Hope-Filled Caravan Visits Texas Spanish Churches

ALVARADO, TEX. – From June 7 to 14, just weeks before being elected General Conference (GC) President, Erton Köhler joined a caravan of two dozen individuals visiting Spanish-speaking churches within the Texas Conference. The evangelistic outreach, referred to as the Caravan of Hope, featured Köhler, then-GC executive secretary, as the main speaker. The theme for the week was “Cuando Jesús Llega” (“When Jesus Arrives”). Nearly 200 people were baptized, with an additional 50 preparing for baptism. Many others also committed—or recommitted—their lives to Jesus.

The Caravan of Hope began its evangelistic outreach at the Garland Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church and continued that day at the Dallas Spanish Oak Cliff Seventh-day Adventist Church. From Sunday to Friday evenings, the team led worship services at six Seventh-day Adventist churches: Keene Spanish, Austin Spanish First, San Antonio Spanish Los Tres Ángeles, McAllen Spanish Valley Central, Brownsville Spanish and Houston Spanish Northwest. The week concluded with two final services held at the Houston Spanish Spring Branch Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“Each service featured inspiring music from renowned artists Laura Morena, Heraldos de Esperanza and Japhet Ruiz, creating an atmosphere of worship and celebration,” shared Ismael Castillo, vice president for Hispanic ministries and Spanish evangelism at the Texas Conference. “Thousands gathered—either in person or through livestreaming—to witness powerful sermons, uplifting music and, most importantly, lives transformed by the Gospel.”

“God’s blessings were unmistakable,” said Elton DeMoraes, Texas Conference president. “What began as a casual conversation evolved into a powerful week of hope, touching many hearts with the message of salvation. Elder Köhler’s messages were both timely and impactful. We are grateful that he was able to be here to inspire our church members and those who watched online.”

The Texas Conference media team and volunteers captured the entire event. Under the direction of Andy Esqueche, associate director for communication and public relations, the services were livestreamed. Recordings can be viewed at TexasAdventist.org/cuando-jesus-llega. In addition, photos from the event, taken by Teymi Townsend, assistant director for communication and public relations at the Texas Conference, can be viewed at Flickr.com/TexasAdventist.

“‘Cuando Jesús Llega’ was more than just an event,” Castillo said. “It was a movement that reminded us that when Jesus truly arrives in hearts, miracles happen. I appreciate Pastor DeMoraes’ visionary leadership and his passion for evangelism, which set the stage for this caravan.”

“Elder Castillo, his team and the Spanish church pastors faithfully hold evangelistic series at least twice a year,” DeMoraes added. “It was a privilege to collaborate with them on this initiative. The Texas Conference theme is ‘Together as One,’ and this weeklong event showcased that unity in action. Local church pastors and members embraced visitors, focusing on bringing Jesus to their communities. Incredible music from our professional musicians and powerful messages from Elder Köhler enriched the experience. Everyone was blessed by the Holy Spirit. The dedication and commitment during this week resulted in baptisms and renewed commitments to faith. Surely, Heaven rejoiced as people around the world witnessed and learned about a peace that only Jesus can provide.”

Köhler reflected, “The involvement of the churches, pastors and Texas Conference leadership was amazing. During my time in Texas, we visited seven cities and ten different churches. Participating in this movement, which is part of the North American Division initiative, Pentecost 2025, was truly a blessing.”

Grateful for what God accomplished during that exhilarating yet exhausting week, participants now look forward to what He has in store. Their mission remains clear: to finish the work here on earth so that all may one day live forever with their best friend, Jesus.

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By Tamara Michalenko Terry

Director for Events and

Editorial Services

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