Front entrance to Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana
Hno. Joseph Gurrola and la Hna. Ramona Cabrera stand in front of their
Church as they continue to put the pressure on Transformation Ministries; Dr.
Dale Salico.
OPEN LETTER
Thursday, July 9, 2009
This letter is in response to the letter that was sent on May 1, 2009 by Dr. Ross Chenot, Acting Executive Minister of Transformation Ministries.
With regard to item 1, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“Transformation Ministries is the continuing ministry previously known as the American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest (ABCPSW) and earlier as the Southern California Baptist Convention (SCBC).”
Response:
None.
With regard to item 2, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“In 1935, the Southern California Baptist Convention (SCBC) purchased five lots in the City of Lompoc and organized a Spanish speaking ministry there in 1937. Title to the property has been held up to the present time by the SCBC/ABCPSW/Transformation Ministries. PIBH has always been a member of the SCBC/ABCPSW/Transformation Ministries.”
Response:
This statement is not true. The Mexican First Baptist Church of Lompoc was founded, as a mission in 1920. In 1935, the Southern California Baptist Convention, DBA Transformation Ministries, acquired title to the property for $10.00 in behalf of the Mexican First Baptist Church of Lompoc. They acquired title to the property in behalf of the Mexican First Baptist Church, because at the time the Mexican First Baptist Church was a mission and was not duly incorporated as a Church.
With regard to item 3, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“Over the years, the SCBC / ABPSW / TRANSFORMATION MINISTRIES (TM) has loaned or given substantial sums to Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana for its buildings and /or ministry. In addition, the church has been assisted in finding pastoral leadership and provided programs and training to strengthen its ministry.”
Response:
The matter of fact is that the Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Inc. was incorporated in July 16, 1959, and ever since, the Church has paid all the taxes, utilities, and repairs. On certain occasions, Transformation Ministries may have helped with the Pastor’s salary, but we also have contributed to the missionary endeavors of the Southern California Baptist Convention / ABPSW / Transformation Ministries.
We have NO record, nor anyone of the congregation is aware that the Southern California Baptist Convention / ABPSW / Transformation Ministries has loaned or given any substantial sums of monies to the Church. Perhaps the question we would need to ask: “Why the Southern California Baptist Convention, DBA Transformation Ministries, would give any substantial funds to the Hispanic First Baptist Church of Lompoc, when the Church had assumed the full responsibilities in paying for all utilities, taxes and repairs of the property?”
With regard to item 4, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“In the past decade, congregational strength and health of PIBH of Lompoc declined to about 30 participants. All copies of the churches bylaws were lost and the list of members had not been kept up-to-date.”
Response:
The truth is that the bylaws were not lost. All of our important documents were sent to the ABPSW region office for safe keeping. When we requested a copy of our “Church file,” Dr. Dale Salico told the members / officers we were not allowed to have a copy of the file. We called his office on several occasions and sent a certified / return receipt letter to Transformation Ministries formally requesting a copy of our entire file. Our request was ignored. Why is Transformation Ministries hiding our Church file? Is there something in the file that they do not want us to see? We the members have every legal right to see our very own Church file. To this day, they have not released any documentation to us.
With regard to item 5, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“A business meeting, called by members of the congregation on December 30, 2007 was out of order because notice to the membership of the church was inadequate by normal standards of Baptist polity and practice, resulting in severe conflict in the church.”
Response:
The members had every right to call an emergency business meeting. A letter was mailed to all of the members requesting their presence on December 30, 2007 to address some important issues of the Church. After the Sunday Worship Service, we had proper quorum and all of the officers were present. Therefore, we held our meeting. One of the items that the members addressed and voted on,was the immediate termination of Interim Pastor Rev. Everildo Mendez. Perhaps the leadership of Transformation did not agree with the members decision to terminate Rev. Everildo Mendez, but that was the decision of the membership and it could not be retracted by any region office.
With regard to item 6, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“In 2006, Transformation Ministries withdrew from the American Baptist Churches in the USA (ABCUSA). In 2008, because the church was also facing a decision regarding its affiliation with Transformation Ministries and the ABCUSA, Dr. Dale Salico and Dr. Samuel Chetti (the Executive Ministers of Transformation Ministries and the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles, respectively) were contacted to assist the congregation in making an informed decision.”
Response: This is incorrect. The members / officersof Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Inc. were being forced to side with the Transformation Ministries by the Interim Pastor Rev. Everildo Mendez, and the members did not want this. We were very happy with the ABC family and wished to remain with this organization. Therefore, we contacted Dr. Sam Chetti of ABC – Los Angeles for assistance in the matter. We NEVER contacted Transformation Ministries.
With regard to item 7, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“Dr. Salico and Dr. Chetti agreed that there was no properly elected leadership in the Church, that the pastor Rev. Everildo Mendez would be on a leave of absence while the Church made its decision about denominational relationship, that TM and ABCLA would supply preachers for Sunday services, and that staff from TM and ABCLA would assist the church in determining its membership and holding an orderly business meeting. Rules established for the business meeting were clearly communicated to the congregation. Dr. Salico and Dr. Chetti also agreed that the future denominational affiliation of the church would be determined by the vote of the church members.”
Response:
This statement is not true to say that there was no proper leadership in the Church, and that the Rev. Everildo Mendez would be on a leave of absence. The Hispanic First Baptist Church of Lompoc, at the time, was functioning as a Church Corporation with its duly elected officers, and I personally was elected as the Church’s Administrator of December 2007.
December 2007, the Church in a convened business meeting terminatedRev. Everildo Mendez as the Interim Pastor of the Church because of his ineffective ministry. Rev. Mendez was at the same time the Pastor of a Church in the City of Santa Barbara where he and his wife serve. Mrs. Maria Mendez is a member of this Church. Dr. Chenot is incorrect to say that the Rev. Everildo Mendez was “on a leave of absence.”
February 2008, when the meeting was convened to determine denominational relationship, nor Rev. Everildo Mendez, nor his wife weremembers of the Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Inc. de Lompoc. However, Rev. Mendez wife, Maria Mendez, was permitted to vote by Transformation Ministries. This was illegal.
With regard to item 8, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“Because an up-to-date membership list was not available, the membership of PIBH was determined according to normal requirements for membership among Baptist churches. This process was overseen by staff of Transformation Ministries and ABCLA working with representatives of the congregation.”
Response:
Mrs. Ramona J. Cabrera (officer) presented a membership list to Rev. Daniel Huerta, Representative of Transformation Ministries. He did not agree with the names on the list and did not honor our member roster. A new list was created and names were added to this list of people that were not members of the Church. We protested this, but we were told that the (2) individuals were added to the list because they gave money to the Church on certain Sundays. We further protested, that this is not the correct procedure in becoming a member of a Baptist Church, but we were ignored and the (2) non-members were permitted to vote at the important meeting of February 2008 to determine our Church affiliation.
With regard to item 9, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“The church was given three (3) options regarding its future affiliation: a.Transformation Ministries b.American Baptist (ABCLA) c.Both Transformation Ministries (TM) and American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles (ABCLA)
Response:
The members have always been a part of the American Baptist Churches and very happy with this affiliation. I have never heard of a region office coming into a Church creating a member list, forcing the members to hold a meeting to vote on Church affiliation, running that business meeting, then at the end of the meeting throwing out the members and shutting down the Church. This is totally against our Baptist beliefs and practices. The members were confused and saddened about the behavior of our leaders / pastors. May God forgive the leadership at Transformation Ministries.
With regard to item 10, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“In weeks prior to the Business Meeting, staff of Transformation Ministries and ABCLA met with the congregation explaining the benefits of affiliation with their respective ministries.”
Response:
On (2) different Sundays, representatives were sent from ABC – Los Angeles and Transformation Ministries. We heard an informative and well given presentation from Dr. Jose Menendez (ABC – LA). The Rev. Daniel Huerta was sent from Transformation Ministries. This presentation was threatening to the members. Rev. Huerta told us that if we did not vote to affiliate with Transformation, that we would have to pay $3,000.00 in rent to Transformation because they held the deed to our property. He also told us that the American Baptist Churches allows and accepts Gay people to be in leadership positions. Rev. Daniel Huerta said that NO Gay person can be amember of a Transformation Church nor hold a leadership position. When I asked Rev. Huerta if the Church property would be sold, he said, “I cannot answer that.” After leaving this presentation meeting, the members were very concerned about the future of the Church.
With regard to item 11, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“A business meeting of the congregation was held February 24, 2008. In a close vote, members chose to remain affiliated with Transformation Ministries and withdraw from the ABCUSA. Throughout the weeks leading up to the vote and the business meeting itself, the ABCLA worked very cooperatively with Transformation Ministries in order to ensure an orderly and fair process.”
Response:
(2) non-member werepermitted to vote at this crucial meeting. The members do not honor this vote and we continue to protest until our Church property is returned. Justice must prevail with God’s help.
With regard to item 12, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“Because the church was very weak and had fallen out of order, Transformation Ministries determined that a Church restart process had the greatest potential to bring about a strong Hispanic witness in Lompoc. Therefore the church was closed for six months. During this period a core group was established in informal meetings and new pastoral leadership sought.”
Response:
This statement is false. The Church was not weak nor did it fall out of order. We had established members, officers, and an Interim Pastor. There was order in the Church. We paid all of the utilities, taxes, Pastor’s salary and other expenses of the Church. We held “Clean Up Saturdays” (1) Saturday per month for a (3) month period in which we accomplished many wonderful things in the Church. The American Baptist Men’s Association (Varones) drove to Lompoc in 4 trucks with about (16) faithful brothers and sisters in which we did a complete clean up of the Church property and enjoyed a delicious bbq in the back yard of the Church. Dr. Chenot is wrong to say that our Church had fallen out of order.
With regard to item 13, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“The church was restarted in September 2008 with a new name, Iglesia Ministerios El BuenPastor. The church is experiencing growth and several people have made commitments to Christ and followed Him in baptism.”
Response:
The Church was restarted illegally by Transformation Ministries.
With regard to item 14, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“Transformation Ministries is providing resourcing for the new congregation, and is committed to establish a thriving church that impacts individuals, families and the community with the gospel of Christ.”
Response:
Most recently I drove by the Church property and noticed the lawn is over grown, the trash is piled high in the back, and the property has been seriously neglected. It’s very sad to see our Church property in this condition. There is NO appearance of a “thriving Church.”
With regard to item 15, Dr. Chenot stated that:
“Rumors that Transformation Ministries plans to sell the property are unfounded.”
Response:
The literature that Transformation Ministries distributes states,
“Although we mourn the closure of these churches, we are joyful that the cause of Christ continues. These churches have been sold to other churches that are committed to ongoing ministry in their communities. Transformation Ministries has received funds from these sales to ensure its ability to continue in the ministry of supporting and strengthening TM churches.”
-Mr. David Gregory, CPA / Chief Financial Officer of Operations for Transformation Ministries
Please further note:
It was agreed between the Directive of Transformation Ministries and ABC-LA / ABCOSH that Transformation Ministries would relinquish title to property to whatever Church, that decided not to covenant with Transformation Ministries. It was for this reason that our Church had a special business meeting to determine its covenant relationship.
At the Church business meeting of February 2008, to determine denominational relationship, Transformation Ministries representative, Rev. Daniel Huerta allowed (2) two non-members to vote, thus giving them a (1) one vote majority. Immediately the Rev. Daniel Huerta read a letter, that he said was from Dr. Dale Salico, stating that:
“As of this moment following the business meeting, we are seizing control of all of the Church’s assets, and the Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Inc. will not be allowed to hold services on the property anymore.”
-Dr. Dale Salico, Executive Minister of Transformation Ministries
That same afternoon, they took away the keys, changed the locks on the building, demanded that we turn over to them the Church’s check book to seizecontrol of the Church’s bank account. Rev. Daniel Huerta ordered me to remove the Cross inside the Church and to take it back to Los Angeles with me. Also the corporation number of the Church was seized, and Transformation Ministries filed papers to the Department of Corporation informing them that the Rev. Rene Escobar, Pastor of the Hispanic Baptist Church of Oxnard, is now the person to be the recipient of all legal documents of the Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Inc. of Lompoc, and that all documents be mailed to the offices of Transformation Ministries in the city of Covina, CA.
The amazing thing of all,is that Transformation Ministries even dismissed the members that had voted to covenant with them. They were very hostile and had no intention of honoring their agreement with the representative of ABC-Los Angeles. Regardless of the outcome of the voting, they were still going to seizecontrol of the Church’s property. This is evidence to letters they sent out to Churches and Pastors informing them that:
“Transformation Ministries will maintain their interest in all real estate properties regardless of their denominational choice.”
-Dr. Dale Salico, Executive Minister of Transformation Ministries
Furthermore, Churches through their Pastors were also notified that if they refused to covenant with Transformation Ministries, they would be forced to pay as much as $3,000.00 monthly rent if they wished to continue holding services on properties that Transformation held title to. Even when some of these Churches have literally paid off the mortgages, paid all taxes, repairs and utilities, but did not have the title to their properties because at the time of purchase, they were not incorporated.
Certainly the Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Inc. of Lompoc has all the legal right to claim ownership of all the real estate and personal assets that the Church had in its possession, before the illegal take over by Transformation Ministries. We have occupied this real estate property since it was purchased, and have paid all of the taxes, utilities and repairs. Besides, it is hard to believe that anyone would have sold this property to the Southern California Baptist Convention / ABPSW/ Transformation Ministries, a property that consists of (5) lots for $10.00, if it was not for the purpose of an existing Church to occupy its premises.
The Directive that was agreed between Transformation Ministries and ABC – Los Angeles / ABCOSH states that Transformation Ministries would relinquish title to property to whatever Church that decided not to covenant with Transformation Ministries. It was for this reason that our Church had a special business meeting to determine its covenant relationship.
Let us not forget that Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Inc. isa very special Church. The founders and early leaders worked very hard in establishing a strong Hispanic congregation in the City of Lompoc. We cannot allow this Church to simply dissolve. We must do everything in our power to reclaim it!
With God’s help, it is our intention to continue the efforts to recover our property, and we ask for your continued prayers and intervention if possible, so that one day, in the near future we will be able to once more hold services and prayers in the Church that Transformation Ministries took away from us.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
In Behalf of the Members of
PRIMERA IGLESIA BAUTISTA HISPANA, INC.
LOMPOC, CALIFORNIA
_________________________________
Mr. Joseph Gurrola
cc:
Dr. Roy Medley, ABC – USA
Mr. Hector M. Gonzalez, ABC - USA
Rev. Salvador Orellana, ABC – National Ministries
Rev. Amury Tanon, ABC – National Caucus
Dr. Sam Chetti, ABC – Los Angeles / ABCOSH
Dr. Jose Menendez, ABC – Los Angeles / ABCOSH
Dr. Joe DeRoulhac, President of ABCOSH
Members of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, Inc. de Lompoc, CA
Church business / historical file
Dr. Ross Chenot – Acting Executive Minister of Transformation Ministries
“Now ,dear brothers and sisters, I appeal to you by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so there won’t be divisions in the Church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
1 Corinthians 10-11
Joseph,
Thank you for your courage in bringing issue of our dear Primera Iglesia Bautista in Lompoc to assembly of the ABC-LA gathered in Gardena May 1-2, 2009.
Yours in the love of Christ,
Jorge A. Piérola
Treasurer
I attended the American Baptist Churches – Los Angeles / ABCOSH annual meeting on Friday and Saturday (May 1-2) to inform the brothers and sisters about the illegal take over of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Lompoc, CA. This is a report regarding what was said at the annual meeting and some of the people that I spoke with.
Friday, May 1, 2009: I was able to talk with several Pastors about what happened in our Church. Many of them were very sympathetic and said they would pray for the members. The Pastors that I spoke with were very upset with the actions of the leaders of Transformation Ministries. I was encouraged to keep up the good work and not to give up. As I was driving Mr. Hector M. Gonzalez back to his hotel room, he received an emergency call that his mother in law had passed away. Mr. Gonzalez had to cancel all of his plans in Los Angeles and immediately fly to San Francisco to join his family. I told him that we would pray for him.
Saturday, May 2, 2009: At the 9:00a.m. business meeting of ABC-LA, there was a financial report passed out. An older man (forgot his name) went over the report and then asked for any questions. Well, I stood up and asked him, “is there a fund or any amount of dollars that is put aside for Churches having property issues with Transformation Ministries?” Dr. Sam Chetti went up to the microphone to answer the question and he told me that I was addressing this issue at the wrong meeting. That I had to address it at the 2:00p.m. ABCOSH Business Meeting. However, he said that there is no money to assist Churches with this problem. So then I stood up again and asked Dr. Sam Chetti, “So Dr. Chetti, you are telling us that basically the Churches are on their own and do not have any help from the region office?” Dr. Chetti said that he wants his dollars spent in the ministry; not for lawyers.
Immediately after this meeting there was a break. Dr. Joe DeRoulhac (President of ABCOSH) and other ABCOSH board members came up to me to discuss Lompoc. One Pastor said that he did not want this to be an issue at the ABC-USA Biennial in Pasadena. Other Board Members shared with me that ABCOSH is so very new, and that they do not have much power or authority. They are still setting up the structure of ABCOSH and they rely heavily on ABC-Los Angeles for help. Dr. DeRoulhac did share with me that they have an agreement with Dr. Dale Salico of Transformation Ministries and he hopes that Dr. Salico will stick to that agreement. In the mean time, Transformation is attacking our Churches, throwing God’s people out into the street and doing complete shut downs of God’s Churches. The ABCOSH board Members said they would like to help Lompoc, but there is just NO money to hire an attorney. I asked Dr. Roulhac, “how many Churches are having property issues with Transformation Ministries?” Dr. Roulhac, replied “14.”
Rev. Jose Guerra met with me privately just before the 2:00p.m. ABCOSH business meeting. God Bless Rev. Guerra for his support and advice. He has the courage to stand next to the Lompoc members in this very sad battle with Transformation Ministries.
At the 2:00p.m. ABCOSH business meeting, I was present along with Deaconess Debbie Gonzalez, Sister Judy Arguello from the First Baptist Church Lompoc / Departamento Hispano and Sister Angie Gonzales from Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Santa Barbara. The meeting was interesting with reports given by various directors. Dr. Jose Menendez got up to give his report. He mentioned that the Convencion Bautistas de Iglesias Bautistas Hispanas had separated from the ABC denomination and that the Convention charges Churches a monthly fee to belong to the Convention, and that the President allows non-Baptist Churches as part of the organization. I stood up to ask, “Dr. Menendez, how did the Convention separate from ABC?” Dr. Menendez said, “it was told to us verbally.” Well after the various directors gave their reports, it was an open forum in which I did address the body and asked them to please keep Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Lompoc on the list when they are having their negotiation meetings with Dr. Dale Salico. I begged them not to let the Lompoc Church dissolve. Dr. Roulhac did not give a public answer, but privately he did tell me that he would leave the Lompoc Church on the list.
end of report
Joseph Gurrola
During the business meeting of the ABC – Los Angeles / ABCOSH , Joseph Gurrola publicly asked, “is there any legal help or financial assistance for Churches experiencing problems with the Transformation Ministries?”
Dr. Sam Chetti, Executive Minister responded: “Mr. Gurrola you are addressing your question at the wrong meeting. You need to address your question at the ABCOSH business meeting this afternoon. However, I will answer you. I will not spend my dollars on lawyers. Each Church is on their own in regards to property disputes with Transformation Ministries.”
Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him." — 1 Kings 18:21
I'm sure the greatest day in your life was the day you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart and forgive you of your sin.
It was the day that your eternal destiny changed, the day that you passed from darkness to light, the day that you found new purpose and meaning for your life.
But that day was also the day that a very real spiritual war began. Some Christians are shocked to find the Christian life is not a playground but a battleground.
Like it or not, you are in a battle between good and evil, between right and wrong, between God and Satan. It's not optional, and you must choose which side you want to fight on.
As Elijah asked the people up on Mt. Carmel, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him."
I will be honest with you; I never understood the appeal of a half-hearted commitment to Jesus Christ. Neither did Elijah, he followed the Lord with all his heart. On the battlefield, either you advance and let God use you, or you retreat.
It's time to get out of those foxholes. It's time to dust off your clothes, shine up your armor, and sharpen your sword. Because, like it or not, you have been drafted into God's service.
As a child of God you are going to be a soldier. Your choice is whether you will be a good soldier or a bad one.
Elijah had already chosen to be a spiritual soldier, and he was ready for battle. Are you?
-Taken from Pastor Greg’s devotion; Harvest Ministries
Please pray that Transformation Ministries will leave these Churches alone! It's time for US to stand up and say ENOUGH! Hermanos, we cannot remain silent. Transformation is taking OUR Churches away from us this very day. What are WE going to do?
Call:
Dr. Sam Chetti, Executive Minister of ABC - Los Angeles
and ask him what he plans to do regarding these Churches and Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Lompoc that was taken over by TM on February 2008?
(213) 955-9948
Dr. Dale Salico, Transformation Ministries
and ask him WHY is he doing this to OUR Churches?
(800) 299-3448
Together... you and I can stop this with God's help!
Bendiciones,
Joseph Gurrola
Dear Joseph,
“Thanks alot for the explanation of your church issues. I am glad that the church as a core group. I will continue to pray for the church membership as a whole, and that justice will prevail.”
Hna. Elia Robledo-Duran
San Francisco, CA
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Dear Joseph,
It was a pleasure talk and share with you. I will continue praying for you and your church.
Blessings,
Rev. F. Salvador Orellana
American Baptist Churches USA
Coordinador Nacional para Ministerios Interculturales,
Estratega de Ministerios Latinos
National Intercultural Coordinator,
Latino Ministries Strategist
Joseph,
Brothers and sisters are commending you for the intensity of your faith and your hope that Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Lompoc rises up to its former heights of ministry in honoring our Lord and Savior Jesus, in preaching the Holy Gospel, and in reaching out to the surrounding community in love, in gratitude, and in service to all.
Bless you Brother Joe. I'll be honored to join the prayers of others on Sunday at 3:30 EST.
With much respect and appreciation to you,
Rev. José L Ortiz
Pennsylvania
I thank and praise God for what He is doing for the Hispanic ministry there in Lompoc. I am sure, there are going to be more prayers for you Debbie and the congregation, to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because Lompoc has been a part of the "Convención de Iglesias Bautistas Hispanas” since the days when your grandparents were ministering there!
May God use you both, in the ministry there in Lompoc, for His honor and glory as He has done up until now. Amén!
Thanks Joey for the newspapers and the five pages of petitiion and historical events. We are with you in prayer for your efforts in getting back the Lompoc Church! Jorge and I are praying for Lompoc.
Rev. J. Ricardo Hernández, president of the Convención just came back yesterday from a 2 week missionary trip to El Salvador, where our church Barrington is doing missions there for sometime now.
God Bless!
Con mucho cariñio,
Alvina R. Pierola
SUPPORT LETTERS
LOMPOC PRAYER VIGIL
PRIMERA IGLESIA BAUTISTA HISPANA DE LOMPOC
HISPANIC DEPT. AT THE ANGLO FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF LOMPOC
Thank you to Mr. Bo
Poertner
for running a front page article in the Lompoc
Record regarding the illegal take over of our Church, Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Lompoc, California.
Disputed vote may spell demise of Hispanic BaptistBy Bo Poertner/Managing Editor Primera Inglesia Bautista Hispana has struggled to survive ever since the 1930s, when devout Southern Pacific Railroad workers began worshipping in a converted dining car. Throughout the decades, the Hispanic Baptist church, with a congregation that was too small and too poor to afford a full-time pastor, fought just to pay a succession of part-time pastors while serving an impoverished Lompoc community. During the past year, a new issue has threatened the existence of the church, which is waging what may be its last battle. Caught in a dispute over homosexuality between its parent organization, American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), and the more conservative American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest (ABCPSW), members of the congregation were forced to choose sides. Church Administrator Joseph Gurrola, whose grandfather preached in Lompoc in the 1920s and served as pastor of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana for many years before retiring, said the issue came down to a crucial election in February 2008 that was rigged in favor of ABCPS. The congregation voted 6-5 to join ABCPSW, which is now called Transformation Ministries. Despite the protests of church officials, Gurrola said, two nonmembers were allowed to vote in the election — one an illegal immigrant, which violated church rules, and the other the wife of a minister who had been terminated by Primera Inglesia Bautista Hispana officials less than two months earlier. “What I’m fighting is this invalid vote that took place. Because of this vote, we lost our church. It completely went to Transformation Ministries,” said Gurrola, who lives in Alhambra near Los Angeles. He said he fears that Transformation Ministries intends to sell the church, a sorrowful death after so many years of struggling to survive. After the votes were counted, Pastor Daniel Huerta, acting on behalf of Dale Salico, executive minister of Transformation Ministries, immediately demanded the keys to the church and the church checkbook, and ordered that the doors of Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, 323 W. Hickory Ave., be locked, said Gurrola. |
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