COMMENCEMENT 2021 Distinguished Alumnus
Writing new chapters Photo by Cali Godley
By Rev. Dr. Jorge William de Castro Abdala ’16 (D.Min.) The Graduate School of Theology celebrated the Classes of 2020 and 2021 on May 22. At the ceremony, Rev. Dr. Jorge William de Castro Abdala ’16 (D.Min.) was recognized as the San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) 2021 distinguished alumnus and shared the following remarks:
I
am honored and humbled to be recognized among the distinguished alumni at SFTS, now part of the University of Redlands Graduate School of Theology. It is an even greater honor to be placed alongside the distinguished ranks of my fellow nominees, all of whom have made important contributions to the life of their communities. It means a lot to be recognized by a university that has enabled me to accomplish so many things in my life. For that, I am eternally grateful. Special thanks go to • Rev. Dr. Janet Bower, for having the generosity to nominate me • SFTS Alumni Council • Rev. Dr. Jana Childers • Two most important persons who have helped shaped my life and are always standing by my side: my wife, Andrea, and my son, Joshua • And I also recognize my father, my mother, my brother, and all those responsible for this great honor Six weeks ago, when I received notification of having been selected for this award, I was able to take a gratitudefilled journey down memory lane. One important part of my story began when I was about six months old, and I suffered a severe traumatic brain injury involving a fracture of the skull and a concussion. The severity of this accident could have led to permanent distortion in my cognitive reasoning, impairing my physical coordination, and causing psychological degeneration, all with the likelihood of stunted brain growth or even death. My condition was critical, so my parents kept vigil—and never stopped praying to God for me. Their prayers promised God that if He saved me, they would dedicate me to Him. The Lord heard their prayers, and by His mercy, I was saved (both physically and spiritually). I was dedicated to God for all the days of my life. By God’s grace, I have accomplished so many amazing things. I was able to
pursue degrees and studies in philosophy, psychology, and theology. I was ordained in May 1992 by the Presbyterian Church Philadelphia in São Paulo, Brazil, and have visited more than 20 countries (including those in Central and South America and Europe). In 2004, I moved to California after accepting an invitation to serve as the Latin American coordinator for the Knox Fellowship of Burlingame in evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development. In May 2006, I responded to God’s call to raise a new ministry to Brazilians in the Bay Area. At that time, I remember having 12 people for the very first Bible study in the Lighthouse at First Presbyterian Church San Mateo, where someone said to me, “Padre Jorge, that’s a good number to start a ministry. I know a story of a man who started his ministry with the very same number of disciples.” A year later, a Brazilian fellowship was formed, with over 80 people welcomed into the Presbytery of San Francisco. As my ministry with Brazilian fellowship was underway, it was time for me to pursue a Doctor of Ministry and improve in my field of study. As a believer that everyone should be a lifelong learner, this chance to study at SFTS brought me joy. And that’s why my love and gratitude for SFTS are so tremendous. To put it briefly, what SFTS did for me, and many others is what a good seminary should do: equip and prepare us to be used mightily for the glory of God’s kingdom on earth. As far as I know, I am the first Brazilian to graduate from this University; this brings honor to me and my people—for this, SFTS holds a special place in my heart. Currently, I serve as the pastor of the Brazilian Presbyterian Church and Latinos Unidos en Cristo, both ministries in the San Francisco Bay Area. I also serve as the moderator for the National Portuguese Language Presbyterian Council. I am committed to carrying out an integrated mission program in my community that
“We are all distinguished by God’s grace, and by sacrificing ourselves for others and having received a great education here at SFTS—we are all blessed!” —Rev. Dr. Jorge William de Castro Abdala ’16 (D.Min.)
meets not only spiritual but also physical, intellectual, social, and emotional needs. I feel called to help, minister, and offer pastoral care to a community of the most vulnerable people in this land. Today feels like a day to celebrate, but also an opportunity to be reflective and share with you some of my hopes. I hope that each of you in this audience considers writing together Acts 29. If you go to Acts 29 in the Bible, you’ll notice there is no such chapter! The book has only 28 chapters and ends abruptly; many experts contend that Luke intended to write a third volume. I believe we have the opportunity of writing Acts 29. We can write a new chapter each day—by the deeds we do and the words we say! Though I stand here today accepting this honor, it is important to share that this award also belongs equally to those who dedicate their lives to God’s service—my siblings in Christ. We are all distinguished by God’s grace, and by sacrificing ourselves for others and having received a great education here at SFTS— we are all blessed! Congratulations to the Class of 2021. You’re making history! Know without a doubt that you are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do amazing things! You are destined for greatness! God bless you! 9 Summer 2021 | 13
