North Valley Youth Evangelism Grows

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – What began as an effort to encourage young people to attend church has grown into a youth-led initiative at the Albuquerque North Valley Seventh-day Adventist Spanish Church. This year’s Youth Evangelism Week, held March 29 through April 5, reflected both a successful series of meetings and continued growth over several years.

Originally organized as an outreach for youth, the event is now largely led by them. With support from the church, young people planned, led and invited others, demonstrating increasing ownership and engagement.

The meetings were led by Raciel Hernandez, a pastor from New Hampshire. His presentations centered on the theme “Vive Su Amor, Compártelo” (Live His Love, Share It). He challenged the attendees to demonstrate their faith through daily actions and described the church as an oasis in the desert, a place where others can find the Living Water.

Attendance reflected the growing impact of the event. Each evening drew approximately 100 individuals, with weekend services exceeding 200. The week concluded with a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday.

Over the past several years, the church has seen continued impact from these meetings. Young people have returned to church, individuals have chosen baptism and others have taken additional steps in their spiritual lives. This year, two young people, David Ajpacaja and Ashley Marquez, were baptized.

One of the most meaningful moments grew out of an activity from the previous year. During that event, parents were invited to write down the names of their children on a large sheet displayed before the congregation as part of a focused time of prayer.

This year, that moment came full circle. Marquez was one of the names written on the sheet the previous year, and her mother shared a message with the congregation about the experience. Following that, members were again invited to come forward and write names on the same sheet. Many responded, with some waiting up to 30 minutes to add a name to the sheet.

The impact of the event has also been seen beyond the meetings themselves. Oscar, who was baptized the previous year, is now serving in the church’s sound system ministry.

At North Valley, young people are not only attending, but also participating and leading. What began as a small initiative continues to develop into an active, growing ministry.

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