing to open their doors, engage their communities, and participate in God’s mission.

As we celebrate 100 years of Hispanic Ministry in Texas, we honor those who came before us, but we do not simply look backward. We look forward with hope. The same Gospel that transformed lives in San Antonio in 1926 continues to transform lives today. The same Lord who guided the pioneers of this ministry continues to guide His Church.

May God continue to unite us as one family in Christ, people from every culture, language, and generation, working together to share the Good News of Jesus. The first 100 years tell a story of God’s faithfulness. The years ahead invite us to continue that story for the glory of God and the blessing of our neighbors.

By Rev. Lincon Guerra
Area A Mission & Ministry Facilitator
BMA Liaison / Hispanic Min. Coordinator