By Vanessa Alarcón – Lincoln, Nebraska … Church ministries in the Mid-American Union Conference hosted their 2021 Ministries Convention March 25-28 under the theme “Trust Jesus.” Held virtually, the convention included a mosaic of presentations by ministry departments from around the Union and were presented in both English and Spanish.

Trust in Jesus “is the prayer of the Mid-American Union team, that through  the presentations and seminars, your faith in Jesus will grow,” Roger Wade, former church ministries director, shared in a welcome  letter to registered participants. “[Our prayer is that] you will be filled with the spirit of Jesus, and that you will recommit to following Him.”

The Spanish seminars were hosted by RMC Hispanic Women’s leader, Patty Rivera. Some 60 Hispanic women participated throughout the weekend. Breakout session speakers from the RMC included Vanessa Alarcón and Rochelle Lozano Pérez. Other speakers were Ruth Collins, Adly Campos and Pastor Liz Enid Polanco.

The selection of Spanish seminars ranged from local speakers to international evangelists. The weekend began with Vanessa Alarcón, licensed clinical social worker and lay pastor in the RMC, who discussed the prevalence of depression among adult women and practical ways women’s ministries can support the mental health of their church members.

Ruth Collins, recurring guest speaker for RMC Hispanic ministers, shared an inspiring talk about fear and faith. She recounted her near death experience while commuting to Glacier View Ranch in October 2018 and how the Lord protected her.

International evangelist, Adly Campos,  challenged women to surrender themselves in order to fully trust God. International singer and speaker, Liz Enid Polanco, shared how each of  us can serve as instruments to support those in crisis. Rochelle Lozano, an attorney who is also a frequent preacher for Hispanic churches in the RMC, shared an interactive workshop on emotional intelligence and faith.

“It was nice to connect with women from all over the conference,” remarked Patty Rivera. “Each speaker presented from their own expertise and unique experiences, but all were able to emphasize why it is important to trust in Jesus.”

The seminars ended with a closing dedication and re-commitment ceremony to accept the calling to follow Jesus and fully trust in him.

For future Hispanic Women’s Events for the Rocky Mountain Conference, please contact Patty Rivera at [email protected].

–Vanessa Alacron is pastor for faith engagement at Boulder Adventist Church. Photo supplied.