At 12, Young Evangelist Leads Others to Baptism in Dominican Republic

Twelve-year-old Perla Suribell Salas never imagined she would stand before a group of children, adolescents, and adults to share biblical messages—but in March she did just that, leading an evangelistic small-group campaign that resulted in 12 baptisms.

“I like seeing how God uses me to bless others,” Perla said simply.

Her weeklong series, titled “Live Without Fear,” was held March 14-21 at her home church, Nueva Esperanza, in Villa Isabela, Puerto Plata. The initiative brought together participants of all ages, with a special emphasis on children and adolescents who had previously received Bible studies.

Supported by her mother, Elibel Reynoso; her pastor, Richard Soto; and members of her local congregation, Perla served as the primary speaker during the meetings. By the end of the campaign 10 children and two adults had committed their lives through baptism.

Her accomplishment was later recognized during a special celebration organized by the North Dominican Conference, where church leaders, district pastors, and invited guests, including representatives from the General Conference and institutions across the Inter-American Division, gathered to mark the impact of the evangelistic initiative.

Perla’s story stood out as one of a broader movement taking shape across the Dominican Union.

A Territory-Wide Evangelistic Initiative

The campaign was part of a unionwide evangelistic emphasis that mobilized all local fields across the Dominican Union. Each year, the union selects a territory to receive focused support, and in 2026 the North Dominican Conference served as the epicenter.

The initiative came after 40 days of prayer and spiritual preparation, followed by small-group meetings and 63 large public campaigns across the territory.

As a result 1,020 baptisms were recorded, and more than 900,000 people were reached through social media outreach.

Abner De los Santos, president of the Inter-American Division, joined the closing event as the main speaker during a large gathering held March 20-21, where he highlighted the growing involvement of children and youth in evangelism across the territory.

Pointing to Perla’s experience, he emphasized that God is calling and using younger generations in mission. “God wants to use young people and children like her,” he said, noting that willingness, not age, is what matters. As he prayed, he added that when young people step forward, the work advances, affirming that God can use any child or youth committed to serving.

Training a New Generation for Mission

Perla completed the Evangelistic Training School developed by the Dominican Union’s Children’s and Adolescents’ Ministries Department.

“The program seeks to equip children and adolescents to actively participate in public evangelism,” said Kenia Almánzar, the union’s Children’s and Adolescents’ Ministries director. “We are not just teaching them; we are preparing them to lead.”

Launched in 2024 as part of the quinquennial plan Nehemiah Mission: I Will Go, the program was developed in collaboration with Dominican Adventist University, and offers training in preaching, Bible studies, small-group leadership, and spiritual development.

The first cohort included 26 children in 2024, with 23 completing their second year of training in 2025.

Participation is selective, with local conferences identifying candidates based on their gifts and commitment. “We are forming children with potential and commitment to the mission,” Almánzar said.

The two-year program includes annual weeklong residential sessions at the university, supported by ministry leaders, instructors, pastors, and, in some cases, parents.

From Training to Impact

Although only Perla participated as a speaker in the recent campaign, her experience demonstrates the effectiveness of the model.

Her journey has been progressive, beginning with participation in Adventurers programs and local church activities, and expanding through formal training in such areas as Bible studies, preaching, and leading small groups, said Almánzar.

“Perla’s story is very special,” Almánzar noted. “She was dedicated to the Lord from birth, and today she has grown into an evangelist.”

For Perla, the experience has strengthened her spiritual life and deepened her relationship with God.

“It has helped me grow closer to God,” she said.

A Broader Vision for the Church

“Although the program is recent, it is already making a significant impact,” Almánzar said. “It has awakened a greater interest in evangelism among children and adolescents and motivated churches to involve them more intentionally.”

She pointed to Perla’s campaign as a clear example of what is possible.

“When children are trained and trusted, God can use them in powerful ways,” she said.

The long-term goal is to prepare at least 50 children and adolescents to lead public evangelistic efforts across the territory, Almánzar said. The union has also committed financial support to ensure selected participants can attend training.

A Call to Invest in the Next Generation

For Almánzar, the urgency of investing in younger generations remains clear.

“Training our children today is not optional; it is essential,” she said. “We are living in a time of uncertainty, when faith faces great challenges. We must prepare them to be agents of hope.”

She added that involving children in mission has a broader impact beyond the individual. “When a child learns to preach and share their faith, it not only transforms their life—it impacts their family, their church, and their community,” she said.

Pointing to Perla’s experience, Almánzar said it illustrates what can happen when young people are equipped and supported to serve. What began as a simple step of faith, she noted, has become a testimony of the impact of intentional training and involvement in mission.

Church leaders across the Dominican Union say the initiative is helping shift the focus toward actively involving children and adolescents in mission.

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.