Youth Congress in Puerto Rico Mobilizes Digital Evangelism Movement

More than 200 young people gather for special initiative, blending faith, service, and social media outreach to advance the mission.

April 15, 2026 | Arecibo, Puerto Rico | Laura Durán and Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

More than 200 young people recently gathered in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, for a Seventh-day Adventist Church initiative  aimed at equipping youth to use digital platforms for evangelism and positive influence.

Held under the theme “Rise & Serve,” the event held, March 14, brought together 240 participants for a full-day, hands-on experience that combined worship, reflection, and community outreach with practical training in digital mission.

Organized by the North Puerto Rican Conference, the congress emphasized moving beyond theory by integrating service and online engagement, encouraging participants to actively share their faith in meaningful ways.

“This call to rise and shine, inspired by the prophet Isaiah, has been central to this congress,” said Edmundo Aquino, communication director of the North Puerto Rican Conference. “Now more than ever, the church—especially young people—must embrace that calling amid today’s challenges, using both traditional and nontraditional methods to share the gospel and connect with others.”

Aquino explained that the congress is the first initiative of its kind led by the communication department specifically designed for youth, offering a practical, faith-based approach to digital evangelism.

Youth for Mission in the Digital Space

The program also featured a panel discussion led by university students Janiel Colón, Gabriella Tolentino, Leilani Cancel, and Sebastián Adorno, volunteer hosts Unfiltered–a Hope Media Puerto Rico podcast engaging young people aimed at engaging young people aged 15 to 25 by addressing everyday topics from a biblical perspective.. The group addressed topics such as the impact of social media on spiritual life, the pressure to conform online, and the importance of authenticity in digital spaces.

Participants were invited to reflect on their own content consumption and consider how their platforms could be transformed into tools for evangelism.

“Social media is not the enemy; the problem is when we fail to share our faith consistently,” Aquino emphasized, noting that the mission field extends far beyond physical spaces into the digital world where millions interact daily.

Guest speaker Pastor Kelvin Rodríguez challenged attendees to live their faith intentionally, reminding them of their influence. “God does not have to call you to be a disciple for you to understand that you are a person of influence,” he said, encouraging young people to recognize opportunities to serve and reflect God’s love in everyday life.

Action Through Community Service

The congress also saw young participants engaging in community service activities such as writing letters to incarcerated individuals, visiting children’s and elderly homes, conducting drive-through prayer initiatives, and distributing books and magazines.

“It was very moving to write letters to people deprived of freedom, pray for them without knowing them, and ask God to guide my words,” said Leyka Nieves. “It was one of the best experiences I had during the congress.”

Attendees expressed a renewed commitment to sharing their faith online. “We need to use our phones to share the love of Jesus, because almost all young people are on social media, and we can do a lot to reach them,” said 16-year-old student Yabrieliz Vargas.

The event also served as a starting point for ongoing training in digital evangelism, as organizers plan to equip interested youth with practical skills in the coming weeks.

Organizers said the congress emerged from the Unfiltered podcast, which was launched in October 2025 to engage young people through relevant, faith-based conversations.

Called to Engage in OneVoice27

Toward the close of the event, Pastor Luis Rivera, president of the Puerto Rican Union, encouraged young people to use their talents, especially in communication, as powerful tools for mission.

“I called on our youth to use their talents, particularly in media, to impact lives and share the message of the three angels,” Rivera said. He also invited them to actively participate in the global OneVoice27 initiative, announcing that the union will provide financial support to three churches that publicly committed to joining the effort in September 2027.

Rivera underscored the importance of events like Rise & Serve, noting that they help shape, connect, and inspire a new generation.

“In a world where communication shapes perceptions and drives action, preparing young people with purpose and values is essential for the advancement of the mission,” he said. “These events not only develop skills but also strengthen identity, commitment, and a sense of belonging.”

He added that he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the participants. “It was inspiring to see so many young people willing to serve. Their active involvement confirms that the future of the church is in good hands,” he said. “As leaders, our challenge is to support them, give them space, and trust their leadership. When young people rise to serve, the mission moves forward with strength.”

Rivera invited youth to participate actively in OneVoice27, noting that the union will support three churches committed to the initiative in September 2027.