A total of 150 youth and young adults from 14 churches across New Mexico and Texas gathered at Bonita Park Camp in Angus, N.M., Aug. 14–16, for a The Federación de Sociedades Juveniles Adventistas (FESJA) event, ELEGIDOS: Con Propósito. The weekend centered on one message: God has chosen each person with a purpose.
Inspired by the book of Judges, the weekend invited participants to see themselves through a different lens. The stories of Deborah, Gideon, Samson, and other judges demonstrate how God can call people despite their fears, weaknesses, and imperfections. God does not call us because we are perfect, participants were reminded. He calls us because He knows what He can accomplish through a life surrendered to Him.
Guest speaker Raciel Hernandez, a pastor from the Northern New England Conference, developed that theme throughout four spiritual sessions. Sharing his testimony and highlighting the lives of several biblical judges, Hernandez challenged participants to recognize God’s calling in their own lives. His messages included appeals for young people to surrender their lives fully to God, leave behind what keeps them from Him, and return home ready to live as sons and daughters chosen for His purpose.
Prayer became an important part of the weekend. Throughout the different sessions, youth prayed individually, with their churches, and together as one FESJA family. These moments of worship and reflection reinforced the sense that FESJA was more than an event; it was an opportunity to reconnect with God and one another.
Scripture also came alive through two Bible challenges. Thirty-five participants ages 15–25 completed a 55-question individual exam on the book of Judges. In addition, nine churches competed in a team Bible contest that combined biblical knowledge with critical thinking, teamwork, and creative challenges.
Santa Fe Marcy Park Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church earned first place in the team competition, followed by Hobbs Seventh-day Adventist Church and Albuquerque Metropolitan Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In the individual exam, Jabnel Cortez of El Paso Montana Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church placed first, David Galicia of Santa Fe Marcy Park Seventh-day Adventist Church placed second, and Gracie Torres of Amarillo Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church placed third.
Other activities helped participants explore the theme in creative ways. During the Sacred Path, youth reflected personally on why God had chosen them and what purpose He might have for their lives. In “Building Samson,” groups used limited recyclable materials and plenty of imagination to transform one of their members into the biblical judge. The weekend also included church presentations, worship led by the Amarillo Spanish Church, sports and social activities, and a Sunday morning 5K. A fun twist was added to the 5K, with participants running the race in colorful and creative wigs, adding plenty of laughter and excitement to the event.
Behind the weekend was a new 58-member FESJA leadership team that spent five months preparing its first event together. Leaders, pastors, counselors, and volunteers worked across departments to create an experience where young people could worship, learn, build friendships, and feel that they belonged.
The ministry continues beyond Bonita Park. Through FESJA on the GO, elements of FESJA are taken to churches throughout New Mexico and Texas between major gatherings. Planning is now underway for the next FESJA, Feb. 26-28, 2027.
The hope is that participants left Bonita Park with more than memories and that they returned to their churches knowing they are chosen by God, called to serve, and created with purpose.