Three Girls and a Cajon: An Unlikely Journey of Faith and Leadership

CORRALES, N.M. – The title might seem odd at first glance, but it is a story that has unfolded right here in Texico. It all began during a youth rally at Sandia View Academy when the guest speaker jokingly compared the young ladies leading music to the musicians sent to the front lines in the book of Chronicles, chapter 20. What if the Lord sent three girls and a cajon? What if He used these young ladies to lead an army into war with just their instrument?

Well, it seems He has! These young ladies do not just love to sing; they are dedicated to serving the Lord with their lives. Two of them, 18-year-old graduating seniors Naomi Martinez and Melissa Hernandez, aspire to attend college and become pastors, stepping into full-time ministry. The third, Alessandra Hernandez, at 14, is still discerning her path, waiting for the voice of the Lord.

Following the youth rally in Albuquerque, these young women were invited to lead music for the Association of Adventist Camp Professionals (AACP) in Santa Fe, N.M., just a month later. This gathering brings together professionals responsible for running various camps across the North American Division (NAD) for a period of training and retreat. Their performance for AACP caught the attention of NAD Youth Director Tracy Wood, who then extended an invitation for them to attend Youth Advisory meetings at the NAD building in Columbia, Md. These meetings gather youth and young adult professionals from across the division to discuss and vote on new initiatives and programs for young people in the United States and Canada.

At these meetings, the girls from Albuquerque, N.M., represented the Southwest Union, sharing insights into the needs and initiatives that would resonate in their culture and benefit young people. They had the opportunity to meet numerous youth professionals who, not only acknowledged their calling, but also prayed for their future. 

Their time in Maryland also allowed them to explore the area's rich history and culture. Three girls from Texico, who had never imagined their value in full-time ministry, found themselves encouraged, uplifted and recognized by many ministry leaders across the division.

The Texico Conference eagerly anticipates how the Lord will use them to lead armies into battle wherever they go. Their next stop? The NAD Pathfinder Bible Experience-level testing event, where they will lead roughly 4,000 young people in worship and singing.

By Eric Chavez
Youth, Young Adults and Club Ministries Director