The scent of freshly cut grass hangs in the air. It’s a Sunday morning. The Iglesia Bautista la Gracia Church stands before you. Its humble exterior belies a rich history.
This isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to faith. It’s a story of community. It’s a living legacy. Iglesia Bautista la Gracia Church started as a humble Sunday school. Two families Roberto Yoder and Roberto Grimshaw had a vision. They wanted to minister to the Hispanic community.
Mr Yoder taught the class. Mr Grimshaw and his family helped teach and invite people. Their dedication blossomed. The small Sunday school grew into a full service. Ramón Chavoyo became the pastor. His wife Marisela helped with the children’s Sunday school. Their service was a blessing to the community.
Growth continued. Ethan and Beth Shields joined the church. Ethan came from a family of missionaries in Mexico. His arrival was divinely timed. He became the pastor after Pastor Chavoyo retired. More people accepted Christ as their savior under Pastor Shields’ guidance.
God had another plan for Ethan and Beth though. They felt called to missionary aviation. They obeyed God’s call moving to Texas. Ethan planned to study aviation before becoming a missionary. Their departure left a void.
Roberto Yoder stepped up. He had served as assistant pastor under both Pastor Chavoyo and Pastor Shields. On July 15 2007 he became the pastor of La Gracia. But God’s plan continued to unfold. Pastor Yoder felt a call to start a Hispanic church in Texas.
Roberto Lozano and his family moved from Canada to become the new pastor. He assumed his position in late 2021. He finally arrived in the US on April 15 2022. The Iglesia Bautista la Gracia Church continues to thrive. It serves God with unwavering hearts. It stands as a beacon of faith in San Antonio. This church is a powerful example of enduring faith and community. A truly inspirational story.