On Aug. 14–17, 2025, 11 courageous young people gathered at Pasco Hispanic Church to share the gospel as part of the Voices of Power oratory contest in connection with Pentecost 2025 efforts.
The participants — Jarod Aranda, Rubí Avalos, Crystal Barajas, Jazmín Castillo, Joseph Chávez, Sasha De Dios, Pablo Gil, Adrián Guevara, Fátima López, Kary López and Samuel Sánchez — captivated the congregation with personal stories, biblical promises and calls to persevere.
Video greetings were provided by pastors and leaders from various locations, including Iván Novaković from Athens, Eliezer Graterol from Tennessee, Elizabeth Talbot from California and Aura Consuelo Prieto from Colombia, who congratulated the participants for their efforts.
Nine-year-old Julio Mena opened the event with a reminder that God can do great things even with just two fish and five loaves of bread. God did great things that day indeed!
Sánchez's heartfelt story about losing his brother and his mother's unwavering faith deeply moved many in attendance. Other themes presented included "Jesus is My Peace," "Saving Grace" and "Called to Shine." The task of judging the participants was no easy feat.
López, the first-place winner, inspired the congregation to embrace their identity in Christ. Castillo, who took second place, shared her experience of identifying with the apostle Paul, emphasizing that God's "no" can sometimes serve as a form of sufficient grace. De Dios, in third place, encouraged the congregation to recognize how God cares for His captive people and sets them free.
Other participants shared their reflections on the event. Avalos expressed, “I learned that you don't have to be perfect or have everything figured out to be used by God. In our difficulties, God speaks more powerfully — to us and through us. As I shared my message about feeling distant from God and the fading of His presence, many reached out to me, and I realized I wasn't alone in this feeling. It meant a lot to me. God showed me that He could use me even in my brokenness.”
Gil added, “I felt privileged to share God's word as a recent convert. The best part was the learning process while preparing my topic; it helped me understand the gospel better. I confirmed that sometimes, the one who learns the most is the one who preaches.”
At the end of the event, each speaker received a certificate and a Bible to encourage them to continue sharing God's word with powerful voices.
Kary López preaches in the Voices of Power competition.
Kary López predica en el concurso Voces de Poder.
Pablo Gil, a preacher participating in the Voices of Power competition
Pablo Gil, un predicador participante del concurso Voces de Poder
Pablo Gil, a preacher participating in the Voices of Power competition
Pablo Gil, un predicador participante del concurso Voces de Poder
Crystal Barajas, a preacher participating in the Voices of Power competition.
Crystal Barajas, una predicadora participante del concurso Voces de Poder
Florencio Bueno, pastor, smiles with the winners of the Voices of Power competition: Fátima López, Jasmín Castillo and Sasha de Dios.
Florencio Bueno, pastor, sonríe con las ganadoras del concurso Voces de Poder: Fátima López, Jasmín Castillo y Sasha de Dios.
Eleven young participants receive certificates of participation.
Once jóvenes participantes reciben certificados de participación.
