Writing Sample: Convocation

Hispanic Baptist Convocation of the Laity

By Eric Guel

Texas Baptist Communications

SPICEWOOD – Hispanic Baptists from across the state, convening near Austin for the annual Hispanic Baptist Men’s Convocation, heard a special message from President George W. Bush, delivered by one of the Chief Executive’s top Hispanic advisors, Daniel Garza of the Office of Public Liaison.

The event, coordinated by the Hispanic Baptist Convocation of the Laity, had 450 attendees at Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment on Oct. 14-15.

Garza, speaking on behalf of President Bush, encouraged conference-goers to make a difference for the Kingdom of God by getting involved in the political process. “If you don’t get involved, either in Washington or locally,” Garza said, “the secular world will get involved for you.”

Garza said that Christians have a unique voice, and that voice needs to resonate throughout the halls of the Supreme Court, Congress and the White House. “Let’s not interpret ‘separation of church and state’ to mean that churches should not try to influence policy in government,” he said.

While promoting Christian involvement in the political process, Garza also affirmed God’s sovereign role in putting people where they need to be to further His gospel. “It is only by God’s grace that I am serving the President of the United States in the White House,” he said. Garza explained that, despite the fact that he was a high school dropout, God has brought him to serve the nation by assisting President Bush.

Attendees also heard addresses from Dr. Charles Wade, director, BGCT; E.B. Brooks, former coordinator, Church Missions and Evangelism Section, BGCT; and musical performances directed by Samuel Marroquin of Houston.

In addition to the keynote speakers, the Convocation was buttressed by a slew of workshops designed to equip Baptist men in all manners of ministry. Workshops covered topics such as leadership, immigration ministry, church planting and music ministry. “Being trained helps men activate their lives,” said Eli Rodriguez, convocation coordinator. “This training helps them to minister not only in the church but also outside the church in the community.”

“The teachings and sermons have helped me clarify my vision,” said Salvador Martinez Jr. of Immanuel Baptist Church in Boerne. “This vision for ministry is going to help me at my home church; I’m ready to go back and translate this message to my church members.”

BGCT Director Dr. Charles Wade lauded the Convocation and the Texas Baptists who made it possible. “I am always inspired when I am around Baptist people,” he said. “One of the great strengths of the Baptist General Convention of Texas is that we have such a diversity of participation, and the thing I’ve observed about our baptist laymen and laywomen is they believe they can do anything God wants them to do. There’s no quit in them; they’re just there to try and make a difference for Jesus. It’s the joy of my life to get to be in a meeting like this where the music is so powerful, the fellowship is so rich and the preaching is just phenomenal.”

Rodriguez said one of the Convocation’s primary goals, to activate and equip Baptist laymen, has been realized at this year’s Convocation, and in previous years, but there’s still work to do. “The community doesn’t know what we do inside the church,” he said. “We’ve got to open our doors and we do that through training our men. As we open the church for the community there’s going to be many who will be saved for the Lord.”

One alliance, that actively seeks to meet community needs through disaster relief, had a dominant presence at the Convocation, Texas Baptist Men. Leo Guerra of TBM said getting men involved, meeting practical needs, is vital to the furtherance of the gospel. “We want the world to see what Christians are doing by giving a cup of water to people in need,” he said. “You can tell people about Jesus all day long, but if you’re not sharing with them, meeting their needs, they’re not going to listen to you.”

Rodriguez said Hispanic Baptist men are being transformed for Christ around the state, and the Convocation has been blessed to be a part of that transformation. “Our men are realizing their responsibilities within the church, and acting on those responsibilities,” he said. “Lives are being changed.”

Eric Guel is a freelance writer and photographer based out of Waco, Texas. Contact him at ericguel@gmail.com.