Reverend Jonathan Hernández, Sr., of Grand Prairie, Texas, entered into the presence of his Savior on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the age of 88. Born April 6, 1938, in Sonora, Texas, he was the son of Rev. Carlos Hernández Rios and Amalia Yañez de Hernández. Jonathan’s life was marked by steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a shepherd’s heart for God’s people, and decades of devoted gospel ministry. Jonathan placed his faith in the Lord in 1950 and was baptized at Iglesia Bautista Buena Voluntad in San Antonio, Texas—beginning a lifelong walk of discipleship, service, and love for the local church. In 1955, at the Campamento de Jovenes at Alto Frio, he surrendered to God’s call to preach at the age of 17—a calling he pursued with humility, conviction, and compassion. Jonathan enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960. Around that time, he met his partner in life and ministry, Lydia Rodriguez. They became engaged in March 1961, and a few weeks later he was assigned to serve in Mannheim, Germany. Their love persevered through months of separation, culminating in their marriage in January 1965. Jonathan was licensed to preach at Iglesia Bautista Buena Voluntad in San Antonio, TX in 1964 and was ordained to the gospel ministry at Morgan Avenue Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, TX in 1967. He carried a clear burden for proclaiming God’s Word, building up the church, and caring for families through every season of life.
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