Dino Encounter: Uniting Communities in Wonder and Faith

CORRALES, N.M. – Since 2015, Rich Aguilera has been captivating audiences with his Dinosaur Encounter events, having performed more than 100 shows across more than a dozen countries. According to Aguilera’s ministry webpage, this impactful tour has reached more than 29,000 people. The Texico Conference served as the latest stop on this remarkable journey, where Aguilera continued to unite communities through his engaging presentations.

The recent Dinosaur Encounter tour across the Texico Conference lived up to its reputation and proved to be an adventure filled with dirt, dinosaurs and deliverance. Starting in Amarillo, Tex., on Feb. 6, 2024, and wrapping up in Albuquerque, N.M., on Feb. 10, 2024, the tour journeyed through Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, El Paso and Albuquerque.

Spanning more than 1,300 miles and drawing in approximately 1,300 church members and community attendees, the tour surpassed all expectations. Aguilera masterfully combined entertainment and education at every stop, delivering a message that extended beyond dinosaurs, one resonating with the Lord’s calling in our lives.

While delving into the mysteries of dinosaurs and pondering their ultimate fate, Aguilera shed light on the certainty of encountering Jesus again and the eager anticipation of heaven. Throughout the tour, what shone brightest was the unity of churches coming together to learn, laugh and experience Jesus in the world around them. From Amarillo to Albuquerque, churches united together, with approximately five cooperating in Amarillo, four in Lubbock, five in Midland, six in El Paso and nine in Albuquerque. Such unity in a single event is a rare sight.

In the end, the goal of uniting people to learn, laugh and connect with a message that celebrates Jesus, all while marveling at the wonder of dinosaurs, was accomplished. The Texico Conference extends its heartfelt gratitude to the pastors and church members whose contributions made this event a resounding success in their communities. The conference eagerly awaits Aguilera’s return to Texico next year!

By Eric Chavez
Youth, Young Adults and Club Ministries Director