I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Meryen Gonzalez (sophomore, digital communications). Born and raised in Panama as a pastor’s kid, an avid animal-lover, and full of an unmistakable passion for spirituality, Meryen divulged the details behind her new position as Religious Vice President for AUSA this school year.
How do you think your position creates a better campus environment for AU’s student body?
I think the position of religious vice president is a blessing and an incredible opportunity to impact the campus. What solidifies our foundation for success is our ongoing communion with God. It is necessary that as a campus we are aware of the need we have in order to get closer to Christ every day. In this position I find the resources and opportunities to create spaces where students can have an encounter with Christ in community, discipleship, and fellowship.
What is your vision concerning the student body this year?
There's a big need to live in a relationship with Christ. I think that many of us have turned our religion into a routine. Among so many day-to-day tasks, Saturday has become a day off where "I go to church with my friends and nothing else." We must experience a revival where we can share Christ every second of the day. Where we understand that Jesus Christ is looking for a generation that knows Him in spirit and truth.
What about the goals that you have in mind for the AUSA team?
Our goal as a student association is to generate spiritually memorable activities for students. I want to organize events where the Holy Spirit can work powerfully in the hearts of this campus and where we can all feel like sons and daughters of the one who died for us on that cross.
Why were you interested in holding the Religious Vice position for AUSA?
I felt a call to put my talents at the service of God wherever I was. During the summer, I went through a challenging stage in my spiritual life due to situations in which I regressed spiritually and knew that they had distanced me from God. The voices of guilt and shame destroyed my self-esteem, worth, and relationship with God. One day while praying and crying, I told God I did not know what he wanted from me. I said to him that my life felt empty and that I did not have the desire to approach him, that I felt confused and lost. I begged him to show me the way, and as soon as I said Amen, I got an email saying I had been chosen to be RVP. I received the grace and mercy of God acting in my life and telling me that I am enough, worthy, and chosen despite the enemy's voices. This experience made me realize that there is a mission to make my generation see: Christ chose you before you were born, you are worthy and loved, and your sins do not detract from his love but rather make you the object of his healing grace to speak words of freedom and life to others.
What prior experiences or positions have prepared you to take on the Religious Vice role?
I think that growing up watching my father's work as a pastor, helped me to learn all the work behind coordinating evangelistic events for young people. I have been part of logistics teams at congresses in Panama and I have had the opportunity to participate in mission trips in different places. I think that has helped me understand a little bit about cross-cultural evangelism. And because our campus has amazing diversity and it is important to know about the different ways in which we express our worship to God. I was part of AUSA in the 2021-2022 year and that helped me to meet people and to create a support circle. I was a leader of small groups with PMC in Lamson Hall in 2020 and 2021. And lastly, I have a great passion to tell others about the God that changed my life.
Do you have a favorite verse or Bible passage that helps direct your intentions for the school year?
Exodus 4:11-12 encourages me and Micah 6:8 is what reminds me of God's desire and purpose for my life.
What has been your favorite aspect of being AUSA’s RVP so far?
The opportunity to connect with other leaders around campus to grow in our spiritual life and to generate spiritual events for the students.
Any last, parting words?
Never give up on Christ because believe me, he will never give up on you. The king of the universe gave his life for you and wants to use you to save others. If you are interested in being part of the planning of religious events this year and putting your talents at the service of God on campus, write to me at meryen@andrews.edu. We are looking for people interested in event planning. God bless you!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.