Daniel Escobedo

Daniel was born on November 8, 1924, in Villa Nueva, Tamaulipas to Modesto and Juanita Escobedo. While Modesto, an Assemblies of God minister, was on his way to register Daniel's birth, he made several stops to preach the Gospel. By the time he arrived to register the birth, he forgot the exact day Daniel was born, and registered him, incorrectly, as being born November 12, 1924.

Daniel began his education, at the Villa Nueva school, which, unfortunately, only offered instruction through the fourth grade. Because of his love of learning, he chose to repeat the fourth grade, three times, until he was told he was too old to remain in that school. To continue his education, he left home at the age of 12, to live with acquaintances in another town.

At the age of 17, Daniel moved to Mexico City to attend the Chapingo Agricultural University. He took the entry exam, and passed with an almost perfect score. He was heartbroken when, after he could not raise the university admission fee, he was asked to leave. He then enrolled at the public National Polytechnic Institute, to become an electrical engineer. A year later, he received his calling to become a minister, and enrolled at the Elim Bible School, in Mexico City. While attending Principe de Paz Presbyterian Church, he met the beautiful Sara Baca. They married, on October 7, 1950, and made Brownsville, Texas their first home. God blessed them with five children.

Daniel was active in his church, while working to support his growing family. When local work was scarce, Daniel traveled with his wife, children, and siblings, to California, Washington, Colorado, and East Texas, to do migrant work. In November 1960, Daniel moved his family to Austin, Texas, to pastor Primera Asamblea de Dios, El Buen Pastor.

The highlights of his 54-year ministry include:

• Planting Emanuel and Monte Horeb Assembly of God churches, leaving both established and both buildings fully paid.

• Founding Monte Horeb Bible Institute

• Serving as presbyter for several terms

• Hosting a radio ministry

• Starting a ministry for the homeless on 6th street.

Daniel's love of learning was further evidenced by completion of his Bachelor of Theology, in 1983, and his Master of Christian Counseling, in 1996.

Daniel's love for God and family showed through his daily habit of praying for each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild, by name. His love for God and service showed through the impact he had on many parishioners and ministers.

In Daniel's own words, his life theme was:

"My vocation is to teach.

My assignment is to serve.

My desire is to edify…

So that churches are established and perfected in Christ."