Nearly two dozen individuals traveled from June 7-14, 2025, visiting a different Spanish-speaking church each night within the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Referred to as the Caravan of Hope, the theme for the week was “Cuando Jesús Llega” (When Jesus Arrives). Erton Köhler, executive secretary for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists based in Silver Spring, Md., was the featured speaker. Nearly 200 people were baptized, with an additional 50 preparing for baptism. Many others also committed or re-committed their lives to Jesus following a week of spiritual revival, a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Caravan of Hope began its evangelistic outreach at the Garland Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church and continued its efforts that day at the Dallas Spanish Oak Cliff Seventh-day Adventist Church. From Sunday to Friday evenings, the team led worship services at six Seventh-day Adventist Churches, including Keene Spanish, Austin Spanish First, San Antonio Spanish Los Tres Ángeles, McAllen Spanish Valley Central, Brownsville Spanish, and Houston Spanish Northwest. The series of powerful services concluded with two sessions at the Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“Each service featured inspiring music from renowned artists Laura Morena, Heraldos de Esperanza and Japhet Ruiz, creating an atmosphere of worship and celebration,” shared Ismael Castillo, vice president for Hispanic Ministries and Spanish Evangelism at the Texas Conference. “Thousands gathered—either in person or through livestreaming—to witness powerful sermons, uplifting music and, most importantly, lives transformed by the Gospel.”
“God’s blessings were unmistakable,” said Elton DeMoraes, Texas Conference president. “What began as a casual conversation evolved into a powerful week of hope, touching many hearts with the message of salvation. Elder Köhler’s messages were both timely and impactful. We are grateful that he was able to be here to inspire our church members and those who watched online.”
The media team and volunteers from the Texas Conference were present to capture the entire event. Under the direction of Andy Esqueche, associate director for Communication and Public Relations at the Texas Conference, the services were livestreamed and are still available for viewing. This allows anyone interested to either rewatch the service or experience it for the first time. You can find the recordings at TexasAdventist.org/cuando-jesus-llega.
“I thank God for this beautiful program organized by the Texas Conference,” shared Marina Amaya de Díaz on the HispanosTXC Facebook page during one of the services.
“‘Cuando Jesús Llega’ was more than just an event,” Castillo stated. “It was a movement that reminded us that when Jesus truly arrives in hearts, miracles happen. I appreciate Pastor DeMoraes’ visionary leadership and his passion for evangelism, which set the stage for this caravan.”
“Greetings from Brazil, from the Tangará da Serra AOM Church,” Rosangela Gomes wrote on the HispanosTXC Facebook page during one of the services.
“Elder Castillo, his team, and the Spanish church pastors faithfully hold evangelistic series at least twice a year,” DeMoraes added. “It was a privilege to collaborate with them on this initiative. The Texas Conference theme is ‘Together As One,’ and this week-long event showcased that unity in action. Local church pastors and members embraced visitors, focusing on bringing Jesus to their communities. Incredible music from our professional musicians and powerful messages from Elder Köhler enriched the experience. Everyone was blessed by the Holy Spirit. The dedication and commitment during this week resulted in baptisms and renewed commitments to faith. Surely, Heaven rejoiced as people around the world witnessed and learned about a peace that only Jesus can provide.”
When the online audience was asked to share their locations, Rolando Orland Campos Chávez commented on the HispanosTXC YouTube page: “Lima, Peru — Praying for every decision made by your church and for each decision to be baptized. I’m sharing the link with my fellow church members and Bible students so they can give their lives to Christ here in our local church.”
Köhler expressed, “The involvement of the churches, pastors and Texas Conference leadership was amazing. During my time in Texas, we visited seven cities and ten different churches. Participating in this movement, which is part of the North American Division (of Seventh-day Adventists) initiative, Pentecost 2025, was truly a blessing.”
Nasael Nina Ramírez shared on WhatsApp with Sergio Rodriguez, associate director for Hispanic Ministries and Spanish Evangelism at the Texas Conference: “Powerful. What a beautiful atmosphere you can feel there. It’s been a long time since I’ve witnessed such a movement and work of the Holy Spirit on this scale within the church. Greetings from Puerto Rico.”
Grateful for what they accomplished during that exhilarating yet exhausting week, everyone looked forward to what God had in store for them next. They are committed to finishing the work here on earth so that we can all go to Heaven to be with our best friend, Jesus.
By Tamara Michalenko Terry, director for events and editorial services for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
These and other pictures taken by Teymi Townsend, assistant director for Communication and Public Relations at the Texas Conference, can be found at Flickr.com/TexasAdventist.
