LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Multiple Arkansas church planters, pastors and leaders gathered in Little Rock recently for the annual Hispanic Family Conference at Iglesia Bautista Roca Fuerte.
Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Hispanic Church Planting Strategist and Pastor Francisco Gomez, who organized the event in conjunction with the Arkansas Hispanic Baptist Fellowship, said the main purpose of the annual conference is to “strengthen families and encourage churches to take care of the families.”
This was the first year for the Hispanic Family Conference to be held in a Hispanic church building. Iglesia Bautista Roca Fuerte began using its current building about a year and half ago. The building previously belonged to South Highland Baptist Church. Upon closing its doors, South Highland donated the property.
“They decided the ministry needed to continue even if they couldn’t continue with the building,” Gomez said.
Geyer Springs First Baptist Church – a church planting partner of Iglesia Bautista Roca Fuerte – has since given the Hispanic church the opportunity to utilize the space.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Marriage Legacy for the Church of Tomorrow.” Speakers for the event included David Estévez and Marcela Paysé de Estévez of Texas and Manolo Vazquez, an Arkansas church planter.
After worshipping together, families were dispersed by age to various activities and events. There was also a split session for men and women. Various topics were discussed, including building a legacy, women according to the design of God, husbands with the feeling of Christ, and more. During one lunch session, pastors and leaders discussed developing and growing life groups oriented toward families and couples.
Close to 200 attended the conference.