Anton Kapusi – Pueblo, Colorado … For the past few years, Pueblo-First Seventh-day Adventists (PFSDA) have been looking for innovative ways to fulfill the mission Jesus left for them and His church. By starting the Outreach and Education Center (OEC), every church department became part of the outreach planning and delivery.

On June 11, under the social outreach director Janet Vasquez’s leadership, the departments joined together and created “Fun Under the Sun,” a community event to present the neighborhood and Pueblo community with the benefits of being part of PFSDA. The church parking lot was transformed into a spiritual marketplace.

Under each canopy, a department gave out relevant information, gifts, and friendly invitations to upcoming programs and events. The departments represented included health, tutoring, Vacation Bible School, Hope Radio of Pueblo, Community Services, Angels of Kindness, the worship team, the prayer team, and Bible trivia.

The church also partnered with the local children’s library, The Raptor Center that brought five birds of prey, and the local Mexican Folklore Dance Group, OMAWARI, with their energetic dance program. Besides all the exciting events on the grounds, the two bouncy castles and Craft Corner were probably the biggest attractions for the kids. In addition, all visitors could enjoy healthy foods, snacks, and drinks for free. More than two hundred adults and their children enjoyed the good atmosphere, friendly hosts, and Christ-filled message.

Integrated for the event, all departments worked as one to show our community that we are here to be generous with our gifts and that we are here as part of them, not surrounded with walls of false religiosity but open to serve and share Jesus our Lord, Savior, and Coming King. He was the one who said: be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matt. 10:16).

Our event was an example of what it takes to follow Jesus. Jesus was unmistakable when he said, As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John. 9:5). But he did not stop there. He also called Himself the one who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29) while being recognized as the Savior of the world (John 4:42).

On the other hand, He made sure that his disciples and followers had the same attitude toward the world around them. He proclaimed: You are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14), but at the same time, this ministry of light reflection cannot be done if one is of this world (John 17:16).

—Anton Kapusi is the lead pastor at Pueblo First Seventh-day Adventist Church. Photos by Larry Downing and Anton Kapusi.