A spirit of revival is growing in the Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Through prayer, outreach, and an evangelistic series connected with the North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 initiative, three people recently made the decision to give their lives to Christ through baptism.
From the beginning of the meetings, members sensed God was working in a special way. The church gathered for prayer, worship and messages focused on revival and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
During this time, Yerica, a member originally from the Dominican Republic, approached the pastor after one of the meetings. Without being prompted, and with tears in her eyes, she said simply, “I want to be baptized.” Her decision brought great joy and encouragement to the congregation.
The church also felt impressed that revival should extend beyond the church walls. Last summer members organized what they called Kindness Week. Together they purchased groceries and prepared food bags for 35 people in need in the Park Rapids community. Each evening after the meetings, volunteers went out to deliver the food and connect with neighbors.
“Christ didn’t only preach—He also helped people,” one church member shared. “That’s the example we want to follow.”
The evangelistic meetings, titled Eternal Decisions, drew members and visitors throughout the week. For many in attendance, the messages sparked meaningful spiritual conversations and life-changing choices.
One of the most touching stories involved Juanita, who had wanted to be baptized for several years but was waiting because she and her partner, Benjamin, were not married. During the revival meetings, Benjamin began attending every night and even volunteered his truck to help transport supplies for the outreach efforts.
As the week progressed, it became clear that God was working in his heart. After speaking with Pastor Eddy Hernández and Elder Adrian Aponte, Benjamin made a decision.
“Pastor, it’s time to give my life to Christ,” he said. “I want to get married—and be baptized.”
The couple was married at the county office on July 25, and the following day, July 26, both Juanita and Benjamin were baptized together.
Their baptisms, along with Yerica’s, marked a special milestone for the Park Rapids Hispanic church, which had not celebrated a baptism in two years.
For the members who participated in the meetings, outreach and prayers leading up to these decisions, the experience was a powerful reminder that God continues to work in hearts when His people step out in faith.
Eddy Hernandez, with Savannah Carlson
Edited using AI
