The “La Esperanza Es Jesus” theme song rang out in the West Hall of the L.A. Convention Center on Sabbath afternoon, concluding Pastor Alejandro Bullón’s meetings at the White Memorial church.

According to Pastor Rogelio Paquini of the Van Nuys Spanish church and translator for the convocation’s English-speaking visitors, the gathering provided a venue for 5,000 members and friends from Hispanic Region churches to meet and hear reports of the growth and activity in the region for the past six years.

Alfredo Lee, region director, praised God for the 7,839 people baptized and six churches and five groups organized during that period. The region’s total membership by the end of 2007 reached 11,804.

Another purpose of the event was to bring the series to a conclusion, marking the continuation of ongoing ministry, follow up and outreach in the churches.

“About 50 certificates were awarded at the convocation to individuals who had completed a series of Bible studies,” said Luis Peña, pastor of the Hollywood Spanish church. “Pastors and members will follow up with their graduates and with others among the 170 persons who responded to altar calls during the series. Most of the graduates had studied in small-group meetings.” In addition to Bible studies and visitation, pastors will follow up with evangelistic series in their churches during the year.

Pastor Carlos Ramirez of the San Fernando Spanish church promoted offerings during the meetings. “The funds are to help in following up interests from the meetings and other evangelism,” he said.

“Every church helped during the evangelistic meetings, in addition to bringing their Bible-study interests to the meetings for harvest. Offerings totaled nearly $30,000 and will be used to purchase Bibles and help make it possible to air the series on KMEX-TV in Los Angeles,” Ramirez reported.