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PEÑUELAS, Puerto Rico—God is moving in a big way on this small Caribbean island.
At its annual meeting Feb. 15, the Convention of Southern Baptist Churches of Puerto Rico heard a series of encouraging reports revealing heightened participation among its pastors and leaders, as well as with organizations such as the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.
Luis Soto, executive director of the Puerto Rico convention, said affiliated churches experienced a 24% increase in baptisms, as well as increased Cooperative Program giving, during the past year. Those achievements, he said, “mark a milestone in the history of Southern Baptists in Puerto Rico, evidencing the commitment and faithfulness of our congregations.” Soto noted that representatives from 75% of the convention’s churches were present at the meeting.
In November 2022, the SBTC Executive Board voted unanimously to enter into a multiyear ministry partnership with the Puerto Rico convention, offering resources, tools, and training to strengthen existing churches on the island—roughly the size of the state of Connecticut—while also working with leaders to plant new congregations.
As a result of the partnership, Soto told the Texan the Puerto Rico convention has experienced a 30% increase in participation in its programs to train pastors and leaders, as well as a 25% increase in donations directed toward its projects supported by the SBTC over the past two years.
“The partnership with the SBTC has been incredibly fruitful,” Soto said. “We have seen an increase in collaboration and support for our initiatives, which has allowed our churches to be trained in church revitalization, providing our pastors with the tools to carry out the Great Commission.”
SBTC Executive Director Nathan Lorick spoke at the meeting, emphasizing the foundational role of prayer as a catalyst for change in Puerto Rico’s churches and cities. Lorick led a corporate time of prayer, imploring pastors and church leaders to cry out to God for revival.
“It was an honor to be with our friends at the annual meeting [in Puerto Rico],” Lorick said afterward. “My friend, Luis Soto, is doing an incredible job leading this network of churches. I am excited for the SBTC to continue ministering alongside these great churches.”
Other highlights from the meeting, hosted by Oasis of Love Baptist Church and Pastor Raúl Torres, included:
- A report from Xavier Torrado, director of Send Puerto Rico, who highlighted God’s faithfulness over the past year and presented a plan to plant new churches this year;
- Charles Grant, associate vice president for convention partnerships for the Southern Baptist Convention, who offered a message of encouragement and support for the Puerto Rico churches;
- The introduction of Pastor Bryant Morales, who will coordinate efforts and resources to reach and disciple college students in Puerto Rico;
- Recognition of Pastor Camilo Méndez, who concluded his term as president of the convention’s board of directors, as well as the unanimous election of his successor, Pastor Gil Ramos from Renacer Baptist Church in Ponce; and
- The celebration and welcome of two new churches to the Puerto Rico convention: La Iglesia Bíblica la Comunión in Bayamón and Coram Deo Church in the town of Aguada.
