This spring, the Simi Valley community was welcomed to a unique evangelistic series focused on identity. The event was held at the Simi Valley church, and presentations were given by Southern California Conference Literature Ministries Director Andy Villanueva. “I aimed to preach a series designed to uplift and inspire our community, showcasing our Adventist beliefs in a practical and relatable manner,” he said.

The series, “Irresistible Identity: Embracing Who Jesus Created You to Be,” spanned three weekends and comprised 10 presentations. The primary goal was to foster a sense of community and engagement among church members and individuals from the surrounding area. Presentations included “Purpose,” which was about purpose and identity; “Trust,” which focused on the great controversy and the origination of evil; “Love,” which talked about the law; and many others. Each evening featured a fun, interactive quiz that involved everyone, followed by group discussions to review questions related to the presented topic.

“The concept of identity can be challenging to define, as we often rely on our experiences to shape who we are,” Villanueva shared. “However, this approach can be misleading. This series sought to guide individuals in finding purpose and meaning in life by discovering their irresistible identity in Jesus. It all begins with embracing who Jesus created us to be.”

The most significant takeaway from the series was the high level of engagement it fostered. One guest shared, “I loved how the information was presented concisely, and the topics were easy to understand. The 15-minute group discussions were another highlight, allowing me to connect with others on a deeper, more personal level.” A church member remarked, “The series offered a fresh, new approach to our message. It was easy to follow and made so much sense. I enjoyed the quiz, especially the trick questions. It was a wonderful refresher on why I believe in our Adventist message. The light meal afterward was a great opportunity to get acquainted with others.”

“I’ve participated in many evangelistic series, most of which are informational,” Villanueva shared. “However, this series demonstrated how the Bible and its teachings can bring tangible value to our everyday lives. It was an engaging experience for everyone involved. Seven individuals, ranging in age from 16 to their mid- 90s, decided to be baptized or rebaptized. This series is truly for everyone, encouraging a journey of embracing who Jesus created us to be.”

For a church interested in having this series, connect with Villanueva at avillanueva@sccsda.org