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Report from the 2006
National Convention of Mexico
MEXICO NATIONAL CONVENTION OF
THE CHURCH OF GOD.
July 14-16, 2006
Auditorium : Salon Real, COL Candelaria, Yucatan, Mexico
THEME: “STANDING UPON THE HOLY DOCTRINE”
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Copyright (c) Bishop Danny L. Carter & The Church of God in IN, KY, OH | Created & Maintained by Chad D. Carter & OnCoursePublishing.com
Last updated: June 15, 2010
We arrived in Quintana Roo, Mexico at about 3:30 p.m., Mexico time, on Friday. There were brothers awaiting our arrival at the airport and we were able to feel the warmth and the love of God that these brothers displayed to us upon our arrival. We were transported immediately to the Auditorium where there were hundreds of brothers waiting for us there.
Everything was in place for us to have a wonderful and glorious convention. The stage was set, the musicians were getting tuned up, and the auxiliary secretaries were putting their final touches on their programs. It seemed that not even the exhausting heat of the sun would stop the delegates from attending this National Convention, and from receiving the blessings of God.
A group from Yucatan began with a musical prelude. Thereafter, was a presentation of all regions and states present from all parts of the country. Throughout the whole National Convention, there was a beautiful spirit of unity that was felt in the atmosphere. By the hundreds, people would come up to us and ask for brothers and sisters from the States; brothers and sisters that were usually regulars at the National Convention in Mexico. They asked for Sister Bettye Glaviano, for Brother and Sister Creech, and others. All of the delegates at the Convention were fed during all breaks; Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Brother Esqueda began this over 10 years ago, and since his appointment to the country of Mexico, this country has been self supporting for all activities including camps, retreats, and conventions at a national level, with the exception of the first National Convention, to God be Glory. Friday Evening ended with a CPMA boost. A message and an altar call were given, and the church flooded the altars.
At National Convention, there are delegates from all walks of life. You see poor, rich, indigenous, lawyers, accountants, and missionaries; all worshiping together, eating together, and glorifying the name of God in harmony as the Body of Christ. I recall how delegates from the United States stated how National Convention in Mexico really made them feel as if they were in the General Assembly, and how a great sacrifice was made by many to attend this event.
On Saturday morning the group from Jalapa Veracruz, began the devotional service, and the Sunday School Coordinator gave her boost, and she spoke of the importance of setting up Sunday Schools in every city in our areas of work, after this there were state reports by all the regions present. Each overseer went up to the podium with the delegates from their states, gave a brief report of the work and sang a song. During each report we were glad to hear that there was a growth in membership. Brother Lopez from Veracruz took us in a time of worship and singing and he, as well as the musicians, were anointed. It was evident that God was present in the Auditorium.
After the lunch break, all the Regional Overseers and ministers went into a meeting, where various issues were discussed. We also shared with the ministry some of the events that had transpired in the recent months.
MEXICO IS A WITNESS to how brother Jacob Esqueda's license was revoked, on the spot, at the 2004 National Convention by James Nabors.
MEXICO IS A WITNESS to how two AMERICAN Bishops just stood at their chair and did not say a word against everything this man was doing in the name of Theocracy for fear of repercussions against them. I still remember what James Nabors asked me in that Convention, while these TWO Bishops were present. He stood up, and told his pals “lets go.” I recall that as they were still sitting in their chairs, James Nabors was pacing back and forth, and said:
“Do you think I tell Bishop Pruitt what to do?” I remember I raised my head while still in my seat, looked straight into his eyes, and said: “Brother Nabors, you don’t tell Brother Pruitt what to do?” He then said “I am leaving for Argentina right after this. Brother Pruitt does not recognize this Convention. What are you going to do?” I said: “Brother I paid my ticket to come to a National Convention, and I came to have convention.” He then said: “From this moment, consider your license revoked.” When I turned my head to look at the TWO Bishops present, thinking that maybe one of them would come to my rescue, I remember one of them was still in his chair with both hands on each side of his head. The other one was just standing there staring at a wall. At that moment, I knew I was on my own. I cannot put into words the feeling I felt at that moment. My heart dropped to the floor. None of them would make eye contact with me, as if they never knew me, as if I was a stranger.
MEXICO IS A WITNESS to how James Nabors, from the stage while sitting at a table, DISBANDED the whole country of Mexico in a loud and audible voice.
MEXICO IS A WITNESS to how James Nabors stormed out of that convention with the TWO Bishops on each side, and went across town to have a supposed convention with about 80 members of a local church, and with three different denominations that were invited last minute.
MEXICO IS A WITNESS to how Brother Miguel Esqueda, regardless of his skin color, stood before James Nabors and his council of three, in the Ministers Meeting of the National Convention of 2004, and took a stand for the Truth, for the country, for the ministry, for the members, in disregard for the consequences his stand would have against him and his family.
MEXICO IS A WITNESS to the endless and tiring sacrifice Miguel Esqueda gave to the country. To this day, I do not cease to be amazed by how much love, admiration and respect they have for Brother Esqueda and his family.
After every minister spoke in the meeting, there was a sense of overwhelming unity. This was only proof and confirmation of The Stand that Mexico took in the National Convention of 2004, in the midst of the disturbance in 2004 and the chaos brought forth by both the former Administrative Assistant; who’s position is non existent at the present time, and Guadeloupe Banuelos.
On Saturday evening, the VLB march was powerful. To see over 400 young people marching as an army of one is a sight to remember. The Holy Ghost fell in such a way that there was no time for preaching. The Holy Ghost had taken the podium and He then became the Preacher.
After the Youth march, there was still a reverent spirit felt. All of a sudden, Brother Esqueda went down from the stage, and people began to come forward and started to fill in the aisles. The cameras were on the stage. The people filming were on the stage. Even the media was present when Brother Esqueda made this plea to the camera:
“Brother Smith, on behalf of Mexico and all these people you see here today, we ask you to bring unity to this country. Mexico considers the appointment James Nabors made ILLEGAL, and not under Theocracy. This plea has been made since 2004, and one last time we ask you to bring unity to this country. The Church of God of the Bible in Mexico is The Church of God.”
The people in Mexico are aware that this plea can pass by General Headquarters without any importance and any consideration, like in the past. But we reach out one more time, to any open spiritual ears, and to all of you that know this and have been a witness of what God has done in Mexico, that God may once again intercede for The Church of God in Mexico and in California and around the World.
We are happy to report that at the National Convention in Mexico, there was an attendance of 847 delegates. The national paper “Por Esto” was present and able to confirm this. Mexico is glad to report that The Church of God is ALIVE and WELL! GLORY, GLORY be to God!
We want to extend our appreciation to the 1fold.com website for the insight and for not being afraid to stand against the wrong. Many ministers in Mexico are aware of this website and it has been a blessing to us in California and in Mexico. God has given us a sense of assurance and comfort that He is with us and that we are not alone. It has been a blessing to this country to know that there are others united with us in spirit and love.
Brother Jacob Esqueda
