The first youth-led evangelism series in the Inter-American region of the Seventh-day Adventist Church concluded Nov. 2 with a two-week satellite broadcast from Mexico City, Mexico.

“Live Without Fear,” which initially began in July, was led by young people from ages 11 through 32. They represented each of the church’s 13 unions, or regions, in the Inter-American Division.

“Our main objective for this event was to believe and trust in our Adventist youth, inviting them to get involved in all churches throughout Inter America,” said Pastor Bernardo Rodriguez, youth director for the church in Inter-America.

Another objective, he added, was to use the ability of satellite broadcasting to reach as many people as possible. “The use of technology has been one of the most powerful means in this evangelistic effort in communicating the good news of salvation and fulfilling the mission of the church,” said Rodriguez.

The broadcast, transmitted by Adventist Satellite Television (ADSAT) and Adventist Television Network (ATN), was available in North America, Central America, and South America, in Spanish, English, and French.

“We have people in our region that are very difficult to reach,” said Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter America. “Satellite evangelism comes as complementary to our traditional outreach.” 

Baraka Muganda, youth director for the world church, congratulated leadership for the first-ever youth effort of this kind in the world, and encouraged the young people toward salvation and service.

More than 6,200 people visited the event’s official Web site during the broadcasts, where each evening’s program was available for download. Young people from all over the world e-mailed positive feedback about the programs.

The event resulted in 60,041 baptisms, contributing significantly to the record-breaking number of baptisms recorded in the history of the Adventist Church in Inter America.

Plans are already being made for another evangelism satellite broadcast to be led by pastors in October 2003, from Guatemala City, Guatemala.

For video copies of the youth broadcast go to www.vivasintemor.com or www.interamerica.org.