By Carl Stagner

Church of God Partners in Ministry play an essential role in the Church of God movement. Sisters and brothers in the National Association, the American Indian Council, and the Hispanic Council (Concilio Hispano) bring culture, history, perspective, talents, and gifts to the table that only enrich the flavor, enhance the influence, and extend the witness of the Church of God. When one of us suffers, we all suffer; when one celebrates a kingdom win, we all win. This July we celebrate the kingdom win of the early July gathering of ministry leaders hosted by the Hispanic Council of the Church of God.

From July 6 through 8, Mid-America Christian University was the hub of worship, preaching, networking, casting vision, and spiritual renewal for some 250 women and men of the Hispanic Council. The Convencion Nacional drew from 1 Peter 2:9 in its three-day emphasis, which, in the New International Version, proclaims, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Marcos Garcia, director general of the Concilio Hispano.

On the heels of a season in the Church of God spotlighting the identity of believers and the broader Movement, the Convention Nacional underscored God-given identity as the primary theme throughout the event. Anointed and brilliant orators expounded upon the Scripture with riveting content and impassioned pleas for total engagement and application of God’s message to the whole. Among these were Juan Santos Lugo, Israel Munguia, Marcos Garcia, Marcos García, Ramón Rivera, Luis Guevara, and Jorge Palacios.

In conjunction with the main event, the Hispanic Council also conducted their youth convention. Speakers included Esteban Rodriguez, Marcos García, and Ramón Rivera.

Worship was led by Spirit-led ministry of the Exquisita Presencia church.

Dynamic preaching by Juan Santos.

Johnny Leon, director of communications for the Hispanic Council, offers some reflections. “I think people loved the communion and all the teachings; people were hungry and with an open heart to hear the Word of God.”

When asked about what he would remember most clearly about this year’s event in Oklahoma City—certainly the shared sentiment of many attendees—Johnny replied, “I will give you a phrase: followers of Jesus are called to find their identity in him.”

Learn more about the Hispanic Council of the Church of God at www.conciliochog.org. Learn more about the Church of God movement at www.JesusIsTheSubject.org.

Feature (top) photo: Worship at the convention of the Hispanic Council of the Church of God.