A student musical group performs an African-style musical piece during the Sabbath morning program of the Festival of Missions at Montemorelos University on Feb. 28, 2026. [Photo: Dania Gutiérrez/Montemorelos University]
Mission gathering motivates 34 students to begin the process for cross-cultural service.

March 9, 2026 | Montemorelos, Nuevo León, Mexico | Laura Marrero and IAD News Staff

For a few moments, the university church seemed to transform into an airport terminal. The sound preceding boarding announcements broke the quiet and sparked curiosity among those present. It was not about a tourist trip, but a call to cross borders for mission. That was the atmosphere during the Festival of Missions at Montemorelos University, in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

The event brought together the entire university community—students, faculty, administrative staff, and church members from the Montemorelos community—in an experience centered on cross-cultural service and commitment to the global mission, February 27–28.

Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, former president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide (right), speaks during the Sabbath morning program of the Festival of Missions at Montemorelos University, as translator Ekel Collins, a retired professor from the university (left), interprets. [Photo: Christopher Castellanos/Montemorelos University]
A Call to Dream Big for Mission

Former General Conference president Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, one of the featured speakers, challenged students to maintain a broad and global vision of the Christian calling.

“When you are part of God’s mission, you must have big dreams,” Wilson said during his Sabbath morning message.

Reflecting on the biblical story of Joseph, Wilson reminded the audience that faithfulness to God’s purpose may involve hardship but should never lead to abandoning the mission.

“In your mission you may find yourself many times in the dungeon or in the pit,” he said. “But if you remain faithful, when Jesus comes, He will take you to the heavenly courts.”

A musical group performs during the Festival of Missions program on Feb. 28, 2026, at Montemorelos University. [Photo: Dania Gutiérrez/Montemorelos University]
Wilson also recognized Montemorelos University’s longstanding commitment to mission.

“This university has never hesitated in its mission focus—to think big and to have big dreams,” he said.

During an afternoon presentation, Wilson traced the history of the Adventist missionary movement, noting that 150 years have passed since the first official Adventist missionary, John N. Andrews, was sent to Switzerland in 1874. That moment marked the formal beginning of the church’s global mission outreach.

Wilson emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear spiritual identity rooted in Revelation 12:17 and 19:10, which describe the mission of God’s remnant people.

He also highlighted three essential principles for missionaries working in cross-cultural contexts:
“Adapt, adapt, and adapt.”

Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, former president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, encourages students to embrace God’s mission during the Festival of Missions at Montemorelos University. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
Respecting cultures, learning languages, and contextualizing the gospel message without compromising biblical principles, he said, are essential for effective missionary work.

Mission Beyond Borders

Pastor Joni De Oliveira, associate executive secretary of Adventist Mission for the Southern Asia Division, encouraged attendees to trust God’s leading when responding to the call to mission.

In a message based on Acts 18, De Oliveira highlighted four certainties for those who answer the missionary call: opposition to the gospel will come, but there will also be people willing to open their homes and hearts; faithful work produces results; and God’s presence remains constant.

“Do not worry by saying, ‘What will I do there?’ or ‘Who will I meet there?’” De Oliveira said. “Your concern should be to say, ‘Lord, here I am, send me.’”

Pastor Joni De Oliveira, associate executive secretary of Adventist Mission for the Southern Asia Division, speaks during the Friday evening program at the Festival of Missions at Montemorelos University. [Photo: Christopher Castellanos/Montemorelos University]
Sharing experiences from mission fields in challenging environments, he reminded participants that mission ultimately depends on God’s work in people’s hearts.

“God is already waiting for you there,” he said.

Later that afternoon, De Oliveira presented a reflection on Buddhism and the challenges of sharing hope in contexts shaped by worldviews different from Christianity, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultures, respecting people, and building bridges through dialogue.

Following the presentations, a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ismael Castillo, president of Montemorelos University, brought together festival speakers along with Pastor Abimael Lozano, director of the university’s Mission Institute.

Students present cultural and musical performances during the Festival of Missions at Montemorelos University, highlighting the diversity of the church’s global mission. [Photo: Montemorelos University]
The conversation explored current challenges facing the global mission of the church, allowing attendees to hear firsthand experiences, cultural tensions, and lessons learned from different mission contexts around the world.

Mission through music and testimony

Throughout the weekend, music and testimonies enriched the program and reinforced the festival’s missionary emphasis.

The Handel Choir and the University Orchestra presented special musical selections, joined by a children’s choir and other musical groups from the university community. The Vox Laude ensemble and a Caribbean music group also added cultural diversity to the event.

Student musicians pose with their instruments after participating in the musical program during the Festival of Missions at Montemorelos University. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
In addition, short video segments highlighted cross-cultural mission experiences in Southeast Asia, sharing testimonies and stories from missionaries serving in the region.

Festival Sparks Student Commitment to Serve

According to Pastor Abimael Lozano, the main objective of the Mission Festival was to strengthen the vision of global mission, present the realities and challenges of missionary work—particularly in Southeast Asia—and inspire students to respond to opportunities for volunteer service abroad.

Throughout the weekend, speakers emphasized that responding to God’s call is both a personal and spiritual process.

By the end of the event, 34 young people had begun the formal process to serve overseas, taking a significant step toward cross-cultural missionary service.

Montemorelos University students wear traditional attire representing their countries of origin during the annual Festival of Missions. [Photo: Christopher Castellanos/Montemorelos University]
At the close of the Sabbath program, several students came forward to publicly respond to the call, and Pastor De Oliveira offered words of encouragement and a prayer of dedication for them.

Celebrating a Culture of Mission

The festival concluded Sunday, Mar. 1, with the Mission Fair, a celebration featuring international foods, folk music, and cultural expressions that reflected the diversity of the university community.

With 26 years of history, the Mission Festival continues to reaffirm Montemorelos University’s institutional commitment to preparing professionals with a missionary vision—ready to serve in any context around the world, university officials said.