Hundreds Board the 'Caravan of Hope’

Story by Debra Anderson

The Potomac Conference’s Hispanic Ministries Department recently held its annual evangelistic campaign called “Caravan of Hope.” Every night for more than a week, the caravan made stops at different churches, bringing a message of hope to hundreds of families as they battled COVID-19, unemployment and turbulent family relationships.

International evangelist Alejandro Bullón was the featured speaker for the nine-night campaign. Bullón traveled from his home in Brazil to deliver Christ-centered messages on the importance of the resilience of a family. The theme of the evangelistic effort was “Jesus, Revive My Family.” Captivated attendees listened to Bullón’s practical applications for building one’s faith and implementing godly strategies in developing healthy families.

“Strengthening the family is essential,” says Rafael Soto, director of Hispanic Ministries for the conference. “It is important that we provide our members opportunities to grow in their faith and consecrate, or in some cases, reconsecrate themselves to a God who loves them unconditionally.”

More than 3,000 people braved the cold weather to attend meetings in Washington, D.C., and Maryland churches in Langley Park, Goshen and Wheaton. In Virginia, attendees poured into church facilities in Manassas, Newport News, Richmond, Dumfries and Alexandria. The services were livestreamed every night for those who could not make it to the in-person meetings. Nightly hosts Carolina Duran and Tatiana Ovalle and correspondents Carlo Duran and Williams Ovalle kept the more than 30,000 online viewers well informed as they interviewed participants and attendees.

In addition to the nightly preaching, attendees joined seminars on building and enhancing the dynamic of family relationships. Presenters Roger and Kathy Hernandez, Ministerial secretary and Evangelism coordinator for the Southern Union, respectfully, taught on finances, marriage and raising spiritually, emotionally healthy children.

“I was moved every night as Pastor Bullón preached Jesus and His saving grace,” says Jose Vazquez, vice president of Administration for the conference. “People are longing for a closer walk with God; they want to increase their faith and live a better life. The evidence of that was manifested as we witnessed many people with tears in their eyes responding to the nightly appeal. The Holy Spirit was certainly present in every meeting.”

When the caravan finished, 33 precious souls joined the family of God through baptism. In 2022, Hispanic Ministries will focus on several initiatives. Plans include more discipleship training for members and engaging second- and third-generation members in becoming more active in their churches.