Leaders and members of Hope Life—an urban missional church operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern Mexico—gathered at the Camino Real Hotel in Monterrey to honor seven distinguished professionals who have been serving in the city for many years. The event, held November 8, 2024, took place in the heart of Monterrey, in the municipality of San Pedro Garza García, known throughout Mexico and Latin America for having the highest per capita income.

“Tonight is all about meeting up with professional friends from the Adventist community and others, to pay tribute to exemplary professionals with excellent careers and their contribution through their work and efforts to society,” said Misael Pedraza, minister at Hope Life. “We want to let them know that they are part of the mission too.”

Elie Henry, president of the church in the Inter-American Division (IAD), also spoke during the vespers meeting to congratulate the honorees, their families, and members of Hope Life. “I just wanted to remind you today of the Creator God, who made and formed everything, and who called each one by his/her name,” Pastor Henry said. “We belong to Him, and no matter what is going on, He loves you. And that love takes us to celebrate His name and give our lives to His service.”

One by one, each honoree received a certificate of recognition and a special Inter-American Division Centennial Medal.

Achievements and Community Impact

At the event, seven professionals were honored for their outstanding contributions in various fields, from medicine to engineering, education, and community service. Each honoree received a certificate of recognition and the prestigious Inter-American Division Centennial Medal.

One of the most poignant moments came when Dr. Liliana Baez accepted a posthumous award on behalf of her father, Dr. Manuel Baez Flores. The renowned physician and educator, who served as the first director of the School of Medicine at Monterrey University, was honored for his lifelong dedication to health care and mission work. Dr. Baez helped establish health programs for the Adventist community and played a key role in building several churches in Monterrey. His daughter described him as a man of “perseverance,” who devoted his career to promoting health and wellness.

Other honorees included Alfonso Martínez Serna, a respected cultural and educational leader, and Silvano Salazar Nava, an engineer who transformed his life by embracing the health principles of the Adventist church. Salazar, who has run multiple marathons, credited his physical transformation to the church’s health message.

Dr. Fernando Montes Tapia, a pioneering pediatric surgeon, was recognized for his leadership in fetal surgery and his contributions to the Adventist community. Dr. Manuel Fong, a lung transplant specialist, was also honored for his work in medical research and his commitment to the Adventist faith.

Engineer Dr. Gilberto García Acosta was acknowledged for his innovative work in mechatronics and advanced manufacturing, and Lázaro Rodríguez Grande was honored for his involvement in the “I Want to Live Healthy” initiative, which promotes health and wellness across Adventist communities.

The honorees not only represent excellence in their respective fields but also exemplify the values that Hope Life Church strives to uphold—faith, service, and community engagement, said Pedraza.

Hope Life’s Mission

Building on the spirit of service demonstrated by the evening’s honorees, Hope Life Church continues to extend its mission of connecting with the broader community of Monterrey, emphasized Pedraza. The church, which celebrated its second anniversary in October, is focused on reaching people in professional environments and secular circles, aiming to create a space where faith and vocation intersect.

“We felt it was important to organize this event to connect with outstanding professionals,” said Pedraza said. “Our goal is to be visible and magnetic, attracting those who need trust, love, and peace in their hearts.”

In addition to its spiritual focus, Hope Life has been actively involved in outreach projects that serve the community. The church has partnered with the state’s Family Development Agency to provide dental care, nutritional counseling, ophthalmological care, and psychological services to children in foster homes. It also runs a ministry supporting migrants in collaboration with Casa INDI, offering essential services to those in need.

“At Hope Life Family, we are committed to continuing to develop programs that connect with young people and young families. We dream of establishing a center of influence with specialized services for young professionals, health, and education that connects with the community in the San Pedro area,” Pedraza said.

Overseen by the Northeast Conference in the North Mexican Union, Hope Life is one of the leading missional urban churches across the IAD territory, according to Hiram Ruiz, public campus ministries director overseeing urban missional churches. There are other eight urban missional churches including four in Mexico, two in Colombia, one in Panama and one in El Salvador, stated Ruiz.

Ruiz noted that Hope Life’s focus on professional outreach is an essential part of the church’s mission. “What Hope Life did here tonight is valuable because it allows us to reach Adventists who may not be drawn to a traditional church setting but will come to events like this to share their professional achievements and connect through their service to the community,” said Ruiz.

A Vision for the Future

The church’s innovative approach to mission work continues to attract a growing number of people who are searching for a sense of community, purpose, and belonging. “Hope Life is distinguishing itself by the type of people it is reaching,” added Ruiz.

“It has enormous potential and a very clear vision for its future. Each community has its own unique missional DNA, but Hope Life stands as a model for what an urban missional church can and should be.”

For new members like Martha, the church provides more than just spiritual guidance—it offers a sense of family and hope. “Now they are my family. They’ve given me a sense of belonging and hope that I hadn’t experienced before,” she shared. “The best part is that I’m learning to know and love God through His word and this community.”

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division website.