Texas Ministry Home Dedicated in Honor of Efraim and Elois Espinoza
A ministerial house for ministers was recently dedicated on the campus of Flames of Fire Bible School in Penitas, Texas.
A ministerial facility was dedicated in honor of Efraim and Elois Espinoza in Penitas, Texas, on September 11, 2023. This facility is located on the premises of Flames of Fire Bible School of the Assemblies of God. Rafael and Maricela Hernández, who lead the school, said they honored the Espinozas as a distinguished couple who have served the Assemblies of God with an impeccable testimony.
Efraim served as the first director of the Office of Hispanic Relations for the Assemblies of God (2006-2016). Prior to that he served in the national Sunday School department (1985-1993), coordinated the Decade of Harvest in the United States (1993-1999), and served as director of We Build People (2000-2005). His ministry career also includes serving as pastor of Temple Emanuel Assemblies of God in Crystal City, Texas, (1971-1985) and El Faro Assemblies of God Church in Springfield, Missouri (1996-2003). Efraim is the co-author of three books and numerous articles. Elois Espinoza also worked at the national office from 1985 to 2016.
During the dedication of the ministerial house, Hernández highlighted a special virtue of the Esponizas: their hospitality. She cited Hebrews 13:2, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!,” and then awarded a plaque in honor of the Espinozas that read:
“We dedicate this ministerial house in honor of Rev. Efraim and Elois Espinoza for reflecting the love of God in their hospitality to others, for their distinguished excellence in everything they do, and for being examples worthy of imitation, today, September 11, 2023.”
The new facility will serve as a place for ministers who need to rest or who are visiting the district on ministerial business. Rick Reyes, assistant superintendent of the Texas Gulf Hispanic District, led the dedication prayer and then proceeded to tour the house that has bedrooms, bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, and everything required for a complete and relaxing stay.
After the dedication service, all guests had the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant time listening to anecdotes told by Efraim. In addition to the ministers already mentioned, two executive presbyters were also present: Rev. Dionicio Garza Jr and Rev. Raymundo Silva along his wife Julie. Other leaders present included: Rev. José and Delia Cavazos; Rev. Adán and Cristina Acevedo; Rev. Edgar and Priscilla Alfaro; Rev. René and Mariela Barrera, and Rev. Miguel Cortez.
Efraim served as the first director of the Office of Hispanic Relations for the Assemblies of God (2006-2016). Prior to that he served in the national Sunday School department (1985-1993), coordinated the Decade of Harvest in the United States (1993-1999), and served as director of We Build People (2000-2005). His ministry career also includes serving as pastor of Temple Emanuel Assemblies of God in Crystal City, Texas, (1971-1985) and El Faro Assemblies of God Church in Springfield, Missouri (1996-2003). Efraim is the co-author of three books and numerous articles. Elois Espinoza also worked at the national office from 1985 to 2016.
During the dedication of the ministerial house, Hernández highlighted a special virtue of the Esponizas: their hospitality. She cited Hebrews 13:2, “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!,” and then awarded a plaque in honor of the Espinozas that read:
“We dedicate this ministerial house in honor of Rev. Efraim and Elois Espinoza for reflecting the love of God in their hospitality to others, for their distinguished excellence in everything they do, and for being examples worthy of imitation, today, September 11, 2023.”
The new facility will serve as a place for ministers who need to rest or who are visiting the district on ministerial business. Rick Reyes, assistant superintendent of the Texas Gulf Hispanic District, led the dedication prayer and then proceeded to tour the house that has bedrooms, bathrooms, a living room, a dining room, and everything required for a complete and relaxing stay.
After the dedication service, all guests had the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant time listening to anecdotes told by Efraim. In addition to the ministers already mentioned, two executive presbyters were also present: Rev. Dionicio Garza Jr and Rev. Raymundo Silva along his wife Julie. Other leaders present included: Rev. José and Delia Cavazos; Rev. Adán and Cristina Acevedo; Rev. Edgar and Priscilla Alfaro; Rev. René and Mariela Barrera, and Rev. Miguel Cortez.
