2025 Feast of Tabernacles: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 515 brethren gathered for a vibrant Feast of Tabernacles.
For the 13th year, the Hotel Friendly Vallarta, an all-inclusive beach and spa resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, welcomed us with open arms to hold the Feast there.
There were 515 brethren in total attendance (476 maximum attendance at services) from six different countries (Mexico, United States, Canada, Chile, Colombia and Australia). The numbers allowed us to have the exclusive use of the hotel, its staff, activities and meals (all foods were clean according to biblical specifications) making it very relaxing and enjoyable, especially for wives who don’t have to cook or clean up during all those days. There were six restaurants that, free of charge, served Italian, Mexican and American meals (including a pizza oven to serve custom-made pizzas and a new hamburger, sushi and sandwich outlet).
Although Hurricane Priscilla headed north during the Feast, towards us, it turned westward, putting us out of harm’s way. We thank God so much for providing protection and the right climate during the Feast!
The spiritual messages were inspiring and moving, covering facets of God’s Kingdom. They were also directed toward our youth, designed to fill them with motivation. All Spanish services were translated into English.
We had two days with festival youth instruction for the children, a teen interactive Bible study by Ben Light and Gabriel Garcia and also one for young adults by Gary Smith. There were also eight baptisms, all from Mexico.
Activities included a folkloric Mexican show and an acrobatic show. Another highlight was the children’s costume party where actors dressed as superheroes did some acrobatics and met the kids. We also had the opportunity to release around 90 baby turtles on the beach, hoping that many of them will survive to return to Banderas Bay and breed.
This was another marvelous Feast to worship God and have fine fellowship.
Course Content
Mario Seiglie
Mr. Seiglie was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the United States when he was a child. He found out about the Church when he was 17 from a Church member in high school. He went to Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, and in Pasadena, California, graduating with degrees in theology and Spanish. He serves as the pastor of the Garden Grove, CA UCG congregation and serves in the Spanish speaking areas of South America. He also writes for the Beyond Today magazine and currently serves on the UCG Council of Elders. He and his wife, Caty, have four grown daughters, and grandchildren.
