Rafaela, Argentina 2025 Report

It was a true honor to serve alongside the Palau NGE Latin American team and everyone involved in this incredible festival and mission. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with such passionate and dedicated individuals, and I’m encouraged by all that was accomplished together. May Jesus be glorfied!

Presented below is a revised report from the Palau Next Generation of Evangelists Latino Team, originally authored by Melanie Espinola.[1]

In the city of Rafaela, Santa Fe, anticipation built as the Palau Rafaela 2025 Festival approached. For a week, from September 27 to October 4, the city came alive with hope, unity, and a powerful sense of purpose. The festival, championed by the New Generation of Evangelists, became a beacon for both the local community and international guests. Hundreds of volunteers and artists poured their energy and talents into the city, ultimately reaching an astounding 24,073 people. By the festival's end, 2,754 individuals expressed a decision of faith in Jesus—a testament to the event’s profound impact.

The crescendo of the week arrived on Friday and Saturday, October 3 and 4, when downtown Rafaela transformed into the epicenter of celebration. The main stage pulsated with dynamic music from renowned artists like Rescate, Las Sandalias, Germán Vega, Samu Robles, DJ Timo, and Matthew Hotton. The festive atmosphere was further animated by BMX stunts and freestyle soccer displays, captivating crowds of all ages. Evangelists Paul Durham and Jonatan Proietti delivered Good News messages in Jesus, while a special Children’s Festival on Saturday morning ensured that the city’s youngest residents were included in the celebration.

Yet, the festival's influence extended beyond these main events. Each day, focused efforts targeted different areas of the community, bringing transformation on multiple fronts. The week kicked off with a sports day at the Physical Education Center (CEF), drawing 586 participants for races, walks, and tournaments. On that day alone, 69 people made the decision to follow Jesus.

Education was another key focus: teams visited nine schools to address issues such as bullying and addiction. These visits reached 1,233 students, with an impressive 655 of them choosing to embrace faith. Meanwhile, the “Women Expo” at the City Museum provided a space for community, entrepreneurship, and live art. Guided by keynote speaker Mimí Ciulla, 381 women gathered, 146 of whom made faith decisions.

Business and professional leaders weren’t left out either. A special meeting on leadership and integrity featured insights from speakers like Luis Quinelli, Gustavo Regner, and PJ Meduri. Among the 87 attending leaders, 30 chose to take steps of faith during the event. Public institutions such as the Provincial Police, Urban Guard, Volunteer and Sapper Firefighters, and Public Services also received visits; these encounters reached 232 employees and resulted in 60 faith decisions.

Perhaps one of the festival’s most visible facets was the street evangelism campaign. In neighborhoods like Barranquitas, Villa Podio, Apadir, and Barrio Italia, as well as in nearby towns such as Colonia Aldao, San Vicente, Susana, and Sunchales, volunteers brought the message directly to the streets, plazas, and bike paths. Across 12 impactful street outreaches, 2,512 people were reached, leading to 509 decisions of faith. A particularly moving moment occurred during a prayer gathering in Rafaela's main square, led by NGE’s global director, Desmond Henry, uniting believers in heartfelt prayer for the city.

The festival’s significance did not go unnoticed by civic leaders. The City Council officially recognized the event as being of “municipal interest,” acknowledging its contributions to values, unity, and hope within the community. In this context, Jonatan Proietti, director of the National Geography (NGE), met with the city’s mayor to discuss the festival’s social and spiritual impact. Local and regional media outlets, including Diario La Opinión de Rafaela, Rafaela Informa, and Rafaela Noticias, provided extensive coverage, highlighting the cooperative spirit among churches and the uplifting message that permeated the city.

Beyond the impressive statistics, the true legacy of the Palau Rafaela 2025 Festival shines through personal testimonies.

Michael Heck reflected on the beauty of seeing children eagerly absorb God’s message and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to unite as a church.

Marcela Japper observed the festival’s deep impact on the city and voiced her hope for continued unity within the church.

Alejandra recounted a moving encounter with a woman who, out of curiosity, approached and ended up experiencing the Gospel for the first time.

Carina, another volunteer, shared how the event rekindled her passion for evangelism and strengthened her faith.

Maria, who served as a Friend of the Festival (follow up counselor when the invitations are given at the end of the Gospel messages), described the experience as magnificent and unprecedented, noting the many who reconciled with God and the renewed zeal among the city’s youth.

The 2025 Palau Rafaela Festival was the culmination of months of dedicated preparation, fervent prayer, and tireless teamwork. Churches, leaders, and volunteers worked passionately together, proving that when the Church stands united, the Good News can truly reach every corner and transform a city.

[1] https://ngepalau.org/rafaela-vivio-una-semana-de-impacto-y-esperanza-con-el-festival-palau-rafaela-2025/ accessed 10.17.2025

Preaching from the main stage

The crowd as I was preaching

Jona preaching

Festival Friend doing follow up work

Festival Friend hugging a new believer

Palau NGE Latin American team - Jona, JuanPi, Melody, MiMi

More Palau NGE Latin American team: Melu and Marcos

Pastors and leaders

A sweet little girl hugged me

PJ Meduri giving a word of encouragement

An artist from the main stage

Happiness in the crowd

Pslam 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not lack.

Al Johnson with soccer skills

Daniel Eduardo

Children’s outreach

Firefighters outreach

Women’s outreach

Women’s outreach

BMX stunts

School outreach

Public park outreach

Sports team outreach

Worship

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