VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 4/18/13)—Héctor M. González, Hispanic Counselor for Mission Resource Development and former president of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), was honored for 40 years of faithful service at the annual meeting of Iglesias Bautistas de Puerto Rico (IBPR) on March 7, 2013. 

During the annual meeting session, González was presented with a letter of congratulations and a pewter medallion from Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, general secretary of ABCUSA, as well as a certificate of appreciation from IBPR for representing ABCUSA.

In his letter, Medley stated: “You have visited the IBPR with many titles, including member of the Key ’73 National Committee, member of the ABCUSA General Board, President of the American Baptist Hispanic Caucus, and President of ABCUSA. Many people have served well as president of American Baptist Churches USA, but few have continued their leadership over the years with the commitment that you have shown. Your current service as Hispanic Counselor with Mission Resource Development is invaluable to our office, and just one more example of your key leadership in our denomination.

“You have also been a living example of Christ-like behavior,” Medley said. “Your generosity to important causes is legendary, and your personal integrity is beyond reproach.”

González, a former president of American Baptist Churches USA (1994-1995), has been very active in American Baptist Leadership throughout his years of ministry, serving in leadership roles in a variety of American Baptist organizations.  In addition to serving as the first Hispanic president of ABCUSA, he was president of the American Baptist Churches of the West from 1980-1981, president of the American Baptist Hispanic National Caucus from 1978-1979, president of the Hispanic American Baptist Convention of Northern California (ABCW) from 1970-1974, and president of the Hispanic American Baptist Youth Convention of Northern California (ABCW) from 1964-1969.

González has served since 1996 as Hispanic Counselor with Mission Resource Development, ABCUSA. He has also served as National Representative of the Christian Community Credit Union since 1996. He remains active on the Board of Directors for both the American Baptist Homes of the West Senior Housing Communities, and the American Baptist Congregations of the Southwest and Hawaii (ABCOSH). He also serves as a member of the General Council and Men’s Department Executive Committee for the Baptist World Alliance.

Previously González served on the boards of American Baptist Men, American Baptist International Ministries, the former American Baptist Churches General Board, the American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest, the American Baptist Historical Society, the American Baptist Assembly – Green Lake Conference Center, the American Baptist Seminary of the West, and American Baptist ministry Rainbow Acres of Arizona – Homes for the Physically Challenged & Disabled.

He holds the B.S. degree in civil engineering from the University of California. González retired in 1993 after a long career with Pacific Gas and Electric. PG&E selected González to lead disaster relief activities in Mexico City and San Francisco following the earthquakes in those cities.

González lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife Argentina, who has supported him with prayer and love throughout his many years of ministry. They have three adult children and four grandchildren.

American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.