Delegates Make History with Founding of Arizona Latin Conference of the Assemblies of God

Saturday, August 26, 2006
Club Alpha Omega News
PHOENIX, ARIZONA :: An historic gathering of Assemblies of God (AG) ministers took place today in the Arizona capital city of Phoenix. Delegates from Hispanic congregations from all over the Grand Canyon State met to launch the Arizona Latin Conference of the Assemblies of God. The newly born conference is the newest in the nation and the first-ever state conference for a Hispanic constituency in the AG Fellowship. The latter is a significant hallmark as other language districts and conferences currently span several states.

Dr. Sergio Navarrete, Superintendent of the Southern Pacific Latin American District Council, presided over the momentous occasion. During the course of the proceedings, Dr. Navarrete underscored the historical significance of the day's events by invoking memories to the early years of the Hispanic Pentecostal movement in the United States. Special mention was paid to pioneer ministers H. C. Ball, Demetrio Bazan Sr., and Chonita Howard.

The day's business then proceeded to elections of conference officers. Rev. Tony Martinez from Surprise, AZ was elected as Superintendent. Elected Assistant Superintendent was Rev. Emilio de la Cruz of Avondale while the Secretary Treasurer post went to Glendale's Rev. Juan Garcia. Delegates also elected Rev. Alfredo Resendez to fill the special post of General Presbyter.

Regional presbyters were also elected for the five new regions that comprise the Arizona Latin Conference: West, East, Yuma, South, and English. Rev. Daniel R. Morales Sr. of Douglas, who serves as Club Alpha Omega's Sponsor Pastor, was elected as the English Regional Presbyter.

The creation of the new conference gives testimony to the growth of the Hispanic constituency within the Assemblies of God fellowship. According to a 2005 report, Hispanics made up the AG's fastest growing segment, accounting for 65.6 percent of its overall growth. Given this trend, the Arizona Latin Conference will no doubt bolster this growth and continue to establish the Assemblies of God as the fastest growing Christian faith group in the United States.

The delegates left the founder's meeting knowing that they had made history by adding another exciting chapter in the growth of the Assemblies of God and of the church worldwide.