Associate professor and chair of the applied theology department, Dr. Aivars Ozolins, will be returning to his home in Southern California this May 30, 2022. Ozolins has served at the AIIAS Seminary since his arrival in October 2016.
While Ozolins was involved in pastoral ministry for many years, he also simultaneously engaged in teaching as a guest professor in Adventist universities in Africa and the USA, as well as training pastors by giving seminars in various conferences.
Ozolins considers serving at AIIAS to be a privilege, as he is able to teach in two areas about which he is very passionate: spirituality and preaching. During his years of pastoral ministry, Ozolins developed a deep desire to help people connect with God in a new and significant way. He describes his experience as “incredibly fulfilling and satisfying” as he helps people connect with God through a deeper understanding of the gospel. He has observed this profound effect in the lives of his students. “I praise God for the privilege to be here and see God’s Spirit work powerfully in transforming lives in such a significant way. That experience has made my tenure at AIIAS the pinnacle of my life-long ministry experience,” says Ozolins.
Ozolins reflects on one aspect which he and his wife Juta have thoroughly enjoyed during their years at AIIAS: “I will most remember (and miss) the people of AIIAS–both students and colleagues. AIIAS is truly a unique and diverse community with representatives from every corner of the world. The international composition of the campus community offers both challenges and opportunities for growth. It can sometimes be challenging to navigate the distinctly cross-cultural landscape, but it is always enriching and a growing experience.”
Faculty typically come as a team to AIIAS with their spouses, each serving in their own roles. Juta Ozolina has served as the campus counselor, helping countless students and staff members deal with mental health issues and/or relational challenges. Her service has impacted the lives of many for good, and she praises God for this privilege to serve. Prior to coming to AIIAS, Juta worked as a psychiatric clinical social worker at the Department of Mental Health of Los Angeles county in California.
“Dr. Aivars Ozolins and his dear wife Juta have been a pillar of warmth, love, and care to the AIIAS community,” shares colleague Dr. Olaotse Gabasiane, AIIAS Seminary assistant professor of applied theology. “Their influence has surely been felt across the board: students, staff, and faculty. May God bless them and open huge doors for them wherever they are going.”
Dr. Dioi Cruz, associate professor for global mission leadership at the AIIAS Seminary expresses his gratitude: “Dr. Aivars, you have inspired us, especially as the chair of the Applied Theology department, to strive to do our jobs better by working as a team toward achieving AIIAS goals. I enjoyed every minute of fellowship and learning with you. Not only have I enjoyed working with you, but I have also gained experience and the tools necessary to be a more effective leader.”
Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez, interim vice president for academics and dean of the AIIAS Seminary, recognizes Ozolins for his work: “It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Aivars Ozolins for five and a half years. His leadership at the helm of the department, along with the program directors, has contributed to establishing some of our programs across the SSD territory despite the challenges of these pandemic times. I would also like to emphasize his commitment to our institutional mission of forming leaders whose influence is a blessing to the church and the world. May God continue to bless Dr. Ozolins’ ministry.”
“AIIAS, thank you for the amazing experience we’ve had here,” writes Ozolins. “We worked and learned with you. We laughed and sometimes cried with you. We faced challenges with you. We reveled in the wonderful kaleidoscope of converging cultures here, we made many wonderful friends here, but most importantly, we experienced God’s presence here, with you. Stay focused on Him and let AIIAS be known as the most Christ-centered university in the Adventist world.”
AIIAS expresses thanks for the ministry of Dr. Aivars and Juta. Our prayers go with them as they return to California and transition into the next season of their lives.
By: Sharnie Love Zamora
AIIAS Assistant for Institutional Writing
