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Oakwood University Hosts Historic Evangelism Event in Collaboration with Southern Union, Gulf States Conference, and South Central Conference

Oakwood "Revive" evangelistic event baptisms on Feb. 25, 2023

A baptism is celebrated at the Oakwood University "Revive" evangelistic event culmination on Feb. 25, 2023. Photo provided by Isaac Ibarra/Oakwood University

“I conduct around 14 evangelism meetings every year; however, I’ll remember this one,” said Roger Hernandez, ministerial and evangelism director for the Southern Union Conference. Hernandez was talking about the successful “Revive” evangelism meeting that took place on the Oakwood University campus on February 17-25, 2023, an event sponsored and directed by Hernandez.

It was the first time that the Southern Union, Oakwood University, and the Gulf States and South Central conferences came together with one mission on the university campus: saving souls for the kingdom.

Julio Chazarreta, Hispanic coordinator for Southern Union, began the meetings as speaker from Feb. 17 to 21, followed by Hernandez from Feb. 22 to 25.

Pastors with their churches in proximity of Oakwood University gathered at C.T. Richards Moseley Complex to hear God’s Word. As the result, more than 100 souls were added to the kingdom by baptism and profession of faith, including several of Oakwood’s Latino students.

Enoc Balbuena, pastor of Oakwood Latino church, hosted the event making sure that the experience on the campus was successful. Balbuena and Isaac Ibarra, special assistant to the Oakwood president for diversity and inclusion, prepared a delicious meal to feed 700 people who attended the Sabbath service at the Oakwood Adventist Academy. Oakwood president Leslie Pollard and Calvin Watkins, North American Division vice president, visited and witnessed the “Revive” event. The culmination of the event took place at the Oakwood University Church with a mini concert and baptism celebration.

Oakwood University evangelism event attendees in Feb. 2023