More than 70 Adventist youth, pastors and other adults from three SCC regions boarded vans for a July weekend mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico. According to Carlos Acosta, associate pastor, Hollywood Spanish church and youth director for the Hispanic Region, the journey’s major objective was to empower youth to minister to needy people in Mexico physically, materially and spiritually. “We went to help in planting a church, by organizing a toy and clothes giveaway and having a VBS-type program,” Acosta said.

“Our group helped a local team of Adventist physicians provide health services for people who usually have no access to doctors or clinics. Some nurses from SCC churches also helped provide services. As people expressed their gratitude for the care they received, our youth asked if they would like to have Bible studies. With this important help, the local church was able to follow up with more than 200 people requesting studies.”

A number of youth from Greater Los Angeles Region churches were part of the mission trip, along with a group of 18 from the Indonesian-American church. “My group experienced great blessings from helping the poor and sharing,” said Julyamin Hutauruk, associate pastor. “They felt impressed with the need to share the gospel with those who may never have heard it.”

Youth helped with VBS meetings, helping each child create a puppet. “For most, it is the only toy they will have,” Acosta noted.

“We thank the young people who came, for their efforts and for all the names and addresses that we received for following up with Bible studies,” said Tijuana Pastor Edgar Sanchez.

The experience had a marked effect on the young people’s perspective on life.

"It broke my heart to realize that so many people were in so much need,” said Juan Gomez. “I’m glad my church is reaching out and preaching Jesus’ soon coming."