The Wasatch Hills church conducted a dedication service Jan. 8 for Pastor Bernie Anderson as he began his ministry at the Salt Lake City church.

Anderson comes to Wasatch Hills from the Dallas area. He and Christina, his wife, have three daughters — Madison, 8; Brooklyn, 5; and Liberty, 2. The two older girls attend Salt Lake Junior Academy.

The sanctuary was nearly filled for the dedication service. Brad Newton, conference president, spoke briefly. Several area non-Adventist pastors participated in the service.

Anderson then presented his first sermon as the spiritual leader at Wasatch, outlining his philosophies and goals for the congregation. "I am truly grateful to everyone for welcoming my family into their church home at Wasatch Hills," he said. "I am particularly grateful to our head elder, Joel Ockenga, for his tremendous leadership in the absence of a pastor. His leadership influenced our decision to come here in a big way.

"We feel that God has led us here. My wife related it to Abraham’s experience in Genesis 12 where God said to Abraham, 'Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.'

"Along with that command, God did promise to bless Abraham and provide for his family. I honestly don’t know what God is up to, but I’m excited to be along for the ride!"