A Blessing of Welcome and Farewell: Red Deer Seventh-Day Adventist Church

What a blessing!

A cheerful phrase of excitement was expressed by the congregation of the Red Deer Seventh-day Adventist Church on the day it was announced, welcoming Pastor Moises Ruiz to serve as the senior pastor to the church and community of Red Deer. “Pastor Moises,” as the youth fondly calls him, is a delight with whom to be and work. He is a loving husband to his wife, Katelyn, a devoted dad to his son Zion, and a dedicated servant of God. He is a man of many talents, most of which, if not all, he uses to advance the kingdom of God.

Pastor Moses is an energetic and vibrant person—a passionate and dynamic leader whose passion is to share Jesus with others. His passion coincides with the church's mission “to bring people closer to Jesus.” His diverse talents range from being a dynamic speaker and musician, technology-savvy, and just a well-rounded person. He loves to teach, lead, and mentor young people in worship leading, speaking and preaching, sharing the gospel with others, and building relationships. Pastor Moises, Katelyn, and Zion are dedicated to carrying out the church's mission through godly ministries that create a harmonious and loving community.

Pastor Moises has been active in pastoral service and ministry since he graduated from Burman University in 2007. He has been serving as the youth pastor at the Red Deer Seventh-day Adventist Church for the past eight years and the pastor of Epic Church in Red Deer for the last three years since it first opened. His work continues and will carry on as he steps into his new role as a senior pastor.

The church once again welcomes Pastor Moises and his family as they continue to lead the church in doing God’s ministries.

Pastor Rudy Alvir with his wife Alex and JJ and Sarai

It was a blessing!

This simple but complex phrase was uttered by the Red Deer Seventh-day Adventist Church members when Pastor Rudy Alvir made his official announcement that he was leaving the church to serve as the new youth director at the Utah-Nevada Conference in the United States. The members felt the combined feelings of joy, sadness, and thankfulness when Pastor Rudy announced his planned departure. The church is grateful for the years of service he contributed to the church since he first came with his family to serve in the community of Red Deer back in August 2018.

Pastor Rudy had been instrumental in the furtherance of different programs and ministries in the church and the Alberta Conference during his time in Red Deer. Through his leadership, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the small group ministry of the church became strong and is to this day. His passion for youth ministry prompted his involvement in different and multiple youth programs and activities of the Alberta Conference. Pastor Rudy is a strong leader and a faithful servant of God.

We pray for blessings as he continues his ministry of service. We believe he, together with his wife, Alex, and children, JJ and Sarai, will be a blessing wherever they go to serve.

“I Will Go” is the current mission statement of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists worldwide. True to this, Pastor Moises and Pastor Rudy are examples of how people of God respond when the Holy Spirit calls to go and serve.

God’s church moving is proof that it is alive! Movement is necessary for growth and improvement. We need to exercise and mobilize all aspects of the church function to keep it healthy, growing, and alive. Let us all continue to be a part of the Great Commission: as what “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matt. 28:19, 20, NKJV)

By Marjorie Landicho - Overall Worship Leader Red Deer Adventist Church