By Harold Altamirano

At the end of April, the Oregon Conference Latino/Hispanic Ministries hosted its annual RED program for Adventist Latino youth and young adults at the Holden Convention Center in Gladstone, drawing some 200 young attendees from churches across the region. This year’s theme, “Authentic Influence,” resonated deeply with the youth, focusing on fostering genuine relationships with God, self, family, and church community, while equipping young leaders for ministry. The event, led by dynamic speaker, Pastor Levy Laureano, blended spiritual depth, practical training, and cultural connection to inspire and empower the next generation of Adventist leaders.

The retreat kicked off Friday evening with an inspiring worship session led by Echo Praise Team, where Pastor Laureano set the tone with a heartfelt message about intimacy with God as the foundation for authentic relationships. His relatable style, and his personal stories, captivated the audience, encouraging vulnerability and trust. The youth, ranging from teens to young adults, engaged in small group discussions as a form of reflection, training and application in life and ministry. These moments of connection fostered a sense of unity and purpose among attendees.

Saturday’s program started off with a “Pan Dulce” breakfast along with “Champurrado”, a Mexican style hot chocolate. The young worship team led attendees into the presence of God, while Pastor Laureano emphasized deep self-reflection and practical tools for building trust and authenticity in leadership, drawing from biblical examples, his experiences, and relationships. Interactive sessions allowed participants to discuss real-world scenarios, enhancing their confidence in addressing challenges in life and ministry.

One of the highlights of these annual events is the fellowship that happens. Two hundred young adults come together to “hang out” so there is a lot of energy, laughter and consecration. A wholesome lunch was followed by an activity where all were invited into an immersive prayer time.

Many shared testimonies of renewed passion for intimacy with God and for the ministry, inspired by Pastor Laureano’s call for deeper, healthier intimacy. The event closed with a calling and prayer.

With 200 young leaders equipped and inspired, the 2025 RED program left a lasting impact, empowering Adventist Latino youth to transform their churches and communities through authentic, Christ-centered ministry.

Click on any of the photos below to open a gallery of larger images...