When we think of Pentecost, we picture the upper room alive with earnest prayer, the Holy Spirit descending like flames of fire, and 3,000 souls baptized in a single day. That singular event ignited the first-century church and still inspires us nearly 2,000 years later.
Today, the North American Division (NAD) calls us to pray, prepare, and expect God’s transformative power again. The year 2025 has been designated for massive, coordinated evangelism under the bold banner of Pentecost2025. Initially aiming for 3,000 churches and schools to unite in proclaiming Christ’s saving grace, the response has now surged to nearly 5,000 participating entities, illustrating a hunger to see God move as powerfully in our time as He did in the Book of Acts.
Here in the Central California Conference (CCC), we are known for our evangelistic spirit. Of our 173 churches and schools, 151 churches and 18 schools have registered for Pentecost2025—an astounding 169 total, representing over 90% of our conference engaged in this unified mission. From the Sierra foothills to the Pacific coast, from Ghanaian and Hmong communities in Fresno to Russian and Ukrainian groups in San Jose, congregations of diverse language groups are declaring, “We are ready to shine God’s light in our neighborhoods!”
What will this look like? In 2025 alone, our churches and schools plan to host over 4,000 evangelistic efforts—from Bible seminars to community health initiatives—inviting hearts to meet Jesus. Imagine the ripple effect as God’s Word is preached, friendships are formed, and lives are forever changed. Our schools will also play a dynamic role, with teachers and students sharing their faith in innovative ways, demonstrating that young people are essential partners in advancing the Kingdom.
Financially, the NAD has pledged $3,000 to every registered church or school, the Pacific Union Conference is contributing an additional $1,000, and CCC will match another $1,000 for each participating entity—totaling over $1 million in evangelism funds for our territory. Such strong support underscores the urgency and importance of spreading the gospel at this critical moment in history.
The question now is: Will you catch the flame of Pentecost in your own church, school, or local ministry? The same conditions that led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit back then—earnest prayer, humble hearts, and united focus—still apply today. Let’s come together in fervent expectation that God will once again work wonders among us. Join this movement to share the blessed hope of Christ, and let’s invite heaven to unleash another life-changing Pentecost in Central California… and beyond!
By Eddy R. Pérez
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