NEWSPAPER

"For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand.  Saying to you: 'Fear not.  I will help you' " (Isaiah 41:13).  Centered on this text, our Spiritual Emphasis Week, April 12-19, 2008, had as its theme: "Taking Hold of His Hand", with Pastor Bernardo Rodríguez, Youth Ministries Director at the Inter American Division of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

This Week was highlighted by the warm student reception, in spite of the imminent closing of the semester, with which it set aside time to reconnect with God.  During this Week, we were able to better comprehend the fact that His Hand is held outstretched to us, not wanting us to draw away from His presence.  When we place ourselves in His loving hands, great things occur.  First, He blesses us, in spite of our human imperfections, so that we may be filled with His Spirit to perform marvels in His Name, like David with the stone and the fragile sling.  Pastor Rodríguez was able to capture the youth's, as well as the faculty's, attention in a way that only God can fathom.   At the end of the week, we could perceive a peaceful atmosphere conducive to reflection on the daily transformation Christ performs within each individual, which in turn is reflected in our words and in our actions.

To close off the Week, we enjoyed a traditional Youth Sabbath.  We were able to realize that each of us, His children, are God's hands on earth.  We must use God's hands to take the Gospel to those that still don't realize the Lord's hands are extended to all in blessing.

At the end of the Week, two people made a firm decision for Christ through baptism; two others decided to formally study the Bible to grasp unto God's Hand.  It is our prayer and hope that this Week has presented a great blessing for our University community and for the community at large.

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By: Jaime Iván López, UAA Church
Student Assistant to the Pastor