Illinois—Saturday, June 16, was a glorious and historical day for the Adventist Church in southern Illinois. The Maranatha Hispanic Company (the first Hispanic congregation in southern Illinois) celebrated its first baptism, for the glory and honor of God. As a result of a series of evangelistic meetings presented in April, the Maranatha Company witnessed the promise of Isaiah 55:5 being fulfilled before their eyes: "Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and the Holy One of Israel; for He has glorified you" (NKJV).

The evangelistic meetings were preceded by a health clinic held in the Crossings neighborhood in the city of Carbondale. Richard Piñero, a pastor who leads the congregation, presented the meetings. As a result of this effort, Ricky Trammell and his wife Maria D. Peña dedicated their lives to Christ and were baptized. In addition, 12 people are receiving Bible studies and plan to be united to Christ and His church through baptism.

Praise God for His wonderful works among His people! Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to work in the hearts of all the Hispanics in southern Illinois.

Rachel Terwillegar, assistant to the president for communication, Illinois Conference