On Friday evening, March 4, 2016, more than 40 Hispanic young people and adult sponsors met in the chapel of the south dorm at Gem State Adventist Academy in Caldwell. The reason? To learn why and how to participate in evangelism as youth.
Juan Francisco Altamirano, Treasure Valley Hispanic District pastor and Idaho Conference Hispanic ministries coordinator, wants to get the youth of the Hispanic churches involved in evangelism. He invited Juan Miguel Pacheco to share with them.
One of the first things he did was to have each attendee take off one shoe and throw it at him. The youth really got into that. Then, he asked them to come, get a shoe and find out who it belonged to by doing something revolutionary — talking with people. This was something fun, something less intimidating, to show that it’s not hard to talk to people.
Altamirano said that most of the youth who attended are second-generation Hispanic Adventists; they have grown up Adventist. They are ready to serve their church.
A few of the youth shared their thoughts about the weekend. “I think this evangelistic meeting that was held for the youth was a great thing, and that it’s going to help motivate us to go out and spread the Word of God," explained one youth. "Pastor Pacheco had faith in what he was talking about; he was so extreme about it. He said it was awkward for him at first, but that’s where everybody lands at first. He did an amazing job. Motivated me to do what we’re going to do.”
“Encourage everyone to not be afraid to tell others that Jesus loves them, that He died for them," said another. "It’s hard. You’re scared what they are going to think of you, they’ll make fun of you, embarrass you. Jesus was not embarrassed to die for you. We can tell them about His love. Yes, we are young, but we know that there are people who love us and will help us.”
Yet another attendee added, “We all have a purpose to be here. God has a purpose for you, even if you don’t know what God’s purpose is for you. This weekend inspired me to find out what I’m here for, what God wants me to do.”
Gerald Margil, Southeastern Idaho Hispanic District pastor, shared this message: “This is not finished. It is just beginning — the beginning of a beautiful journey that these kids have started. Now we have in front of us is a time when they’re going to put their knowledge and skill and, most of all, their personal experience with Jesus to work and share with all the youth like them, to let them know how much Jesus loves them."
Margil adds, “At least 16 of these youth are going to work in March and April having evangelistic series on the weekends. It will be an amazing experience for them and for those that attend. Here’s my most important request for you: Thank you for your support. We need your prayers. Our fight is not against flesh. It is a fight for goodness and truth. Only God can make us winners.”
The youth and their adult sponsors get into small discussion groups.
Juan Francisco Altamirano welcomes the group.
Juan Miguel Pacheco opens with prayer.
One of the youth tries to find the owner of the shoe in her left hand.
Juan Miguel Pacheco demonstrates that it is easy to share Jesus, that He is as necessary as water to us.
The youth who attended Impact ’16 are ready to go and share Jesus.
