Over 500 young people, pastors and their families came together May 25-27 at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska for the first Mid-America Hispanic Youth Congress. Guest speakers included Elder Ernest Castillo, vice president for Multilingual Ministries of the North American Division, Elder Elden Ramirez, youth director of the Central California Conference, and Yami Bazan, vice president for Student Life at La Sierra University.
On hand to welcome attendees were Pastor Juan Acosta, Hispanic coordinator of the Mid-America Union, and Elder Thomas Lemon, president of the Mid-America Union.
A Hispanic youth praise team, comprising 36 musicians from around the Union directed by Daniela Ale-Salvo, led the audience in worship after co-hosts, Martha Lucar and Oscar Lucar (a brother/sister team) began each meeting by reminding everyone that Jesus has a special purpose for each of their lives.
The Star Company Players from Tulsa, Oklahoma, a 28-person company directed by Ernesto Hernandez, provided drama sketches throughout the weekend, illustrating the theme of the Congress—”you are a star in the hand of Jesus…destined to shine!”
Break out sessions on Friday and Sabbath included time for Bible study, evangelism training, and local conference and church event planning.
After Sabbath sundown vespers, the Lincoln Spanish Church youth group sponsored a participatory activity called “The Great Race.”
Lodging and meals were provided by the staff at Union College and a team from AdventSource helped with registration, T-shirts and resources.
To see more pictures from the weekend, please go to OUTLOOK’s Flickr page.
