South American Division

Student is Baptized at Adventist College in Peru and His Example Inspires His Family

The "A Saturday at My School" project brings together non-Adventist parents and students to study the Bible together.

Peru

Thais Suarez, South American Division, and ANN Staff
Moment of Kelvin Ricalde's baptism during one of the programs of the project "A Saturday at my School".

Moment of Kelvin Ricalde's baptism during one of the programs of the project "A Saturday at my School".

[Photo: EA UPN]

Adventist education in northern Peru strengthens its mission to educate and save, with its focus on academic excellence and spiritual development. At the Pimentel Adventist School, located in the city of Chiclayo, Peru, Jorge López, a local church pastor, implemented a project entitled "A Saturday in my School" that impacts non-Adventist students and their families.

Students from the school studying the Bible course "The Faith of Jesus".
Students from the school studying the Bible course "The Faith of Jesus".

The initiative, which began a year ago, responds to the need for a spiritual space within the school. Unlike other Adventist educational institutions, the Pimentel Adventist School does not have a church, so the monthly Sabbath program is held in the courtyard. Every month, between 70 and 80 people participate. Kelvin Ricalde, a 13-year-old student, is one participant who met Jesus as a result of the project.

One Student, One Chance for Salvation

Ricalde arrived at the school with doubts and a critical spirit towards religion. At first, he showed little interest in the program, but his participation in the monthly activities led him to reflect on his faith. After several meetings and Bible studies, he decided to accept the invitation to baptism during one of the meetings.

Kelvin Ricalde and his companions after his baptism.
Kelvin Ricalde and his companions after his baptism.

This step not only transformed his life, but also motivated his mother, Maria Fernandez, and his grandparents, Vidalina Guevara and Alejandro Fernandez, to follow his example and join the Adventist Church. Today, Ricalde is a baptized young man and an active leader in his local church and school, where he teaches the Bible course "The Faith of Jesus" to his classmates.

Baptism of Kelvin Ricalde's family, who learned about God at the Pimentel Adventist School.
Baptism of Kelvin Ricalde's family, who learned about God at the Pimentel Adventist School.

“At first, I was just looking to participate for my peers, but the meetings touched my heart and made me reflect on my beliefs,” Ricalde shared. His story is one of many that illustrate the positive impact of the program. Eager to replicate this model, other Adventist institutions in northern Peru are beginning to implement similar initiatives.

Kelvin Ricalde participating in one of the programs of the project "A Saturday at my School".
Kelvin Ricalde participating in one of the programs of the project "A Saturday at my School".

Adventist education in northern Peru continues to fulfill its purpose of providing comprehensive education to its students, and this project proves how evangelism in Adventist schools can bring not only academic results but also spiritual ones.

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

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter