For many years, Idaho Camp Meeting has hosted English and Spanish meetings simultaneously at Gem State Adventist Academy.
Spanish language camp meeting was held in Gem State Academy Church during the week. However, because the Hispanic community is quickly growing, the group exceeded the church's capacity by Saturday, so attendees gathered in the Caldwell Adventist Elementary School gym on Saturday morning.
On Sabbath morning, 340 participants listened to Omar Grieve and his wife, Nessy Grieve, from La Voz de la Esperanza, share powerful messages filled with hope. They inspired renewed commitment and heartfelt responses to God’s call. One of the most moving moments took place that morning as several were baptized.
Fredi Murrieta, Nampa Spanish Church, Jerome Spanish Company and Twin Falls Spanish Group pastor, said, “These public commitments to follow Christ filled the atmosphere with joy and reverence and added even more meaning to our gathering. They left a deep impression on everyone present.”
Each day, the Grieves led in spiritually uplifting meetings that strengthened the faith and unity of all attendees. Children were able to attend meetings during the day for their age group and enjoyed spending time with friends and meeting new friends.
The Hispanic Adventist community is growing. In 2005, there were three Hispanic churches, with a membership of 444. At that time, they comprised just 7% of Idaho Conference membership. At the end of 2024, there were eight churches, companies and unorganized groups with a membership of 892. They now comprise 12% of Idaho Conference membership.
How have they grown? Evangelism has become a lifestyle. Baptisms in the Hispanic congregations are typically 25% to 33% of total baptisms in the conference. More Hispanic congregations will be having evangelistic meetings this fall as part of Pentecost 2025.
Camp meeting plans for next year are still in the planning process. Conference administration and Gerald Margil, Idaho Conference Hispanic ministries coordinator, will be working on the details. Having the worship service at CAES showed that there is a need to have Spanish children’s Sabbath School divisions on Sabbath morning.
Idaho Conference camp meetings, both English and Spanish, are held on the GSAA campus.
An evening meeting is hosted at GSAA.
Omar Grieve, pastor, prays before sharing his message.
Nessy Grieve shares messages of hope, inspiring the congregation to mission.
Omar Grieve meets with some Hispanic members.
The gym is packed with 340 participants on Sabbath morning.
David Prest Jr., Idaho Conference president, shares a welcome message at CAES. Haxel Fley, pastor; Lennin Polanco, Bible worker; and Fredi Murrieta, pastor, join him on the platform.
Hispanic camp meeting is growing in Idaho, leading to a change in venue for Sabbath services.
