Fire for evangelism great amongst growing Hispanic community

According to the 2010 census, 38 percent of Texas’ population was Hispanic. That percentage is likely higher now and is projected to increase in years ahead, creating a greater opportunity for evangelism in and amongst the Hispanic community.

Joshua del Risco, evangelism lead for Texas Baptists, observes the Hispanic Christian community regularly and said there is an evident yearning for knowing God well and spreading His message of hope. 

This observation has been confirmed in the past two months as over 2,000 Hispanic church leaders, students and children gathered in churches around the state to be trained and encouraged to have a fire in their hearts for evangelism. 

The trainings were a part of Renovacion Hispanic Evangelism Conferences, hosted by Texas Baptists Hispanic Evangelism team. This was the first year the events have been held regionally. Locations included San Antonio, Tyler and Lubbock, with one more scheduled for October in the Houston area. 

“I've noticed a growing spirit of unity in all three conferences,” said Del Risco. “There is a desire for, and a growing expectation for, revival among our churches.” 

With a 2016 theme of “Avivando El Fuego Evangelistico,” or “Fanning the Evangelism Fire,” Renovacion HEC’s are geared toward Hispanic pastors and church leaders. They aim to inform and inspire participants to implement evangelistic strategies on a regular basis.

At this year’s conferences, adult guests worshipped together, prayed together and participated in breakout sessions designed to train them in specific areas of evangelism. 

While the adults engaged in their activities, youth and college-aged students were given the opportunity to participate in a Congreso rally, previewing the Congreso conference for students coming up on April 22-23 in Waco. 

As the ethnic diversity of Texas is changing and the number of Hispanic residents is growing, Del Risco is certain the future of Hispanic evangelism is bright.

“As I travel throughout Texas,” he said, “there is a yearning for a fresh move of God. The Hispanic Evangelism Conferences are planting the seeds for revival among our Hispanic churches. Through these conferences, Hispanic churches are being equipped for greater effectiveness in evangelism.”