Arizona Conference President Duane McKey dreamed that churches in his territory would one day coordinate their evangelism energies with many soul-winning programs culminating in one conference-wide "reaping campaign." In 2004, "Mega Arizona" fulfilled that dream.

Pastor Antonio Estrada and his son, Nisam, put together a course of eight Bible study lessons entitled "A Better Life," designed for church members to use with friends and neighbors around the conference in preparation for the Oct. 16-23, 2004, reaping program.

The series took place in the Phoenix Spanish church and featured Pastor Carlos Salome, a man dedicated to the evangelistic work of the church in Mexico and currently a pastor in the Southern California Conference.

"I am happy to report that all the churches faithfully supported this project and assisted with the reaping campaign," reports Omar Grieve, assistant to the president for Hispanic ministries.

Every night there was an average of 1,000 people in attendance with 130 in the children’s divisions.

Fifteen lay people were given special recognition for their efforts in bringing 30 or more people to the feet of Jesus. During the campaign, many people gave their lives to Christ and chose to follow Him in baptism.

"We still have more baptisms to come during the following months. The end has not been written for this impressive campaign," says Grieve.

Next year, Mega Arizona 2005 will be held Oct. 22-29. "The enthusiastic work of our Hispanic laymen in Arizona continues to thrill and amaze us as we labor together to finish the work in Arizona so Jesus can come," says McKey.