Commencement Testimony: Through this journey, I've come to believe that holiness is love made visible in community, not perfection, but belonging. May we work together to form communities of healing and reconciliation, reflecting trinitarian relationships. I'm grateful for my parents, Albert, and the kiddos, whose sacrificial support has sustained me, and for the NTS faculty who has formed me. Thanks be to God who is still making us one.
I recently heard a preacher say from the pulpit that we are called to love the immigrant, no matter what kind of papers they have. After the service, young people raised in immigrant families came forward with tears rolling down their faces, thanking him for speaking to wounds they carry every day.
Later, I overheard someone say that telling the immigrant story does not belong in the church.
That question is not new. Jesus was asked it first: Who is my neighbor? His answer was not the lawful, the familiar, or the comfortable, but the one who showed mercy and compassion.
Jesus: Go and do likewise.
We had 100 pastors grapple with these questions in small groups during our LEAD Day district event over the weekend. It was beautiful to see up to 6 different languages represented at these tables doing the holy work of inclusive belonging and dialogue.
Another LEAD (Leadership Equipping and Assessment) Day is in the books—one of our three core gatherings each year. We were deeply blessed by Dr. Wilfredo Canales and Dr. Michael Lodahl, who guided us in rich and faithful conversations on holiness.
It is truly a joy to serve alongside our Board of Ministry members, who pour out their hearts for our ministerial preparation candidates. I was unexpectedly moved to tears on the first night simply by seeing them together, overwhelmed by my deep affection and gratitude for each one. Over the years, we have intentionally cultivated a district marked by camaraderie and belonging, and this gathering reflected that beautiful reality.
One especially holy moment was the Global Café, where small groups wrestled with challenging questions about holiness. Some tables represented as many as six different languages. I love that our district does not see linguistic diversity as a problem to solve, but as a gift—one that deepens our shared culture, expands our imagination, and enriches our learning together.
The WHWC board, planning committee, preachers, and workshop facilitators gathered on Zoom yesterday for a time of connection and to walk through the conference schedule. What unfolded was a holy moment. We sensed the Spirit present among us, and as each woman spoke, her voice bore witness to the faithfulness of God.
Compassion and grace are being poured out in and through these women, for the sake of every daughter who will attend the conference. We are prayerfully anticipating healing, strengthening, and fresh anointing. Thanks be to God.
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