Research has proven that people take at least three weeks to change and develop new habits. That is what the Reno/Sparks Spanish church witnessed at the end of first of four evangelistic campaigns scheduled for 2008. The series, titled "Eventos Finales" (Final Events) with guest speaker Pastor Jose Lombardo ended March 8 after three weeks of life-changing messages.

Members prepared for the meetings with a friendly dialog with leaders and members of the Hispanic religious community, including non-Adventists. "Contact has been made with a well-known Catholic theologian lay leader and a pastor and leaders of a Pentecostal church," explained Pastor David Velazquez.

As a result, the Pentecostal church invited Lombardo to preach for two consecutive Sundays. Relationships with the 60-some members of this congregation have blossomed, and prayers for fostering these friendships into deeper spiritual commitment continues.

During the meetings, visitors learned unfamiliar Bible truths and began making changes in their lives, including responsible stewardship through tithes and offerings, lifestyle changes via healthier diets, and a shift toward Christian education.

After the baptism Saturday evening, the new members attended an open house at the local Adventist school. That Monday morning, five of the new members' children attended their first day of school at Silver State Adventist School.

"One of my greatest joys after an evangelistic effort is to see a group of new believers embracing the whole package of the Seventh-day Adventist message," said Velazquez. The Eventos Finales series resulted in 13 baptisms, and 25 others are still studying.