Unleashing Passion: Holy Week at North Valley Church

ALBUQUERQUE – At North Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, a spiritual journey unfolded during the week leading up to Easter Sunday. Angel Heredia, known for his long-standing leadership at Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church in Las Vegas, Nev., responded to a call from his friend and colleague, Saul Flores, pastor of the North Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, to lead a series of evangelistic meetings aimed at the youth.

The theme for the week, “Unleashed Passion: The Holy Week of Jesus,” resonated deeply with attendees. Each day was filled with prayer, worship and inspirational messages. The focus was following the journey of Jesus from crucifixion to resurrection, and the transformative power of His sacrifice.

The culmination of this spiritually-charged week was a sunrise service and the baptism of seven individuals, ranging from children to adults, who were moved to make a commitment to their faith. Among them were brothers Santiago Hernandez Marquez, aged nine, and Mateo Hernandez Marquez, aged seven, baptized together by their father, Alex Marquez, an ordained elder of North Valley church who is studying to be a pastor. The touching moment was a testament to familial unity and spiritual dedication.

Another moving baptism was that of Aliosky Fernández Mitjan, a newcomer to the area, who found solace and purpose in his newfound faith. Joslen Lache, North Valley church associate pastor, recounted Mitjan’s journey from Cuba with admiration, stating, “Aliosky came a long way inspired and ready to work for the Lord.”

The week also witnessed the enthusiasm of individuals like Kristian Calderon, an active youth of North Valley, and the recommitment of Oscar Villanueva, which showed Villanueva’s renewal of faith and a return to the church community. Perhaps most emotive was the union of Noel Mercado and his now-wife, Martha, who not only celebrated their marriage that week but also sealed their commitment to God through baptism.

As Heredia aptly summarized, “We have a destiny that was carved on the cross of Calvary and it is to be with Jesus for eternity.” This sentiment captured the essence of the week—a reminder of the enduring presence of divine love and guidance amidst life’s trials, leading us towards an eternal union with Jesus.

As the week drew to a close, the North Valley church was filled with a renewed sense of joy and purpose as the spirit of God moved. Inspired by this transformative Holy Week, the congregation was eager to continue bringing more souls to Christ. Truly, the passion for Jesus was unleashed, igniting hearts and souls in a celebration of the timeless message of redemption and renewal serving as encouragement for the days to come.

By Debby Márquez

Communication Director