Young People Take Up the Challenge of Evangelism Through Volunteerism

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northern Peru is firmly committed to spreading the Gospel worldwide through Adventist volunteerism. Inspired by Acts 1:8, in which Christ urges the disciples to take the message “to the ends of the earth,” Youth Ministries has taken on a bold challenge to fulfill the mission.

On November 11, 2023, Missionary Volunteer Sabbath was celebrated with special programs and testimonies, highlighting the commitments and transformational experiences of those who have already answered the call to volunteerism. This special day was a reminder of the impact selfless service can have on Adventist mission.

An Urgent Call!

The administration of the Northern Peru Union (UPN) supports the One Year in Mission (OYiM) and Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS) organizations, which recruit young people to dedicate a year or more on the front lines as missionaries. Hundreds of young people have already accepted this challenge, and the Adventist community joins in prayer, recognizing the importance of expanding, planting, conquering, and sending young people to be volunteer missionaries inside and outside the Peruvian territory.

The vision of the UPN is clear: to move forward with firmness in its commitment to taking the message of Christ to the whole world, preparing committed, passionate leaders who will become missionaries.

OYIM Team of San Juan de Lurigancho

Luis Gabriel Sotelo Borja, leader of OYiM and Plantío de Iglesias since 2020, shares the experience of the team in the Missionary District of the Valley, in San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima. With a team of four people, they have experienced significant growth. Before, they met in small groups in Lomas Altas; now, in one church, more than 30 people have been baptized, including children and adolescents.

The team conducts Bible studies, visits neighbors, teaches Portuguese and music, and has already organized a church in September. They have entered new areas, such as El Mirador, in the Valle district, demonstrating a great spiritual disposition and experience and becoming instruments for the Adventist mission.

Adventist Volunteers Serving in Italy

In January 2023, a Peruvian married couple, Andrea Tinoco and Joe Gamarra, arrived at Casa Mia in Italy, a nursing home and church entity specialized in caring for the elderly. Andrea, a nurse by profession, and Joe, a sailor by trade, have taken with them the Adventist commitment to service.

Operating as an integrated care force, Andrea deploys her skills as a nurse, while Joe contributes his dedication in the kitchen area, ensuring the physical well-being of the residents. While they do not seek to impose beliefs, their work becomes a living testimony of Adventist service.

The experience at Casa Mia has been a combination of rewarding and challenging. The couple has shared moments of transition with the elderly, experiencing the fragility and beauty of life. Their story of service at Casa Mia is one of love, care and dedication.

The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.