Five Young Lives for Jesus

EL PASO, TEX. – At the El Paso Northeast Seventh-day Adventist Church, Eliab Quiñones, pastor, believes that “God does not put an age restriction on when you can have a relationship with Him.” In Matthew 19:14 Jesus says, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Quiñones began Bible studies with five young people from the El Paso Northeast church earlier this year, including Aalyah Flores, Ian Rosalez, Eliana Flores Frej, Ernesto Mena and Aaliyah Reyna Aranda. “It was amazing how even though I was giving the Bible studies it felt like I was being taught once again how to have childlike faith,” said Quiñones. “My favorite topic was the one on the importance of Sabbath.”

On May 15, these young people were baptized. There is no doubt that on that Sabbath morning, there was singing in heaven, with great joy and jubilant celebration, as the angels witnessed all these children making this most important decision for Jesus!

“My favorite topic was when we talked about baptism, which is a new beginning with Jesus,” said Ernesto Mena. “Since I have been baptized, I feel happy and brave, and I am excited for each day!” Ernesto’s favorite Bible text is Galatians 3:26-29.  

Eliana Flores Frej’s favorite lesson was about what happens when people die. “We sleep until Jesus comes and calls our names,” said Eliana. “I knew I wanted to be baptized when Lee-Roy Chacon, Texico Conference president, asked in church if there was anyone who wanted to dedicate their life to Jesus. I raised my hand. Jesus is my Savior, and since I have been baptized, I feel closer to Him and I want to keep learning more about Him.” Eliana’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13.

Ian G. Rosales enjoyed studying about clean and unclean foods. He said, “I wanted to give my heart to Jesus when I saw so many other kids giving theirs to Him. Being baptized is my way to show Jesus that I love Him and want to obey Him.” Since being baptized, he feels like he is a part of a big family.

Please join the El Paso Northeast church in prayer for all these newly dedicated children and young people.

By Lori Humble