Pilar Castrillo was first introduced to Palmer Seminary through a good friend in the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The seminary’s online Spanish language MTS program was suggested to her. Pilar enrolled in 2021. She entered seminary to get to know God more and be equipped with the skills to meet people with mercy and love. These were tools that she was given by her professors who demonstrated and embodied their teachings.
Her experience of the Maestria En Estudios Teológicos En Línea was entirely virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented the typical residency portion of the program. Yet, the relationships she made with her peers during that time continue. “We have a WhatsApp group and call ourselves the Seven Magnificent Ladies,” she laughs. “We talk regularly and pray for each other.” Some of them are pastors, others are chaplains. Pilar is the CEO of Migrant Journey, a Florida based organization that provides strategic direction for immigrants to help them enhance their skills and have full access to work opportunities.
Pilar describes her seminary journey going beyond academic formation, but including spiritual formation as well. “God showed me the selfishness that was between me and God, and between me and other people.” It was the continued surrendering of this selfishness that has made her a stronger advocate for those she serves. “When God says ‘I am here,’ then I must also say ‘I am here for you. How can I help? What do you need?’”
In this Easter season, we are mindful that our mission “The Whole Gospel for the Whole World Through Whole Persons,” is a mission to be God’s instruments of resurrection. The Hope of the resurrection, the hope that we are risen with Christ, brings with it the hope that all things are being risen as well. According to Pilar, Palmer’s mission is nothing more or less than the consequential outpouring of the Gospel. To be for the Whole World through Whole Persons necessitates that God cares about those navigating immigration. “If we are ambassadors of Christ, then love must be the natural consequence of God’s love.”
“Who am I to say No to the people God loves?”
Amen.
