On Saturday, August 3, pastors and ministry leaders gathered for the first Hispanic Evangelism Summit of 2024 held by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in Denver, Colorado.
The Hispanic Ministries area at BGEA will host three Evangelism Summits this year to encourage Hispanic churches and help equip them to reach out to their communities with the Gospel. The next two summits will take place in Miami (Sept. 28), and New York, (Oct. 26).
The first Evangelism Summit of the year featured Biblical teaching, fellowship, prayer, worship and conversations that energized evangelism efforts within the local church. The sessions were taught in English and Spanish, and translation was provided in both languages.
Author and speaker Sixto Porras explained how parents have one of the most important jobs in evangelism: raising disciples in the love of Christ at home.
Andrew Brunson shared with the audience the hardships he endured when he spent years in prison for sharing the Gospel in Turkey. He reminded them that Jesus said Christians would face persecution—but that He would be with them in their trials.
Throughout the one-day training, participants were encouraged to work in teams and share their experiences on the topics presented by the speakers.
Participants enjoyed an intimate time of praise and worship. “I don't think I had ever attended an event like this,” said Rogelio Gomez, one of the attendees (not pictured). “It struck me that we really need to be the hands and feet of our Lord, because we are called to be a reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives.”
Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, ESV).
In his message, Paraguayan author, speaker, and ministry leader Sebastian Franz encouraged believers to help others grow in their faith. “According to a Barna study, 37% of Christians do not feel equipped to make disciples,” he said. “It's time to get back to the Word, and spend time studying it to boldly prepare the next generation. If we don't make a change now, we will lose them.”
Juan Carlos Alvarado, a local pastor (not pictured), heard a message that he said will change the way he does ministry. “All the teachings have touched my heart and God has spoken to me personally,” he said. “As a church, we make the mistake of always being locked up, doing events for the church, but it is true that God sent us to go out there, to reach the community.”
