On February 23, 2023, the evangelism campaign, themed Reencuentro (“Reunion”) began in northern Peru. This time, the main venues were the small northern cities of Lima and Chimbote. The lives of 722 people in the local area and 2,888 people throughout the northern territory were reached through this program. This outcome was thanks to the prayers of a multitude who daily cried out for miracles.
Twenty-two Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in northern Peru and from the South American Division headquarters, including Dr. Socrates Quispe, associate director for Higher Education, participated in the campaign. They revived the hearts of those who were spiritually discouraged or even no longer attending their local church services.
In addition, with the presence of thousands of people, on Sabbath, March 4, the campaign ended in Manuel Rivera Sánchez Centennial Stadium, in Chimbote. The attendees and participants witnessed testimonies and stories of reunion with Christ.
Doctor Sócrates Quispe together with people who decided to return to the house of God. (Photo: Manuel Serrano)
Brothers Return to Church—Return Home
Eleven years ago, brothers Jairo and Alexis came to know the Word of God through their parents. They attended the Adventist Church frequently and were enthusiastic to continue studying the Bible. However, as time went by, finances was the main difficulty that made them decide to work on Sabbaths.
Their lives were getting darker and darker, but their church, with all its members, continued to pray for them. The pastor visited them frequently to talk with them and motivate them to return to Christ. Ultimately, he invited them to participate in Reencuentro.
They talked and agreed to attend the special week-long program. Then they were touched by the Holy Spirit and asked to be baptized. They decided to put Christ in first place, before money; one of the brothers expressed, "We prefer Christ. It is not better to have quantity if we are not with the Lord."
Jairo and Alexis with Pastor Angel Bobadilla. (Photo: MICOP)
"Peace came to my heart"
Inés arrived in Peru many years ago. Her father was a Peruvian merchant sailor, and her mother was Nicaraguan. However, her father passed away, and her mother decided to return to her country. Inés was left alone and without family. After some time, she married a Peruvian, and they adopted a girl.
During that time, Inés was searching for peace in her heart. Then she encountered the Adventist Church in the city of Huarmey. She began to study the Bible and actively participated in the activities of her local church. And during the week of Reencuentro, she decided to accept the call to give her life to Jesus. "It was time to be baptized. I waited a long time, but the day came," said Inés.
Inés at her baptism with Pastor Anthony Araujo and Pastor Angel Bobadilla. (Photo: MiCOP)
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern Peru will continue evangelizing for those who do not know Christ and/or have drifted away from Him. "One soul saved, to live throughout the ages of eternity, to praise God and the Lamb, is of more value than millions in money" (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 246).
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division’s Spanish-language news site.