Indiana—More than 150 Hispanic youth from across Indiana met at Timber Ridge Camp Nov. 17–19, 2006, for a Hispanic Youth Congress entitled "Let's Make a Date." Laffit Cortes, New Jersey Conference youth director, spoke about making a date with Jesus, using parallels with dating in human relationships. He described various dating stages and told how to date and fall in love with Jesus. He also spoke about "breaking up" with the world. The message was presented in an innovative, powerful way, all the while leading the youth to focus on the most important thing—Jesus.

Sabbath dawned cold and cloudy, but hearts were warm and happy, especially in the afternoon when Francina Tejeda from the Indianapolis Hispanic Church gave her heart to Jesus in baptism. Many were blessed and inspired a year ago at "Encuentros," the Lake Union Hispanic Youth Congress. At that event, Cortes promised that if anyone got in touch with him he would return for their baptism. Tejeda decided to take him at his word. Cortes later commented that this would be a retreat he would never forget, since he had never before performed a baptism in a freezing lake.

Later, during an appeal, six youth decided to give their lives to Jesus. In the next appeal, the same six came forward again and were joined by several others. Some who came forward had previously visited our churches or small groups a few times, others had known the church for a while longer. Several are now ready for baptism.

The Indiana Hispanic Youth Federation (H2O) worked hard to bring about this event. However, it wasn't human effort that made it a success. The youth leaders and H2O members fasted and prayed for this event at Cortes' request. After the retreat, the youth testified about their experience in their own church. Praise God for His amazing work during this event!

Nelson Silva, Indianapolis Hispanic Church youth leader