December 1, 2009, marked the 15th anniversary of Dawson’s Hispanic Pastor, Byron Mosquera. Never did the church know what a wonderful gift God was giving to Dawson on that date. Coming to the United States primarily to secure an education and then return to Ecuador, Byron and his lovely wife, Maria, arrived in Birmingham with their two small children to serve Dawson’s Hispanic congregation on a part-time basis.

Fifteen years later, Byron is still pastoring Dawson’s Hispanic congregation, but a lot has changed. Byron is now serving full-time at Dawson and, through much personal sacrifice, has mastered the English language and earned his Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His two small children are now young adults pursuing degrees at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition, Byron, Maria, Evelyn, and Byron, Jr. have all become citizens of the United States.

Byron Mosquera truly models what it means to be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Not only does Byron faithfully serve the members of the Hispanic Congregation, but he unselfishly ministers to many persons in Birmingham and the surrounding area. His loving, caring attitude is contagious and an encouragement to many. His enthusiasm and keen sense of humor draw people to follow his leadership. Under Byron’s leadership, the Hispanic Ministry has grown from a mission effort to a vital, growing part of the Dawson Family of Faith.

Byron’s tireless dedication to the Lord has been a significant witness to the larger Hispanic community, as well as those he serves as pastor. He came to Birmingham and Dawson at the right time for serving the growing Hispanic population in the Birmingham area. Because of his success and leadership ability, Byron has been called on to assist with Hispanic congregations throughout the state of Alabama.

Congratulations to Byron, Maria, Evelyn, and Byron, Jr. for 15 years of faithful service to our Lord through His church. Your Family of Faith thanks you for being found faithful in all that you do.