"The only thing I want is to get home and rest," replied the young customer who had stopped by Maria's business to buy a hot drink. Maria, a member of the Hispanic Adventist Church in Kelso, planned to close her shop a little earlier than usual that Sunday because her church was hosting an evangelism week with Pastor Gerizin de Peña as the speaker, and she didn't want to miss any of the topics. That night, while preparing to close her business, the young woman arrived simply looking for a hot drink, little did she know that something would change that night in her life. Before closing her shop, Maria invited her to the series of meetings, but the young woman seemed tired and expressed her desire just to go home.

Something, however, compelled her to change her mind and accept the strange invitation. That night the Kelso praise group led an inspiring worship, everyone who came that evening was warmly welcomed, and the Pastor's message deeply touched the young visitor.

At the end of the meeting, she approached the pastor and confessed that she had never imagined coming to a church; she was just looking for a hot drink and hoping to continue fighting her emotional battles. But then she added, "This afternoon, I left my home feeling anxious and overwhelmed, not realizing that my true need wasn't a hot beverage; it was to hear this message. I've experienced something that has made a difference in my life; I have peace.”

Like others, she continued to attend the meetings every night. At the end of that week, Pastor Gerizin de Peña made the call for baptism, and that Saturday, thanks to the efforts of the church and the leadership of Pastor Enoc Marquez and lay pastor Eduardo García, seven people surrendered their lives to Jesus.

Regarding this experience, Pastor Gerizim expressed, “It brings me joy to see that, no matter how small a congregation is, they can come together for a powerful salvation celebration.” And he reminds us, “These experiences inspire my heart to keep lifting up the Lamb of God everywhere. Please remember, invite, and preach!  Someone will be in touch! The word of God never returns empty. Glory to God!”