A Teacher to the Hispanic World
On May 2018, Pedro Alaniz González traveled all the way from Mexico with his wife and three kids to receive his Master of Divinity (MDiv) diploma at Grace School of Theology’s Annual Graduation Ceremony in The Woodlands, Texas.
It was a momentous time for Pedro and a historic one for Grace: Pedro Alaniz González is the first Hispanic graduate of Grace’s Master of Divinity program and the first Mexican graduate of Grace.
Including Pedro, nineteen Hispanics graduated from the Spanish Program — a record number since its launch in 2014.
Influencing the Hispanic Youth
Pedro has a heart for advancing formal theological education. In the future, he envisions himself teaching full time as a professor of theology. He wants to bring God’s Word to public spaces like schools and the media. He also wants to influence the next generation of Hispanics. Thus, he was interested in how Grace’s Spanish Program is opening ministry opportunities to the Hispanic world. When the Spanish Program became available in Mexico, Pedro seized the opportunity to join the MDiv program even as his eyes are set on getting a doctorate degree in the future.
New Doors of Opportunity
When Pedro graduated, he was still working a full-time secular job and was only teaching part-time. However, Grace has opened new doors for him to serve where God has called him. Thankful and excited, Pedro shares, “Grace has been very helpful in several ways: First, it has enhanced my theological training. Second, it has given me the opportunity to serve as an undergraduate lecturer at Grace. Third, with the MDiv, I will be able to continue with doctoral studies. Fourth, it allows me to dream about being a full-time professor in a seminary.”
Pedro is currently part of Grace’s adjunct faculty for the Spanish Program. According to him, the school also opened up opportunities for him to participate in theological conferences and give lectures in universities. He is stewarding these opportunities to influence many young Hispanics to have a deep commitment to the study and clear exposition of the Word of God.
“We need to present Bible teachings to the new generation of Hispanic youth and to the church very clearly and with integrity. We are losing our young people to modern philosophies taught in school. An educational institution like Grace provides a great opportunity to prepare leaders for this challenge.”
– Pedro Gonzales, Grace Alumnus