United Church of God

2019 Feast of Tabernacles: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

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2019 Feast of Tabernacles

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

There was a record of 740 brethren in attendance from nine different countries (Mexico, the United States, Canada, Guatemala, Chile, the United Kingdom, Australia, Holland and Colombia). The numbers allowed us to have exclusive use of the hotel, its staff, activities and meals (all foods were biblically clean) making it so relaxing and enjoyable. Six restaurants free of charge to hotel residents served Italian, Mexican, American and Sushi meals (including a pizza oven to serve custom-made pizzas and a new hamburger, sandwich and hot dog outlet).

Although the weather forecast at first indicated rain during the Feast, we had fine weather for the many outdoor activities. We thank God for providing protection and the right weather during the Feast! The brethren commented on the fine spiritual messages. Many were also directed to our youth to fill them with encouragement. All Spanish services were translated into English. We had a taste of what the Millennium will be like to maintain the hope that one day we will be part of it. We also learned more about what the fundamentals of the Kingdom of God are all about. Fred Kellers gave an excellent Bible study on what it means to be a king and a priest in God’s Kingdom. There also were seven baptisms—six people from Mexico and one from Canada.

The special music organized by Carmella Weis and festival choir director Jacob Sutherland was outstanding—with a festival choir, a children’s choir, a Mexican brethren’s choir and a small string and horn ensemble. We also had an ABC orientation class and a teen and young adult interactive Bible study with breakout sessions that included over 90 teens and young adults.

There was one community outreach program—a visit to a rehabilitation facility. Entertainment and funds were provided, which were greatly appreciated by the facility. Brethren enjoyed the place and its abundant meals—basically, an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord. The new large restaurant by the beach was a big hit. Activities included the Pirate Cruise along the bay, the Dolphin Encounter, a trip to an interactive zoo, folkloric Mexican shows, an outstanding light and fire show and a circus show with acrobats and comedic acts. We also had the opportunity to release more than a thousand baby turtles on the beach, hoping that many of them will survive to return to this Banderas Bay and breed.