Hispanic Ministry
As an active manifestation of God's presence in the world, the Holy Spirit acts in our lives to guide, strengthen, and transform us. The Spirit is our Comforter, Counselor, and Advocate, giving us strength in times of weakness and wisdom in times of uncertainty. At this fall's Summit, we invite you to participate in a renewed experience with the Holy Spirit as we seek to deepen our relationship with God and reflect the image of Christ in the world.
FACILITATORS
Omar Palafox
OMAR PALAFOX
Dr. Omar Palafox is Assistant Professor of Bible, Missions, and Ministry at Abilene Christian University, equipping students to read Scripture and culture with scholarly rigor and pastoral insight. After two decades of bilingual ministry across Latin America and the United States, he unites intercultural scholarship and practical formation in the classroom. He holds a DIS in Intercultural Studies (Fuller Seminary), M.Div. in Missions (ACU), M.S. in Doctrinal Studies, and B.S. in Bible (LCU). His research on missional collaboration, liberation theology, and Spirit-led discipleship informs prolific English-Spanish publications and frequent conference presentations, including Art of Sainthood (ACU Press, October 2025).
Alejandro Ezquerra
ALEJANDRO EZQUERRA
Alejandro Ezquerra has been the bilingual minister at the University Church of Christ in Abilene since August 2022. He previously preached for 15 years at Bammel Church of Christ in Houston. Alejandro is a chaplain with undergraduate degrees in theology and journalism and a Master of Divinity from ACU. He is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry at ACU. Alejandro is an adjunct professor at ACU Abilene and ACU Dallas. He is a sought-after speaker across the United States and Latin America. Alejandro is the author of The Other Side of the Pulpit and Conversations at the Table. He enjoys music, especially The Beatles, post-rock, Italian, and jazz.
Session Information
Join with Omar Palafox, Alejandro Ezquerra, and a group of gifted speakers and scholars to explore the impact that narrative has on the lives of people and the greater community. This is sure to be a transformative and uplifting ministry community that will be shared both in person at ACU and internationally via Zoom.
MASTER OF CEREMONY
Gerardo Vázquez
Gerardo is part of the ministry team at Bammel Church of Christ in Houston, Texas. He has a passion for spiritual formation and the Latino community. He is a graduate of Harding University and holds certifications in spiritual direction from Lipscomb and Sustainable Faith. Gerardo is the husband of Julia Bonilla and father of their beautiful daughter Maia.
Gerardo will be our Master of Ceremony and will guide us through some spiritual exercises during his remarks. His purpose will be to present spiritual exercises that can help us have a more intimate and genuine connection with God.
ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS
Luis David Álvarez Matos
Luis David Álvarez Matos is a Master of Theological Studies student at Abilene Christian University, where he is specializing in Early Christian History. Originally from the Dominican Republic, he currently serves as a full-time youth minister in Florida, where he resides with his wife and two children.
Gabriel Alamo
CEO of Alamo Insurance Services LLC and President of GMAX Properties.
Eunice Vanessa
Bolivia and Argentina.
Juan Jose Flores Armas
Equador
Wladimir Pereira
A full-time preacher at the Valera Church of Christ (Venezuela), Wladimir is in charge of the church's Edification Ministry and collaborates in all other ministries.
SESSION SCHEDULE
THURSDAY MORNING
9:30-10:15 a.m. | “From Silence to Song: Manifestations of the Filling of the Holy Spirit in Luke 1” (part 1) with Luis David Alvarez Matos
A theological and narrative analysis of chapter 1 of Luke regarding the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, exploring the implications and applications for the Latin American Church.
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. | “The Holy Spirit’s Guidance in Christian Living” | Gabriel Alamo
Explore how the Holy Spirit offers direction and discernment in the lives of believers, helping them make decisions based on spiritual principles.
11:00 - 11:30 a.m. | “Reflecting the Image of Christ Through the Holy Spirit” | Eunice Vanessa
Examine how a relationship with the Holy Spirit enables believers to express and live out Christ's values in an ever-changing world.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
2:45 - 3:20 p.m. | “From Silence to Song: Manifestations of the Filling of the Holy Spirit in Luke 1” (part 2) | Luis David Alvarez Matos
A theological and narrative analysis of chapter 1 of Luke regarding the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, exploring the implications and applications for the Latin American Church.
3:30 - 4:10 p.m. | “The Holy Spirit as Comforter, Counselor, and Advocate” | Juan Jose Flores Armas
A theological and practical study of the Holy Spirit's roles in times of weakness, uncertainty, and challenges, providing comfort and guidance.
4:20 - 5:00 p.m. | “Renewing Our Relationship with the Holy Spirit” | Wladimir Pereira
An invitation to deepen our communion with the Holy Spirit, exploring how this relationship transforms Christian faith and witness.
FRIDAY MORNING
9:15 - 10:45 a.m. | Coffee and Conversation with a Panel Discussion: “Empowerment and Spiritual Renewal” | Alejandro Ezquerra and Omar Palafox
Examine how the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to face personal and communal challenges, transforming their lives from within.