The Gospel at Work - A Year in Hispanic Ministry

12 hours ago

2 min read

Article by: Joel Pava

Hispanic Ministries Director

Cornerstone Conference IPHC

“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.” Psalm 96:3 (NKJV)

Cornerstone Conference Hispanic Ministry (CCHM) is grateful for God’s continued blessing and for the pastors, leaders, churches, and volunteers who have faithfully served throughout the past year.

Our Hispanic Ministry maintained consistent communication with pastors, churches, and ministry leaders, providing Conference news, ministry updates, and practical resources in both English and Spanish. Regular interaction and visits with Hispanic congregations also strengthened relationships and reinforced the vision and ministry priorities of Cornerstone Conference.

Community remains one of our core values: “We believe we are better together than we are alone.

Called to fulfill God’s purposes on earth, we connect ministers and churches to one another in healthy relationships of interdependence, accountability, synergy, and care.”

That commitment continues to strengthen relationships among pastors, leaders, and congregations while encouraging greater cooperation throughout the body of Christ. Retreats, regional gatherings, leadership training, ministry opportunities, and fellowship events have provided meaningful opportunities for connection and mutual encouragement.

Chaplains of Hope continues to experience growing interest among our Hispanic churches. Thirty-eight participants are expected to complete Level III in September 2026. Plans are underway to begin another class during 2026–2027 and expand the ministry throughout Hispanic congregations.

Developing the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders also remains a priority. Among those currently being mentored are Pablo and Mirtha Chavez, church planters in Siler City, along with Caleb Guevara, Danixia Jirón, and Nicole Valencia, who serve in youth ministry. During the recent Hispanic Leadership Summit, pastors and ministry leaders were introduced to Cornerstone’s Ministerial Mentoring Ministry and encouraged to participate.

We also celebrate the addition of Ministerio de Salvación y Sanidad Renacer in Gastonia, led by Pastor María Josefina Pujols. With this addition, Hispanic Ministry now includes 21 churches serving in 14 North Carolina counties.

Nine congregations conducted baptismal services during the past year, with 55 new believers publicly professing their faith. We rejoice in these testimonies of lives being transformed by the Gospel.

The year also brought challenges. East Marion Hispanic Church experienced a temporary pastoral transition when Pastors Ricardo and Jennifer González returned to Costa Rica for one year due to immigration requirements. During their absence, Pastor Carlos Carrillo faithfully served as interim pastor with the support of the Conference. The González family returned to the United States in May and has resumed ministry.

Immigration concerns continue to create uncertainty for many Hispanic families and communities, affecting some of our congregations. We continue to pray for God’s grace, protection, and wisdom for our churches and the communities they serve.

We are grateful to the pastors, church leaders, and volunteers whose faithful service has strengthened our Hispanic Ministry throughout the year. Special recognition is given to Oscar and Evelyn Cruz, Julián and Claudia Chiquito, Dagoberto and Antonia Montalbán, and Gabriela Pava for their outstanding service and leadership during conferences, ministry events, and the Women’s Convention.

We thank God for His faithfulness and look forward with expectation to the continued growth and Gospel impact of Hispanic Ministry throughout Cornerstone Conference.