Fifty Years of God's Faithfulness
History testifies to God’s faithfulness in redeeming souls from every tribe, tongue and nation (Rev. 7:9). Today, we celebrate God’s saving power to reach the Spanish-speaking community around us through the Spanish Ministry of our church, Grace en Español. Through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, God is bringing glory to His matchless Name.
The Vision of Pastor John MacArthur
When Pastor John arrived at Grace Church in 1969, he recognized that the demographic of the San Fernando Valley was changing rapidly. Having often traveled throughout Latin America, he understood early in his ministry that the Latino community was ripe for harvest. Many were disillusioned with the heresy of Catholicism and disappointed with the excesses of Pentecostalism, and God was bringing them into our own backyard! With that conviction, he envisioned a Spanish-language ministry at Grace Church—something nearly unheard of in American churches at the time.
Early Years
In God’s providence, in 1974 Duane and Carmen Rea returned stateside from serving as missionaries in Ecuador. Pastor John asked Duane to start a midweek Bible study, which began with just eight members on Monday nights, and quickly blossomed. In October 1975, Duane conducted the first Spanish-language service at Grace Church. Soon after, Daniel Lozano joined Duane as co-pastor of the ministry, eventually becoming its sole pastor. By 1984, more than 250 adults were attending weekly, filling the Chapel every Sunday morning.
In 1995, Henry Tolopilo was asked to begin translating and adapting Pastor John’s messages and to shepherd Grace en Español. He faithfully preached the Word for 27 years until his retirement in 2022. Under his leadership, the ministry grew in both depth and breadth, increasing its outreach efforts through the years. After this, Luis Contreras led the ministry together with Josiah Grauman. Today, Josiah continues to serve alongside Rubén Pidal and Tom Rios under the oversight of the entire elder board of Grace Church.
Global Impact
Over the decades, the reach and impact of Grace Church to the Spanish-speaking world have grown exponentially. Today, virtually every facet of the MacArthur Family of Ministries has a Spanish-language counterpart. More than 30% of The Master’s Seminary student body is currently enrolled in Spanish-language training. Gracia a Vosotros (Grace to You’s ministry in Spanish) is broadcast worldwide on more than 1,000 radio stations, and countless books and sermons of Pastor John’s have been translated into Spanish. Further, GMI currently supports 21 missionaries to Spanish-speaking countries and TMAI has established four training centers equipping pastors throughout Latin America and Spain.
Meanwhile, Grace en Español continues to gather in the Chapel each Sunday, with more than 800 people sitting under the faithful preaching of God’s Word between the two services. The ministry also offers numerous midweek Bible studies, FOF classes, and the annual Expositors Conference which reaches hundreds of men and women from around the Spanish-speaking world.
As Pastor John often reminded us, God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). The story of Grace en Español is living proof of that truth, and has been for the past fifty years. We thank the Lord for His faithfulness to bless His Word, save sinners, and strengthen His church among the Spanish-speaking world. To God alone be the glory!
Join us Sunday, October 12 for a special Plaza Fellowship celebrating the 50th anniversary of Grace en Español. For more information about our Spanish Ministries, visit gracechurch.org/spanish.