Mendoza

Bro. Pascual Soret was the only one of the guest evangelists who preached two, one-week campaigns. His first was in Mendoza, about 70 Km from Pinar del Rio. Due to our travel schedule we were unable to visit that site. We were able to visit his campaign in Viñales during our visit to Pinar del Rio.
	What a difference three kilometers can make. The next church we visited was Viñales (◄), just a short distance away from the other SDA Churches in Pinar del Rio. This church was located in a very poor section of the city. Here there were no paved streets, no street lights, and the church was surrounded by homes in disrepair. But, what a warm wonderful welcome we received! It shows that the Lord can work His wonders regardless of the condition of the community. The pastor told us that they were averaging 50 adult guests each evening, in addition to members as well as another 90 children!
The Evangelist, Pascual Soret (►), a businessman from Spain, is the type of individual who's energetic, happy, full of love and a pleasure to watch. He had already completed 8 days of meetings at the Mendoza Church .At that church there were 100-150 people visiting and last Sabbath he baptized 13. Four more people will be baptized this next Sabbath (Feb. 2). He also left 40 more people in Mendoza preparing for baptism.
	We could tell this is a very active church just by reading the announcement of visitors, meetings and other activities that were posted on the bulletin board just outside the entrance to the church. Everyone entering the church stopped to read it.

The children's program was being held out in the back yard (►) and you could feel the energy rise as you approached the area. The Lord's message was being delivered in every way from a blackboard presentation (above, right) to a clown doing pantomime (▲).
This church had one thing in common with the other ones that we visited. When we arrived before meeting we found people reading their bibles and studying everywhere (below, right). In addition, at every church there was always somebody praying for the success of these meetings (below, left).

That success would come and everyone's prayers would be answered was evident when Bro. Soret made a call and it seemed almost everyone in the church stood and came to the platform (left, below). It was a wonderful sight. After meeting Bro. Soret and the pastor met with a group, (below, right) who was planning to be baptized to give them some orientation.

Aydee Padron (in the center in the picture below with the pastor on the left and Bible Worker, Neynalto Traviese on the right) told us, "I was a Seventh-day Adventist many years ago. Then I left the church and led an evil life. I was so involved in terrible, sinful conduct that I thought I could never return to Jesus. But one day I realized that Jesus still loves me and I came back to Him. My family are dedicated Seventh-day Adventists and they had been praying for me all the years I had turned my back on God. Now I know that Jesus is my best friend and He is the best thing that could happen to me. Aydee was baptized Feb 2, 2002.