As tensions rise across our nation, the IWU Latino Student Association (LSA) works to combat fear and hatred with the joy and hope found in worship.
On Friday night in the Jones Banquet Room, LSA held its second official event as a newly-approved student organization: La Vigila, a night of worship, prayer and shared testimonies.
In keeping with the deeply-ingrained Latino value of hospitality, LSA kickstarted its event by providing homemade flautas for attendees. This completely student-led and -planned event was co-sponsored by the Social Work Club, which also provided refreshments.
Despite the numerous “hiccups” that LSA encountered while planning this event, Karen Taperia Hernandez, the organization’s Discipleship Coordinator, never lost the vision for what it could be.
“No matter who’s here, or how many…this is an important way to let the Holy Spirit work through people,” Taperia Hernandez said.
The night began with a brief address by the LSA members on the purpose of the event. “La Vigila” means “to the vigilance,” LSA’s president Wilka Medrano explained. The purpose of the event was to foster vigilance for the Holy Spirit, grounding ourselves in him even when we face upheaval.
In the midst of the pervading fear spreading through the Latino community, we must find our peace in prayer and worship, Hernandez said. Despite the challenges Latinos are facing, joy and hope can still be found in the presence of the Holy Spirit.
An LSA member opened the event with the recitation of an original spoken-word piece about identity and heritage, then opened the floor for testimonies.
El Takpale, an attendee at the event, emphasized the positive impact of hearing students give their testimonies.
“I love how they shared their testimonies with honesty…in their own ways,” Takpale said.
The night ended with worship, led by a small student band. The loosely structured evening created an intimate atmosphere where the presence of the Holy Spirit was evident, fulfilling Hernandez’s hope that La Vigila would remind attendees of God’s constant presence.
While still a fledgling student organization, LSA is quickly becoming an influential contributor to the IWU campus community, becoming a beacon of hope and joy in a time of uncertainty and fear.
