Gustavo Squarzon, pastor of the Maranata (Norwalk) and Temple City Spanish churches, was ordained to the ministry June 18.

In his sermon, SCC Secretary Velino Salazar recounted the story of Jesus’ ordination of the disciples. “He called the disciples to serve, not because they were special people, but because they were willing to be used under any circumstances.”

He noted that today as well, the one sensing a calling to the ordained ministry has such an absorbing passion that a person feels there is no other option than to spread the Word of God. Salazar emphasized that a personal relationship with Jesus must be the key factor in a pastor’s ministry. Pastor James G. Lee, Jr., SCC vice president, gave the ministerial charge and Sunny Oh, SCC treasurer, presented the ordination credentials to Squarzon.

Squarzon has been involved in youth-oriented ministry in the North American Division (NAD) for the past 17 years. In 1996, he planted the Lighthouse of the Valley Church in Burbank, the first bilingual church for young adults in North America. In 1997, he established Lighthouse Puerto Rico, the first church for young people in the Inter-American Division.

Since then, he has promoted youth mission trips to a number of Latin American countries. God has blessed his ministry with more than 500 baptisms; more than 800 children have received emotional, spiritual and financial help.

In 2001, after transferring with his son, Kevin, to Andrews University he completed work on a Master of Divinity degree and his doctoral degree with emphasis in youth ministries.