The National Stadium in Lima, the capital of Peru, became an epicenter of hope on August 3, 2024. More than 30,000 people gathered there for the closing program of Caleb Mission 2024, organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern Peru, which focused on the importance of the social and mission projects led out by young Adventist volunteers. Thousands more people joined in through social media, making this event a true mass-reach phenomenon.

One of the most emotional moments of the event was the historic graduation of 500 students from the Nuevo Tiempo Bible School in Peru. Nuevo Tiempo is the Spanish Christian TV channel and radio station for Central and South America. These students completed Bible courses over several months. In addition, 100 people decided to take a further step in their faith and were baptized, symbolizing a new beginning in their spiritual lives.

After 30 years, Alejandro Bullón, Adventist pastor and evangelist, returned to the National Stadium to share a powerful message of salvation. His message reached not only those present at the stadium, but also thousands more through live broadcasts. “The promise of God’s coming is true, whether you are ready or not, when the day and time comes, He will return to take His people. We must be alert!” said Bullón.

Thanking Volunteers for Their Charitable Actions

Daniel Montalvan, president of the Adventist Church in northern Peru, opened the ceremony with words of welcome and gratitude. "Today, we celebrate the effort and dedication of thousands of volunteers who, through Caleb Mission 2024, have fulfilled the mission of reviving, involving, and discipline," he said.

Montalván thanked the 13,374 Caleb Mission volunteers who worked in Lima, Huaraz, and Chimbote. The Adventist volunteers participated in various projects, including donating 15 tons of food for 34 soup kitchens (self-sustaining spaces where food is distributed to low-income people) in San Juan de Lurigancho (the most populated district in the province of Lima), in collaboration with ADRA Peru. They also donated 578 units of blood and 5,000 educational books for a San Juan de Lurigancho library.

In the mornings, volunteers planted trees, cleaned streets, and rebuilt public spaces. In the afternoons, they preached the message of "Christ is coming soon," visiting friends and Bible students who participated in the spiritual week. The volunteers, organized in groups of five, prepared to preach and teach in various places, including parks, squares, and homes. At the closing ceremony, a video report was presented that highlighted the positive impact of the volunteers' work in the community.

It is also worth noting that the spiritual programs were not only held in Lima. They were also held in churches throughout the country, bringing thousands of people to the feet of Christ through baptism. This activity was replicated in Lima from July 25 to August 3.

Finally, thanks were given to the leaders who motivated the volunteers to participate in the project and dedicate their vacations to the service of Christ, the church, and the community, including Alan Cosavalente, who leads young people throughout northern Peru.

Participation of Radio Nuevo Tiempo

Radio Nuevo Tiempo promoted the call to the National Stadium, which played a crucial role in organizing and disseminating the event. The stadium was filled, showing the people's great need and desire to hear the message of Christ and participate in this transformative experience.

The impact of the Caleb Mission 2024 was widely covered by local and national media. They highlighted the altruistic and charitable work of Adventist youth.

Collaboration of Adventist Institutions

From Piura, Tarapoto, Trujillo, Cajamarca and other cities in northern Peru, Adventist volunteers traveled to Lima to join in this mission. They brought hope and change to one of the largest cities in the country. Institutions of the Adventist Church, such as Productos Unión, Peruvian Union University, Servicio Educacional Hogar y Salud, the South American Publishing House Association, and ADRA Perú, among others, joined this Caleb Mission campaign. This demonstrated the integral commitment of the Adventist Church to community service.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish website.