South American Division

Teens from Southern Ecuador Commit to a Missionary Life

More than 300 teenagers participated in the “Celebra Teen” meeting where they were trained and motivated to preach the gospel.

December 4, 2024

Ecuador

Andrea Delgado and Norka Choque, South American Division, and ANN

Teenagers from southern Ecuador participating in the event's programming.

[Photo: Adventists MES]

More than 300 teenagers participated in the “Celebra Teen” event for Adventists aged 13 to 16, which took place at the Nueva Alborada Adventist Church in southern Ecuador on November 9, 2024. The event focused on preaching the gospel and highlighted the significance of missionary work among young people.

Jeconías Neto, the youth director of the Adventist Church at the Brazilian Central West Union, was the featured guest speaker. During his address, he shared his personal testimony and encouraged attendees to commit to sharing the gospel message during their formative years.

Baptism of a teenager who learned the Word of God from his Adventist friends.

The program included a baptismal ceremony, a direct result of the missionary efforts from one participating group, TEEN Bases, which comprises Bible study classes for teenagers. An inspiring musical performance titled “Jesus, the Lion of Judah” showcased Jesus's miracles and emphasized his transformative power.

Participants engaged in interactive activities and live music throughout the event and learned about the importance of communion with God. To motivate the teenagers further, the top three groups from the missionary challenges held over the past year were recognized for their efforts in spreading the message of salvation.

Baptism of a teenager won by her friends.

Bella Bastidas, head of the Children and Adolescents Ministry for the Adventist Church in southern Ecuador, expressed deep appreciation for the involvement of the TEEN Bases throughout the year.

“I feel very happy to see the grassroots actively working for Christ. We have teenagers preaching and seeking souls for Him. Our leaders, teachers, and parents are all committed to this same goal,” she stated. “We want evangelism to be the driving force for these generations, and today has been a day of victory for all the missionary work they carried out in 2024.”

The event concluded with a call to the new generations, urging them to actively participate in preaching the gospel, guiding their friends to Christ, and remaining faithful to their spiritual paths.

The Adventist Church in southern Ecuador remains committed to training leaders to guide the Teenage Generation. It focuses on engaging and equipping all teenagers to use their strengths, gifts, and talents in service to God, particularly in promoting the message of Christ’s second coming.