decided to attend Southwestern Adventist University because I believed back then that it was the best way for me to figure out how to serve God. Now that I am on the other end of my education at Southwestern I am of the firm belief that God planned for me to be there. It was my experience at Southwestern that prepared me for the pastoral ministry that I have done. By no means did I receive all the answers to all the challenges that I have faced since my time in the classroom. However I certainly received important tools that have equipped me in my journey as a pastor. 

During the 2008-2009 school year I was assigned to the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church as a student pastor under the mentorship of Pastor Russ Laughlin. I was later invited back to be the youth pastor at Keene. I learned so many valuable lessons that reaffirmed the education I received at Southwestern. I am now the senior pastor at Lubbock Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

As a result of the education, exposure and mentorship that I received at Southwestern I have purposed in my heart to always do my part, with the Lord’s help, to bring people to Jesus. I went to Southwestern because I believed that it was the best way for me to find ways serve the Lord and I am so glad that I did! 

Geraldo Alonso, Class of 2009, theology