Palau Hispanic event in Portland draws overflow crowds

   PORTLAND — One of the largest indoor gatherings ever staged by and for the Northwest Hispanic community came to the Oregon Convention Center recently for Viva La Vida: Festival Hispano 2007. Organizers and convention center officials estimated more than 11,000 people in attendance at the two-day festival.
   The Luis Palau Association collaborated with Association of Hispanic Evangelicals of the Northwest and dozens of local churches for the Oct. 26 and 27 event. “The turnout exceeded our most optimistic expectations,” said event organizer Felix Rosales. “Festival Hispano had several of the country’s most honored and respected Latinos on stage, and the people definitely turned out to hear them.”
   Palau, the Portland-based international evangelist, headlined the activities and his messages drew more than 350 recorded decisions to follow Jesus Christ. Grammy-winning music artist Marcos Witt on Friday afternoon guided a leadership training session, which he followed with a rousing musical performance on Friday night.
   Saturday’s schedule included a marriage workshop attended by 2,000 and led by author/evangelist Jaime Miron. A broad range of musical styles was offered by pop singer Marisol, mariachi Karina Moreno and her band, and reggaeton artist Funky. Raggaeton is a mix of rap and raggae with a Latin flair.
   The Saturday evening activities were filled to capacity shortly after the doors opened. Individuals and families had traveled to the event from as far away as western Canada and central Washington.
    It is estimated that more than one million Latinos live in Oregon and Washington. Fewer than three percent regularly attend church and the average attendance in a Hispanic church is 48.
   “What a blessing to have so many brothers and sisters come together to celebrate God and have a great time,” said Rosales. “The impact of the Hispanic community in the Northwest is significant, and we look forward to working together with Luis Palau and his team to have more events like this in the future.”