Beaming from the stands, Nereida soaks up the first Sabbath worship experience.
I had just wrapped up Michigan Camp Meeting and barely had time to do laundry before hitting the road again for St. Louis. I went with no strings attached. I simply wanted to experience the excitement firsthand and it was that and so much more.
If you know me, you know I do everything on a budget. I did my research to figure out how I’d get there and where I’d stay. I prayed a lot. “Lord, here’s my budget. I really want to go to GC.” I thought I had a ride and had already booked a hotel about 20 minutes away for a better price. I reserved it back in April even though GC wasn’t until July.
Then my ride fell through. Since the hotel was nonrefundable, I knew I had to go. Before I even had a chance to pray again for help, the Lord provided a ride. That’s how the whole trip went. One blessing after another.
We arrived early Wednesday morning and the session started Thursday. I attended most of the business meetings and finally saw what all the hype was about. I spent time with friends and even visited some of my cousins who live in St. Louis.
I brought books with me, hoping to get autographs from people I knew would be there. Collecting signed books is one of my favorite things. I was also excited to grow my Adventist rolodex. You can never have too many friends.
The Exhibit Hall was beyond anything I imagined. It took me a few days to walk through it all. Believe it or not, I think I went through it more than once. Every Adventist leader I knew of from the General Conference and different ministries was there. I was starstruck. I even bought more books so I could get them autographed, including one as a birthday gift!
A highlight of the session was when Ron Whitehead gave me a Pathfinder scarf with a Believe the Promise patch and flags from all over the world. It was the coolest scarf I had ever seen. That gift started a pin collecting craze and I realized I wasn’t the only one. People kept asking me where I got the scarf and I was happy to point them to the booth where they could purchase one. (Now I know why Pastor Whitehead gave me the scarf .)
The music was amazing, especially on the final night during the Parade of Nations. I couldn’t stop crying. Seeing how big and beautiful our Adventist family is moved me deeply.
I’m so thankful I followed God’s call at age 14. The Bible says even if your father and mother forsake you, He will not. From growing up in the Chicago ghetto to serving on committees and working at Andrews University, I can see how God has guided my life.
I’m already looking forward to the 2030 GC Session, unless Jesus comes before then. I wonder if it’s too early to book a hotel?
Nereida Martinez currently serves on both the Michigan Conference and Lake Union Executive Committees and is executive assistant for office of General Counsel at Andrews University.
