Hillcrest History:
The Great Commission started with a man of God, called and directed by God. This man was a humble man with humble beginnings who had no idea what God had in store for him. He accepted this calling and took a journey of faith, letting the Lord guide his life.
In 1950, a young man named Bob Stewart was called to the ministry in a little Baptist church in Pampa, Texas. He thought the Lord had made a mistake by calling him into the ministry because of his shyness around people, but he soon realized that God was calling him.
In January of 1951 the young man enrolled into the Baptist Bible Seminary and three years later graduated. Not knowing what the Lord had planned he found his way to Amarillo, Texas and worked in Hamlet Baptist Church.
In January of 1956, he and his wife went on a two day scouting trip to El Paso, Texas. The Lord laid it on his heart to start a church there, but he did not want to go. Again, he thought that the Lord had made a mistake by calling him there. He finally gave into the Lord’s will and decided to go.
He and his wife moved to El Paso on February 1 of 1956 and the next day moved into their new home. On February 12, fourteen people attended the first service held in their small living room. The services continued in the house until August of that year. During this time Pastor Stewart would knock doors and tell anyone who would listen about God and the church.
During the months in the house the church was organized and established. On the night the church was organized two were saved and the church began to grow. It took the small congregation seven months to obtain a loan from the Chavez County Savings and Loan.
Brother Lee Green, a businessman of Roswell, helped the church in the loan process. The loan was for an acre of land in northeast El Paso. The first building built was a 30 by 60 ft. building. This was done with the help of sixteen charter members, thirteen by letter and three by salvation and baptism. Pastor Bob Stewart had officially started what is now known as the Hillcrest Baptist Church.
Our Pastor:
We are pleased the Lord had brought us Brother Joe Dickinson and his wife Tisha. Brother Joe received his formal education for the ministry under Sam Davison at Heartland Baptist Bible College in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Shortly after graduating, the Dickinsons were called to Hillcrest Baptist Church where they have served now for over five years.
In these five years of service to this church, Brother Joe has established himself as one of "...faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2). It is evident that he is sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and has a strong desire to preach the Word. He has been faithful in that which is least and God has rewarded him.
The members of Hillcrest Baptist Church have chosen to support him by praying, serving, attending, and tithing. Join us as we celebrate what God is doing!
More information will be coming.
