Pacific Union Recorder - February 2018 by Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Recorder

PACIFIC UNION

FEBRUARY 2018

Hope & Health in Phoenix Page 6

Pastor Ricardo Graham asks— “Have You Prayed About It?” Page 4

Comfort Amidst Flames

Page 32

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M

PACIFIC UNION

Recorder Publisher Ray Tetz • ray.tetz@adventistfaith.com

Interim Managing Editor Delwin Finch • delwin.finch@adventistfaith.com Interim Copy Editor RosAnne Tetz Interim Design/Layout Stephanie Leal Printing Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry.

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENTS Adventist Health 916-781-4756 Jenni Glass • glassjl@ah.org Arizona 480-991-6777 Phil Draper • phildraper@azconference.org Central California 559-347-3000 Cindy Chamberlin • cchamberlin@cccsda.org Hawaii 808-595-7591 Miki Akeo-Nelson • mnelson@hawaiisda.com La Sierra University 951-785-2000 Darla Tucker • dmartint@lasierra.edu

Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929 Michelle Ward • mward@nevadautah.org Northern California 925-685-4300 Stephanie Leal • sleal@nccsda.com Pacific Union College 707-965-6202 Larissa Church • pr@puc.edu Southeastern California 951-509-2200 Enno Müller • communications@seccsda.org Southern California 818-546-8400 Lauren Armstrong • LArmstrong@sccsda.org Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 118, Number 2, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and is published monthly. Editorial office is at 2686 Townsgate Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361: 805-497-9457. Periodical postage paid at Thousand Oaks, CA, and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $16 per year in U.S.; $20 foreign (U.S. funds); single copy, $2. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359.

CONTENTS 32 33-38 6-7 30-31 24 14-17 23 28-29 12-13 19-22 26-27 4-5,18 25 10-11 8-9

Adventist Health Advertisements Arizona Central California Hawaii Holbrook La Sierra University Loma Linda UH Nevada-Utah Newsletters Northern California Pacific Union Pacific Union College Southeastern California Southern California

Recorder FEBRUARY 2018

PACIFIC UNION

Loma Linda 909-651-5925 Ansel Oliver • anoliver@llu.edu

ABOUT THE COVER

Hope & Health in Phoenix Page 6

Pastor Ricardo Graham asks— “Have You Prayed About It?” Page 4

Comfort Amidst Flames Page 32

Photo from “Pathway to Health” in Phoenix, Arizona, December 25, 2017. PHOTO BY ERICK JARQUIN

F E B R UA R Y 2018

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Perspective

Prayed Have You

About It?

RAWPIXEL/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

By Ricardo Graham

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M

President’s Perspective

This year, as part of my personal devotions, I am re-reading the compilation of Ellen G. White’s writings found in the book From the Heart. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ELLEN G. WHITE ESTATE, INC.

I found myself lingering on this statement, highlighting it with a marker for easier location in the future: “It means much to pray to our Heavenly Father. We come to lay our imperfect tribute of thanksgiving at His feet in acknowledgment of His love and mercy, of which we are wholly undeserving. We come to make known our wants, to confess our sins, and to present to Him His own promises” (p. 19). This reminds us that as we pray, we should spend time in offering thanksgiving to God. None of us deserve anything that God has given us, yet He continues to give. Every breath, every meal, every safe arrival is a mercy from God—for which we should not only be

“Ellen White reminds us that prayer is a means of making our requests known while reminding God of His promises recorded in the Bible.” thankful but should express our thankfulness. Along with sharing our thanks, prayer is an opportunity to confess our sins. We can ask for the present prevailing power of God to overcome our sinfulness. This request, “deliver us from evil,” is part of Jesus’ model prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13. And finally, Ellen White reminds us that prayer is a means of making our requests known while reminding God of His promises recorded in the Bible. Roger Marceau, a retired salesman who lived here in the Pacific Union, dedicated his life to an intercessory prayer ministry and was the author of several books on answered prayer. When asked about answered prayer, Morneau said that he simply took God at His word and reminded Him of His promises. Amazing. Reminding God of His promises—sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But when was the last time we actually did that? Do we struggle to solve our problems, big and small, by ourselves, without

consulting God, who has promised to help in time of need, and are we not in need every hour of every day? The Bible tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6, NIV). We can find encouragement in the stories of the Bible. Daniel and his three friends asked God to help them interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and God did what they asked. Esther called for a prayer offensive, and the Jews were saved. And remember Peter’s miraculous release from prison? All because the church was praying for God to rescue him. Prayer is powerful! 2018 will have its challenges, just like every year that has preceded it. But Paul’s advice in Philippians is not concerned with levels of difficulty or ease. God can handle it. He was faithful to Daniel and Esther and Peter, and as He was faithful to them, He is faithful to us. Whatever the situation confronting you now, God has the ability to keep and deliver you. Trust Him. And pray about it.

F E B R UA R Y 2018

Arizona Conference

Pathway to Health Made Christmas Merry By Kristyn Dolinsky and Pathway to Health Communication

for Thousands

More than 6,700 patients received free care from 3,300 volunteers in Phoenix sized RVs were reserved for surgical procedures. “We are doing more surgery this time around,” said Lela Lewis, co-founder and CEO of Your Best Pathway to Health. “We find a big demand for surgery because it’s free with no copay.” A group of younger volunteers pushed a cart of wrapped gifts, handing them out to patients’ children. Volunteers passed out bedding and clothing donated by local Adventist churches. Christmas carols sung by other volunteers wafted across the room. Dental and vision represented

DENNIS MAYER

education, financial, legal, childcare, haircuts, and even surgical specialties. As Pathway opened its doors at 7 on Christmas morning, volunteers with smiles and clipboards bustled about at the head of the long line of people, and two teenage volunteers with a violin and cello filled the air with Christmas music. After filling out registration forms and visiting triage, patients were guided to various lines inside the convention center based upon their medical needs. Volunteers wearing colorful leis greeted patients and led them from department to department. Patients who did not speak English were paired with a translator; translation for more than 20 languages was provided. On the main floor of the convention center Christmas lights, wreaths, and garlands hung from the curtains sectioning off each department. Toward the back of the floor, two full-

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M

TERRY LOSS

efore sunrise on Christmas morning, the streets of downtown Phoenix, Ariz., were empty except for a line of people bundled in blankets and sleeping in tents outside Phoenix Convention Center. They were waiting for a free three-day mega mobile hospital operated by Your Best Pathway to Health, a humanitarian service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since 2014 Your Best Pathway to Health has offered free medical and dental services to citizens around the U.S. within a mega clinic environment. The event in Phoenix from Dec. 25-27 was Pathway’s sixth clinic. More than 3,300 volunteers traveled to Arizona to spend their Christmas holiday serving the greater Phoenix area. Services included medical, dental, vision, physical therapy, lifestyle

TERRY LOSS

(Opposite Page) A dentist works a great need, as their with his team to extract a decaying services are not often tooth. (Right) A patient receives a covered by insurance free eye exam during the Pathway to plans. The dental Health event in Phoenix. department was saw it as “a great comprised of 250 dentists, hygienists, opportunity to and their assistants at 168 stations. help people.” Services included extractions, root She asked, “What canals and fillings, cleanings, and would be a better more. thing to do for “I am very thankful,” said patient Christmas?” She Mark Williams of New River, Ariz. “I wants to become have suffered for years, and dental an ophthalmologist. care is expensive.” Williams had lost a Pooja Raghani of Mesa, Ariz., temporary crown and had decay, as a volunteer in the mental health well as an exposed root. department, administered tests for The vision department had a team of five optometrists, one assistant, and depression and anxiety, then assigned three ophthalmologists. On Christmas her patients to a counselor. She found the experience to be valuable Day alone the team saw 271 patients. preparation for a doctorate in clinical Many patients had more than psychology at Loma Linda University. one area in which they needed care. “I have a passion about serving the At each department visit, patients underserved,” she said. received more than healing for their physical ailments. They received hugs, Across the main floor, volunteers prayed with patients. Hairdresser prayers, and simply time to talk with Debbie Binder, whose department their doctors and nurses. consisted of six barbers and six Some volunteers came hoping for stylists, asked the patients if they this experience. “I had been looking needed prayer. The patients not only for an opportunity to volunteer,” said accepted, they loved the prayers, Steve Styadi, a physician assistant from Ontario, Calif. “Two of my cousins according to Binder and others. Some patients came seeking comfort have volunteered for Pathway. They for the mental and emotional burdens encouraged me to join, and so I did.” that accompanied their ailments and Anna Hakes, assisting in the vision department while home from college, diseases. Many were taken to the mental health department, led by Neil Nedley, physician, who has participated in Pathway since its inception. While sharing traditional approaches to addressing matters of mental health, Nedley has also pointed Pathway patients to God as the source of hope and offered prayer to ease troubled minds. Greg Stanton (second from the left), mayor of Phoenix, poses with his wife, Nicole; Ed Keyes, president, and Jose Marin, executive secretary, of Arizona Conference; Lela Lewis, CEO and cofounder, and George Gilbert, COO, of Your Best Pathway to Health.

Arizona Conference Volunteers consistently demonstrated this sort of compassion to patients. “I felt like Jesus was touching me,” said a patient who received a massage at the hydrotherapy department. This kind of whole person care is the goal of Pathway to Health. The effects of Pathway to Health last long after the clinic ends. Patients requiring follow-up were connected with local area clinics and non-profit organizations that care for underserved residents. Pathway also offered information on how to live a healthier life, empowering and educating patients on lifestyle choices and habits. Upon receiving the medical care they needed, patients visited with spiritual wellness volunteers, who offered prayer, literature, and, if the patient was interested, resources on local churches. Spiritual Wellness director Travis Maloney of Oconto, Wis., said that his team had many requests for Bible studies. “We will follow up with Health Information Centers to help people find better ways to live,” said Arizona Conference President Ed Keyes. “We love the idea of demonstrating God’s gift of life through Jesus Christ,” said Lewis. “This is an awesome opportunity to provide physical, mental, and spiritual health. All volunteers play a role in sharing this love.” In a world where the true meaning of Christmas is easily forgotten, during this season Pathway to Health served thousands selflessly, pointing them to Jesus, the Greatest Physician. Albert Dittes, Margaret Wilson, and Anita Mckown contributed to this article. F E B R UA R Y 2018

PHOTOS BY PONO LOPEZ

Southern California Conference

GAA Students Aid Victims of Hurricane Harvey

By Pono Lopez

ission is a way of life in Adventist education. In November, 42 Glendale Adventist Academy (GAA) students and five sponsors made their way to Houston, Texas, to serve the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Ben Garcia, GAA religion teacher, contacted local churches for guidance on how the students could serve in the Houston area. The answer came from Leaquim Caitano, associate pastor, and Angel Rodriguez, senior pastor, of Houston Central church. GAA students were housed by the church and supplied with a kitchen, transportation, and all the contacts they needed to serve in the community. An L.A. Fitness near the Houston church allowed the group access to showers. Initially the goal was to aid Oaks Adventist Academy; however, plans were changed once the decision was made to keep the school closed. When GAA students were asked to assist community members instead, groups spread out among six different homes during two days, with multiple odd jobs needing to be done in each home. Four of these homes were owned by

people the church came across as they provided aid after the hurricane. “Many of the homeowners who were affected during the hurricane were able to pick up the pieces, but there are some residents who didn’t have insurance or are still waiting for their insurance to come through,” Garcia said. Two months after the hurricane, homeowners faced a long list of desperate needs: removing the massive debris from their homes, demolishing and gutting drywall, cleaning heavy mold, painting walls and ceilings, and hanging new sheetrock. The students immediately faced a steep learning curve as they carefully demolished walls and hung sheetrock in residents’ homes. They risked getting sick from dust, mold, humidity, and mosquitos, but their concern for the suffering residents motivated them

(Top) During the trip, students cleaned up this home that was hit by Hurricane Harvey (pictured before). (Right) Students Anna Nicolas and Alyssa Danlag assist with clean-up of a damaged home. (Below) A group of 42 GAA students from grades 9-12 recently took a local mission trip to Houston to assist families affected by Hurricane Harvey. The group is pictured here at Galveston Beach.

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to help where they were needed most. “There are so many people who are still affected, and the work needed to get done,” said GAA senior Rachel Molander. “So, we did it.” In addition to their work in the community, the church’s family life center offered a food pantry where students packed food and served lowincome residents. Students were also recruited to serve during the church’s worship on Sabbath as musicians and praise song leaders. As a result, the GAA students alleviated the workload and pressure for residents in the Houston area. This is the fourth domestic mission trip GAA has taken in five years since a chaplain joined the staff. The school’s involvement in mission demonstrates how our local communities can come to each other’s rescue.

Southern California Conference

Pastor Kevin Camato’s Ordination Service “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NIV).

astor Kevin Camato chose to have this verse read at his ordination service in December. Prior to reading the verse, Orville Ortiz, SCC treasurer, shared Kevin’s reasoning. “This verse, I feel, is indicative of my ministry. God chose a fragile individual to portray His power.” Camato graduated from Pacific Union College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology in 2006. He then served as the youth pastor for the Napa Korean

By Lauren Armstrong

Celebrates God ’s Calling

church and as the youth/associate pastor for the Cerritos Korean church. Camato served as associate pastor of the Living Word Fellowship church while he attended Andrews University theological seminary, graduating in 2014. His next call was to be the senior pastor at Upper Room Fellowship church, where he currently serves. In the homily, Elder Velino A. Salazar, SCC president, shared about the many different hats an ordained pastor must wear in

ministry. He likened the position to that of a sculptor, artist, and carpenter, among others. Elder James G. Lee, SCC vice president, followed with his ministerial charge. In it he affirmed the calling, saying, “There is no higher calling. You are not just called by a church, region, or conference—you are called by God.” Camato chose to make his response a prayer. “The only reason I’m here is because of God,” he said. “Pray with me as I thank Him for this opportunity.”

PHOTOS BY JON DE LA PAZ

(Far Left) Pastor Dan Smith, Garden Grove church, conducted the ordination prayer for Pastor Camato and his wife, Gerlynne. Camato’s colleagues from SoCal Korean American Pastors Association participated, and his mentor Robin Park, Yorba Linda church, traveled to participate. (Left) Pastor Camato’s response to the call was a prayer response. “I respond to Your calling by saying thank You for being in this brokenness and using this broken vessel for Your ministry,” he prayed.

Lauren Armstrong Appointed as Communication Director By Betty Cooney

said. “We’ve established a growing presence on social media, and that’s been exciting to see. My vision is to highlight how members in our churches and schools are living out our mission—how they are exalting Christ by serving.” “The mentoring relationships I’ve formed during my time at SCC have been invaluable,” she continued. “I appreciate the network of communication professionals from the Pacific Union Conference and the North American Division. Within SCC, I’ve worked alongside Elder John H. Cress, PHOTO BY JENNIFER CALDERON

fter serving nearly two years as a communication intern, Lauren Armstrong was appointed to serve as the communication director for the Southern California Conference, effective January 1, 2018. A graduate of Pacific Union College (‘13), Armstrong earned a degree in Communication with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in Business. She is currently studying for a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication. Following graduation, Armstrong worked for three years as an assistant editor, then editor, at a business-to-business communication firm in Los Angeles. “I plan to focus on SCC’s online presence and use technology to engage with members and the community at large,” Armstrong

executive secretary, on multiple projects. His support has helped me grow as a leader, and I appreciate that he has encouraged and empowered me to apply the skills God has given me. I’ve been blessed to work with and learn from Betty Cooney, who retired Nov. 1, 2017, after 18 years in SCC. Her experience and wisdom have helped prepare me to serve this conference. I pray for God’s guidance and that I may bring honor to Him in this position, claiming the promise that ‘all His biddings are enablings,’ as stated in Christ’s Object Lessons, page 333.” F E B R UA R Y 2018

Southeastern California Conference MELVIN EBORA

SECC Churches and Schools By Jessica Anzai Permaul

Celebrate Christmas

chools and churches from all over the Southeastern California Conference territory held Christmas events during the month of December for their families and communities. Here is a sampling of some of these programs.

PAUL MEDEMA

Corona church started off the holiday season by hosting a gingerbread house event for church and community members on Dec. 3. Everything necessary to make the houses was provided, including dozens of assorted candies and decorations. Inland Empire Filipino church presented its 15th annual Christmas cantata on Dec. 8 and 9. The program started with a choral rendition of composer/arranger Mike Speck’s “Celebrate, Rejoice!” The 120-member

mass choir was composed of seven church choral groups and was accompanied by string, wind, and brass ensembles. “The annual Christmas cantata has touched many lives in many different ways,” said Jun Israel, music conductor. “It is hoped that by listening to our songs, people will be encouraged to establish a closer relationship with our God.” La Sierra Academy held a TK-6 Christmas concert on Dec. 14 that featured 300 elementary students singing the story of Jesus with the theme “O Holy Night.” The elementary band accompanied the performance. Third- through sixth-grade students mimed the Nativity story, narrated by Spring Benfield, TK-6 principal. Mission Road church members

hosted their third annual Christmas lunch for church members and international students in the community who do not have family in the area. Around 75 people gathered to socialize and eat together, many of them from Thailand and China. Pastor Dean Horinouchi transported seniors from Linda Valley Villa as well. “There are a lot of people from our church from overseas who do not have family around,” Horinouchi said. “We just try to reach out to them and be there together—we’re all family.” Mt. Rubidoux church’s counseling

(Above) The 120-member choir, conducted by Jun Israel, presented their 15th annual Christmas cantata at Inland Empire Filipino church on Dec. 8 and 9. (Left) James (Ronny Nalin) attempts to help his son Jonathan (Aaron Knowlton), who is working off their debt as a shepherd, to accept responsibility for his actions and to stop blaming everyone else. Jonathan later finds Jesus in the stable of their former inn.

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Southeastern California Conference Productions presented “The Debt: A Christmas Drama” to more than 1,000 community members and visitors at four nightly performances in December plus a Sabbath morning church service. The drama depicted a family who became indebted and lost their inn. The eldest son, who brought them to ruin, became a shepherd and was led by angels to Baby Jesus—at the same inn his family used to own. He found God’s forgiveness and reconciled with his father. “It’s a Bible setting, but so relevant for us today,” said Martha Myers, a team member for Know Him Productions. “A family member can do something wrong and cause the whole family to suffer. Christ will forgive them and help bring the family back together.” Valley Adventist Christian School presented the musical “It Came upon a Midnight Clear” on Dec. 16 at Moreno Valley church. TK-8th grade

GILBERTO DEL VECCHIO

ministry invited those who were grieving loved ones to participate in a Blue Christmas program on Dec. 13. The service began with the lighting of a blue candle and prayer. Then individuals were invited to talk in a safe space about their loved one, reflecting and allowing time to grieve. After a sermonette, the evening ended with the group passing lighted candles while singing “Silent Night.” Kisha Bashkiharatee, counseling ministry co-leader, was blessed by the moving program and plans to continue it next year. “Our church family has experienced so much loss this year, and counseling ministries wanted to provide a safe and caring environment for healing and remembrance,” Bashkiharatee said. Redlands church and Know Him

Families and friends of the Corona church gathered on Dec. 3 to make gingerbread houses.

students, school administrators, and staff sang, played instruments, and used sign language to minister to all those in attendance. Kimberly Matthews, principal of VACS, wrote and directed the play that focused on Christ’s birth.

PHOTOS: KARINA MONTIEL

(Left) Third- through sixth-grade students from La Sierra Academy act out the story of the Nativity during the Dec. 14 concert. (Below) La Sierra Academy’s TK-6 Christmas concert featured 300 elementary students singing and performing the story of Jesus with the theme “O Holy Night.”

F E B R UA R Y 2018

Nevada-Utah Conference

PHOTOS: DEBORAH DAHL

(Far Left) Inside the second grade classroom, Build and Restore volunteers Joshua Jaklic, Dara Jaklic, and Olena Zotova pull up the old flooring. (Left) Volunteers Victoria Selebinka, Nastya and Tanya Shtefanitsa, and Kristina Rusu help paint the LVJA ninth and tenth grade classroom. (Right) Ostap Dzyndra, founder and CEO of Build and Restore International, gets ready to unload new flooring for the second grade classroom at LVJA.

Build and Restore International

Gives Las Vegas Junior Academy a “Face Lift”

By Faith Hoyt

n a series of fortunate events, Las Vegas Junior Academy’s campus received help with major renovations late last year through the generosity of California-based organization Build and Restore International.

including Build and Restore, a teachers, non-profit ministry that parents, and takes volunteers on shortalumni. term mission projects in Help came communities around the world, from the was founded by Ostap Dzyndra (Left) From left to right, Build and Restore volunteers Tanya community in February 2016. Since then Shtefanitsa, Dara Jaklic, Natella Rusu, Carolina Rusu, Victoria as well. “We Dzyndra has led over 43 mission Selebinka, Kristina Rusu, Ema Shtefanitsa, Yana Honchar, Nastya Shtefanitsa, and Ema Rusu pose for a quick picture. (Right) During needed 50 trips. their week at LVJA, volunteers Tanya Shtefanitsa, Kristina Rusu, and gallons of During his search for another Kevin Rusu help LVJA with yard work, among many other tasks. paint for the mission project, Dzyndra called school, and I found a company that classroom in addition to all that they Deborah Dahl, principal at LVJA. collects paint that has never been had purchased prior to coming to our Dzyndra had met Dahl several years used,” Dzyndra said. After speaking school.” ago when she worked as a principal at with the manager of the company, Among their many tasks, volunteers a school in California where Build and Dzyndra purchased 45 gallons of paint helped put down new flooring in the Restore had volunteered. When he for $160, saving $1,280. “That number office and second grade classroom, tiled asked if his organization could help out was confirmation that we did the right once more, he learned about Dahl’s new walls in the girl’s restroom, replaced thing for LVJA!” he said. faucet fixtures, and painted walls and location and the needs of LVJA. According to faculty and students, cabinets. “It’s amazing how they fixed “I was delighted to tell him I could the renovations made a huge everything we needed, ” an LVJA student use some help with repairs and difference for their campus. “LVJA said. renovations,” said Dahl. She gave him a has been in need of a ‘face lift’ in In order to make the mission trip list of their needs, and they scheduled certain areas for many years,” Dahl financially affordable for the volunteers, a week in November for the volunteers said. “Although we’ve made some the school housed them in classrooms. to come. As soon as they arrived, the 36 major improvements, there was still One school family donated $300 volunteers who joined Dzyndra got to much work to be done.” Dahl says toward the purchase of meals for work. “They arrived with all the needed the missionaries gave them just what the volunteers. Additionally, church materials,” Dahl said. “When they saw they needed. “God’s presence is made members in the area helped provide my classroom floor, they went to Home known through blessings like these.” meals. Many contributed to the project, Depot and purchased flooring for my

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Nevada-Utah Conference

Seventh-day Adventists

PHOTOS: ELIZA VECCHIARELLI

n this age of the internet, churches are looking for ways to bring the gospel into homes via modern communication. At the Bishop church in Bishop, Calif., Pastor Phil Vecchiarelli uses YouTube to accomplish this task. Last September Vecchiarelli started a YouTube channel called Seventh-day Adventists in 60. Every week he posts two 60-second videos that explain SDA beliefs. “Not many people will take the time to watch a 40-minute sermon about the Sabbath on their phone,” Vecchiarelli said. “But if we break it into one-minute segments, they are more likely to.” His first series of episodes, titled Sabbath in 60, includes 20 of these one-minute videos. The channel is already making an impact. Trevor Braget, a man Vecchiarelli has known for about 15 years, said, “As a non-Christian, I must say these are very enjoyable. You’re not preaching, you’re mostly informing.” Braget also praised the locations where the videos are filmed. Vecchiarelli chooses scenic locations all over the Eastern Sierra Nevadas because he wants viewers to connect nature with God. “I have gone hiking a lot since I moved to Bishop, and every trip has been such a spiritual time,” Vecchiarelli said. It was

in 60

while hiking that he had the idea to start filming devotions out in the mountains. Because some of his film locations are quite remote, Vecchiarelli needed to keep the filming process simple. When he films at remote locations up in the mountains, he uses a GoPro camera and tripod to record his videos. At locations where he can drive, he uses a Sony Professional Compact Camcorder. He edits the video using Adobe Premiere, and then uploads the final product to his YouTube channel. Not including the time it takes to hike to these scenic spots, it takes Vecchiarelli an hour and a half to produce a video. While researching camera equipment and video editing software, and trying to pull together funds for the purchase of equipment, Vecchiarelli got a call from an Adventist couple who lives several hours away. The couple offered to make a large donation for anything he needed. He presented the idea

By Faith Hoyt

Using a highly portable camera helps Vecchiarelli film episodes for Seventh-day Adventists in 60 in scenic locations all over the Sierra Nevadas.

of Seventh-day Adventists in 60 to them, and they agreed to finance the purchase of the necessary equipment. Vecchiarelli says his entire church is involved in the project. “Everyone is sharing the videos on Facebook,” he said. Since the premiere of the first series of Seventhday Adventists in 60 last October, the channel has seen almost 3,000 views. Vecchiarelli plans to discuss topics such as salvation, the state of the dead, and the sanctuary. All three congregations Vecchiarelli pastors— Tonopah, Bishop, and Lone Pine—are united in the venture. As a result of church members sharing the videos, Seventh-day Adventists in 60 has been seen in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Latvia, Brazil, and other countries. If you’d like to see the videos, just search Seventh-day Adventists in 60 on YouTube. “It is invigorating to our small rural churches to realize that they are sharing the gospel around the world,” Vecchiarelli said. Every week Vecchiarelli posts videos explaining Adventist beliefs to his YouTube channel. The videos are kept to one minute in length in order to make them easy to watch and share, and are recorded with either a GoPro Hero or a Sony HXR‑NX100 Professional Compact Camcorder.

F E B R UA R Y 2018

Holbrook Indian School

A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946

Taking Education Outside Rethinking Best Practices in Education By Pedro Ojeda, HIS Principal Jovannah Poor Bear-Adams, HIS Dean of Student Programs and Services, takes a selfie while students enjoy a day at Fools Hollow

Lake.

“Have you thought of inquiry learning, student choice, hands-on activities, differentiated instruction, and outdoor learning opportunities lately? I spend much time thinking and reading about these things.” Have you ever spent time thinking about the best

educational practices? On these occasions, have you thought of inquiry learning, student choice, hands-on activities, differentiated instruction, and outdoor learning opportunities? I spend much time thinking and reading about these things. Many of our staff members are excited about these methods as well, and we all believe that outdoor school lends itself well to the concepts I mentioned. As a result, we continue to give our students outdoor school opportunities each year. The past few years we have had outdoor school at the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Kodachrome Basin. Our most recent expedition took place in the lovely city of San Diego during the last week of September, with our base camp at the Metro KOA Campground close to the city center. The theme

of this year’s trip was “The Urban Jungle.” Its purpose was to give our students a city experience and to let them explore the ocean—something many of our students had never seen before. The 1st - 7th graders stayed closer to home; their trip it is called Elementary Experience. They got to go camping and took several day trips throughout the week. The 8th - 12th graders planned many of the activities with the guidance of Anita Ojeda, our English and History teacher. One of the activities they chose was to go on a whale watching boat tour. We were fortunate to come in contact with a pod of about 1,000 bottle-nosed dolphins. This particular pod has the world-famous dolphin named Patches. Our tour guide let us know that it is rare to be able to sight him. Other activities students planned included USS Midway Museum tour;

public transportation day (with destinations); beach day; Living Coast tour; San Diego Zoo; and tide pool viewing. By giving our students a sampling of San Diego life, we hope that they will not feel intimidated by other cities if they choose to go to college in an urban setting. And we hope that they will be more prepared to go wherever God may lead them in life.

the museum at the Navajo County Historic Courthouse. The museum is referred to as being the peoples’ museum because it represents the early lives of different cultures, settlers, ranchers, homemakers, teachers, government officials, bankers, mercantile proprietors, and other businessmen and women who have lived in the area throughout history.

1st - 7th grade students enjoyed a variety of activities during this year’s Elementary Experience.

Students learned about the geological surroundings of Northern Arizona at the Petrified Forest, where evidence of the great flood helped bring the story of Noah’s Ark to life.

The usual classroom routine was exchanged for a variety of hands-on classes and field trips. Students visited

1st - 5th grade students learned about sub-Saharan animals at the wildlife reserve, Out of Africa, while 6th

and 7th grade students visited the Arizona Science Center and learned more about human anatomy and the incredible intricacies of the human brain in the MindUp Lab. A three-day camping excursion to Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Arizona was one of the highlights of their week. Students helped set up tents and prepare meals. Other activities included a hike at Cathedral Rock, swimming in Turkey Creek in Sedona, a trip to BeArizona, and paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming at Fools Hollow State Park in Show Low, Ariz.

Sophomore Shawnewa Dahozy said that learning how to use public transportation was an amazing experience. Top left: Students waiting for the Blue Trolley line to downtown San Diego. Top right: Students seeing seals for the first time. Bottom: Students touring the USS Midway.

Grades 8-12 Urban Jungle Itinerary: Sunday: Travel to San Diego from HIS. Camp set-up upon arrival. Monday: Whale watching and USS Midway Museum. Tuesday: Living Coast Discovery Center, beachcombing, and an afternoon at the beach. Wednesday: Day of small group exploration and public transportation experience. Destinations: San Diego Museum of Art Japanese Friendship Garden Old Town San Diego Birch Aquarium Air & Space Museum Coronado Beach Thursday: Morning at La Jolla tide pool. Afternoon at San Diego Zoo. Friday: Take camp down. Travel back to HIS.

Grades 1-7 Elementary Experience Itinerary: Sunday: Stem classes. Bible, Reading, Math, and Science. Monday: Pottery, Horsemanship, Cooking, Gardening, Petrified Forest. Tuesday: Camping at Dead Horse Ranch. Students learn to set up camp and how to prepare meals. Wednesday: Arizona Science Center and Out of Africa. Thursday: BeArizona, Cathedral Rock, and Turkey Creek. Take down camp. Return to HIS. Friday: Fools Hollow State Park in Show Low, Ariz. for kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming.

Top: High School students explore the cliffs at La Jolla Shores Beach. Bottom: Logan, Tyreek, and Josh examine a crab they found at La Jolla Tide Pools.

Above: HIS Elementary students enjoyed a day at the Arizona Science Center. Below: HIS Case Manager Giselle Ortiz leads out in worship at the camp worship tree at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Ariz.

“I am happy to tell you that our objectives for outdoor school were met. The students had fun while engaged in authentic learning activities that they had a part in choosing and planning. I look forward to our next outdoor school session. Next year we are considering Yosemite National Park, which is just on the fringe of our 12-hour limit for travel time.” —HIS Principal, Pedro Ojeda

Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a 1st through 12th-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist church. HIS also manages a 1st through 8th-grade day school on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, Ariz. Eighty percent of funding comes from individuals who have a desire to support Native American ministries and Christian education. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our students, their families, and the communities they serve. Thank you for your support!

Seventh-day Adventist Development Department P.O. Box 910 Holbrook, Ariz. 86025-0910 (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) Development@hissda.org HolbrookIndianSchool.org

Pacific Union Conference • Religious Liberty

DoingJustice!

By Alan Reinach

o take a life of faith seriously is “to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God” (Micah 6:8). In America today, we talk a lot about justice, speak less about mercy, and tend to ignore humility.

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Talk is a beginning, since we need to understand the imperative need for justice before we can act. But talk is not our goal. The Spirit of the Lord is anointing His people to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18). It remains for us to complete the work of Jesus—to bring liberty in its fullness. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, yes, there is liberty! To set at liberty the oppressed requires far more than proselytizing. As the preacher has often said, people won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Indeed, in Matthew 25:31-46 Christ declares that our very standing in the judgment depends on our attitude toward those who are regarded as “the least of these.” We are called to see the “least” as Jesus, to give a cup of water, to feed and clothe, to visit when in prison, and to heal when sick. Early Adventists were fearless in speaking out not only in favor of the Sabbath but also against slavery and intemperance. Our spiritual forebears were socially aware and active. Let’s learn what it means to “do justice” in the 21st century. The needs of justice are broad enough to include conservatives and liberals and everyone in between. We won’t all agree on issues and priorities, but everyone can discover God’s call to participate in the anointed work of doing justice. In recent years, we have awakened to the need for

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the entire church to connect with public officials. We cannot serve our communities effectively until we show up and participate in community life. Until we show up, we won’t even know the needs of our communities, so how can we serve them? Churches in a bubble can’t impact the community. The Church State Council can assist your church in hosting elected officials at church. This is a step towards doing justice in our communities. Spring is a good time of year to invite elected officials to visit our churches, before the campaign season begins in earnest. We do not invite them to endorse or promote them, but to make friends, to learn from them, and to pray for them. Regardless of their politics, we can pray for God’s wisdom for them to serve faithfully. We can also learn from them about how we can better participate in serving the community. We represent Jesus in our community by doing justice through service, not by sitting in the pew. Worship must inspire and empower us to serve. We need to live it. “Doing Justice” is the theme of the upcoming North American Religious Liberty Association Summit, April 27-29, 2018. The NARLA Summit will emphasize opportunities for the churches to impact their communities for Christ by doing justice and loving mercy. For more information, go to www. churchstate.org or email neva@churchstate.org.

NEWSLETTERS

La Sierra University

La Sierra University Students Bring Holiday Cheer By Darla Martin Tucker

to So Cal Youngsters

uring the first week of December, approximately 140 La Sierra University students paused from final exam preparations to bring Christmas joy to youngsters in two Southern California cities.

PHOTOS: LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY

On Dec. 8, second graders at Riverside’s Collett Elementary School and patients at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital enjoyed a bit of holiday fun courtesy of students volunteering with La Sierra’s Center for Outreach & Mission Service and members of the La Sierra Golden Eagles baseball team, respectively. Sixteen baseball team members descended on the children’s hospital that morning, armed with a cartload

(Above) La Sierra University student Kenneth Miranda, left, and Riverside Collett Elementary second grader Daniel Puente pose with Santa, played by La Sierra University senior Allen Miranda. (Right) La Sierra University’s Golden Eagles baseball team delivered 50 toys to the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital on Dec. 8. Team members left to right, front to back are: Head Coach Gabriel Gamboa, Josh Jubilee, Andrew Lundstrom, Nick Salinas, Michael Moy, Mark Bontempo, Greg Lackey, Eric Cendejas, Chris Eckenbarger, Matt Mahjer, Garrett Larson, Jeremy Guerrero, Gabriel Gonzalez, Craig Woolson, Chris Johnson, Thomas Petersen, Daniel Wray, and Larsen Anzaldo.

of 50 toys, which they delivered to personnel. Trucks, superhero action figures, dolls, and games were later distributed to young patients. The toy donation was the baseball team’s first holiday outreach activity, organized by the mother of outfielder Josh Jubilee. Head Coach Gabe Gamboa vowed to return next Christmas with additional athletics teams to deliver toys. The act of giving encourages the student-athletes to engage in charitable outreach in the future, Gamboa said. “It’s so important, especially this month. It’s about how many lives they’re going to affect.” That afternoon at Collett Elementary, approximately 120 second graders and about 130 La Sierra University students huddled at tables in a multi-purpose room making holiday crafts together. Later Santa entered, played by La Sierra University senior Allen Miranda, eliciting cheering from the youngsters who then tore into gifts purchased and wrapped by their university buddies. The sixth annual Santa’s Friends program, organized by La Sierra’s

Center for Outreach & Mission Service, or COMS, aimed to bring holiday happiness to students at the school, where more than 80% of families participate in the national free lunch program. The university students purchased Christmas gifts based on wish lists the children sent in advance. Some families are in such dire need that wish lists included basic necessities such as a warm blanket, socks, or a supermarket gift card. “We at COMS are working with the teachers to get some of the more basic items to these families,” said La Sierra Assistant Chaplain Linda Biswas. Vianay Valadez, a senior elementary education major, participates every year with Santa’s Friends. “I love it. It’s my favorite,” she said. “I like meeting the kids. I get to see how excited they are.” Sometimes others are inspired to join La Sierra’s outreach activities. Samuel Hinojosa, a 13-year-old 8th grader from Redlands tagged along with his sister, Elyssa, a La Sierra University student, for the event at Collett. “I’d rather be here with the kids. Christmas is about having love all around,” he said.

F E B R UA R Y 2018

Hawaii Conference

The Love Reality Tour Transforms

Evangelism

he Love Reality Tour (LRT) recently capped the first year of its journey through the Hawaiian Islands with a two-week meeting at Honolulu Central church. Attendees said that the LRT presentation clarified the gospel in a simple yet deeply insightful way. “It was the pieces that we’re used to, but put together in a new, penetrating way,” said Pastor Bill Payne of Honolulu Central.

Conceived as a way to communicate biblical truths to young adults, LRT was initially a curriculum designed to engage summer camp staff with scriptural truths. The goals were to minister to the camp staff as they ministered to campers and to set a gospel foundation for their faith that could have a lasting impact. The initial reaction to the LRT message was positive, with camp staff reporting, “If this is what Adventism is about, this is something I can get down with.” Seeing the impact on summer camp staff, Youth Director Erik VanDenburgh invited speaker Jonathan Leonardo to spend some time on the Islands sharing the message locally. “This message is too good to just simply keep at summer camp,” said VanDenburgh. With a generous grant awarded by

the Pacific Union’s creative evangelism fund, LRT expanded into a 9-day revival series. LRT began holding meetings in March with the goal of presenting a gospel message of confidence rooted in God’s love. Participants explored themes of identity, purpose, and worth in light of the Father’s love and explored the depth of what the Bible means when it says “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Hawaii Conference President Ralph Watts encouraged churches to participate and invite the community. “The message is powerful! The LRT team has done a wonderful job of presenting a gospel of liberty and confidence that reveals the love of God.” The series was initially aimed at young adults but has grown into a multi-generational event, with some

of the strongest responses coming from children and teens. “If it were not for our kids dragging us out of the house we would have never heard the message,” said a Kona couple that attended the meetings. “We’re so thankful that we came. We did it for the kids, but it hit home with us.” The LRT team consists of speaker Jonathan Leonardo, Youth Director Erik VanDenburgh, and young adult pastoral interns and volunteers. “The true success of LRT has been the continued mentoring of our young adults, who are the future of the church,” said Vandenburgh. “Doing full-time ministry where they can lead out and hear the gospel has been life changing for them.” Yuto Suzuki, pastoral intern at Japanese Manoa, shared his experience with the tour in this way: “It’s changed me from the inside out.” The Love Reality Tour continues in 2018 with a series in Hilo February 2-10. For more information on how to bring the LRT team to your area, visit www.theloverealitytour.com. (Far Left) LRT Speaker Jonathan Leonardo. (Left) Closing night at Kahului Church. (Below) Worship at Honolulu Central Church.

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Pacific Union College

Meet PUC’s Newest

Faculty Members By Larissa Church

acific Union College has recently welcomed several dynamic new faculty members to our campus family. In an effort to help the campus, local community, alumni, and other interested parties learn more about each faculty member and the exciting plans they have for PUC, a different faculty member is featured each week on the college’s Admissions blog. Beginning with those most recently hired, we will continue throughout the year until all PUC faculty are profiled. We’re eager for you to get to know each of them! Below are a few highlights; for the complete profiles, visit puc.edu/ admissionsblog. Dr. Helo Oidjarv is the new program director for social work at the college. She joins the PUC family from Walla Walla University, where she spent the past seven years teaching in both the BSW and MSW programs. Prior to that she was an instructor at the James Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Oidjarv brings with her a plethora of research and volunteer experience and has given peer-reviewed presentations at several prestigious conventions, including the American Sociological Association, the Pacific Sociological Association, and the Council of Social Work Education. Dr. James Wibberding is an associate professor of applied theology and biblical studies in the department of theology and has a wide variety of experience as a pastor, professor, author,

chaplain, and speaker. He pastored at multiple large churches throughout Washington, Idaho, and Pennsylvania, where he also served as the lay training director, developing curriculum for an annual lay pastor training course. During the 2013 legislative session, Dr. Wibberding was the senate chaplain for the state of Idaho, providing daily inspirational talks to the Senate. For years he served as an adjunct professor at Andrews University. Additionally, Dr. Wibberding has published several books, including “Learn to Preach Before Next Weekend” and “Sabbath Reflections: A Weekly Devotional.” Dr. James Cephas joins PUC’s department of psychology as an assistant professor of psychology after serving successfully for several years as a psychologist within the California state prison system. Dr. Cephas’s counseling and advocacy experience also includes children, adolescents, and adults. His training and real-world experience in the area of counseling and clinical psychology will bring strength to this dimension of the psychology curriculum. Mr. Jason St. Clair is the new technical services librarian in the Nelson Memorial Library. He joins us from Andrews University, where he spent the past five years serving as the interlibrary loan assistant and, more recently, as the head of patron services and interlibrary loan manager. Ms. Damaris Perez joined the department of psychology and social work as an instructor of social work. Ms.

Perez already has history with PUC; previously she served as an adjunct professor in the department. For several years, she worked as a hospice social worker in Emeryville, Calif. Prior to that, she served as a bilingual staff therapist, case manager, and intake coordinator. Ms. Perez has also participated in extensive volunteer work within the Hispanic community, including workshops on drug use with teens, parenting skills, assertive skills, depression, domestic violence, and anger management. She has completed the hours required for licensing as a clinical social worker and will soon be sitting for the LCSW exam. Mr. Michael Milmine teaches in the department of psychology as an assistant professor of psychology. He is a dissertation away from receiving his Ph.D. in psychology from Andrews University. With a thesis titled “The Television Viewing, Dating, and Academics of Young Adults,” Mr. Milmine received his master’s in educational psychology with an emphasis in research, summa cum laude, in 2015. His work subsequently appeared in the “Journal of Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research,” and he has also presented at several professional conferences. We hope you will join us as we continue to feature a different faculty member each week. Visit puc.edu/ admissionsblog for complete profiles and to browse through other posts written by PUC students, faculty, and staff for a unique look at life at PUC. F E B R UA R Y 2018

Northern California Conference

Haitian Congregation Celebrates By Julie Lorenz

New Church Home

n November, members of the Northern California Conference’s Horeb Haitian company celebrated the grand opening of their new church facility in Petaluma. “This is something that we dreamed about for a long time—having our own place,” said Pastor Edner Eloi.

Petaluma area. The congregation looks forward to inviting them to evangelistic meetings, English classes,

Vacation Bible School, and other events in their new facility. “There is work to be done in the community!” said Eloi.

COURTESY HOREB HAITIAN CHURCH

The only Haitian congregation in the Pacific Union Conference, the 120-member company usually holds services in French and Haitian Creole. After renting for decades, members now have a church home—a secondfloor business space that has been converted into a sanctuary, office, and areas for Sabbath Schools and fellowship. The congregation had its beginnings in the North Bay Area in the 1980s when groups of Adventist Haitians met in homes. In 1993, they officially organized as a company—led by Eloi—with 19 charter members. Thousands of Haitians live in the Rose Andre tells the children’s story at the Horeb Haitian company’s new church facility.

Market Street Church Hosts Town Hall with Oakland Mayor By Julie Lorenz

I COURTESY MARKET STREET CHURCH

n December, the Oakland Market Street church hosted a community breakfast and town hall forum with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, titled “Oakland’s Strategy to Combat

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Homelessness.” Local media covered the event, attended by more than 200 people, including those without homes. The men of the church prepared the breakfast for the guests. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the honest, passionate, and compassionate conversation (Far Left) Oakland Market Street church Pastor Edwin Brown stands with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. (Left) Schaaf and moderator Arnold Perkins listen to questions and comments from the audience at a town hall meeting at the Oakland Market Street church.

Northern California Conference today,” said Schaaf at the end of the meeting. “Thank you so much, church leaders, for having us here today.” Senior Pastor Edwin Brown believes it is the church’s responsibility to assist those in its community—to be a center of

support. “When I grew up, you could go to the church and get help,” he said. “We’ve gotten away from that. When we have homeless people with no place to live, the church needs to get involved.” Days after the town hall, Brown

and others met with Schaaf in her office for a follow-up conversation. In the days following, portable toilets, portable showers, and trash dumpsters were placed in several neighborhoods, including the one around the church.

Carmichael Church Refurbishes By Keith Jacobson

House for Homeless

he Carmichael church in Sacramento has joined other congregations in the community to work with the Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART), which provides shelter for those in need.

Another church donated a house to be used as a transitional home, but the building needed significant upgrades, beginning with a new roof. Carmichael members responded with time, talent, and treasure—which made the project a reality. Time was donated by church members and Sacramento Adventist Academy students. Funding for the project

SAA teacher Stephanie Ferguson led junior high students in cleanup. “What better way to spend PE and Bible class than by serving others through physical labor?” said Ferguson. “Nobody complained about going. In fact, they were thrilled to be off campus and doing something ‘real’ and worked diligently the whole time, even asking what else could be done.” Scott Young, local HART association leader, teamed up with local pastors in creating this model, which he hopes will grow, providing new beginnings for homeless individuals and families.

COURTESY CARMICHAEL CHURCH

(Right) Brooke and Wyatt Howell help with the house project—a partnership between the Carmichael church and the Homeless Assistance Resource Team. (Below) Sacramento Adventist Academy students clean up a house as part of the Carmichael church’s refurbishment project.

came from members and friends of the Carmichael church, whose generosity exceeded the expenses related to the roof. Contractor Jim Van Houten headed the hard-working team. For more than a week last fall, people came during the day and after work. Once the roof was completed, the team began working on interior projects.

F E B R UA R Y 2018

Loma Linda University Health

Robert Handysides Appointed Dean of School of Dentistry By Doug Hackleman

obert Handysides, DDS’93, associate dean for academic affairs since 2013, was appointed dean of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry on Jan. 1.

In response to his selection, Handysides said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to learn that my colleagues and peers have chosen me to lead the School of Dentistry. Although LLUSD has a proud tradition of excellence and is recognized as having one of the profession’s premier clinical programs, we have no interest in resting on our laurels. I look forward to collaborating with our School’s highly dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, and students as we strive to improve on our laudable past.” LLU Provost Ronald Carter, PhD, affirmed the appointment: “It has been my privilege to work closely with Dr. Handysides as the School of Dentistry’s associate dean for Academic Affairs. Rob demonstrates a delightful blend of attention to detail and process with a cheer and humor that lightens the load of serious decision-making. Dean Handysides has a vision for academic and professional excellence and the commitment to forge a faculty and administration equal to the challenges of 21st-century dental education.” Shortly after graduation from LLUSD in 1993, Handysides established and maintained for five years a solo practice in Kingston, Ontario, his Canadian home. He returned to LLUSD in 1999 to earn a certificate in endodontics that he completed in 2001 at the School’s

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Advanced Specialty Education Program in Endodontics. Commencing immediately upon completion of his specialty program in 2001, Handysides served the Department of Endodontics in a variety of roles: course director, lecturer, clinical educator, and researcher. In 2003 he became director of the LLU Faculty Endodontics practice, a position he held until 2013. In 2007 Handysides was added to the LLU Faculty of Graduate Studies as associate professor, and in 2008 he was promoted to associate professor status with the Department of Endodontics. In November 2008

he was named a Diplomate by the American Board of Endodontists. In 2009, when Leif Bakland, DDS’63, distinguished emeritus professor, retired, Handysides replaced his mentor and friend as chair of the Department of Endodontics. Appointed to the position of associate dean for Academic Affairs in 2013, Handysides for four years has helped direct the decision-making and implementation of both clinical training and curriculum design. Handysides has authored or coauthored several peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters in endodontics and dental education. He has also presented numerous continuing education seminars both nationally and internationally, enjoying the various cultures and customs of the places he has visited. Joseph Caruso, DDS’73, MS’75, who has served first as acting and then as interim dean since May 2017, will continue through the academic year his positions as associate dean for Strategic Initiatives and Faculty Practices and as program director for the Advanced Specialty Education Program in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

“I look forward to collaborating with our School’s highly dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, and students as we strive to improve on our laudable past.”

Loma Linda University Health

LLUCH physician Dr. Albert Kheradpour enjoys a moment of laughter while treating a patient at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

LLU Children’s Hospital Earns National Award for Top Quality LLUCH is only hospital in western U.S. to earn coveted award for 2017

By Briana Pastorino

oma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) has been named a Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a designation that highlights its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality.

LLUCH is the only children’s hospital in the western United States to earn the coveted 2017 designation. Announced in December, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive honors American hospitals can receive. The Leapfrog Group is an independent hospital watchdog organization. Among the roughly 350 children’s hospitals in the country, LLUCH was one of only 10 hospitals to receive the Top Children’s distinction. Scott Perryman, MBA, senior vice president/administrator of LLUCH, attributes this recognition to the medical professionals at LLUCH that dedicate their lives every day to their patients. “At Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, our medical staff,

nurses, and other experts dedicate themselves to giving nothing but the best care for our mothers, babies, and children, restoring them to health and happiness,” Perryman said. Performance across many areas of hospital care is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors. The rigorous standards are defined in each year’s Top Hospital Methodology. Leah Binder, president and CEO of Leapfrog, congratulated LLUCH in a statement to all the top hospitals. “This demonstrates extraordinary dedication to patients and the local community,” Binder said. “The entire staff and board deserve praise for putting quality first and achieving results.”

The LLUCH medical team comprises more than 100 pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and sub-specialists to treat everything from broken bones to disabilities and life-threatening diseases. LLUCH also has more than 1,200 nurses, child life specialists, and other staff who are dedicated to the health and healing of children. Together they provide a familyfocused environment backed by state-of-the-art care. To qualify for the Top Hospitals distinction, hospitals must submit a Leapfrog Hospital Survey. The selection of Top Hospitals 2017 is based on surveys from nearly 1,900 hospitals. To see the full list of institutions honored as 2017 Top Hospitals, visit www.leapfroggroup. org/tophospitals. F E B R UA R Y 2018

Central California Conference

The Single Misconception By James Montague

ebra Sulen wants to change the perception of singles’ ministries within the Adventist Church. She recognizes the importance of reaching out to those who are vulnerable from previous difficult relationships and to those who are at risk of feeling alienated within the community.

PHOTOS: DEBRA SULEN

As times and customs change, the church needs to adapt and react in ways that fit the needs of its members. Singles are often overlooked because of a misconception of what singles’ ministry really is and the stigmas surrounding it. Too often people consider singles’ ministries to be a church dating service, which it is not; in fact,

Too often people consider singles’ ministries to be a church dating service, which it is not; in fact, dating is not the primary focus. dating is not the primary focus. This perception, Sulen believes, comes from the value society puts on the institution of marriage. Couples begin to identify themselves in social and personal terms through

their spouse, which can lead to a void in personal development and psychological well-being. If the marriage ends, that individual can be scarred by losing part of their identity, leading to emotional and social strains. Compounding the problem, marriage is seen as a sign of stability and personal success, which can negatively affect a single’s perception of self and the perception of those around them. While these views are slowly changing, it still has a huge impact on interaction. With the rise of divorce, single parenting, and people who purposefully choose to stay single, there comes a responsibility to support these individuals by providing a strong sense of community in and out of the church setting. This is one reason Sulen was granted funding by the Central California Conference a little over two years ago and revitalized the NAD Adventist Single Adult Ministry (ASAM). The ministry provides a place for single people to interact and be supportive of each other while creating a meaningful and impactful community. Singles’ ministry events include teambuilding exercises like the Escape Room Challenge.

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Central California Conference Churches around Central host singles’ events such as game night.

Here is what singles’ ministry is really about: social interaction and community. Many of the activities are planned around members’ interests and hobbies. This gives people from multiple generations the opportunity to learn new skills, socialize, and grow as individuals. It also provides a place for open and safe discussions about sensitive or controversial topics without judgment or condemnation. Calvin Wold, a frequent participant in Central’s ASAM activities, found out about the program last year at Soquel Camp Meeting, where Sulen set up a tent for daily lunches and activities. He says that he “enjoys the wide variety of people that come to each event” and believes the program provides positive connections. What you can do to help is easy: Spread the word, volunteer your time, become the change that helps a community reach its full potential. Check out ASAM’s social media page

on Facebook @CCCASAM or contact Sulen at singles@cccsda.org for upcoming events or other ways that you can contribute. As the world continues to change

the way we interact socially, it’s important that we focus on the strength of our community as a whole and to make a conscious effort to include everyone in our hearts.

A typical brown-bag seminar at Soquel Camp Meeting includes discussions about relevant topics.

F E B R UA R Y 2018

Adventist Health

These Humble Heroes are Offering Comfort

Amidst Flames

By Mollie Hawkins

s fire swept across Northern California in early October, families evacuated their homes, businesses closed, hospitals scrambled to get their patients to safety—and like the billowing clouds of smoke, uncertainty filled the air of these communities. As families connected with the local American Red Cross in Willits and Ukiah, Calif., many were led to evacuation centers. One evacuation center was at Ukiah High School, where many members of the community would find out if their houses were still standing. Along with Cal Fire and the Red Cross, a team of volunteers from Adventist Health were onsite to help, too—but in a different way than you might imagine: They were there to listen and to provide comfort. “We asked, ‘How can we help? Can we provide nurses or physicians?’ and the Ukiah and Willits team responded by saying that more than anything, they needed chaplains,” said Paul Crampton, assistant vice president of Mission Integration at Adventist Health. Dennis Long, director of Spiritual Care at Adventist Health Howard Memorial, rallied a team of hospital and law enforcement chaplains for the cause. These chaplains provided their services to evacuees and first responders during the fires near Ukiah and Willits. “The calls came within an

hour of each other,” said Long. “The law enforcement called to mobilize my chaplains for the Red Cross, and then Paul Crampton reached out to ask what Adventist Health could do.” Long’s chaplains are certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) debriefing. Hundreds of community members attended the daily briefing meetings that took place at Ukiah High School during the fires, hoping to hear that they could return to their homes. It was in this moment, when people were discovering the fate of their homes, that Long’s team were a crucial part of the process. “You can imagine the rollercoaster of emotions happening in that room,” said Long. “On one hand you have people clapping, excited to find out their houses were still standing. And

then you have people discovering that they’ve lost everything.” “An elderly woman stepped up and gave her address. She learned that her house burned down.” Long said he was sitting next to the lady as she explained how her house, built by her great grandfather, had been the home of three generations of her family. “She said that all of the memories and pictures she had from her family were stored in a heavy safe inside the home. She was hoping and praying this safe would survive the fires.” And although her home did not make it, her safe did. “There’s no words in that moment that can relieve the pain,” said Long. “You just have to leave space for it— you don’t want to deny it—but in that moment, you just have to live God’s love and put your arms around them.”

Chaplains were on hand to help victims of the fire, including one elderly woman who arrived at the shelter and discovered her house had burned down.

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UTAH778/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

Advertisements CALENDAR La Sierra University

La Sierra University is offering its annual Presidential Scholars awards to four qualified incoming freshmen in 2018. Deadline for entry is April 1, 2018. Presidential Scholars receive $15,000 toward tuition and fees. This prestigious scholarship is renewable annually for four years. For further information and application criteria, visit https://lasierra.edu/ presidential-scholarship/. La Sierra University’s Department of Music will present its 2018 Promising Young Artist concert on Sun., Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in Hole Memorial Auditorium. Senior high school singers and instrumentalists will compete for scholarships and cash prizes. For further information call 951-785-2036, email music@lasierra.edu, or visit https://music-events.lasierra. edu. La Sierra University’s Isaac Backus American Freedoms Lecture will be held Tues., Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in Cossentine Hall Room 100. Walla Walla University philosophy professor and Donald Blake Center Director Tim Golden will give a talk titled “The Sickness Unto Life: Auto-Immunity, Racism and American Democracy.” Free admission. La Sierra University’s 19th Annual Paul J. Landa Memorial Lectures on Faith and Learning presents author Patrick B. Reyes on Sabbath, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. in La Sierra University Church. Reyes is author of the book “Nobody Cries When We Die: God, Community, and Surviving to Adulthood.” Opera at La Sierra presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” on Sat., Feb.

24, 7 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 25, 3 p.m.; Sat., March 3, 7 p.m.; Sun., March 4, 3 p.m. Hole Memorial Auditorium. Tickets $5 $20. Information and ticket reservations: https://musicevents.lasierra.edu/20172018-concert-events/, 951785-2036, or music@lasierra. edu.

Nevada Utah Conference

Lake Tahoe Camp Meeting (July 30-Aug. 4) Tahoe Valley Campground, 1175 Melba Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Info: Darlene Spratt, 775-786-5725, or Virginia Rose, 916-967-5932. Event Website: tahoecampmeeting. com.

Northern California Conference

Freshman/Sophomore Retreat (Feb. 2-4) Leoni Meadows. “Dauntless,” small group Bible study, games, fellowship, great food. $85. Info: NCC Youth Department, 925-603-5080. Retiro de Matrimonios (Feb. 9-11) Leoni Meadows. Marriage retreat for Spanish speakers. Speaker Alfonso Valenzuela. Info: NCC Hispanic Ministries Department, 925603-5092. Turning Points: Keeping Balance in an Unbalanced World (Feb. 9-10) Lodi Academy, 1230 South Central Avenue. A conference for all women! Speaker Melody Darrow, associate/youth pastor, Mountain View church in Las Vegas. Women’s ministry certification, breakout speakers, program for youth. $40 includes Friday dinner, Sabbath lunch. Info: www. nccsda.com/turningpoints. Native Cross Culture Seminar (Feb. 16-17) Willits church, 399 West Mendocino Avenue. Friday, 7 p.m.; Sabbath school - 9:30 a.m.; church - 10:50 a.m.; fellowship lunch; Sabbath seminar -

2-6:30 p.m. Monte Church, North Pacific Union Native Ministries director. Learn ways to reach out to Native people. Info: 707-459-5714. Singles Bowling Event (Feb. 18) 10 a.m. Pins N Strikes, 3443 Laguna Blvd. Elk Grove, 95758. Valley ASAM (Adventist Single Adult Ministries). Lunch afterward. Info: Rachel Fitzpatrick, 209-712-5048 or Pins N Strikes, 916-226-2695. NCC Prayer Retreat (March 9-11) Leoni Meadows. Speakers Rick and Cindy Mercer. From the Carolina Conference, Rick is a pastor and Cindy is prayer and women’s ministries director. Info: www.nccsda. com/prayerretreat or Carol Lee Murray, 916-771-0516, cmurray@surewest.net. inSpire2018 (March 9-10) LIFE church of Berkeley, 2236 Parker Street. “Bringing Good to Life.” Annual gathering of Adventist and like-minded creatives who use art and music as vehicles of expression to celebrate God’s love and work in their lives. Info: www.visitinSpire.org. Retiro de Damas (March 2325) Leoni Meadows. Retreat for Spanish-speaking women. “Mujer Florece donde Dios te Plantó.” Info: NCC Hispanic Ministries Department, 925603-5092.

Pacific Union College Colloquy Speaker Series: Dr. Terrence Roberts (Feb. 1) 10 a.m., PUC Church. Congressional Gold Medalist Terrence Roberts, one of the iconic Little Rock Nine, speaks for Black History Month. Info: colloquy@puc.edu. 2018 Lecture of the Percy and John Christian Civil Rights Conference Center featuring Dr. Terrence Roberts (Feb. 3) 4:00 p.m., Pacific Union College. Dr. Roberts, Congressional Gold Medalist and a member of the iconic Little Rock Nine, presents the

annual lecture. Info: 707-9657500 or alumni@puc.edu. Jaime Jorge Concert (Feb. 3) 5:00 p.m., PUC Church. Acclaimed violinist Jamie Jorge performs a free concert of favorite hymns and contemporary praise songs. Info: 707-965-6201. Transfiguration—a site inspired study— Julia Crane (Runs through Feb. 10) Rasmussen Art Gallery. This show will feature photo images of the burn area in Napa and changes over time. Info: 707965-7362. College Days (Feb. 11-13) Prospective students are invited to experience life at PUC. Includes meeting professors, sitting in on classes, and touring the campus. Registration required. Info: 707-965-6336. PUC Visual Arts Faculty Show (Feb. 17) Opening Reception 7:00 p.m., Rasmussen Art Gallery. Runs through March 17. Info: 707965-7362. Hans Hielscher Organ Recital (Feb.24) 4:00 p.m., PUC Church. German musician performs on the Rieger organ. Info: 707-965-6201 Academy Choral Festival (Feb. 24) 8 p.m., Paulin Hall. Over 100 Northern California high schoolers perform a special Sabbath afternoon concert. Info: music@puc.edu, 707-965-6201. Math/Science Workshop (Feb. 25) Annual college math and science experience for academy students. For information, email biology@ puc.edu. PUC Visual Arts Faculty Show Rasmussen Art Gallery. Open Thursday, Friday, Sabbath, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Runs through March 17. Info: 707-954-6303. F E B R UA R Y 2018

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Contributions

The Recorder pages are assigned to the local conferences, colleges, and health care institutions, and all content comes through the communication departments in those organizations. If you have a news story/idea, calendar announcement, etc., please contact your local communication department. See page 4 for contact information. Want tips for writing for us? See www.dailywritingtips. com/the-art-of-writing-news.

Career Day (March 1) 11 a.m., Dining Commons. This event begins with Career Day Colloquy at 10 a.m. in the PUC Church and continues with networking with professionals. Info: Career & Counseling Center, career@ puc.edu, 707-965-7080. Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert (March 11) 4 p.m., Paulin Hall. The PUC Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by artist in residence Asher Raboy, presents their annual concert. The Ensemble will feature advanced instrumentalists as they perform a wide range of music. Info: Music Department, music@puc.edu, 707-965-6201.

Southeastern California Conference

Sportball Parent & Me Class every Sunday in February and March; ages 2-3, 9-9:45 a.m.; ages 3-5, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Mesa Grande Academy, 975 Fremont St., Calimesa. A fun way to play with your child, meet new families from the community, and get to know Mesa Grande Academy teachers and staff. Just $30 for all classes. Info: Elisa Suphol, 909-795-1112. Register: www. mesagrandeacademy.org/ sportball. LifeStream Blood Drive (Feb. 2) 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Mesa Grande Academy, 975 Fremont St., Calimesa. Donate blood to support our community. Info: Alfred Riddle, 909-795-1112, Alfred.riddle@mgak-12.org. 39th Annual Junior High Choral Festival (Feb. 2) 7 p.m., Escondido church, 1305 Deodar Rd., Escondido. Come celebrate the festival of music with more than nine schools. Info: Teri Vasquez, SECC Office of Education, 951-509-2313. Annual Intermediate Handbell Festival (Feb. 15) 7 p.m., Redlands Adventist

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M

Academy, 130 Tennessee St., Redlands. Info: David Longa, SECC Office of Education, 951509-2321. Small Group Discipleship Retreat (Feb. 16-18) Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center. Hosted by Hispanic ministries. Info: Magbis, 951-509-2333. TK/Kindergarten Roundup (Feb. 25) 4 p.m., Mesa Grande Academy, 975 Fremont St., Calimesa. All children entering Transitional Kindergarten (students turning five between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2) or Kindergarten (students who are five by Sept. 1) are invited to come learn about Mesa Grande Academy. Info: Elisa Suphol, 909-795-1112, elisa.suphol@ mgak-12.org. Pathfinder Kite Day (March 4) 8:45 a.m.–4 p.m., San Diego Mission Bay, Mariner’s Point; Mariners Way, San Diego. Pathfinder Kite Day is a relaxing day that brings parents and Pathfinders together. It is an event where the parents can join in the fun of creating the kite together with their children. Info: Judi, 951-5092265, www.seccyouth.com. Advanced Handbell Festival (March 9) 7 p.m., La Sierra University, 4500 Riverwalk Pkwy, Riverside. Info: David Longa, SECC Office of Education, 951-509-2321. SECC Education Fair (March 11) 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Conference office, 11330 Pierce St., Riverside. Come to the education fair hosted by Education and Hispanic ministries for delicious food and fun games, food booths, live music, robotic demonstrations, seminars for parents, raffles, games, face painting, and more. Info: Teri Vasquez, SECC Office of Education, 951-509-2313. VBX Workshops (March 11 & 18) 9:30 a.m., Arlington church,

8778 Magnolia Ave., Riverside. This Vacation Bible Xperience workshop happens twice at the same location. It is for new and seasoned directors and teams. Registration and info: Liz, 951-509-2260, www. seccyouth.com. 14th Annual Junior High Band Festival (March 13) 7 p.m., Loma Linda Junior High Gym, 10656 Anderson St., Loma Linda. Come celebrate the festival of bands with more than seven schools. Free admission. Info: Teri Vasquez, SECC Office of Education, 951509-2313.

Southern California Conference

Segundo Congreso del Ministerio de la Mujer: Guarda Tu Corazón. (February 10) 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Se recogerá una ofrenda. Oradoras: Dra. Beatriz Vidales Romero y Dra. Vanessa Vidales Quintana. Inscribase con su directora local o http://bit.ly/ sccministeriomujer2-10-2018. Hall of Liberty, Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068. Información: 323637-6815, Facebook @ SccMinisterioMujer. Sunday Brunch Seminar: “What Should I Put into my Self-Administered Trust?” (March 4) 9 a.m. Presenter: Jonathon Cherne, Esq., CPA. Free. For reserved seating, call 818-546-8421; walk-ins welcome! Scholl Canyon Retirement Center, 1551 E. Chevy Chase Dr., Glendale, CA 91206. Info: gpark@sccsda.org. Los Angeles Adventist Academy Alumni Weekend (March 9-11) Begins March 9 at 7 p.m. Honor Classes: ‘04 and ‘08. LAAA/Lynwood Academy/LA Union/Lynwood Elementary/Watts/WadsworthNaomi. Celebrating memories while moving forward together. 846 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90059.

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encourage and grow your daily walk? Visit us at www. TEACHServices.com. For USED Adventist books visit www. LNFBooks.com. AUTHORS: If you are interested in having your book published, call 800367-1844 for a free evaluation. Canvasback Missions needs three vehicles to transport volunteers and supplies as well as pull a food trailer delivering healthy produce and meals on the island of Majuro. Your tax-deductible donation of a running or non-running vehicle can help us share the love of God through health and healing! 800-793-7245, info@canvasback.org. Canvasback Missions is looking for a part-time Development Director to help with their nonprofit work bringing specialty medical care to the islands of Micronesia. The position is responsible for Canvasback’s fundraising,

including the major gifts program, annual fund, planned giving, special events, and capital campaigns. For more information visit www. canvasback.org/jobs.

Employment

Adventist teachers needed in Taiwan. Taipei Adventist American School is an elementary school serving students in grades 1-8. If you are interested in teaching overseas at a mission school and have a four-year degree, please send your resume and three references to secretary@taas-taiwan. com. For more information on current openings and benefits, please see www. taas-taiwan.com. You may also see our postings on the NAD Education website under K-12 world. Andrews University seeks a Director of Human Resources. The Director of Human

Resources is the chief human resources officer of the university and serves as an advocate regarding benefits, policies, and practices that would have a positive impact on employees and as an advisor and strategic partner to university administration. Provides leadership through the management of a comprehensive human resources department, ensuring that all HR programs and initiatives are integrated and effective in supporting the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the institution. https://www. andrews.edu/admres/jobs/ show/faculty#job_6 Dentist wanted, Redding, Calif. General dentist needed part-time, 2 days a week at first and expanding to 4 days a week. The objective is a 1-4 year buy in/buy out. Reply to kplatner@yahoo.com or call 530-945-2574.

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601 Pope Street, St. Helena, CA 94574 F E B R UA R Y 2018

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Dollar

$mart Kids Would you like to help your Kids have better money management skills? Invite the PUC stewardship ministry to conduct the FREE 90-minute workshop “Dollar Smart Kids”

Make a difference in a small community. John C Fremont Healthcare District in Mariposa, Calif., near Yosemite National Park. The District needs an Internal Medicine Physician, Physician Assistants, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Physical Therapist for our Clinics/Hospital. Become part of the JCF family and community. Bring your skillset to a location that will allow you to make a difference in this community. You can serve the underserved without leaving the US. Eligible for NHSC Loan Reimbursements. Competitive pay, relocation, and provider retention bonuses available! To apply: send resume to hr@jcfhospital.com to the attention of Martha Robichaux, CHRO or visit www.jcf-hospital to see all positions available. OB-GYN and Pediatrician needed for Adventist owned/ operated Rural Health Clinic on the campus of Weimar Institute

at Weimar, Calif. Competitive pay. Call Dr. Randall Steffens at 615-604-0142. Pacific Union College is seeking an Associate VP of Finance. Responsibilities include strategic financial planning/leadership, financial/ operational budgets, and working with chief leadership to develop and implement financial goals/investments. Preference is for bachelor’s in Business/Accounting, CPA or master’s degree in Business Administration, 3-5 years’ experience in management role, higher education experience. For more information or to apply, please call 707-965-6231 or visit http://puc.edu/faculty-staff/ current-job-postings. Pacific Union College is seeking a Controller. Responsibilities include leadership and supervision over the accuracy and

dvice

Notice of Constituency Session for the Nevada-Utah Conference

educator and stewardship director for the In this capacity, for the last twenty years d regularly conducts financial workshops across the country. ness and congregational spheres, Dr. ears—a monthly bulletin insert titled “The guese, and French, and read around the

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Dollar

$ma rt Kids Presented by Gordon Botting, DrPH, CFC Financial Education & Stewardship Director

Northern California Conference

3 How to make allowances a teaching tool 3 Help your teenager with his first vehicle 3 Understand how your child’s personality affects their money management skills 3 Complimentary copy of Penny-Pinching Principles for Money-wise Parents for each family that attends

Notice is hereby given that the 34th Constituency Session of the Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the quadrennial reports; to elect conference officers, ethnic coordinators, and the Executive Committee; and to transact such other business as may properly come before the session. According to the constitutional provision, each organized church is entitled to two delegates-at-large and one additional delegate for each seventy-five (75) church members or fractional majority thereof.

Notice of the Nevada-Utah Association Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the regular quadrennial session of the Nevada-Utah Association of Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. This meeting is called for the purpose of receiving reports from the officers, electing a Board of Directors for the ensuing quadrennial term, and transacting such other business as may properly come before the delegates. All duly elected and accredited delegates at any regular or special session of the Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be recognized as delegates of any Association session.

34th NUC Constituency Session

Call (916) 715-1900 or e-mail Gordon.Botting@nccsda.com to schedule this FREE seminar for your church!

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M

Renaissance Las Vegas 3400 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169 Leon Brown, NUC President Carlos A. Camacho, NUC Executive Secretary

productivity of day-today financial activities, collaboration on annual budgeting, provision of financial analysis tools/metrics, oversight of the operations in the accounting department, including strategic thinking for department goals and objectives. Preference is bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field. CPA license preferred, as well as a minimum of five years’ experience and supervisory responsibilities. For more information or to apply, please call 707-965-6231 or visit http://puc.edu/faculty-staff/ current-job-postings. Pacific Union College is seeking full-time positions in our Facilities Management Department. Looking for positions of Tradesman Supervisor-Painter and Tradesman 1-Carpenter. Preference is for training and applied experience in trade areas of general painting and carpentry. For Painter, experience in color/finish/ application/etc. For Carpenter, experience in cabinet making/ floor coverings/installation/ etc. For both, able to be team player, handle multiple projects. For more information or to apply, please call 707965-6231 or visit http://puc. edu/faculty-staff/current-jobpostings. The Education and Psychology Department at Southwestern Adventist University invites applications for a full-time faculty position. Preferred candidates will hold a doctorate in Educational Psychology or Secondary Education and have university teaching experience. Master’s degree considered. Must have or be able to obtain a Texas teaching credential. Send CV and cover letter to Dr. Donna Berkner (dberkner@swau.edu). Southwestern Adventist University is looking for a fulltime English professor with a

Advertisements Ph.D. Candidates with a degree in any literature or writing specialty will be considered. Send a CV to Dr. Judy Myers Laue, Chair, Department of English, Southwestern Adventist University, 100 W. Hillcrest Street, Keene TX 76059 or lauej@swau.edu. Southwestern Adventist University seeks a full-time Systematic Theology faculty member for 2018-2019. Ph.D. preferred; master’s degree considered. Successful candidates will have teaching and pastoral experience. Send CV and cover letter to Dr. Amy Rosenthal (arosenthal@swau. edu). Union College seeks a Seventh-day Adventist PA faculty member, master’s degree required. This position will be responsible for both didactic and clinical components of the curriculum. Prior teaching experience desired but not necessary. Send CV and references to Megan Heidtbrink, megan. heidtbrink@ucollege.edu. Further info: www.ucollege. edu/faculty-openings.

Events

ROSARIO SINGLES RETREAT (April 5-8) Anacortes, Wash., with keynote speaker Marvin Wray. Experience a spiritual, social, and fun time. Registration opens March 1. Join the retreat email list: WashingtonASAM@gmail.com.

For Sale

Real Estate

House for Sale, Trinity County, Calif. 1.6 Ac, 4B/3B, 2-car attached garage, 20X30

5-1/2 baths; 18’ vaulted ceiling/ sunken living room; 2-BIG rock fireplaces; Large recreation room. (Was listed: $545,000) QUICK SALE: $395,000; 423400-6369.

Sale by Owner: Large brick 4-bedroom Collegedale, Tenn. home with mountain views. Secluded, private-gate; 6000+ sq. ft.; rental apartment w/ outside entrance. Surrounded by SAU wooded property.

Reunions

Enterprise/Great Plains Academy Alumni Weekend, Apr. 13-14 at Enterprise SDA church, Enterprise, Kan. Honor classes: Graduating years ending with 3 and 8. For more

February 2018 City/Location Alturas Angwin Bakersfield Calexico Chico Death Valley (Furnace Ck) Eureka Four Corners [E] Fresno Grand Canyon (South Rim) Half Dome Hilo Holbrook Honolulu Joshua Tree Lake Tahoe Las Vegas Lodi-Stockton Loma Linda Los Angeles McDermitt [N] Moab Monterey Bay Monument Valley Mt. Lassen Mt. Whitney Nogales [S] Oakland Paradise Phoenix Provo Puuwai, Ni’ihau [W] Reno Riverside Sacramento Salt Lake City San Diego San Francisco San Jose Santa Rosa Sunset Beach Thousand Oaks Tucson

information email ea.gpa. alumni@hotmail.com, call 620-640-5740, or check school website ea-gpa-alumni.com. Loma Linda Academy Alumni Weekend (April 13-14). Honor classes ‘03 and ‘08. Special honored 50-year class of ‘68. For more details on your class reunion plans or weekend activities, visit www.lla.org/ alumni, email alumni@lla.org, or call 909-796-0161 ext. 3316.

Sunset Calendar 2/3 2/10 2/17 2/24 5:18 5:32 5:24 5:15 5:27 5:14 5:34 5:42 5:25 5:55 5:22 6:13 5:50 6:22 5:16 5:21 5:08 5:28 5:20 5:24 5:05 5:40 5:33 5:48 5:26 5:18 5:59 5:33 5:26 6:00 5:45 6:15 5:20 5:20 5:28 5:45 5:21 5:33 5:32 5:33 5:23 5:26 5:57

5:27 5:36 5:45 5:40 5:48 5:55 5:31 5:38 5:45 5:21 5:28 5:34 5:35 5:44 5:52 5:21 5:28 5:35 5:43 5:51 6:00 5:49 5:57 6:04 5:32 5:40 5:47 6:03 6:10 6:17 5:30 5:37 5:45 6:17 6:20 6:23 5:57 6:04 6:10 6:26 6:29 6:33 5:23 5:29 5:36 5:29 5:37 5:45 5:15 5:22 5:29 5:36 5:44 5:51 5:26 5:33 5:39 5:30 5:37 5:43 5:15 5:23 5:32 5:48 5:56 6:04 5:41 5:48 5:55 5:56 6:03 6:10 5:34 5:43 5:51 5:26 5:33 5:40 6:05 6:11 6:17 5:40 5:48 5:55 5:35 5:43 5:51 6:07 6:13 6:19 5:54 6:02 6:10 6:18 6:22 6:25 5:28 5:36 5:44 5:27 5:34 5:40 5:36 5:44 5:52 5:54 6:03 6:11 5:28 5:34 5:40 5:41 5:49 5:56 5:40 5:47 5:55 5:41 5:49 5:57 5:30 5:37 5:43 5:33 5:39 5:46 6:04 6:10 6:16

Health Ministry Coordinators and Personal Ministry Directors - Beautiful, inexpensive witnessing supplies: magazines, brochures, tracts, and books. Free catalog and sample. Call 800-777-2848 or visit us at www.familyheritagebooks. com.

outbuilding. City water & sewer. Built 2000. 15 miles to SDA Church. Nice area to retire. Near river and lakes. For more info or pictures, 509-365-3607 or rnpetersen@centurylink.net.

[N]=Northernmost [S]=Southernmost [E]=Easternmost [W]=Westernmost point in the Pacific Union

“So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9 F E B R UA R Y 2018

Advertisements San Diego Academy’s 2018 Alumni Weekend (March 2-3). Welcoming all classes and honoring classes: ‘48, ‘58, ‘68, ‘78, ‘88, ‘93, ‘98, ‘08, ‘13. Info: school@sdacademy.com or 619-267-9550. Union College Homecoming (April 5-8) Honor classes: ‘48, ‘58, ‘63, ‘68, ‘78, ‘88, ‘93, ‘98, and ‘08. For more information, contact the alumni office at 401-486-2503, 3800 S 48th St, Lincoln, NE 68506, or alumni@ ucollege.edu.

Vacation Opportunities

Israel Tour with Pastor Jim Gilley. 3ABN’s Pastor C.A. Murray and Friends. Two trips this fall: (Nov. 11-19) $3,095 and (Nov. 18-27) $3,395. Includes all tips, taxes, air, breakfast and dinner buffets daily. From New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles; other departure cities available. Call Jennifer at 602-788-8864. Maui Vacation Condo in Kihei. Relaxing & affordable. Only a 3-minute walk to the beach! 1-bdrm w/king bed. Clean, comfortable, wellmaintained. Sleeps 4. Fullyfurnished kitchen, washer/ dryer & more! FREE parking, Wi-Fi, & calls to U.S./Canada. Friendly Kihei SDA church nearby. Visit us at: <http:// www.vrbo.com/62799> Email: mauivista1125@gmail.com or call Mark 909-800-9841. Sunriver, Central Oregon. Four-bedroom vacation home on the North Woodlands golf course. Two master king suites, two queens, one bunk set, hot tub, loft, Jacuzzi bath, gas log fireplace, BBQ, W/D, bikes, all resort amenities, sleeps 10, no smoking, no pets. For rates, photos, and reservations call 541-279-9553 or email schultz@ crestviewcable.com.

AT REST Barlow, Glenn Howard – b. Aug. 9, 1934, Portland, Ore.; d. Dec. 13, 2017, Greeley

Hill, Calif. Survivors: sons, Greg, Scott; daughters, Kristi Evans, Karin Morton; 11 grandchildren; nine greatgrandchildren. Bieber, Lucille Aitchison – b. Sept. 26, 1915, Marshall Town, Iowa; d. Dec. 12, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: sons, Steven Aitchison, Bob Southwick, Ken Pierson, Don Bieber; daughter, Susan Boice; 10 grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren. Davis, Clyde Larry – b. Aug. 20, 1931, Oconto, Wis.; d. Nov. 30, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Kay; son, Mark; daughter, Carrie Sayeski; three grandchildren. Diebel, Carol May (Courtney) – b. Dec. 4, 1923, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; d. Dec. 18, 2017, Sacramento, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Deanna Reiswig, Eloise; one grandchild; one great-grandchild. Dishman, Beverly Ann (Petersen) – b. May 7, 1933, St. Louis, Minn.; d. Sept. 18, 2017, Willits, Calif. Survivors: husband, Ross; sister, Verta Johnson. Taught for 40 years in Adventist schools in Clearlake; Covelo; Longview, Wash.; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Goertz, Arline Mae (Richards) – b. May 3, 1915, Ithaca, Mich.; d. Oct. 3, 2017, Caldwell, Idaho. Survivors: son, Richard; 10 grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; one great-greatgrandchild. Gryte, Norval – b. Aug. 14, 1927, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Sept. 8, 2017, Portland, Ore. Survivors: wife, Lucille; sons Ken, Don, and Jim; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Norval served in Adventist Health for over 25 years as a radiologic technologist. Haas, Timothy – b. July 2, 1942, Jamestown, N.D.; d. Dec. 25, 2017, Lodi, Calif. Survivors:

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R . CO M

daughter, Stacie Gaska; stepdaughter, Charlene Craig; brother, Ben; sister, Clara; five grandchildren.

Scheuffele, Dolly (Schlenker) – b. Dec. 16, 1928, Mansfield, N.D.; d. Dec. 17, 2017, Lodi, Calif.

Hillock, H. Ruby (Hey) – b. Dec. 12, 1927, Ontario, Canada; d. Dec. 22, 2017, Roseville, Calif. Survivors: sister, Lillian Dodd; daughters, Rita Wagemann, Carolyn Easterbrook; six grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren. Served at Bombay India Mission 1965-68 with spouse.

Steffes, George Arlin – b. Oct. 18, 1933, Sauk Centre, Minn.; d. Oct. 28, 2017, Roseville, Calif. Survivors: wife, Cynthia; daughters, Holly Perkins, April Weister; two grandchildren. Taught at Adventist schools in Southern California; served as long-time pastor for the Northern California Conference, including Yountville and Pleasant Hill churches.

Jaecks, Lenard D. – b. March 21, 1932, Wausau, Wis.; d. June 25, 2017, Chattanooga, Tenn. Survivors: wife, Lois; sons, Steven, Ronald; three grandchildren. Served as president of Washington Conference; former pastor in Redlands and San Bernardino, Calif., churches. Johnson, Rajiv Samuel – b. April 20, 1988, Fontana, Calif.; d. Nov. 6, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Christine; mother, Lalitha; sister, Priya. Lear, Woodburn “Woody” – b. Aug. 1, 1942, Detroit, Mich.; d. Nov. 28, 2017, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: sons Jeff, Michael; daughter, Claire; four grandchildren. Marshall, Gail Flora – b. April 4, 1927, Seattle, Wash.; d. March 15, 2017, Meadow Vista, Calif. Survivors: husband, Jim; daughters, Cynthia Reynolds, Susan Nichols, Kathy Esway; 11 grandchildren; 6 greatgrandchildren. Morse, Jr., Howard – b. Dec. 31, 1932, Takoma Park, Md.; d. Dec. 3, 2017, The Villages, Fla. Survivors: sons, Howard, Paul, Steven Wroblos; daughters, Pamela Garvin, Adrienne Henderson, Roxanne Farrow; sister, Dolly Wasli; 12 grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren. Beyond his professional accomplishments, his most significant legacy is his family.

Stewart, Dorothy R. (Grant) – b. Feb. 9, 1920, Jefferson City, Mo.; d. Nov. 5, 2017, Napa, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Judy; five grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren. Stewart, Florence M. (Olson) – b. Jan. 13, 1930, Artesia, Calif.; d. Nov. 25, 2017, Vancouver, Wash. Survivors: daughters, Cindy, Debbie, Shari Thompson; one grandchild. Served as principal’s secretary at Orangewood, Loma Linda, La Sierra, and El Dorado academies. Wilson, Wendy Elayne – b. April 9, 1971, Forest Grove, Ore.; d. Dec. 7, 2017, Kramer Junction, Calif. Survivors: mother, Lucinda (Lue) Kennedy; brother, Willie.

F E B R UA R Y 2018

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F e b r u a r y 2018

ArizonaNEWS FR OM THE P RESIDENT…

“

Ed Keyes President

This newsletter is stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Arizona Conference members. Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a newsletter such as this in the Recorder every other month.

Arizona

NEWS

Friend of God

et out of your country, from your family, and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:1-2, NKJV) The story of Abram, later known as Abraham, is an amazing one. We see this great patriarch and recognize his closeness to God as legendary, even in Bible times. He was called the “Friend of God” because he was so in tune with Him. We are also impressed with his love of family and his willingness to risk his own life to save his nephew, Lot, on more than one occasion. While we rarely think of him this way, Abraham was a warrior not afraid of battle. One of the greatest characteristics we see in Abraham was His amazing faith. When asked to go to a land without a clue as to what was there, he went willingly. When told he would father a child at nearly 100 years of age, he questioned the idea, but his faith helped him to believe it was possible.

When asked to sacrifice his own son, the true heir of all his possessions, he willingly trusted God, knowing somehow He was going to make things right. That is amazing faith! However, the one thing that we sometimes forget about Abraham is what God said to him in Genesis 12, right at the beginning of his journey with God. Notice that the passage says that Abraham was blessed to BE a blessing. Now that’s something to which we can all relate. Has God ever blessed you in any way? Use that to bless others. The Arizona Conference recently partnered with Your Best Pathway to Health to bring medical help to a very needy Phoenix community. What a blessing this was! However, think of the people who provided that help. Those are the ones God has blessed with various skills to reach out and touch people in need. You have been blessed; now go and bless others with the love of God.

Kingman Church By Tish Bedford

Witnesses at Mohave County Fair

embers of the Kingman Seventh- Bible studies, 72 requested more information on health, and nine day Adventist Church were an active were interested in studying Bible presence at the Mohave County Fair prophecy. from September 14-17, 2017. This event provided church members an opportunity Kingman member Martha Carr to acquaint the community with the found a creative way to share the church and its many ministries. word of God with the community The Kingman church booth was covered by providing a number of handpainted rocks, which brought by teams under the direction of Interest a great deal of attention to the Coordinator Christy Martinez. Those booth. Each rock displayed a helping at the booth included Personal scripture verse. Ministries Leader Eleanor Hill, Prison Ministries Leader JoAnn Richmond, and A number of new Bibles were Adventist Community Services Director also distributed to visitors who Boowie Wagoner-Tefft, along with an requested them. The Bibles additional 31 dedicated volunteers from included study guides to introduce Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City. the plain Bible truths taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. More than 700 pieces of literature were distributed and 600 grip tests It was a blessing to all who Christy Martinez and Susan Crews share plans for the Mohave County Fair. were administered. With each grip test, participated and was counted participants received a folder with church as a great success. With several community and surrounding areas. The information and a description of church thousand attending the fair, it is a church is currently preparing for the 2018 ministries. great opportunity for the church to share Home and Garden Show and County Fair. the good news of Jesus Christ with the Visitors were invited to enter a daily drawing for a beautiful basket of food items provided by Boowie Tefft or a DVD about Desmond Doss. There were 455 who entered the drawing, some of whom expressed interest in various activities of the church. From these entries, eight asked for a pastoral call, Stephen and Martha Carr greet Fair visitors. 53 expressed interest in

Arizona

NEWS

Cyiza Music Ministry

Goes Full Time!

By Phil Draper

am Cyiza has CMM has recently always had a passion recorded a new album at for singing. Born in the Bill Gaither Studios in Tanzania, Africa, he Alexandria, Ind., which will and his family moved be released in March 2018. to Rwanda where he Opportunities for sang with a group called CMM have been growing Friends of Jesus. Raised since the beginning of in a solid Seventh-day 2017. They have been Adventist family, Sam scheduled for worship wanted a good education. services at various He moved to the United churches throughout States and enrolled in Arizona, presenting “The English as a Second Story of Redemption” with Language classes at narration, slides, and Dan, Jessica and Sam are excited as Cyiza Music Ministry goes full time. Mesa Community College music. in 2009. He is now an IT Recently CMM taped Support Specialist. three half-hour shows on In 2015 Sam’s brother Daniel, a trained HSBN (Holy Spirit Broadcast Network), a Sam’s wife, Jessica, also had a passion vocalist and audio engineer, joined Cyiza for singing since her early years. Raised Christian Network that reaches 86 million Music Ministries (CMM). Sam, Jessica, in Georgia, her parents encouraged her viewers in 135 countries. and Daniel, all gifted song writers, have to use her voice at Sunday services in CMM manager Merv Williams says, chosen to make this a full-time ministry her Lutheran church. One day her mom “I see a great future for these three committed to winning men and women to received an invitation from It Is Written dedicated young people who have chosen Christ. Their slogan is “Saved to Serve.” to study the Bible. Then the entire family to leave lucrative careers to go in faith to “Our future is in God’s hands,” Sam attended a Revelation Seminar. Her dad, a follow their dream for full-time ministry. Marine serving at the Pentagon, joined the said. “As we go full time, we want to do God’s leading is evident!” more than just singing. We are planning Bible studies, and the entire family was CMM is available for camp meetings, Cyiza Music TV, a network proclaiming baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist convocations, departmental retreats, Church. She continued her education and the gospel through music and the spoken youth events, conferences, and word.” became an accountant. evangelistic meetings. To book CMM, CMM has been chosen to be One Sabbath Jessica attended the contact Merv Williams at 480-430-8393. ambassadors for North American Division Tempe church in Tempe, Ariz., where www.cyizamusic.com Adventist Refugee and Immigrant Sam was leading the song service. She www.facebook.com/cyizamusic Ministries to bring awareness to the plight www.youtube.com/cyizamusicministry was greatly impressed with his strong, of refugees. unique voice. The two met after church and discussed their mutual love of music. “We want to minister to anyone who Jessica had just released her first CD. A has lost their home or been displaced,” bond was formed instantly, and eventually explains Daniel. “We offer a hand up they were married in 2012. instead of just a hand out.”

Arizona

NEWS

Ubumwe MinistryMoves to New Home T

he Ubumwe ministry started as a small group of immigrants from two families who moved to Phoenix, Ariz., from Burundi, D.R. Congo, and Rwanda. Pastor Joel Mpabwanimana’s passion for this ministry began in 2012 when he visited two refugee patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, where he worked as chaplain. He found his patients to be emotionally, spiritually, and physically comforted by his visits. A fire was ignited within him to begin a special ministry focusing on African refugees. He called it Ubumwe – unity. In 2012 the Ubumwe group of two refugee families met for worship at a room provided by Pastor Gary Venden at the Glendale church. By 2014 their number had doubled,

Energetic Pathfinders provided rousing music for the grand opening.

Arizona

NEWS

By Phil Draper

Pastor Joel Mpabwanimana greets a full house, including guest speaker Pastor Tony Anobile and his wife Lisa.

and they moved their services to the youth chapel. In 2015 the group moved to the fellowship hall; then in 2016 they occupied the gymnasium. In less than five years, Ubumwe grew from two families to 460 members! Mpabwanimana is encouraged by the group’s rapid growth. He said, “The purpose of Ubumwe ministry is to provide strong, trusting relationships with our members; build community within our congregation and neighborhood; increase our faith in God’s leading; and prepare for the soon coming of Jesus.” October 21, 2017 was the first worship service at their new place of worship at 1601 W. Indian School

Road, Phoenix, Ariz. Visitors from the Pacific Union Conference, Arizona Conference, and the Glendale church made the day one of celebration and praise. A bountiful meal of traditional African dishes was served to an appreciative congregation. Special guests included Pastors VicLouis Arreola III, Tony Anobile, Ed Keyes, Gary Venden, Glenn Sta. Ana, Jose Marin, and Reggie Leach. Pastor Mpabwanimana expressed appreciation for the support and leadership the Ubumwe group had received. “To Pastor Gary Venden and the Glendale church family, we will never forget your unselfish love and generosity since you welcomed us into your church family. During these past five years, you helped us achieve our vision and mission. Now we leave you to grow a new congregation that will be a blessing to others just as you have been to us.”

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

Visit us online at CentralCaliforniaAdventist.org

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

Visit us online at CentralCaliforniaAdventist.org

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Visit us online at CentralCaliforniaAdventist.org

F ebruary 2018

HO`IKE VISIONS OF PARADISE

NEWS AND INSPIRATION FOR SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS IN THE HAWAII CONFERENCE

2 3 4

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE: Already? Yes, it’s already time to start thinking about enrolling your students for next school year. page 2

Wonder what’s happening in the youth world? Find the YOUth CALendar here. Plus, free money. page 3

Yes, our Heavenly Father gives us good gifts. But do you sometimes wish He’d give something else? page 4

A New Gift for a New Year

As I write this we are in the blush of a brand New Year — 2018. Exciting! I fully understand Christmas is now behind us, along with the giving and getting of presents. As we begin this journey into the uncharted future of 2018, I want to recommend a gift to give to yourself, and it’s absolutely free. It’s a book written by Helmut Haubeil entitled Steps to Personal Revival: Being Filled with the Holy Spirit. You can download it for free at discipleshipcourse.org. I have read through this book twice (it’s only 100 pages) and have begun a third reading. It is written by a Seventh-day Adventist German pastor and has been translated into 23 languages, with more than 600,000 copies downloaded. This book has radically changed my understanding of the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is the gift of Jesus every new day if we ask. It thrills my heart to think of what could transpire in my heart and your heart and the life of this Hawaii Conference if all of us were to read this book and commit to a fresh filling and baptism of the Holy Spirit each and every day. Is this not what we need? Near the end of Haubeil’s book he offers a “model prayer with promises for the daily renewing of the Holy Spirit.” I invite you to read that prayer right now — and if your heart is impressed, pray this prayer as your own:

“Father in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus our Savior. You said: ‘Give me your heart’ (Proverbs 23:26). I want to do that now by submitting myself to you today with everything I am Ralph Watts III and have. Thank you that you have already answered this prayer according to Your will, because Your word says that if we pray according to Your will we know that we have already received it (1 John 5:15). And You also said that You would by no means cast anyone out who comes to You (John 6:37). “Jesus said: ‘If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

(Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16). Please save and protect me today from sin and from the world, give me protection from the fallen angels, save me from temptation and when necessary snatch me and save me from my old corrupt nature (1 John 5:18). “And please help me to be Your witness in word and deed (Acts 1:8). I praise You and thank You for hearing my prayer. In the name of Jesus my Savior and Lord. Amen” (Haubeil, p. 98).

Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him’ (Luke 11:13). “You further said that You would give the Holy Spirit to those who believe in You (John 7:38-39), who obey You (Acts 5:32), who let themselves be renewed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18) and who walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). This is my desire. Please accomplish this in me. For this reason I sincerely ask You, Father, to give me the Holy Spirit today. Since it is a request according to Your will, I thank You that You have given me the Holy Spirit now (1 John 5:15). Thank You that I have received Your divine love at the same time, because Your word says: ‘The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:17). I want to say with the psalmist: ‘I will love You, O Lord, my strength’ (Psalm 18:1). Thank You that I can love my fellow human beings with Your love. “Thank You that through the Holy Spirit the power of sin has been broken in me

I invite you to print off or cut out this prayer and place it where you meet with God every morning. It may feel a bit mechanical at first, but read the prayer, say the prayer, and in a few days it will become your own prayer, too. After all, Jesus promises: “So I tell you to ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you” (Luke 11:9, God’s Word Translation). That means every day you and I ask, the Gift is ours, the one Gift that “brings all other blessings” in the universe with it (The Desire of Ages, p. 672). Hawaii is a beautiful place to live, but the fact is, this world is a mess. God is longing to reach these islands and He needs you and me. Will you join me in praying for a daily baptism of the Holy Spirit? And then begin to imagine what God is going to do around here! Aloha in Him,

Ralph S. Watts III

Jesus Living Like

LEARNING, LOVING, & LEADING

An Adventist school education can help your child make better moral decisions and grow up to become a trustworthy community leader. We believe that God’s design is for the “whole person” development – mental, physical, and spiritual. Register your child now for next school year! The best starts here.

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YOUTH DIRECTORS MEETING

1 Corinthians 13:13

Fun for the Whole Family

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

CAL

discarded gifts

what we need even if it’s not what we want By Gerald Christman, Executive Secretary

It has been decades since I last saw Florisbela. She and her horde of cats lived in the woods on the side of a mountain outside of Florianopolis, Brazil. Her small shack had no glass windows, no screens to shield her from bugs or insects. Florisbela came to church each week with a huge toothless smile. She was simply a very happy, frugal, and selfless Christian. Some individuals at church complained about sitting near her on Sabbaths. The solution seemed simple: soap and water. “Why,” many asked (complained), “did the conference not take better care of this lady?” Conference? Well, yes, the conference did have a responsibility to take care of her needs. Florisbela had actually been very wealthy! She had owned property worth millions of dollars that she had donated to the local conference. The terms of her gift were that the conference would provide for her needs and that she would be able to continue living on her donated land for the rest of her life. The conference diligently tried to assist Florisbela. A pastor was assigned to provide her food as well as to ensure her health and comfort. It was not easy to help Florisbela; she resisted at every turn. She was content to receive a bare minimum, even though the conference desired to give much more. She refused to allow anyone to take her to a dentist or even to the hospital when she was sick. The conference built a new two-bedroom house for her within a few feet of her old shack. The new house remained vacant because Florisbela refused to move into it. She insisted on living in her old lean-to hovel. I was appointed, at one point, to care for Florisbela. Knowing how Florisbela resisted help, I accepted the responsibility with much reluctance. My wife and I invited her to come shopping with us; we were, after all, happy to purchase clothing or anything she wanted. She declined; so we went shopping for her. We bought her household supplies, food, staples, and items we knew she liked. We had fun shopping for choice Brazilian delicacies such as hearts of palm and other foodstuffs. My wife purchased Florisbela new clothes and perfume. We were later told that Florisbela gave her new clothes away and that the expensive food items we had brought her went to the cats. How can one help a person like Florisbela? I’m not at all sure. Florisbela possessed some wonderful traits: simplicity, satisfaction, and generosity — donating all her assets to God. Yet there were times when her independence became detrimental to her own health. Florisbela was not ungrateful — she just did not recognize her needs. Maybe like you and me. God sometimes gives us gifts of obstacles designed to temper our characters. He allows conflicts, illnesses, and circumstances to slow us down. Do we look at these gifts and question God’s providence? Apostle Paul wrote: “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him” (Philippians 1:29, NLT). God’s gifts are often what we don’t expect or want. Yet they are what we need. “My child,” wrote the author of Hebrews, “don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline. … For the LORD disciplines those he loves” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Lord, give us Your grace to recognize our needs in Your gifts.

Kingdom

MATTERS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE NEWSLE T TER

Aim for Love! President Northern California Conference

Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

401 Taylor Boulevard • P.O. Box 23165 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 685-4300 • Fax (888) 635-6934 www.nccsda.com • info@nccsda.com www.facebook.com/NorCalAdventistsinAction President, Jim Pedersen Executive Secretary, Marc Woodson Treasurer, John Rasmussen VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 1 • February 2018

common than previously. I submit to n preparation for the Christmas you that such a target is not the focus season, I took our grandson, we should have as people who are Stephen, to walk through the aisles followers of Jesus Christ. of the local toy store. He was thrilled, A goal we ought to have is stated figuring that PaPa just might get him eloquently by the Apostle Paul: “So something new to play with! However, then, let us aim for harmony in the my goal was to take note of the things church and try to build each other up” that would catch his attention—the (Romans 14:19, New Living Translation). things that he might truly enjoy That goal is certainly different than receiving as a gift. what the world seems to be focused One of the items he spent quite a on these days. And unfortunately, bit of time “trying out” was a magnetic sometimes those of us in the Church dart board. It kept him busy for quite don’t live up to this a while, and therefore challenge. But we I made sure that it was “LET LOVE BE YOUR should be different at the top of the list of from the rest of the gift possibilities. Sure HIGHEST GOAL!” world, right? We should enough, when Christmas be building each other rolled around, there was up, rather than tearing someone a magnetic dart board waiting for down. Stephen under the tree (along with Jesus is clear about the kind of a few other things)—and he’s been people He wants us to be: “Let love be happy to be sharpening his aim with your highest goal!” (1 Corinthians 14:1, that little target game. New Living Translation). As followers We all “take aim” at targets that of Jesus, the Son of God, we see that are important to us. We set various He lived out God’s love through His goals—whether in our jobs, our life and ministry here. Jesus set the personal finances, even our vacation example of how to build people plans. And we hope we’ll be successful up through His love for them. He as we sharpen our skills to meet those showed us how to give to the world objectives. Sometimes, however, the the message that God is love, and we mark we try for isn’t necessarily a demonstrate that message when we positive thing. In Psalm 64:3, David treat each other with love, respect, talks about people who “sharpen their and kindness. I pray that this will be tongues like swords and aim their my aim and goal today, tomorrow, and bitter words like arrows” (New Living always. How about you? Translation). In today’s electronic world, Peace. that becomes much easier and more

‘‘

by Jim Pedersen

The Kingdom Matters newsletter is stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Northern California Conference members. Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a newsletter for its constituents in the Recorder every other month. photoquest7/iStock/Thinkstock

Kingdom Matters Newsletter • Page 1

Joy to the World: NCC Churches Reach Out at Christmas Churches around the conference found ways to share Jesus with their communities this past Christmas! Here are a few examples:

By Merlin Anderson Five hundred people, in 150 cars, attended the Fortuna church’s “Drive-Through Living Nativity” over two evenings. Nine scenes portrayed the birth of Jesus and the plan of salvation. Those who came received a CD with the story’s narration to listen to as they drove by the scenes. “I know for a fact that the Holy Spirit moves among the cars and touches not only the viewers, but the participants as well,” said the event’s director Colleen Hough. “It is very humbling, and I am in awe each and every year.” The 14thannual event included 80 volunteer actors who are members of several local churches. “I love this event every year— The Fortuna church’s Drive-Through Living Nativity the costumes, featured nine scenes, including wise men visiting the people, the family and the crucifixion. the gathering together to accomplish one purpose of sharing a message to the community,” said Fortuna church member Becky Chapman. Those who attended received a copy of the Signs of the Times magazine special issue, “Unto Us a Child is Born.” For many in the community, the event has become a well-loved tradition. “On several occasions individuals have come to me expressing how much they and their families have looked forward to this

Page 2 • Kingdom Matters Newsletter

each year with great anticipation,” said Eureka church member Dave Badzik.

Granite Bay Hosts Multi-church Christmas Concert By Ruth Dawson The Granite Bay church hosted an outreachcentered Christmas concert. The 90-minute program produced by Debbie Thompson Kippel, utilized a variety of talent representing 11 NCC churches. The concert was advertised to the community, and members were thrilled to have a full house of 800 people in attendance, many of whom were first-time guests. “During the meet-and-greet with refreshments following the program, I spoke with bank presidents, contractors, university professors, and my next-door neighbors, who were all visiting the church for the first time,” said Senior Pastor Doug Batchelor. In addition to those attending in person, hundreds of viewers across the US and abroad watched live online, and hundreds more enjoyed viewing the archived recording on the church website and Facebook page (www.facebook. com/granitebaysda/ videos). PHOTOS: SRDJAN NJEGOVIC DRNDAK

PHOTOS: ANDREW FILLMAN

Hundreds Experience Living Nativity in Fortuna

Plan now to attend the 17th Annual Prayer Retreat

March 9-11, 2018 • Leoni Meadows You will be blessed as you listen to the testimony of Rick and Cindy Mercer.

This was the Granite Bay congregation’s first concert to include its own choir, under the direction of Chico Spanish church member Handerson Pontel. Other participants included a 12-piece acoustic guitar ensemble and a pan flute performance, as well as multiple instrumental pieces and vocal performances. “There is no greater feeling while singing those awesome songs about our Savior’s birth than to look out past our conductor into the sea of so many new faces of people attending from our communities across Sacramento,” said Granite Bay choir member Katrina Milson. (Left) David Lopez, Gracepoint church; Cheri Leng, Grass Valley church; and Alex Chernyy, community member. (Below) Chico Spanish church member Handerson Pontel conducts the choir.

STACEY DEROSSETT

Contact Naomi.Parson@nccsda.com or call 916-955-4583 for more information.

Sacramento Capitol City Church Brings Christmas Joy to 60 Families By Julie Lorenz The Sacramento Capitol City church held a banquet for more than 60 community families— 300-plus people—who were not able to provide Christmas gifts for their kids. Church members served a festive meal, gave each child a present, and presented each family with a $25 gift card to purchase food. “What a joy it is to make a difference

(Above) Children pray during the Christmas banquet.

Continued on the next page

(Above) Members from Granite Bay and Roseville churches.

photoquest7/iStock/Thinkstock

Kingdom Matters Newsletter • Page 3

REDUCE YOUR TAXES

With an IRA gift

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YOUR IRA TO CHARITY? The IRA charitable rollover permits individuals who are 70½ to roll over up to $100,000 from their IRA to a charity free from federal income tax. An IRA rollover gift also qualifies for your required minimum distribution, permitting you to lower your income and taxes for this year while helping the mission of ministries in the Northern California Conference.

Contact us to learn more about how you can redirect unneeded IRA income to charity, help further the Lord’s work, and enjoy valuable tax savings this year. N O R T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A CO N F E R E N C E P L A N N E D G I V I N G A N D T R U S T S E R V I C E S

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STACEY DEROSSETT

(Left) Carol Herbert coordinates the community Christmas banquet at the Sacramento Capitol City church each year.

in the lives of these families!” said Carol Herbert, who coordinates the program each year. “We received many thank yous and hugs.” Families enjoyed the entertainment, which included Christmas karaoke. As part of the program, Erick Fusilier, church elder, gave a short talk. During his presentation, he asked three kids about the reason for the season. “Each answered that coming together with their families was the most important part of the season,” he said. Fusilier then spoke Community families about Jesus, the Ultimate Gift. enjoy the Christmas festivities, presented by Participants received an invitation the Sacramento Capitol card listing the church’s upcoming City church. activities and inviting both English and Spanish speakers to attend. The banquet is part of the church’s mission: “Taking Sacramento for the King.”“We are blessed to be a part of this awesome ministry,” said Herbert.

Page 4 • Kingdom Matters Newsletter

ERICK FUSILIER

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MARIUSZBLACH/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

Nevada-Utah Views

February 2018 IN THIS ISSUE

Sparks of Kindness at Church Food Pantry

Introducing Brissa Castillo

The NEVADA-UTAH VIEWS is a newsletter stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Nevada-Utah Conference members. Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a newsletter such as this in the Recorder every other month.

FOCUSED ON JESUS, WE WITNESS TO THE WORLD!

The Test of Difficulty

have been thinking a lot lately about how to clearly understand and follow the will of God. As often occurs in my morning worship, I discovered a text that reveals something to me of how God leads. I don’t know how I missed this in my prior reading. The verse I read states, “I gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build—the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them. So fear the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly” (Joshua 24:13-14 NLT). Then God speaks through Joshua as he states, “Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped…. Serve the Lord alone.” In order to fulfill God’s request, Israel was instructed to drive out the inhabitants of the land. However, God’s instructions to drive out the inhabitants came with a few challenges. God did not remove the challenges. In fact, in Judges 2:22-23, God said, “I did this to test Israel—to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the Lord as their ancestors did. That is why the Lord left those nations in place. He did not quickly drive them out or allow Joshua to conquer them all.” God leads His children through paths that often seem impossible. It is clear from this passage that He hasn’t made a mistake. In fact, the path He has chosen requires His guidance. When we face difficulty, we need to remember it is just a test. In the 30 years I have served in ministry, I have learned that true success in the work of God is not measured by human standards, but by God’s. As we turn over a new page, let’s put our priorities in the right place. The Nevada-Utah Conference is here to fulfill the great commission. Challenges are sure to face us in 2018. Our best course of action when we encounter them is to determine to follow the divine will of God. God specializes in helping us pass our tests.

Nevada-Utah Views www.NUCadventist.com

by Elder Leon Brown, NUC President

Sparks of Kindness AT C H U R C H F O O D PA N T RY

“These saved my life.”

“Do you know that if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have food this week?” When Sparks food pantry volunteer Nancy Albin heard those words from one of the community members, she knew her church’s ministry was being used by God.

LUCKY-PHOTOGRAPHER/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

PHOTOS: FAITH HOYT

n December of 2012, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada asked the Sparks church Adventist Community Services team if they would start a subscription pantry, one that prepares food for individuals based on their specific health needs. ACS leaders Jennifer and Mike Desmond agreed to take on the job, and before opening the pantry, the Desmonds invited their volunteers to join them in dedicating the ministry to God. Trusting Him to do what He wanted with it, they got to work. Since its start, the Sparks pantry has given away over 1 million pounds of food. Every first and third Friday of the month, the roughly 25 volunteers distribute the food in boxes to locals in their community. The action starts on Thursday with picking up the supplies provided by the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. The load is taken (Above) Jeannine Desmond, daughter-in-law of Jennifer Desmond, volunteers every week with her husband Brad. “We’ve never run out of food,” Desmond said. “The only thing we struggle with is the space to put it all!” (Left) In addition to the food boxes, individuals can also take what they need from tables with surplus supplies.

“I realized that they needed help more than I needed the box of groceries.” back to the church and sorted into boxes. The next day from noon to 1 p.m., volunteers distribute the food. “Most of our clients are grandparents and older community members, many of whom are raising grandchildren,” Desmond said. Some volunteers know of individuals caring for up to 10 members in their household. Though the number of people coming varies each week, they have never run out of supplies. The food pantry now runs like clockwork, but starting the ministry presented the Desmonds with a number of challenges. Understaffed in the beginning, Jennifer and her husband Mike often had to pick up the food orders by themselves. “We’re talking 1,000 pounds of food at a time,” she said. At times the lack of extra hands felt discouraging. Albin, a volunteer and co-manager during the start of the ministry, said, “We sometimes had to pick up the food in snow, rain, or five degree weather with very little help.” The discouragement didn’t last long, however. After months of service to their community, the faithful volunteers started witnessing answers to prayers as they watched God work in the lives. Debbie Targon was one of those people. Targon was a faithful visitor at the food bank. One day she heard Jennifer Desmond announce their need for more volunteers at

(Right) Vietnam veteran Ed Pollard poses by the literature table with Jennifer Desmond. “I read these books and watch the DVDs over and over,” Pollard said. the pantry. “I realized that they needed help more than I needed the box of groceries,” she said. Targon has volunteered on Thursdays and Fridays for the past two years now. According to the Desmonds, she goes “above and beyond” to help. Targon and many others are making an impact with their faithful service to the food bank. For the last five years, local nurse Marilyn Bersaba and church member Maureen Lacaden have come every Friday to check the blood pressure of those waiting in line for the boxes. “I discuss nutrition with them and offer to pray with each person,” Bersaba said. In addition to offering blood pressure checks, the food bank also provides free literature and DVDs. Jennifer Desmond remembers that not long after the food pantry opened, Vietnam veteran Ed Pollard stopped by the literature table and held up several DVDs for her to see. “These saved my life,” Pollard told her. For Desmond and the other volunteers, moments like these are what make the job worth it.

(Above) Volunteer Jerry Carson, who is 80-years-old, has helped carry out groceries for community members for the past two years. (Left) Sparks church member Maureen Lacaden comes every Friday to check blood pressure while community members wait in line for boxes from the church food pantry.

2018

Tahoe Camp Meeting J U L Y

3 0 - A U G U S T

Theme: Building on the Rock Tahoe Valley RV Park • South Lake Tahoe, CA

Main Speakers

Plus ✔ Uplifting seminars

✔ Children and youth programs ✔ Outdoor nature program ✔ Vegetarian food service available three meals daily

Dr. Greg King Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies, Southern Adventist University

Brian Bilbrey Pastor of the Riverview Adventist Church Reno, Nevada

✔ Sabbath afternoon concert ✔ ABC bookmobile ✔ Used book sales ✔ Ideal location for families

Reservations: 877-717-8737 www.tahoecampmeeting.com

Introducing Brissa Castillo

BY FAITH HOYT

rissa Castillo joins the Nevada-Utah Conference as a business intern. She is a 2017 graduate of Utah Valley University’s bachelor’s program in human resource management and also earned her associate’s degree in applied science in business management. During her studies, Castillo gained experience working in Brissa Castillo and human resources through multiple internships. Prior to joining the her husband pose together during NUC, she worked for Swire Coca-Cola, USA in their HR department. International Day The Conference administration is thrilled for her to join the at the Provo church offi ce. “Brissa will be a great addition to our treasury team,” said in 2016 (Left) and with their daughter Doug Reeves, treasurer of the NUC. Evaneth (Below). Castillo was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and lived there until age nine when her family moved to Utah. She attended high school at Thunderbird Adventist Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz. At UVU she took a class in HR and liked it so much she decided to pursue the degree. Upon learning about the open position at the NUC, she felt inspired to “work for a greater purpose and help with the salvation of others.” She, her husband Delberth, and their five-year-old daughter Evaneth look forward to getting to know more people in Reno.

Conference

Priorities Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

seccadventist.org • February 2018

culture for all who enter. 5. Every church was praying for the families, children, youth, and young adults in their midst and in their communities. 6. Every church was in conversation and prayer with surrounding Adventist congregations, sharing ideas, sharing resources, and collaborating in mission. 7. Every church was deeply present and engaged with both the Adventist school they are a constituent member of and the public school campuses in their community, building relationships and inviting students to be a part of their worshipping community. 8. Every retiree was connected to a child or a young person at church and could be present in their lives, attend their activities, remember their birthdays, encourage them in their spiritual journey. 9. Every young adult was connected to a young person in their community who was longing for deeper meaning

PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVE BLUE

e have entered a new year with a gift of 365 days— 8,760 hours that comes with infinite opportunities to serve our mission and ministry as we seek to follow Jesus. Let me share what I am dreaming about, imagining, hoping for, and earnestly praying for in this new year. Last year we established a top strategic priority in our conference that states: “We ENGAGE next generation leaders as a welcoming Christian community, through thriving ministries for youth and young adults, and in the development of leadership opportunities to serve that shape our shared future.” What could Southeastern California Conference look like in the scope and strength of our mission if: 1. Every church had a plan to reach out to the children and young people of their community. 2. Every church had prayerfully elected young leadership in every aspect of church life, with a commitment to mentoring and empowering them. 3. Every church was having intentional multi-generational gatherings and conversations to listen to each other, pray with each other, and dream together about the ministry of their church. 4. Every church was committed to creating a safe, warm, and welcoming

Imagine with me. Hope with me.

Escondido church members listen to a panel of students who just came back from a local mission trip to Los Angeles as part of the “Growing Young” church service on June 3.

in their lives and committed to journeying with that person as they allow The praise team leads worship service during Ignite Conference the love on Jan. 29, 2017. The theme was of Jesus “Radius: discovering ministry in your local community.” to flow through them. 10. Every child, youth, and young adult in our churches knew that they were loved beyond measure by their families, their church, and Jesus and were challenged with opportunities to serve others out of that confidence. These are the things I am dreaming about, imagining, hoping for, and praying for. Will you join me this new year? Will you join me in praying for insight from the Spirit of God as to how you as a church member, your local church, and your family could help accomplish this in our conference? Dream, imagine, hope, and pray with me!

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BLACK ADVENTIST MINISTERIAL FELLOWSHIP

Dream with me.

Loma Linda Filipino Church

(Left) Families, students, and church and community members gather for a devotional before starting their basketball game at Loma Linda Filipino church’s gym. (Below) The praise team at Monday Night Basketball starts off the night by leading worship.

ALL PHOTOS BY DAN BELONIO

ast year, SECC launched a four-part strategic initiative. Churches have been actively participating in the first initiative, which states: “We ENGAGE next generation leaders as a welcoming Christian community through thriving ministries for youth and young adults, and in the development of leadership opportunities to serve that shape our shared future.” One of the many stories of churches engaging includes the Loma Linda Filipino church (LLFC) providing a sports ministry, which has been going on for more than 15 years. Now Daniel Belonio, Jr., associate pastor at LLFC, hopes to expand the ministry even further. “Our main goal is to connect with new people who attend our Monday Night Basketball ministry,” Belonio said. Monday Night Basketball (MNB) is the main attraction in their sports ministry, with 50-60 attendees ages 15-29. The night starts off with a free dinner and worship—contemporary praise music led by youth members and a

Engages Youth and Young Adults

devotional talk. They are currently going through the gospel of Mark, titled “Mark for Success.” “We are looking at the stories in Mark and applying successful principals for young people to hear and use in their lives,” Belonio said. “We want to build up a person holistically.” He mentioned that a 60/40 ratio of non-Adventists to Adventists attend MNB. Their group includes young fathers, students, full-time employees, and others just looking for community and exercise. After basketball, everyone gathers for a 10-minute prayer huddle. “When I moved back here, I wanted to get involved in church,” said Angelo Agonoy, a 22-year-

old student and church member. “I stumbled upon Monday Night Basketball and volunteered.” That was a couple of years ago. Now Agonoy attends almost every week and is part of the leadership team. He currently gives Bible studies to a family of five and is also giving baptismal studies to two high schoolers that he met through MNB. During the week, the MNB and sports ministries Facebook pages engage with viewers through video devotionals, religious articles, sermon videos from LLFC, and updates on Bible studies. “We’re not only engaging with our own kids through sports ministry, but also with our community,” Belonio said. For 2018, he hopes to start a biking program and also hire an athletic director for ministry that will coordinate all of the sports ministries. By Jessica Anzai Permaul

Every Monday, 50-60 people gather in the evening for food, worship, and basketball. This is part of LLFC’s sports ministry program.

seccadventist.org • February 2018

San Diego Academy’s Mission Trip goes Local

there was also an opportunity for the group to visit a local nursing home and rehabilitation center to sing to the residents. Many of the people from CVRM expressed their appreciation for the upbeat, positive, and cheerful spirit of the students. “Whether it was peeling and cutting hundreds of pounds of potatoes and onions, holding toddlers with runny noses and coughs, making our group meals and more, the students would step up and volunteer to help,” said Stephanie Mayang, third grade teacher and vice principal. Mayang said people at CVRM were amazed that the students were there to serve over an extended period of time, allowing for relationships to be formed with the children. “At first they thought we were just a one-day deal, but when we kept returning day after day they knew we were seriously committed to serve in whatever capacity possible, and this developed a sense of goodwill and trust,” Mayang said. San Diego Academy is planning their 2018-2019 mission trip, which also will be within the United States. This will make it more affordable for students and help them open their eyes to see the needs around them. By Stephanie Mayang and Jessica Anzai Permaul

PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEPHANIE MAYANG

uring Thanksgiving break, 15 students and four adults from San Diego Academy spent five days on a local mission trip volunteering at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. CVRM is a homeless, women’s, and family shelter that focuses on helping people with food, housing, clothing, counseling, and spiritual recovery. While serving there, San Diego Academy students worked in the kitchen twice a day; held children’s activities such as singing songs, distributing stuffed animals and books, leading out in arts and crafts, and playing games; packed and distributed 231 Thanksgiving boxes for the homeless people; and made cards for the volunteers, residents, and children there. “The mission trip helped me put into perspective how everyone else can deal with different things and it helped me feel what they were feeling,” Iyonia Hollie, junior, said. “It was a blessing to be able to be a part of this and help them know that they are not alone and that someone does care.” “I liked helping out with the kids, interacting with them, having fun with them, and making them feel special and happy,” Carlos Sanchez, sophomore, said. On Sabbath, besides all of the scheduled services at CVRM,

Students from San Diego Academy prepare food at Coachella Valley Rescue Mission during their Thanksgiving break.

Upcoming Events Sportball Parent & Me Class Every Sunday in February and March; ages 2-3, 9-9:45 a.m.; ages 3-5, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Mesa Grande Academy, 975 Fremont St., Calimesa. Come to MGA’s Sportball class for a fun way to interact and play with your child and get to know some of MGA staff. Register: www.mesagrandeacademy. org/sportball. From Sickness to Health (Feb. 10) 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Vista church, 720 Alta Vista Drive, Vista. Learn Blue Zone secrets from guest speaker Rico Hill for living better and longer. Lose weight, reverse diabetes, lower your blood pressure, and prevent heart disease naturally. Info: 760-726-5353. Annual Intermediate Handbell Festival (Feb. 15) 7 p.m., Redlands Adventist Academy, 130 Tennessee St., Redlands. Info: David Longa, 951-509-2321. Small Group Discipleship Retreat (Feb. 16-18) Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center. Contact your pastor for a discount. Hosted by Hispanic ministries. Info: Magbis Leonora, 951-509-2333. Friendships for Hope Gala (Feb. 24) 7-9:30 p.m., Paradise Valley church, 2701 E. 8th Street, National City. Attend this dining, music, and silent auction fundraiser to support war victims with English, education, and job training. Info: Amilcar Marrima, 619-315-6559, ipemarrima@ hotmail.com. TK/Kindergarten Roundup (Feb. 25) 4 p.m., Mesa Grande Academy, 975 Fremont St., Calimesa. All children entering Transitional Kindergarten (students turning five between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2) or Kindergarten (students who are five by Sept. 1) are invited to come learn about MGA. Info: Elisa Suphol, 909-795-1112, elisa.suphol@mgak-12.org. MARCH Pathfinder Kite Day (March 4) 8:45 a.m.–4 p.m., San Diego Mission Bay, Mariner’s Point; Mariners Way, San Diego. Pathfinder Kite Day is a relaxing day that brings parents and Pathfinders together. It is an event where parents can join in the fun of creating the kite together with their children. Info: Judi Jeffreys, 951-509-2265, www.seccyouth.com.

San Diego 31st Street Church

Renovation is Completed

PHOTOS BY ROY RANTUNG

excited and happy to see their sanctuary again. “Moving back in has affected the senior citizens the most, because they feel more comfortable now,” Jacqueline Lawrence, associate pastor, said. “Tradition is very important, and they were able to go back into their sanctuary.” Former pastors and conference representatives participated in the move-in celebration. Kelby McCottry, pastor at Valley Fellowship church, preached the main service, and George King, conference vice president of Black ministries, along with Robert Edwards, conference evangelist, dedicated the sanctuary. After lunch, there was a concert featuring artists from other Adventist and Christian churches in the area. Now that the worship services have been moved back to the sanctuary, the other buildings on the property can be used for more ministry activities.

ALL PHOTOS BY KEVIN PARISH

fter four years of patience and persistence, San Diego 31st Street church members moved back into their newly renovated sanctuary and celebrated together on Nov. 4. The old building needed some parts upgraded to meet the needs of the congregation. As a result, the sanctuary had to have a complete remodel so everything would meet 2017 building code standards. A new heating, ventilation, and airconditioning system was installed, along with completely new bathrooms, plumbing and electrical systems, walls, windows, pews, and parts of the flooring. During their time waiting, members gathered for meetings in the gym on the property. The elders and leaders moved chairs around every week so other events could take place there as well. When the time came for everyone to move back into the church, everyone was

(Top) An afternoon concert featured special musical artists from the church and surrounding area. (Above) Kelby McCottry, pastor at Valley Fellowship church, preaches during the dedication service of the San Diego 31st church.

“We are really striving to be focused and spiritually encompassed towards inclusive ministry,” said Horatius Gittens, senior pastor at San Diego 31st Street church. “We want every person engaged in a relevant ministry in our church.” The church members’ goals for this year include focusing on evangelism and outreach; engaging in the community with their regular ministry program; and enhancing their church service to make it more meaningful and relevant for people of all ages in the congregation. “Everyone is excited,” Lawrence said. “We’re hoping for big things in 2018!” By Jessica Anzai Permaul The communication team at San Diego 31st Street church show off their new shirts.

Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

1 1 3 3 0 P i e r c e S t r e e t • R i v e r s i d e , C A 9 2 5 0 5 - 3 3 0 3 • 9 5 1 . 5 0 9 . 2 2 0 0 • w w w. s e c c a d v e n t i s t . o r g

Sandra Roberts, President • Jonathan Park, Secretary • Verlon Strauss, Treasurer Conference Priorities • Enno Müller, Editor

seccadventist.org • February 2018

In This Issue February 2018

Noel Brathwaite; New Director of Minority Health and Health New Faces & Transitions in the SCC Office

Don’t Miss Velino A. Salazar SCC President

ave you ever missed the bus? How did you feel about it? Obviously, that depends on the reason. A little more than a month ago, I had an experience that I had never had before. I missed the bus. My family departed without me. I was disappointed. I was embarrassed. I desperately tried to find an alternative way to go so I could meet them at our destination. It was Friday morning of New Year’s weekend. My wife, her elderly parents, and I were traveling in Argentina from the capital to a country town to visit other relatives and spend the holiday with them. The trip would last 6 hours by coach. My responsibility for the trip was to take care of my father-in-law, who, at age 94, needed some special assistance, while my wife, Esther, would take care of my mother-in-law, age 86. The four of us arrived at the terminal and waited for the bus. Several buses came, and none of them were going to our destination. I was

Public Affairs & Religious Liberty/ Community Services Update

the

B us

alert, checking for the right one. Finally, the right bus came. Our bags were loaded, and we handed our tickets to the driver to board the bus. He asked for our IDs to match the name and document number on the tickets. Everybody showed the right ID and boarded the bus. Except me. I didn’t have my passport with me. I had left it at my in-laws’ house. I showed another ID and tried to persuade the driver to accept it, but I didn’t succeed. I needed to have the correct one. You can imagine the anguish of my elderly in-laws and the “joy” Esther experienced. I asked my family to go ahead without me, and I assured them I would rejoin them later that evening. I would go home to get my passport and take another bus later. They left, and I rushed home to get my passport. Later that evening, I met them at our destination.

As a frequent traveler, I’ve taken hundreds of flights, trains, and buses, and I had never missed any departure due to my own negligence. I consider myself a highly organized, meticulous person, who plans and prepares accordingly. (I have often been teased for that.) As I was traveling to my destination that afternoon, I reflected on how this happened to me. I actually had a very difficult time accepting it, and the following thoughts came to mind. Due to the insecurity and unrest in Argentina, holding the right ID is obviously imperative. In my case, as cont. on page 2 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE •

Don’t Miss The Bus , cont. from page 1

a foreign visitor, my passport was indispensable. My passport defines and describes my identity and relationship with my country. As a fellow traveler to heaven, awaiting the second coming of Jesus Christ, it is vitally important to have the “right ID” to enter the New Jerusalem. Although Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows … but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36, NKJV), He also encouraged us to be watchful for His coming and show our love for Him by

serving and treating others well. At the same time, He made it clear that by knowing Him, believing in Him and being reborn to and in fellowship with Him — that is our “passport” to enter in His Kingdom (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 13:22-30; John 3:3, 6:40; 11:26).

Yes, passports are identifications of who we are and to what country we belong.

He made it clear that by

If my relationship

knowing Him, believing in with Christ is close Him and being reborn to and personal, I can be — that is our “passport”

assured that I have the passport and that it is with me ALL the time!

to enter in His Kingdom.

It is through a life of

and in fellowship with Him

prayer and daily communion with God that I develop such a relationship with the King of the Universe. I missed the bus that day because I got distracted by other things for the trip. But I forgot THE most important element — my passport. It is my prayer that each one of us intentionally engages in a close relationship with God every day as we await the coming of the Lord, so when He comes He can tell us, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you” (Matthew 25:34, NKJV). Remember to keep your passport current!

Noel Brathwaite, Founder and Director of the GLAR Health Network, Appointed New Director of Minority Health and Health Disparities for the Maryland Department of Health

or the past two years, Noel Brathwaite, Ph.D., MSPH, has guided the activities of the Greater Los Angeles Region Health Network (GLARHN), representing 19 churches spanning the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. The primary mission of the network is to promote health and wellness across the region. Under his direction, GLARHN has participated in Pathway to Health, initiated the 2017 Pound Weight Loss Challenge and the Let’s Muv 5K Run, entered into a memorandum of understanding with the American Heart Association, and been the recipient of a $20,000 grant. Under his leadership, • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

By Deidra McAlpin GLARHN also initiated efforts to broaden the focus on health to include emotional and mental health through the development of an innovative sevenpronged initiative and the support of CARE ENOUGH for Emotional and Mental Health Forums. On December 6, 2017, Brathwaite assumed his new position as Director of Minority Health and Health Disparities for the Maryland Department of Health. Serving in this capacity, his primary mission will be to address the social determinants of health and eliminate health disparities by leveraging the Department’s resources, providing health equity consultation, impacting

external communications, guiding policy decisions, and influencing strategic direction on behalf of the Secretary of Health. The Office’s vision is to achieve health equity where all individuals and communities have the opportunity and access to achieve and maintain good health. Brathwaite will certainly be missed. Our prayers are with him as he goes to serve in another part of God’s vineyard.

In Transition (Voted 12/14/17)

Changes Within the Conference Lauren Armstrong

From Intern, Communication, to Director, Communication, as of Jan. 1, 2018. (Voted 12/14/17)

Leaving Conference Employment Laura Williams

From Principal, Los Angeles Adventist Academy, as of Nov. 23, 2017.

New Faces & Transitions in the

sCC O ffiCe By Lauren Armstrong

The Southern California Conference office family welcomed a few new faces and experienced some transitions within the building during 2017. Check out the updates below to meet the newest team members and get acquainted with familiar faces in new positions.

Connie Jeffery

Luz Benitez

Connie joined the Communication Department as associate director, transitioning from her position as a trust development officer in the Trust Services Department. She will be working alongside the director to network with SCC churches and tell the stories of our conference across a variety of platforms.

In October 2017, Luz transitioned to the position of administrative assistant to Elder John H. Cress, SCC’s executive secretary and ministerial director. She previously served in the Hispanic Region as administrative secretary for 23 years.

Associate Director, Communication

Gloria Huerta

Administrative Secretary, Hispanic Region

Gloria joined the Hispanic Region office as administrative secretary, where she will work with SCC’s Hispanic Region pastors and director Luis Peña. Gloria joins the Hispanic Region after working in the SCC HR Department as administrative secretary for three and a half years.

Administrative Assistant, Executive Secretary/Ministerial

Renee Lacson

Staff Auditor, Auditing

Renee works in the SCC Auditing Department alongside Ewan Wonoprabowo and local SCC church treasurers. She joined the team in February 2017.

Dileanny Jimenez

Payroll Junior Accountant, Treasury

Shariece Paschal

Senior Accountant, Treasury

Shariece joined the Treasury team as a senior accountant in June 2017. She assists in maintaining the valuation of the physical assets in the conference for churches and schools.

Dileanny joined the Treasury team in October 2017 and assists in maintaining and processing payroll and the related records.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE •

P u b l i c A f fA i r s

And

religious liberty

Community Services Update

By James G. Lee, Jr. SCC PARL Director

On Sabbath, January 13, 2018, Southern California Conference (SCC), Adventist Community Services (ACS) and Health Ministries collaborated with a number of organizations for a Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Day and Business Prayer Breakfast held at the Power of Love Community church in South Los Angeles. SCC arranged for dental and vision care and medical screenings. SCC Literature Ministries also distributed hundreds of GLOW tracts to the community and, by God’s grace, received 17 Bible study interests and 52 health interests, for programs including cooking school, depression recovery and more. LLU School of Dentistry brought their dental van and a team of volunteers to assist in providing screening and education. Adventist Health White Memorial brought a team to administer lab tests and medical screening tests. SCC also partnered with The Lion’s Club to provide vision screening. Alex Wong, M.D., an optometrist from Long Beach, conducted the actual screening. SCC also provided free reading glasses. An attorney from Loma Linda offered free legal advice to those with immigration needs. Pastor Eugene Hamilton, Breath of Life church, made remarks at the Business Prayer Breakfast about the Adventist church, appreciation for the organization coordinating the event, and the importance of being involved in the community. Hamilton also offered a prayer during the service. This was the first time an Adventist pastor has been invited to speak at this annual event. Our Breath of Life and White Memorial Pathfinders also participated in the Prayer Breakfast by presenting a precision drill, drum corps, and posting of the colors.

News from the Regions Greater Los Angeles Two churches in the Greater Los Angeles Region (GLAR) recently held evangelistic campaigns at Smyrna church and Breath of Life church. Evangelist Howard Smalls, under the invitation Royal Harrison of Pastor Loren Hodnett, conducted the crusade, Director and the Lord blessed the Smyrna church with 24 precious souls. Pastor Eugene Hamilton, Breath of Life church, held an evangelistic campaign in the month of October, and the Lord blessed the church with 35 precious souls. GLAR celebrates the increase of 59 additional souls to the Kingdom of God. We thank God for all of our pastors and their continued commitment to winning souls to Christ. • SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

Hispanic Next month, the AWAKE 2018 evangelism programs will start throughout the Hispanic Region. The two-week Luis Peña series will take place Director March 24-April 7. Many of our churches have been preparing for these meetings by facilitating small group meetings. We ask for your continued prayers as the churches prepare for and conduct these meetings this spring. May the Lord bless these meetings and those who attend. For more information on specific meeting times and locations, please visit scc.adventist.org/awake2018. L.A. Metro The L.A. Metro Region is focusing on “contextual ministry” in many of its churches. Contextual ministry is based upon Jesus’ ministry model as articulated in Ministry of Healing, page 143, where the local church designs its outreach efforts based upon an awareness of the issues and needs facing the surrounding Gerard Kiemeney Director community. Examples of such contextual ministry are found in the following churches: • South Bay church with its vegan nutritional/health outreach in Redondo Beach • Gardena-Genesis Community church with its involvement in the community, homeless ministry, community holiday celebrations, and social justice causes facing local residents • Glendale City church with its Communitas outreach geared toward helping families get back into mainstream society by offering assistance with work and family dynamics • Eagle Rock church with its neighborhood parties and community classroom education Ellen White postulates that the church that is involved in felt-need-based community outreach will not fail to see fruit from its labors: “There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen.” –Ministry of Healing, page 143.