Ten years ago, Spanish-speaking youth evangelists traveled to The Bahamas to participate in a missionary endeavor that would have a significant impact on the conference. Out of this effort, the La Senda de la Vida church was formed. Today, the church has grown tremendously, and this past weekend, it was the site of another historic event in the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. 

 From May 5th -7th, dozens of Seventh-day Adventist youth in Nassau attended the La Senda De La Vida church for the conference’s first Hispanic Youth Congress. When deciding on the speaker for the event, the youth department invited a special guest who has a personal connection to La Senda de la Vida church. 

Pastor Abdy Gonzales who is currently serving in Mexico was one of the individuals involved in the Inter-American Division’s 100-student church planting movement in 2013. South Bahamas Conference Youth Director, Pastor Jamal Franklyn was also among the student volunteers and was the first pastor of La Senda de la Vida. 

 “It’s a church that is now a part of the sisterhood of churches,” Pastor Franklyn said. “We brought those students, and they did community service among the Hispanic community… and as a result, the church has been planted and it has grown to include cultures from Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Cuba, Panama, Venezuela and Mexico.”

Under the theme “Dame Fe” translated as “Give Me Faith” the weekend focused on different ways young people can strengthen their faith as they face everyday trials while being a witness to others. As a pastor who focuses on youth ministries, Abdy said it is vital that youth hold on to faith to continue the mission of the gospel.

 “It's [faith’s] purpose is to remind us of the importance of it in the lives of young people, so that their faith may increase, so that together, through the Holy Spirit, we can conquer souls and bring others to the feet of Jesus,” Pastor Gonzalez added. 

During the Friday evening service, members and guests enjoyed a panel discussion with Pastor Franklyn, Pastor Gonzalez and Pastor Duffis along with their wives. They shared the importance of Godly relationships. 

The Sabbath morning program was filled with lots of praise as church members and community members worshipped in Spanish. President of the South Bahamas Conference Pastor Kenny Deveaux thanked the youth department for creating a positive impact within the Spanish community of our country. 

The service included music, a drama presentation by La Senda youth as well as a club induction led by Pastor Franklyn. This was the first Pathfinder induction held for the church and was supported by Pathfinders master guides and youth leaders from around the conference. 

The youth congress also witnessed a new believer stand for Christ. During Pastor Abdy’s charge, he reminded the congregation that God can and is doing the impossible every day. He can use us despite our faith to show us how far we can grow.

Elder Osvaldo Rodriguez Bueno, who was baptized during Pastor Gonzalez’s first trip to The Bahamas, presented a gift to Pastor Gonzalez and his wife on behalf of the Church and Youth department.  

The congress concluded with an evening of songs of praise as youth groups from our churches lifted their voices in English and Spanish.