A century ago a small mission blossomed. It served Mexican refugees fleeing revolution. This humble beginning grew into a vibrant community. We stand before the Spanish Pentecostal Church in San Antonio. This church is a testament to faith resilience and the power of the Pentecostal message. It’s a vital part of San Antonio’s rich tapestry.
In 1918 the first organization for Hispanic Assemblies of God churches formed. It was a time of great upheaval. Hundreds of thousands of refugees sought safety in Texas. Many lived in desperate conditions. Pentecostal ministers like Henry C Ball and Isabel Flores offered aid. They provided food shelter and medical care. They saw an opportunity to share the Gospel. They did so through both word and deed.
Ball an Anglo missionary navigated complex legal and cultural challenges. He even helped free an imprisoned refugee pastor. His dedication was immense. His work wasn’t without risk. He was himself imprisoned on suspicion of being a German spy. This was due to his work with refugees who were seen as a threat during wartime.
Despite adversity Ball’s focus remained unwavering. He helped the Hispanic Pentecostal movement grow. He stressed developing indigenous leaders. These leaders would serve as pastors evangelists and missionaries. They would serve Hispanics in the US and across Latin America. His vision came to fruition in 1939. Demetrio Bazan became the first Hispanic leader of the Latin American District Council.
Ball’s impact extended beyond pastoral care. In 1916 he published a Spanish language hymnal. Himnos de Gloria enjoyed wide distribution. By 1927 over 115000 copies had been sold. His monthly periodical La Luz Apostolica reached 2000 readers. A publishing house Casa Evangelicas de Publicaciones was established in San Antonio. It produced countless pieces of Spanish language literature. This spread the Pentecostal message far and wide.
The Spanish Pentecostal Church stands as a symbol of hope. It’s a symbol of resilience. It’s a living legacy of those early ministers. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith. It’s a beacon of light in a community that continues to grow and thrive. It demonstrates the incredible impact of a vision rooted in compassion and faith.