November 16, 2024

Dear Church Family,

Today is a very special Sabbath for
our congregation as we welcome
some extraordinary guests from
Southwestern Adventist University
(SWAU). This occasion is not just a
regular Sabbath service; it is a
celebration of higher Adventist
education in our Southwestern Union. It brings me great
joy to see the students here with us today, and I hope
you feel the same excitement!

I want to take a moment to share my personal
experience with SWAU. I had the privilege of attending
this wonderful institution, where I completed two
bachelor’s degrees—one in business administration and
another in theology. Looking back, I can confidently say
that attending SWAU has been one of the greatest
blessings of my life. The education I received, the
friendships I formed, and the spiritual growth I
experienced have all shaped who I am today. It is my
hope that many of you consider the opportunities that
SWAU offers, not just for academic growth but for
spiritual enrichment as well.

Today, our university students will lead out in our
service, and I encourage you to open your hearts to the
blessings they will bring. We are especially excited to
hear from Allan Diaz, a senior theology major and
student chaplain. Allan is a remarkable young man who
has dedicated his life to serving God and his peers. I am
eager to hear the message that God has placed on his
heart for us today. Let’s support him with our prayers
and encouragement as he shares with us.

As we enjoy this special Sabbath, I also want to share
that next week we will begin a new sermon series titled
“Finding Your Calling.” This series aims to help us
explore and understand God’s plan for our lives. I
believe that it will be a source of inspiration and
guidance for all of us, leading us toward a deeper
understanding of our individual purposes in the grand
tapestry of God’s creation.

May this Sabbath be a time of renewal and blessing for
each of you. I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you,
granting you the rest and peace that only comes from
God. Let us embrace the blessings of this day and look
forward to the journey ahead.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Raul Alvarez