Sixteen-year-old Alejandra Villafana knew something was missing in her life. Invited to church on Sundays by her aunt and uncle, she fell in love with Jesus and was baptized. The church she joined was the Bakersfield Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist church.

“Now I’m going to give Bible studies to bring more people into our church. I can’t wait to tell others about how wonderful God is! I want them to know what they are missing without Him,” she exudes.

Villafana’s new-found excitement is not a rare sparkle at Bakersfield Hispanic. More than 20 new members have been baptized since moving into a new facility last year. “God put our church in a Hispanic community,” says Pastor Marco Valenca. “We are trying to introduce ourselves to our neighbors through a variety of programs.”

Outreaches include small groups, health and drug addiction seminars, evangelism reaping weeks, youth programs, and evangelistic meetings each Sunday morning.

Sunday Church

Led by Bible worker Mario Estrada, the meetings introduce people to Adventist beliefs in a familiar time slot. “It is typical practice in Latin churches to have evangelistic meetings on Sundays as a way of reaching those who do not have Sabbaths free or aren’t convicted about the Sabbath yet,” explains Valenca.

The Sunday program began in January with 10 church members. They brought guests and the group grew to 25. The weekly program includes singing, prayer time and a Bible study that presents Bible truths in simple terms that point individuals to Jesus. A number of guests are now attending Sabbath services and five have been baptized, including Villafana and her family.

“The church members attending the Sunday morning program have committed to sharing their faith, leading small groups and giving Bible studies,” adds Valenca. Seven small groups have been organized out of the group. Members invite friends and neighbors into their homes to study the Bible in these midweek groups, then bring them on Sunday mornings to learn more.

“Our goal is to baptize 28 people within the next three months, four people from each group,” says Estrada with conviction. “It is a small goal that we’re praying and fasting for.”

In faith, a baptismal Sabbath is scheduled each month. Sometimes, as late as the night before, Valenca knows of no one ready for baptism. But by Sabbath morning, he learns of someone, perhaps from one of the small groups or other outreaches, who is ready to make their commitment.

“We do our part, the Lord brings people in, and the Holy Spirit converts them,” explains Valenca. “That’s what is happening at the Sunday group.”