Building Happy Homes, Transforming Lives
Tears filled my eyes as I stood in the baptistry at the Midland Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. A beloved church member had requested to be rebaptized, ready to recommit his life to the Lord. As I helped him into the water, his wife, who had been unaware of the decision he had made, watched with uncertainty. The moment the service ended, she hurried to meet him at the baptistry door.
I then noticed another woman seated in the congregation, weeping as she witnessed the event. She had recently lost her husband and had expressed a desire to be rebaptized but had not yet made her decision. Moved by what she had seen, she rushed to the baptistry and asked to be rebaptized that day as well. Although we were nearly out of baptismal robes after several baptisms that day, we were able to accommodate her request.
That Sabbath marked the culmination of a powerful family evangelism campaign held during April and led by evangelists Adly Campos and José Campos. Throughout the week, families participated in counseling sessions, home visits, prayer opportunities, and presentations focused on strengthening marriages and restoring relationships.
The impact was profound. Several couples who had already begun the divorce process attended the meetings and ultimately chose to cancel those plans, giving their marriages another chance. The emphasis on family renewal touched every generation within the Midland Spanish church, inspiring children, youth, and adults alike to draw closer to Christ.
By the end of the campaign, 12 individuals had entered the waters of baptism, one couple celebrated a wedding ceremony, and 14 couples renewed their marriage vows.
These experiences highlight a growing reality in today’s world: families are struggling, and many lack the guidance and support needed to navigate life’s challenges. The family remains the foundation of both society and the church, yet opportunities to address family life and relationships are often limited.
When families are given practical tools to heal, communicate, and rebuild, revival can take place. Scripture affirms the importance of the family. When the Apostle Paul shared the Gospel with the Philippian jailer, the invitation extended not only to the individual but also to his entire household. (See Acts 16:31–34). For Paul, the family was central to God’s plan and the foundation of a healthy society.
In an increasingly individualistic culture, we can easily forget the importance of building happy, Christ-centered homes. The task is not always easy, but it is possible through God’s grace. When families are strengthened, many of the barriers that prevent people from accepting the Gospel begin to disappear.
Our family evangelism campaign served as a powerful reminder that when God restores families, He also transforms lives.
By Jorge Poveda, pastor
