Loyalty is an important part of Christian character. From what God has done for us in our Lord Jesus Christ, stems an ever growing commitment to His kingdom. Holy Scriptures reminds us in Hosea 11:12b, "Even the Holy One who is faithful." We show our loyalty to Christ through our behavior, our way of life and keeping our commitments.

As people of God we are taught to be faithful as He is faithful. In the kingdom of God we encounter many persons and understand that everyone is important to the God we serve. Every person has been created in the image of God. Even those who are different from ourselves are our brethren.

Another crucial relationship deserving our loyalty is with our Texas Baptist family. Our collaboration calls for us to associate and cooperate with a people of similar values in order to accomplish what we must do for our Savior. Hispanics have an historic relationship with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Under Christ, Hispanic Baptists need to remain loyal, not only for what has been done in the past but also for what will be done in the future. It is our hope and expectation that the Effectiveness and Efficiency Report to be voted on this November in Houston will bring greater resources for Hispanic work in Texas.

People called "Texas Baptists" are challenged to reach everyone in our state with the wonderful gospel message. We are a diverse population. The Hispanic population in Texas is estimated to be nearly 29 percent of the entire population of 19,128,261. The number used for Hispanic Baptists in Texas is 135,000 in 816 church congregations. Other world populations are at our Texas doorstep.

If we are to reach our multi-race and multi-language state including Anglo, Hispanic, African American, Asian, Native American and others, then we must forget our differences and relate to all as persons. We must stand together, under God to "defend and support" the causes of the kingdom of God. We must remain loyal to our mutual endeavors, walking close together in joint missions, evangelism and education.

Texas Baptists are loyal to their Lord, to their spiritual roots and historic Baptist practices.

September 1998