LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Biola University’s annual Hispanic Conference is set to have a record number of attendees hailing from more than 14 countries. The 42nd annual conference — a remote experience on Saturday, March 20, 2021 — will provide an intensive and high-quality educational and training opportunity in a one-day free event, for pastors and Christian leaders from Spanish-speaking evangelical churches.

“The Word of God is central to what we do here at Biola and this sustaining principle is deeply shared by Hispanic communities not just in Southern California and the U.S., but across Latin America. The Conference is a space for Biblical reflection, formation and inspiration for Pastors and leaders,” said Dr. Oscar Merlo, the director of Biola’s Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today.

The remote nature of this year’s conference has opened up the opportunity for many more attendees beyond Southern California, most of whom are Spanish-speaking pastors, church leaders and ministry workers. Attendees can expect to sharpen their skills and knowledge for more effective ministry. The conference theme, “La Palabra de Dios: Permaneciendo por siglos y todavia relevante” (The Word of God — Enduring through the Ages and Relevant for Today), has attracted nearly 500 registrants and is expected to reach more than 500 attendees.

“We have a profound conviction from the Holy Spirit that if we faithfully follow the everlasting council of the Word of God, our journey into the post pandemic era will be light and will accomplish its purposes for his people,” said Merlo.

The conference will begin at 8:50 a.m. on March 20 and close at noon with an optional virtual tour of Biola from 12:00-12:10 p.m. Worship will be led by guest band Miel San Marcos. The band originated in Guatemala and has since received a Dove Award and has made history as a Hispanic Christian band by filling large stadiums in both the U.S. and Mexico. Sessions will be led by pastor of an Anabaptist/Mennonite Church in Mexico City, Carlos Martínez-García, and author and ordained minister of the word and sacraments for the Methodist Church, Justo L. González, and other Christian leaders.

Registration is still open. All conference attendees must register prior to the event. For more information about the conference, visit the event webpage or email holyspirit.center@biola.edu.

Biola University is a leading Christ-centered university in Southern California that offers a premier, nationally ranked education and has been named one of the nation's “up and coming” universities by U.S. News & World Report four times in five years. Founded in 1908, Biola is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 6,300 students at its Los Angeles-area campus and around the world, the university offers more than 150 academic programs through its nine schools, ranging from the B.A. to the Ph.D. For more information, visitwww.biola.edu.

For interviews with speakers or for photography, please contact Jenna Loumagne at jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.