Elder Jorge Soria, Vice President of the Pacific Union Conference, is retiring after 47 years of ministry. Elder Soria has been such a wonderful friend and colleague of all of us in the Pacific Union!
Jorge was 14 years old when his mother and stepfather moved their family from Mexico to Central California and eventually settled in Hayward. It was at the Hayward Spanish church that the man we know as Pastor Soria was baptized.
After completing his studies at Montemorelos and Pacific Union College, Jorge and his wife Lina began their ministry in Southeastern California at the La Sierra Spanish church in 1974.
In 1982, Jorge accepted the invitation of the General Conference to serve as a missionary, and their young family moved to Brazil for mission service.
By 1991, Jorge was serving as the Spanish coordinator in Southeastern California when he accepted a call to the Pacific Union to serve as Hispanic ministries coordinator for the Pacific Union. Jorge served in this position for 27 years, before becoming vice president in 2018.
One need only speak to Jorge for a few minutes to discover his two great passions in ministry: Evangelism and engaging believers in sharing their faith. And young people—and bringing them into full lives of service and discipleship.
As vice president, Jorge has worked closely with the volunteer-led ministries of the Pacific Union, supporting the unique portfolio of activities and ministries that each endeavor represents.
Pastor Jorge has anchored his life and ministry in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and if you ask him to share his favorite text, he will immediately answer, "For God so loved the world," John 3:16. (Although he may say it in Spanish!)
Thank you, Pastor Soria, for your ministry, your leadership, and your friendship. We know we speak for All God’s People in expressing our appreciation for how you have so faithfully served the Seventh-day Adventist church in the Pacific Southwest. May God bless you and your family as your ministry continues in your retirement.
