For this year’s student-led Week of Worship, titled “Give Me the Mountains,” ten speakers bravely stepped up to share their testimonies about how God has worked in their lives.
When first presented with the idea of speaking for Week of Worship, many of the speakers were excited but hesitant. Jonathan Galindo, whose speech was titled “He Enables the Called,” said he questioned whether he was truly capable and ready to speak in front of so many people. Others shared similar sentiments, but ultimately all prayed and chose to trust in God’s calling.
Another speaker, Angel Venegas, said, “I was pretty nervous to speak, but what I learned is that when God calls you to do something it’s because he’s going to be there the entire time to help you.” In his speech, “Jesus is Always On Time,” Venegas shared his journey with doubt.
Venegas had struggled academically all through high school and into his first year of community college. After that initial collegiate experience, he even chose to drop out of school entirely. Two years later though, he returned to college when he felt God’s call, this time prioritizing his studies and trusting.
Continuing to fully trust in God’s plan and presence, Venegas’ next step brought him to WWU where he improved his grades. All that work paid off when he was able to raise his GPA to the point of qualifying for and even receiving the NextGen Pastor scholarship—a scholarship designed to equip and recruit the next generation of pastors.
Ever since he was 16 years old, Venegas had been drawn towards pastoral ministry, but for the past six years he had been doubting God’s plan for his life. He had been believing in the lie that it was too late to follow his dream, but now his goal felt within reach. “I believe in the will of God, and he is never late to his promises,” said Venegas.
Week of Worship is a quarterly tradition meant to bring Walla Walla University closer to God. Every fall quarter, however, the Associated Students of Walla Walla University (ASWWU) put on a special student-led week of worship in the hopes of creating a space for students to disconnect from their busy academic lives, connect with God, and grow with fellow students.
Many of this year’s speakers were grateful for the chance to share their personal stories in the hope of encouraging their peers. Faith Montes chose to share her talk, “It’s My Mountain, Lady,” because she remembered how alone she felt through her struggles. She said, “I didn’t know if other people would be able to relate, but it didn’t matter. It was my mountain, and God and I needed to share it!”
Luke Ganson, ASWWU spiritual vice president, felt that providing opportunities like this, where students can share their spiritual gifts and connect with their community, is incredibly important. At the end of the week he said, “I could clearly see that God is here on this campus.”
Posted Dec. 9, 2024
