DATA USA states Hispanics comprise 42.4% of the Dallas population. As of 2022, approximately 35.2% of Fort Worth’s population is Hispanic. Also, according to the data, the Hispanic population in DFW is expected to grow faster than the overall population. Hispanics are projected to become the largest ethnic group in the DFW area. The next is that by 2050, the Hispanic population in Texas is expected to be more than double its size. There is a significant opportunity to make a difference and share the love and grace of Jesus.

While much work is to be done, it has been an exciting time in Area B of the Texas District, where we just recently celebrated the chartering of the first Hispanic Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. On August 11^th, 2024, Comunidad Cristiana Expansión Rockwall was officially chartered as a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregation, making it the first Hispanic mission to be chartered under the Expansión Mission Network. This is a significant achievement for our network community. This criticalness is the covenant and relationship with the LCMS and our esteemed Texas District. Additionally, it paves the way for more missions to follow in their footsteps. Expansión Mission Network believes that more missions will charter in the coming years.

In 2017, Comunidad Cristiana Expansión embarked on an inspiring journey to share the gospel with the Hispanic community in Rockwall. With the unwavering support of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Rockwall, we were granted ample space to hold Spanish services every Sunday. This generous collaboration has significantly amplified their mission. The inaugural Spanish service welcomed about 25 attendees, and today, they are thrilled to see attendance rise to nearly 84. They are making a meaningful impact in their community!

But there is even more to celebrate!!! On November 3^rd, 2024, Expansión Mission Network proudly celebrated the ordination and installation of Jaime Gonzalez, executive director, and Fabiana Gonzalez and Maria Barron, deaconesses. This significant ceremony was held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rockwall, TX, the regular meeting place for Comunidad Cristiana Expansión.

This groundbreaking achievement at Expansión Mission Network represents the organization’s first-ever ordination ceremony, setting an inspiring precedent for the future. It honors the calling of those stepping into pastoral and deaconess roles and encourages others to pursue their own divine callings.

The Texas District leadership played a vital role in the ordination and installation ceremony, demonstrating their commitment to church leadership. President Rev. Michael Newman led the event alongside Area B Mission Strategist Rev. Ben Gonzales, Area A Mission Facilitator Rev. Lincon Guerra, and Circuit Supervisor Rev. Shawn Deterding.

We praise God for all He does among the growing Hispanic population in the DFW area and the Texas District. Please continue to pray for the Texas District and our Hiic brothers and sisters as the Holy Spirit continues to lead, guide, and direct them toward greater fruitfulness in their endeavors to expand the Kingdom.

For more information on Area B of the Texas District or to sign up for the Area B Newsletter, contact Rev. Ben Gonzales at bgonzales@txlcms.org

For more information on the Expansión Mission Network, visit www.expansionmn.org or contact Rev. Jaime Gonzalez at jaimegdesantiago@gmail.com.

By Rev. Ben Gonzales
Area B Mission Strategist