Nuestra Iglesia, one of Walla Walla University’s student-led churches, was recently awarded a grant through the North Pacific Union’s brand new Spark Tank initiative. Launched in early September this year, the brand-new program is focused on empowering local young adult ministries. 

Nuestra Iglesia and six other teams presented new and innovative ideas to connect with their communities and share the message of Jesus at the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) office in Ridgefield, Washington. Representatives from across the NPUC attended the event to evaluate the ideas and had the opportunity to award $50,000 in funding—which would then be matched by a local church or local conference young adult department—to help launch the initiatives. 

The student leaders of Nuestra Iglesia recognized a need to renew “La Sociedad de Jóvenes Adventistas,” similar to what is known in many English-speaking churches as Adventist youth. The tradition has a longstanding rich history in Spanish-speaking churches and the Nuestra Iglesia team envisions it as a way to create meaningful, bilingual Sabbath afternoon church services for the WWU community. 

Andres Anaya, junior product design major and one of Nuestra Iglesia’s pastors, felt blessed to participate in the program: “It was incredible to see that there are so many people who are invested in building community with Adventist youth. They care about us enough to provide funds for us to try our new ideas.” 

Anaya explained that what sets Nuestra Iglesia apart is its goal to constantly involve new people. The church is always striving to bring in new speakers, greeters, musicians, and people interested in building new communities. Anaya shared that Nuestra Iglesia’s services are fully bilingual and are accessible to those who prefer speaking Spanish or English. 

Follow the activities of Nuestra Iglesia and their mission on campus by visiting their instagram page, @nuestra.iglesia.

Posted Oct. 19, 2023