"He who goes out weeping, carrying precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:6).
Preaching the gospel in Washington presents a significant challenge. Here, faith encounters materialism, secularism and individualism. While we may not have large Hispanic populations, we do have a rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Each door we approach represents a different culture. Nonetheless, the gospel transcends these barriers, and God opens hearts.
The Light Up Your Light With 100 Souls for Christ project was launched in 2026, thanks to the support of Washington Conference and North Pacific Union.
Hispanic ministries trained and organized churches into 120 small groups, each led by its own leader. Additionally, we appointed 24 district coordinators and five area coordinators. This structure fueled highly successful small group and pastoral evangelism campaigns. During the last week of May, guest evangelists led harvest campaigns, culminating in a grand baptismal ceremony on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
On that day, more than 300 members traveled from various parts of the state to participate. Despite highway closures and travel difficulties, the celebration proceeded. Each district arranged buses for the baptismal candidates and their supporters, who sang heartily throughout the journey. Upon arrival, they walked nearly a mile to the beach, where a worship team welcomed them.
Those ready for baptism approached the water filled with joy and reverence. Onlookers were curious about who we were and marveled at what they witnessed. As evening fell, we celebrated 116 individuals entering the water to be baptized, surrendering their lives to Christ.
We were honored by the presence of NPUC and conference leaders and their spouses, including John Freedman, NPUC president; Doug Bing, Washington Conference president; and Peter Simpson, NPUC vice president for Hispanic ministries.
Light Up Your Light With 100 Souls for Christ was more than just a project; it was a testament to the Holy Spirit’s power within a united church. In Washington, God continues to demonstrate that His gospel knows no bounds and that it is possible to go beyond Pentecost. We remain committed to this work, trusting that the Lord will continue to open doors in this diverse and challenging territory.
Ellen G. White said, "The greatest work that a human being can do is to lead sinners from sin to holiness."
These baptism candidates approach the water dressed in white, filled with joy and reverence.
Estos candidatos al bautismo se acercan al agua vestidos de blanco, llenos de alegría y reverencia.
Yvan Balabarca, pastor, rejoices with a young adult woman who has given her life to Christ.
Yvan Balabarca, pastor, se alegra con una joven adulta que ha entregado su vida a Cristo.
More than 300 members from all over the state gather to celebrate the ceremony.
Más de 300 miembros de todo el estado se reúnen para celebrar la ceremonia.
Light Up Your Light With 100 Souls for Christ is a testament to the Holy Spirit’s power within a united church.
En100de Tu Luz Con 100 Almas Para Cristo es un testimonio del poder del Espíritu Santo dentro de una iglesia unida.
José López, one of the evangelists, affirms a boy who has decided to give his life to Jesus.
José López, uno de los evangelistas, afirma a un niño que ha decidido entregar su vida a Jesús.
The Washington Conference Hispanic ministries team rejoices at having four hours of baptisms.
El equipo de ministerios Hispanos de la Conferencia de Washington se alegra de tener cuatro horas de bautismos.
