Pacific Union Recorder—April 2020

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Dear Fellow Believer—

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t the moment of this writing, our churches and schools, hospitals and clinics, and all of our ministries and institutions have been dramatically impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Each day brings us new information and discoveries about the scope of this invisible foe. And each day also offers us an opportunity to live out God’s love—in whatever the circumstances.

As so many have stated, it is particularly important to be vigilant and persistent in the good hygiene practices advocated by health officials‚ especially in how and where we interact with one another.

As a disciple and pastor, I have been asking myself this question: How are we called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in such a time as this?

Surely it starts by being good citizens, but it must go well beyond self-care. As our understanding and awareness of the coronavirus situation grows, so does our conviction that our churches and members are an important part of a healthy community response.

As new terms like social distancing and self-quarantine have become commonplace, our understanding of how we relate to one another has been challenged and changed.

So the handshakes must now become phone calls and text messages. While we may be constrained from embracing, we can still be warm and appreciative in our conversations with one another—verbal and virtual.

The crisis is creating needs among many in our midst. How is God calling you to be the expression of love and care that is most needed during this time? There are still so many ways that we can support one another, especially those whose livelihoods and futures are impacted by these circumstances.

A large percentage of our membership are in “at risk” groups. I know how much the fellowship of younger believers can mean to those for whom the fellowship of faith is quite literally a lifeline that sustains them.

Even as we step back from public expression of our faith, now is the time to step up to using our ingenuity, resources, and digital technologies to be the people who are, like those in Hebrews 10:25, “not

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forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,” even if it is through digital means.

I would be amiss if I didn’t include in this pastoral message my concerns about the financial health and viability of our churches, schools, and institutions during this time.

I am thinking quite specifically about the tithe and the support of the church and congregation that you are a part of. God will be faithful to us in helping us meet every situation, of this I have no doubt. And each of us are given the opportunity to be a part of how His mission is fulfilled. I regard this as a matter of personal faithfulness, and I will be praying that God will bless each of our families, and every member, even as the blessings that we have been given are shared back with our churches and schools.

Each of our seven conferences have special websites and information for their members, and I am including the list of them here so you can access them easily. (This list can also be found on the Pacific Union website). I encourage you to seek out the information that is available online through the websites and social media posts of your local church and school—as well as through the conferences. We will also continue to update you through the Recorder, the weekly All God’s People online video, and through our various news channels.

Throughout each day, and in my own prayer and devotions, the words of Psalm 23—the Shepherd’s Psalm—have returned to my mind again and again. Especially this phrase from verse 4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (KJV).

In this most cherished verse, there is not a promise that we will avoid difficulty and circumstances that challenge and test us— instead, there are two great assurances that have strengthened my faith every day.

The first is that we walk through—we don’t stop. This is not our destination; it is only a part of the journey. And the second— even more important—is that we are not alone. The Shepherd is with us. Sheltering in place, self-quarantining, social distancing— we are not alone! “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able

to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, KJV).

On March 15, I participated in a special prayer line to pray for the work of God through the ministry of churches, schools, and other entities in the Pacific Union Conference. Over 100 people joined that season of prayer. In my devotional reading, I was led to Psalm 85:7: “Show us Your mercy Lord, and grant us Your salvation” (NKJV). I shared it with those on the prayer call, and I have shared it with others.

This has been included in my prayers the rest of this week; it will be repeated during this crisis in which we are currently caught and into the future. We need God to be what He is: merciful. And we need His salvation, now and eternally.

Please continue to pray for our pastors, teachers, and leaders. Special prayer is needed for those who are serving in our hospitals and clinics—and for the thousands of dedicated women and men serving in healthcare throughout our Union. Pray for the health and safety of all those who are personally impacted by this virus.

Pray that the crisis will end soon and that our communities will be spared further losses. Thank you for your faithfulness in the support of our shared faith. May you sense God’s blessing and grace during this time.

Yours in Christ Jesus— Pastor Ricardo Graham President

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Websites Arizona https://azconference.org/ Southern California Conference https://scc.adventist.org/ Southeastern California Conference http://secc.adventistfaith.org/ Central California Conference https://www.centralcaliforniaadventist.com/ Northern California Conference https://nccsda.com/ Nevada-Utah Conference https://nucadventist.com/ Hawaii Conference https://www.hawaiisda.com/ Pacific Union Conference https://adventistfaith.com Return your tithes and offerings online https://adventistgiving.org

Recorder What’s inside PACIFIC UNION

Publisher Ray Tetz Editor Alberto Valenzuela

2 Dear Fellow Beleiver

4 Christian Education: A Mission Wrapped in Love

8 Nurtured & Taught to Nurture & Teach

12 I Love Teaching Love

Assistant Editor Faith Hoyt

16 The Fourth R

Assistant Editor Connie Jeffery

24 A Training Center of Students for Worldwide Outreach

Design/Layout Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela 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 916-406-1497 Judy Leach • leachjl@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 Loma Linda 909-651-5925 Ansel Oliver • anoliver@llu.edu Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929 Michelle Ward • mward@nevadautah.org Northern California 916-886-5600 Laurie Trujillo • Laurie.Trujillo@nccsda.com Pacific Union College 707-965-7100 Ashley Eisele • aeisele@puc.edu Southeastern California 951-509-2200 Enno Müller • communications@seccsda.org Southern California 818-546-8400 Lauren Lacson • Llacson@sccsda.org Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 07446381), Volume 120, Number 4, 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. Info@adventistfaith.com.

20 Education for Eternity: Taught by the Lord 28 Pacific Union Conference Education Leaders 30 Adventist Health 32 Arizona Conference 34 Central California Conference 36 Hawaii Conference 38 Holbrook Indian School 40 La Sierra University 42 Loma Linda University Health

Download the Recorder to your mobile device! For iPad/iPhone: open your QR reader and scan the code. For Android: activate the QR scan extension in your Internet browser, then select “Scan QR Code.”

44 Nevada-Utah Conference 46 Northern California Conference 48 Pacific Union College 50 Southeastern California Conference 52 Southern California Conference 54 A Journey to Excellence 80 Community & Marketplace 85 Sunset Calendar 86 Remembering Theodore R. “Ted” Benson

“To kindle a fire and leave it burning—that is the aim of all great teachers.” —G. Wallace Woodworth The Adventist network of schools is the largest Protestant educational system in the world and includes preschool, elementary, and secondary schools, along with college- and university-level education. Our annual Education Issue celebrates this important ministry and brings into focus the work of dozens of committed teachers, administrators, and staff who seek to nurture in their students a deep love for God, a clear understanding of their own identity and worth, and A Mission Wrapped in Love I Love Teaching Love appreciation for the communities who Nurtured & Taught to Nurture & Teach The Fourth R love and support them.

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Education: A Mission Wrapped in Love

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BY RICARDO GRAHAM

believe that Adventist Education is a mission wrapped in a larger mission. The mission of learning is wrapped in love, which results in the creation of disciples for Jesus.

I know from experience. I had the benefit of attending three different Seventh-day Adventist primary schools in the cities of Detroit and Inkster, Michigan: The Davison school; the Berean school, operated by the City Temple church; and the F.L. Peterson school, named after Elder Frank Loris Peterson, the first black graduate from Pacific Union College, who was hired as the first full-time black teacher at Oakwood Junior College, now Oakwood University, in 1917.

Because of the ministry of those schools, I became a Seventh-day Adventist and disciple of Jesus Christ. The love and acceptance shown to me by my teachers and

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fellow students made an indelible, life-changing

were people who “walked the talk” and made

impression. They showed me the love of Jesus,

an impact on thousands of children and young

and that changed everything.

people.

These educational operatives were involved

Adventist Education is the result of

in the battle five days a week and sometimes

innumerable loving sacrifices made out of

on weekends. They were among a company of

a commitment born, shaped, and nurtured

people who had a vision of how to accomplish

in reflecting God’s love. Well educated and

the particulars of their mission. These people

passionate, my teachers demonstrated personal

made a covenant to sacrifice time and money to

commitment to live out their spiritual gifts and

educate children in the context of Jesus Christ,

their educational training in the small church

lifting Him up through their love for each other

schools I attended.

and for the Seventh-day Adventist denomination

Our education was not perfect. We didn’t

and its mission, message, and work. These

have all the “bells and whistles” of other schools nearby. However, the most important factor, in

Education Pioneers Hattie André (1865-1952) In 1893 Hattie André sailed on the second voyage of the Pitcairn.

Upon arrival, she remained in the tiny mountainous island teaching school, beginning with 41 pupils. When she returned to the United States in 1896, she did Bible work briefly in Kentucky. Ellen White wrote to her from Australia, urging her to consider mission service there, and she accepted. After eight years in Australia, Hattie joined in pioneering the beginnings of Pacific Union College on Howell Mountain in Angwin, California, where she worked until her retirement 11 years later.

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my humble opinion, wasn’t the technology or the laboratories—it was that intangible quality that continues to be demonstrated by Adventist elementary and academy teachers and college and university professors: a loving, caring outlook.

We are blessed to have loving, committed disciples of Jesus working in our schools here in the Pacific Union Conference. I have met many of

them, and I believe that among our educators we

is love.… If we love one another, God abides in

have some of the best!

us, and His love has been perfected in us” (1

Our teachers and professors know that they

John 4:7-8, 12, NKJV).

are building for eternity. They know that “True

The dual goal of education as we practice

education means more than the pursual of a

it is to grow disciples of Jesus, the author of

certain course of study. It means more than

love, and to produce well-educated persons at

a preparation for the life that now is. It has to

every stage, in every aspect. It is in His love for

do with the whole being, and with the whole

us that we find freedom, healing, and hope.

period of existence possible to man. It is the

What a tremendous goal! One that is to be

harmonious development of the physical, the

accomplished by a team: parents, teachers,

mental, and the spiritual powers. It prepares the

pastors, and church members who interact with

student for the joy of service in this world and

children to present and model the discipleship

for the higher joy of wider service in the world

of Jesus.

to come” (Ellen G. White, Education, p. 13).

To be sure, there is no ironclad guarantee

Parents are a child’s first teachers, and they

that every child in the church school, academy,

are responsible for introducing God and His

or college will choose to become a disciple of

principles to their children. In addition, Christian

Jesus; however, every hour of every day they are

education is the work of the church. Even if

offered repeated opportunities to follow Him.

children can’t go to a church school, Christian

In that way we move forward to embrace the

values can be presented to them in word and

statement of Isaiah: “And all thy children shall

deed by their church family.

be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the

As the apostle tells us all: “Beloved, let us love

peace of thy children” (Isaiah 54:13, KJV).

one another, for love is of God; and everyone

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who loves is born of God and knows God. He

Ricardo Graham is the president of the Pacific

who does not love does not know God, for God

Union Conference.

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Nurtured to Nurture

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t is a simple fact that has shaped my life: my dad was a teacher.

Growing up in a family that was immersed in education, with someone who loved his work and took great satisfaction in the impact of what he did each day, gave me a deep appreciation for the

community that exists among teachers and those who work in schools.

As a result, our home life was all about learning and sharing with each other the things that we found interesting and helpful. Not just what we were learning in school, but in every part of life. Learning was fundamental to life itself.

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In high school I became fascinated with the various aspects of business practice, and I was fortunate to have a teacher who responded by affirming and challenging my interest. Her helpful guidance was a factor when I visited PUC for “college days� during my senior year and the education department faculty asked us to play a little game. We were supposed to answer a series of questions like we imagined a teacher would answer them. When our

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& Taught & Teach

BY BERIT VON POHLE

answer showed “teacher potential,” a little light

whom we hope will become our colleagues in

came on. I lit up the board with my answers—and

education—that we shared many of the same

that turned a light on in my brain.

experiences they are having as they approach

Back at school at Rio Lindo Academy, I shared

their choice of career. We want young people to

my experience with my business ed teacher.

know that being a teacher offers them a way to

What followed was a conversation that changed

integrate their interests and experiences, their

my life forever; she helped me realize that I

spiritual life and desire to serve, and their natural

could integrate my interests in business and my

aptitude and talent into a life of service and

aptitude for teaching into a possible career. My

distinction.

teacher became my career counselor, and the

We are thrilled that this spring three of our

rest, as they say, is history. I am forever indebted

scholarship recipients are graduating from college

to her for such insightful guidance and thoughtful

with plans to be teachers. Amid the excitement of

direction.

completing their college studies and firming up

I recount this simple story for two reasons:

employment plans, they each took time to share

first, because it illustrates the importance of great

with us some of what is most meaningful at this

teachers in communicating the information within

point in the development of their careers.

their curriculum; and second, because almost

Kelly Kimura is graduating from Pacific Union

every teacher I know would tell you a story a lot

College in June with a B.A. in Liberal Studies; she

like it. Teachers inspire students to learn—and

plans to teach elementary school. She recounts a

sometimes, they inspire them to be teachers.

story known to many teachers: “A past elementary

That’s what lies behind the decision of the

teacher of mine inspired me to teach because

Pacific Union Office of Education to inaugurate

of the way she interacted with me when I was a

a scholarship program for young people who

student. I experienced the joy of learning in her

seek to become teachers. It is a way for us

classroom.”

to communicate with our students—some of

Kelly describes her experience at PUC as one in

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which she became certain of the importance of

positive impact on the world.”

her chosen career and of the impact she hopes

I truly appreciate the spirit of learning that

to have on her students, “I believe teaching is a

Hannah Decolongon conveys in her comments

ministry and an opportunity to impact learners.”

to us about her training and education. She

A year of service as a Student Missionary

expresses the same appreciation for learning

in Palau has confirmed the perceptions that

that I acquired from my father, and that most

Evelyn Park brought to her studies. Evelyn is

teachers agree is such an important factor for

graduating from Southern Adventist University

success in the classroom: “Though I may be a

with a Liberal Arts major, and she plans to teach

future teacher, it does not mean that I have to

elementary school. Based on her studies and

stop being a learner.” Hannah is graduating in

her experiences, she confirmed her choice: “I

June from Pacific Union College with a Liberal

have chosen education because teachers play

Studies major, and she plans to teach in

an essential role in our culture.”

elementary school. I would love to pay a visit to

Evelyn goes on to express appreciation

her classroom and see how she is learning with

for the environment of being in an Adventist

her students.

college for her training. “The community of an

I anticipate that all three of these newly

Adventist college has empowered me to share

minted educators will be both skillful and

a common faith and intellect in order to be a

generous with their students and will be

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Hannah Decolongon

we look for ways to be affirming and helpful.

Why we help them discover the areas where they have real aptitude and talent. Why we help them find their calling. We love to see young people involved with Pathfinders, or helping out in the younger classrooms at the school, or working at summer camp. Anything that they can do to discover the joy of teaching and service will help them in any career—but especially as teachers.

I believe we must help our young people understand that the life benefits and rewards of teaching are so much greater than anything that can be quantified with a paycheck. Certainly the most satisfying experience for any teacher is to see their students succeed—whether it's academic, spiritual, as leaders, or in their lives and families. To see them succeed, to see them be positive, to see them mature and be better each

blessed as they nurture a spirit of discovery and

day, and to know that you had the opportunity

learning.

to impact their lives: that is the greatest reward.

Our schools are facing a dramatic teacher

And the zenith of that experience is watching the

shortage. We anticipate that perhaps as many

growth and success of former students who are

as 20% of our teachers and educators will be

now teachers and principals.

retiring in the next 5 to 10 years, so there are

Teaching is about “paying it forward.” Very

and will be many openings in teaching and in

often, when presenting the scholarships to

administration.

young people like Kelly, Evelyn, and Hannah, I

The more adults and mentors share their

tell them, "We hug our children not so they will

own positive experiences about teachers,

hug us in return but so they will hug their own

and the more parents and grandparents get

children." When I see them now, at the portal of

involved with the education of their children

a life of service and learning, I want to tell them

and grandchildren, the better those young

something more: “Teach not for the response

people will do—regardless of the careers that

you will get from your students but so those

they choose. The research tells us that one of

students themselves may also teach.”

the key factors in student achievement is the

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importance that families place on education.

Berit von Pohle is the director of education of the

So, that’s why we nurture young people. Why

Pacific Union Conference.

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I Love

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My teaching career is a journey of lifelong growth in the graces that emanate from experiencing God’s love.

Teaching Love

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BY LYLE BENNETT

he teaching ministry has been the main

God’s love. As children of the Divine, all of us are

focus of my working life in the Adventist

deserving of love. And love is expressed in fairness,

church. I love engaging young minds

in freedom, and in respect.

so much that even after I retired this

summer, I continue teaching part time. I love this

Love through fairness

challenging ministry. But the stakes are high for the

Each student is unique, with different strengths

Adventist educator. Jesus said that “everyone who

and weaknesses. There is a great illustration in Rick

is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40,

Wormeli’s book, Fair Isn’t Always Equal.1 A teacher

NIV). The educator shares God’s love through daily

assigns two students to respond to a prompt

action.

written on the whiteboard. But to make it fair, they

Teenagers don’t tolerate pretense. They are

must both do it without the aid of glasses. This is a

watching to see how love works. They are looking to

problem for the near-sighted one. Most of us would

see love that is consistent with words and actions.

agree that being “equal” in this situation stands

They especially learn love from how we handle our

in the way of learning. Love is exhibited through

own shortcomings. They carefully watch parents,

fairness in the classroom.

teachers, pastors, and even church members in their

I have learned that fairness demands that I

quest.

not treat all students equally. Educators call this

My teaching career is a journey of lifelong growth

“differentiated instruction.” To achieve mastery,

in the graces that emanate from experiencing

some students may need aids in reading or

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Adventists have struggled with over-emphasizing a behavioral ideal of spirituality. supportive frames in writing. Some may need

Bible teacher, Sigve Tonstad, puts it: “Love is a

more time or fewer problems to do. The goal is the

language that is spoken only in freedom’s domain.”3

learning, not how you learn.

Adventists have struggled with over-emphasizing

This provides a critical lesson for our

a behavioral ideal of spirituality. Our behavioral

denomination. Historically in North America,

expectations make God into One who prohibits, One

“Adventism has always been an immigrant church.”

who begrudges freedom. This can breed alienation

Today the church continues its growth among new

from God and anger toward religion. Love is

but still immigrant groups. Our schools have many

exhibited when opportunities for meaningful choice

students whose parents are immigrants. At my last

are expanded.

school, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, over 50% of

First, there is choice in behavior. I was blessed

students were actually English-language learners—

to spend some of my career working in student

defined as coming from a home where English is not

discipline. Ellen White wrote, “This work is the nicest,

the first language. Adventist schools must continue

the most difficult, ever committed to human beings”

to be institutions where students of new members

(Education p. 292). I learned that punishment for

can experience growth in God’s love. Where

bad decisions pushed students to anger. Instead,

language struggles abound, support speaks grace

we learned to invite students to use the power of

and love.

their will for right. When students are heard, when

To practice this principle of fairness, the teachers

we talk without blaming or belittling, they begin to

at Rio Lindo all learned strategies to support these

understand how some choices can break trust and

students in reading and writing. One-size teaching

other choices can restore trust in relationships. Love

is not fair. There are other students who need

is not love until it is freely chosen.

different supports to level the learning field. Some

Second, I learned that students also grow through

learn better with quiet, others by talking, others

exercising choice, even in academics. There is a

need to be moving. Caring for and assisting students

happy balance about choice in the classroom. If

with unique needs paints a picture of love—an

teachers control all the decisions about course

experiencing of God’s love.

content or demonstrations of learning, the power

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of the will is diminished. If students are given all the

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Love through choice

power of choosing their learning, they can become

An important goal of education is learning

unfocused and unproductive. But when teachers

self-control. I learned in my journey how to help

find the balance, students are empowered and

students learn to make quality choices. Students

motivated to learn, knowing that the teacher is

may struggle to experience God’s love in schools

there to support and advocate for them even when

because of the focus on external control of behavior.

mistakes are made.

Too tight a control on classroom learning can

This is a great analogy for how God works with

hinder the development of self-control. As one

each one of us through His spirit—supporting and

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advocating. Mistakes and bad choices are stepping-

strategies to connect students to love. Looking

stones to growth. Schools and academics become a

back at myself as a young teacher, I realize how

journey to experiencing God’s love.

much I have improved, how much better they can experience God’s love in learning. So maybe the

Love through respect

truth is that I love being a teacher because I have

Teachers show respect by viewing their students

been a student in God’s classroom of love.

as thinkers. One of my favorite Ellen White quotes is

Inviting students to be thinkers reinforces the idea

Rick Wormeli, Fair Isn’t Always Equal: Assessment and Grading in the Differentiated Classroom (Portsmouth, NH: Stenhouse Publishers, 2018).

2 Malcolm Bull and Keith Lockhart, Seeking a Sanctuary: Seventh-day Adventism and the American Dream (Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 2007), p. 289.

3 Sigve Tonstad, God of Sense and Traditions of Non-Sense (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2018), p. 397.

that they can be endowed with godlikeness. Love is

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exhibited when someone believes that students can

Lyle Bennett is a retired teacher and pastor who

be thinkers.

now teaches part time at Napa Christian Campus of

At my last school we learned to say, “Every

Education.

about training “youth to be thinkers, and not mere reflectors of other men’s thought” (Education, p. 17).

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student can learn.” We wanted to replace our negative words: “She’s too lazy.” “He has learning difficulties.” Blaming students is not loving students.

When I learned how to better engage learning processes, such as finding evidence, categorizing, creating, and synthesizing, I found myself encouraging more thinking. One student on an end-of-the-year survey noted, “I was never any good at math, but I learned that I can find ways to solve problems.” I love that students can learn how to think for themselves.

This is especially true in the teaching of Bible classes. We want students to believe what we believe. But parroting back the words of someone who studied the Bible before is not thinking; this does not create lifelong trust in God. Asking tough questions and discovering meaningful answers leads students to find God for themselves. And isn’t this the story of so many Bible characters? Like Job, or David, or even Jesus’ disciples. Schools should be a safe place for students’ journeys to find love through

Education Pioneers Maud Sisley Boyd (1851-1937) Bible instructor, colporteur, and educator, Maud Sisley became the first single woman missionary to Europe. She helped J.N. Andrews establish the publishing work in Europe and also assisted J. N. Loughborough in pioneer tent evangelism in England. She married Charles L. Boyd, and they were among the first missionaries in South Africa. Then tragedy struck: their daughter died, and Charles became sick and died shortly after. Maud then went to Australia, where she served as matron, preceptress, teacher, and Bible instructor. In retirement, she continued her work in Loma Linda.

respect.

God surely knew what I needed to grow in my sanctification journey. In my work of a lifetime, I sought to find and implement principles and

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BY CHARLES MILLS

M

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y odyssey through Adventist

Without looking up, I stated flatly, “I didn’t like it.”

Education didn’t begin well.

Sixteen school years later, after attending two

1956. Singapore. My missionary

more church schools, two years of Home Study

parents were serving the Far

International classes (now Griggs International

Eastern Division and I was facing a decision. Mom

Academy), and two colleges, I watched in the

had walked with me down the gentle hill from our

rearview mirrors of my west-bound motorcycle

house on the division compound to the little church

as Southern Missionary College grew smaller and

school waiting among the trees and flowers. “You’re

smaller behind me. Graduation day had come and

going to love it,” she announced confidently as she

gone, and I was headed for California to begin my

introduced me to my first-grade teacher.

media career at Faith for Today as a member of

Then she left.

their production staff.

Later that morning, Mom walked into the living

Sixteen years of education. More to the point, 16

room of our house to find me sitting on the floor

years of Adventist Education. It never entered my

playing with my toy cars and trucks. “What are you

mind to attend any school other than one operated

doing here?” she gasped. “You’re supposed to be in

by my church. It wasn’t that I thought other schools

school!”

wouldn’t teach me anything. On the contrary, I

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

Social Media Reveals In preparation for this article, I posted a question on social media, asking my Seventh-day Adventist friends, “What did you love most about your experience in Adventist Education?”

First of all, not all responses were positive.

There were a few folks who felt that their years in parochial school had been anything but valuable.

There were memories of abuse, bullying, and unfair treatment. Some, in comparing church-run to government-run facilities, felt they’d learned more while being sponsored by taxes than by tithes and offerings. I have no doubt that their admired their facilities and seemingly large budgets

experiences were real and unfortunate, to say the

for outfitting the type of classes I wanted to take.

least. But I learned early in life (probably at school)

My schools made do with what they had. However,

that opinions shouldn’t be formed by exceptions.

what they had was far more valuable to me than

That’s why, even when a heavy smoker lives to

the latest video camera, cutting-edge editing gear,

be 104, I still don’t choose to smoke. I take into

or high-tech media production equipment. What

consideration the testimony of the many as well

they had were teachers whose primary goal was to

as the few. In the case of my social media post, the

keep me closely connected to God.

many painted a very different picture of Adventist

A child can learn the three Rs almost anywhere.

Education.

Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic are extremely

There were posts heralding lifelong friendships

vital skills every student needs in order to succeed

that had been formed, feelings of security in class,

in this world. Knowing how to scan a report, fire

the tenderness and longsuffering of teachers,

off an email, and correctly calculate numbers

spiritual connections remaining intact, and the

has the power to lift a person from the mire of

oneness of the voices they heard. I can definitely

poverty into a position where he or she has a

identify with all of those memories, especially that

fighting chance to become a productive member

last one. Later in life, I came to fully appreciate the

of society.

fact that the spiritual messages being delivered

But, there’s a fourth R that I found to be

by my teachers were the same ones I heard from

vital to success in this life. It’s this R that, in my

my church pulpit and from the lips of my loving

experience, inhabited the academic halls of my

parents. There were no contradictions. No one

education and served as a catalyst for the teachers

was shaming the other. There was one voice, one

and professors who guided me.

witness, one hope.

“What did you love most about your experience in Adventist Education?”

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I pray it’s the same today. If it’s not, some deep soul-searching needs to be done by teachers, pastors, and parents alike.

Allow me to share some of the comments I received from my friends. They’re very revealing.

One gentleman posted: “The violence stopped.

I had to fight nearly every day in public school. I began attending an SDA elementary school in 5th grade. Nobody fought on the playground after school. It took me a while to stop being afraid.”

A woman wrote: “It felt wonderful to share my religious convictions with those of like faith

Education Pioneers Alma McKibben (1871-1974) Alma McKibben attended Healdsburg College (later Pacific Union College) and became a schoolteacher. For the 1898-99 school year she served as the first teacher at the Centralia church school, one of the earliest church-sponsored Adventist elementary schools. In 1899 she moved back to Healdsburg, where she taught at a summer institute for teachers and then instructed the intermediate grades at Healdsburg Preparatory School until 1902. Alma held different positions at Healdsburg College, during which time she wrote the first textbooks for the denomination.

She taught at Mountain View Academy from 1921 until retiring in 1932.

and have understanding and encouragement from teachers and friends there to practice those convictions.”

A man mentioned: “[I experienced] a mentordirected translation out of childhood and into empowered adulthood that included work ethic and exploring my natural creativity and Creatordesigned gifts for service.”

I especially appreciated this short, to-the-point comment by a woman friend: “I felt known.”

The Fourth R What I discovered while reading through the many, many posts my question generated was that powerful fourth R: Respect. It seemed that this vital element to the optimal development of the human animal was often missing in schools where education was simply a means for increasing one’s bottom line while climbing the social ladder in the world. Skills can be taught. Abilities can be fine-

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tuned. Knowledge can be successfully imparted.

But respect—that all-important attribute developed and fully supported by God Himself—is sometimes

In an educational system where God is welcomed and worshiped, the attributes of God become the standard for living. in short supply at facilities that don’t include

skills necessary to get them through this life, they

Christ in the curriculum. Recognizing and utilizing

become intimately familiar with the pathway that

heaven’s gifts aren’t part of the process there

leads to heaven.

because God isn’t part of the process.

That’s what I took with me on my motorcycle

What I saw threaded like a golden weave

as I headed into my future that sunny day after

through the vast majority of comments concerning

college graduation. I wasn’t going to California to

Adventist Education was respect. People said, “I

strike it rich. I was going to California to serve the

mattered. I was not an outsider. I was treated with

God I’d learned about at home, at church, and at

kindness. I wasn’t considered weird. I was known.”

school.

Yes, there are highly skilled and truly dedicated

I’m so glad that I finally traded my toy cars

Christian teachers in both platforms of education.

and trucks for an educational system that cares

That’s not the issue here. The issue is atmosphere.

enough about me to respect me, validate me,

The issue is attempt. In an educational system

and prepare me for a life of service to the God I

where God is welcomed and worshiped, the

worship. That’s what I will always love most about

attributes of God become the standard for living.

Adventist Education.

There’s a consistent attempt to infuse God’s

_______________________________________

love into every class and every activity. In a vast

Charles Mills, a prolific author and media producer,

majority of cases, students learn not only the

writes from Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

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Education for Eternity:

Taught by the Lord

BY ALBERTO VALENZUELA

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A

s Christians, we truly want a quality

to guide their students with love in building their

education for our children, as well as

characters and helping them reach their maximum

for all the children and youth of our

development. Engaged in this mission, Christian

church. That desire is what has led the

educators continually send a message to their

Adventist Church to devote much—often most—of

students: “I try to educate you as God teaches me.”

its means and resources to the education of new

In an Adventist school, your child will be under the

generations.

influence of consecrated professionals who see in

This important investment is based on the deep

each child a candidate for heaven. This atmosphere

conviction that education involves much more

of learning and growth in divine grace is the very

than instruction. If instruction were sufficient, the

essence of the Christian school.

state schools would be adequate to educate our

2. The values. Adventist schools not only

children. However, believers know that the most

cultivate the students’ minds but also their faith.

important thing in the education of a person is not

Religion classes are taught by teachers committed

the acquisition of knowledge—however necessary

to biblical principles, and the curriculum is

that may be for adult life—but the development

designed around the plan of salvation. The Bible

of character, which is something that is built for

teaches us to correctly understand the great cosmic

eternity.

conflict between good and evil and to intelligently

Educating a child is like constructing a building.

decide on the appropriate side. The Word of God is

If the foundations are not solid or not straight, it

an extraordinary educational resource because the

may not be noticeable at first. But before you know

Holy Spirit is at work on every page.

it, the failures of a deficient education—sometimes

In the daily worships and Bible classes at an

irreparable—will become visible to all.

Adventist school, your children will discover the

From the Adventist perspective, comprehensive

true character of God. They will have continual

education includes all facets of the person, not only

opportunities to find Jesus, to be attracted to Him,

intellectual and physical aspects but also emotional

and to give Him their young lives. This is the most

and spiritual. We want our children to know a great

important decision they can make.

deal, but above all they need to know who they are, where they come from, and where they are going.

They need to learn how to make wise decisions and fight for their convictions. They need to understand how to be faithful to God and become useful to humanity.

There are at least seven reasons why you should choose an Adventist Education for your children: 1. The teachers. Christian educators do not usually enter the profession to make money.

Teaching is a vocation for them—a true ministry from the heart. They assume their complementary role alongside parents and take every opportunity

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3. The family atmosphere. Adventist students

rightful place. A Christian environment inspires

discover that they are members of three families:

students to aim high in the selection of their values,

their own family, the church family, and the great

to set high goals for life. In addition, students often

family of God, still under construction. Teaching

find in a teacher the model that inspires them.

children to respect and love each of these families

5. Quality. Most Adventist teachers achieve high

is an important task of Christian education. Every

levels of training, both in the domain of their subject

young person needs to learn fraternity, love, and

and in pedagogical principles. Additionally, they

solidarity to serve the great human family.

receive specific instruction in Adventist Education.

The close collaboration between the home, the

They are taught to cultivate in the classroom a

school, and the church is aimed at creating a family

psychological climate conducive to learning, while

atmosphere capable of protecting our children

helping each child learn in the best way and at their

from the moral pollution that surrounds them so

own pace. Adventist schools endeavor to provide a

that they adopt for themselves a God-approved

quality education, in the full sense of the term.

lifestyle. There is no insurance against "the world,"

The school curriculum is regularly reviewed by

but it is worth doing everything on your part,

professionals to ensure that it exceeds government

including making certain sacrifices, so that your

requirements. The curriculum incorporates the

child remains within “the flock.” As we are assured,

distinctive objectives of Adventist Education, one

“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and

of which is to prepare young people to dedicate

great will be their peace” (Isaiah 54:13, NIV).

their lives to altruistic service for humanity. Many

4. Inspiration towards excellence. Excellence is

educators consider the Adventist curriculum to be a

achieved by combining inspiration with motivation.

model for whole-person education.

By teaching students to search for the best, they

6. Redemptive discipline. Christian teachers try to

learn the importance of acquiring values that

turn an occasion of misbehavior into an experience

strengthen character. All the programs of an

of growth. They try to transform errors into decisive

Adventist school are planned so that important

steps towards a better way for children to understand

ideals and the building of character take their

themselves and an opportunity to learn self-control.

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

Nothing shows the practical Christianity of a school

educational work” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and

better than the way students who deviate from

Students, p. 44).

school rules are treated. Redemptive discipline is an

Adventist Education is an ideal, which we don't

implementation of the character of God, combining

always manage to maintain. Our schools are not

law and grace, justice and mercy. The word discipline

perfect. But they have two things that public schools

comes from a root word that means “to make

cannot offer: the first is precisely that ideal, inspired

disciples.” The ultimate goal of Adventist Education is

by God; and the second is the teachers, who are

to invite everyone to follow Christ.

dedicated to the ministry of education, who enjoy

7. Environment. The worldly lifestyle exerts

sharing their faith with their students, and who strive

a powerful influence on young people. Media,

to bring them closer and closer to that ideal.

television, music, fashion, video games, Internet,

If you love your children, if you care about the

alcohol, drugs, entertainment—everything seems to

future of our young people, if you really love the

work to separate them from God. Christian parents

Master and want to continue the task that He has

need a school that is a city of refuge, with a healthy

entrusted us of feeding His lambs (John 21: 15), prove

environment that is as safe as possible for their

it by supporting Adventist Education. Your children

children. They need a school where correct behavior

and many others will thank you, in this life and in

is appreciated and order and mutual respect prevail.

eternity.

Parents know that young people often learn more

_______________________________________

about lifestyle from their peers than from their

Alberto Valenzuela is the associate director for

families and teachers—and that the most marginal

communication and community engagement at the

youngsters often exert tremendous influence on the

Pacific Union Conference and editor of the Recorder.

weak. Of course, not all students in a Christian school are role models. But nobody doubts that the school environment has a decisive impact on the behavior of young people.

Our schools strive to create and preserve an environment that contributes to the development of Christian character. This environment is worth fighting to achieve. That is why Ellen White declares that "of all institutions in our world the school is the most important" (Special Testimonies on Education, p.

187).

In many cases, the main obstacle that some families encounter in sending their children to our schools is finances. However, Ellen White urges, “all our youth should be permitted to have the blessings and privileges of an education at our schools.… Let a fund be created by generous contributions for the establishment of schools for the advancement of

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A Training Center

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

of Students for Worldwide Outreach Pull Quote

L

oma Linda University Health is the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s flagship academic health sciences center, which has sent out thousands of medical

missionaries since its founding in 1905 and helped to establish the denomination’s outreach and structure in many parts of the world. Many modern and influential Adventist hospitals worldwide were first established as a humble clinic by a Loma Linda University medical graduate who had gone on to serve as a missionary.

Today, Loma Linda University Health is one of Southern California’s most respected healthcare organizations and one of the leading faithbased academic medical centers in the United States. We operate six hospitals, a physician practice corporation, and affiliate organizations internationally. These medical services interact with eight schools in our healthcare-focused university.

This close relationship results in outstanding patient care and education. Loma Linda University Health’s 17,000 employees and 4,500 students are committed to physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual wellness.

Loma Linda University Health has been instrumental over the years in sending the Seventhday Adventist Church’s message of healthful living to the world. While Adventists were once viewed as

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peculiar people for not smoking, eating meat, or

was to make a major contribution to the work

drinking alcohol, modern times have validated

of the Adventist Church by becoming a training

the benefits of healthy living. The city of Loma

center for students who would participate in the

Linda was recognized as one of the five original

denomination’s worldwide outreach. Now, more

Blue Zones known for longevity—the only one

than a century later, the organization’s legacy

in North America. Our ongoing study of 96,000

and current work around the world validate her

church members at our School of Public Health

challenge every day in remarkable ways.

has received several rounds of funding from

Loma Linda University School of Medicine has the

the National Institutes of Health and is regularly

largest global footprint of any medical school in the

quoted in journal articles and top-tier news

United States. It has also served as a key consultant

outlets around the globe.

to the development of the denomination’s six

Loma Linda, Spanish for “beautiful hill,” was

other medical schools, as well as those now in

founded by the Adventist Church in 1905 after

development.

leaders purchased a hotel and turned it into a

The Adventist Church operates more than 70

sanitarium. Early church leaders took a great

nursing schools globally, and Loma Linda University

risk, founded on faith, to make the purchase with

School of Nursing—the university’s first school—has

private funds.

left a legacy in many of those countries through

In her dedicatory address of the Loma Linda

nursing education and improved nursing practices.

Sanitarium in 1906, Ellen White said the institution

Today, graduates from many of Loma Linda

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

University’s eight schools serve as missionaries and

building on our rich history of whole-person care.

consultants through Adventist Health International

The campaign’s philanthropic goal of $366 million,

and support projects through Adventist Health

combined with other moneys for a total of $1.2

Ministries and the Adventist Development and Relief

billion, was the largest philanthropic campaign ever

Agency.

achieved by an Adventist Church entity.

From 2015-2019, nearly 4,500 faculty, students,

In all we do as a global Christian denomination,

and staff embarked on mission trips to serve

together, by God’s grace, we will continue to share

those in need. Together with Adventist Health

the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ,

International, Loma Linda University Health is

just as we have for more than a century.

now working directly with more than 40 Adventist

Visit us on our beautiful Southern California

mission hospitals and 80 clinics worldwide.

campus or online at lluh.org.

In 2016, we opened a nearby outreach center with the launch of our San Bernardino campus, which includes a health clinic for low-income residents and the San Manuel Gateway College.

The college offers certificate training programs to high school graduates of this underserved region, allowing them access to entry-level healthcare jobs and future opportunities for career growth.

The entire San Bernardino campus is a unique model, with physicians, medical residents, medical students, and San Manuel Gateway College students all serving patients together.

Our main campus is now undergoing one of the largest transformations in the organization’s history. Through the Vision 2020 campaign, we have constructed a new adult hospital and a new Children’s Hospital tower, replacing much of the acute-care areas to meet new 2020 California seismic standards. The new hospital facilities will be a place where 4,500 students and 700 residents progress in their education. Many of those students will become long-term members of the Loma Linda

Education Pioneers Sidney Brownsberger (1845-1930) In 1869, Sidney Brownsberger enrolled in the University of Michigan to pursue a classical degree. While a student at Ann Arbor, he first heard of Seventh-day Adventists. He sent for all the literature printed by the church at the time. Agreeing with what he read, Sidney began keeping the Sabbath alone during his junior year in college. When plans began to develop for an Adventist college, the organizers turned to Sidney. He helped to develop Battle Creek College (now Andrews University) and later Healdsburg College (now Pacific Union College). He would later observe that Ellen White's educational principles were so far advanced that no one understood how to implement them.

University Health team, while others will take what they have learned here to communities across the globe. The campaign also includes funds for research, scholarships, and wholeness initiatives,

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Pacific Union Conference

Pacific Union Conference Education Leaders

Martha Havens Pacific Union Conference Associate Director of Elementary Education Martha Havens earned an M.A. in Elementary Education and a B.A. in French from Loma Linda University. Besides English and French, she is fluent in her first language, Spanish. After several years of teaching and training student teachers, she served as a principal and then spent 11 years as associate superintendent in the Southeastern California Conference.

Now she is associate director of Elementary Education at the Pacific Union Conference. Recently she was invited with other Hispanic church leaders to the White House, where a conversation with Dr. Andrea Ramirez, a policy advisor in the Office of Public Liaison, opened the way for resources and future mutual help for the Hispanic communities within our church.

An avid supporter of differentiated instruction and projectbased learning, Havens believes that a world where education is not a priority is a lost world. She is passionate about the best academic education for our students in a Christian setting while helping teachers and administrators to succeed.

Berit von Pohle Pacific Union Conference Director of Education Berit von Pohle’s education took place entirely in the Pacific Union. She went to La Sierra Elementary, Rio Lindo Academy, and La Sierra University. Her post-graduate work was at La Sierra and Loma Linda, including an Ed.D. in Administration and Leadership.

When she wasn’t at a school taking classes, she was at a school working—as a classroom teacher, guidance counselor, registrar, academy principal, superintendent. And now she is director of education at the Pacific Union.

Of all the gratifying aspects of her career, what makes her most proud is watching former students become teachers and administrators.

Having spent most of her life on campus in many different roles, she is always mindful of the goals and objectives of Adventist Education. Her mission, in everything she does, is to make sure that every classroom is a place where students meet Jesus in an atmosphere of excellence. Every day she gets to see that happening, in small and large ways.

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Teryl Loeffler Pacific Union Conference Associate Director of Secondary Education Teryl Loeffler grew up in California and was educated at Escondido Jr. Academy, San Pasqual Academy, Pacific Union College, and La Sierra University. He has a master’s degree in Education Technology from United States International University.

He has been working in Adventist Education for 43 years—as a teacher, vice principal, principal, and superintendent of education for the Hawaii Conference. Now he is the associate director of secondary education at the Pacific Union.

He sees his role as supporting administrators and teachers in creating a spiritual school climate.

Together they work to improve the quality of the school environment to give the students the best education possible.

As he visits schools throughout the Union, he finds great satisfaction in watching students make a decision to follow Jesus.

Julie Yamada Pacific Union Conference Associate Director of Early Childhood Education Julie Yamada graduated from Pacific Union College with degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Spanish.

She got her master’s from Walden University in Early Childhood Studies with an emphasis in teaching adults in the early childhood field.

She has been involved in working with children ages birth to 12 years over the past 25 years. While working at the Pacific Union College Discoveryland Children’s Center, she helped oversee ECE college lab students and mentored them in their teaching practices.

Since 2014, she has served as the early childhood associate director at the Pacific Union Conference. She helped to develop the first Adventist ECE curriculum with the North American Division office and Florida Hospital AdventHealth.

The themes for the CREATION Kids curriculum are based on the Bible and the principles of CREATION Health, with lessons and activities for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds.

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Adventist Health

An increasing number of tents are popping up throughout Boyle Heights.

White Memorial’s team is working hard to understand their new homeless neighbors, including older and sicker people and more families with children. Forty percent of homeless individuals in the community have severe mental health issues.

Providing Care to our

Most Vulnerable Neighbors

By Grace Hauser

O

ne doesn’t have to search hard to see the mark the homeless community has made on the Boyle Heights neighborhood just east of Downtown Los Angeles. Ragged tents, overflowing shopping carts, and dirty sleeping bags line the streets in this small, mostly Hispanic area. Although most people might turn their heads the other way, staff and volunteers from Adventist Health White Memorial descend upon this community with outstretched arms, an abundance of supplies, and a caring attitude.

These doctors, nurses, and social workers coordinate with local partners to ensure that even their most vulnerable neighbors have access to care. For example, Shower of Hope mobile vans, sponsored by Adventist Health and community partner Monday Night Mission, roam L.A. County giving homeless individuals an opportunity to clean up, get clean clothes, and feel normal. More than

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15,000 showers have been provided, giving dignity to those who have little.

The White Memorial team’s efforts are driven by Adventist Health’s mission to live God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope. The focus on relationships helps build a foundation of respect between them and these neighbors. Above all else, the team believes that all people are valued and that a person’s humanity

comes first—before fear, disgust, pity, words, or actions.

Bringing a cornucopia of supplies, including food, toiletries, blankets, and medications, several times a year the team goes out to greet those living on the streets, making a concerted effort to get to know them. After all, if they immediately jump to assess what the person needs based on their medical, social, or psychological conditions—

Adventist Health (Left) ER physicians Stephen Liu and Brian Johnston meet their homeless neighbors where they live—near the railroad tracks, in cars, and under freeway overpasses. (Below) Shower of Hope mobile vans, sponsored

by Adventist Health and community partner Monday Night Mission, roam L.A. County giving homeless individuals an opportunity to clean up, get clean clothes, and feel normal.

More than 15,000 showers have been provided, giving dignity to those who have little. instead of establishing a relationship first—it will be hard to treat that individual with the dignity every human being deserves. Plus, building relationships helps the team focus on their underlying commitment to provide proper care.

“They have things important to them that I may not understand.

Sometimes it’s figuring out the one important thing we can do to help: a sandwich, a safe bed, or caring for their most-trusted companion—a dog,” said Stephen Liu, M.D., emergency department, medical director at White Memorial.

The team provides care to many homeless people who come to the hospital as well. Liu joins Brian Johnston, M.D., chairman, emergency medicine, in the emergency department where they see many of the same faces from the neighborhood. For almost 40 years, Johnston has dedicated himself to caring for people experiencing homelessness in his community.

He considers it his personal and professional mission.

The City of Los Angeles has the largest homeless population in the country, with almost 60,000 unhoused individuals, and that number continues to rise. Although the area has seen a 17% increase in

homelessness since 2017, it is an issue that touches every community.

A whole team of dedicated associates, physicians, and volunteers from White Memorial are working

hard to understand and care for their homeless neighbors. Their goal is to show people who may have lost hope that there might be a path out of this blight.

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Arizona Conference

What Love Looks Like

By Nicole Mattson

I

spend a lot of time passing through the halls of our schools, and although I am thrilled to see the significant spiritual learning, busy classrooms teeming with engaged students, and myriad projects and STEM activities, there is something else that never ceases to amaze me: the networks of volunteers in steady action.

Although our teachers work incredibly hard and put in long hours of tiring work, I know they could never do it alone—nor should they.

It absolutely takes a village to raise a child, and I am extremely thankful as I see the villagers working together to make Adventist Education the best that it can be.

Oftentimes, we don’t realize the hours put in by school board members as they take time out of busy schedules to meet together and discuss how they can support and improve the school—along with the many school functions they attend; the outside time spent planning and gathering resources for school events; and the extra ways they boost the teachers through cards, gifts, and unexpected opportunities for them to enjoy an occasional lunch “alone” while they step in for few minutes. It takes dedication to stand up in front of the church and communicate about

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the wonderful things happening in the school, all the while constantly advocating and promoting, running fruit sales and fundraisers. It’s a ministry of love all its own.

But I know about the people who volunteer their time to fix computers and update browsers, replace missing tiles or leaky roof shingles, bake cookies with the students, drive for the field trips, bring in treats for a boost when there’s not even a holiday.

They simply love to give. The times they have come in to share about their career, present for a chapel, or play the piano while students sing make every bit of difference in how young people view our school as being part of a community of loving, serving believers. Whether they are cleaning bathrooms or mowing the lawn, trimming the trees or moving a swing set, they are constantly filling in the gaps at our large and small schools alike—consistently showing love and

support for Adventist Education.

The simple yet sacrificial ways that they give of their time and energy, finances and expertise are an example to us all of selfless service and unending support. And let’s not forget that their cheerful smiles, hugs, and hours spent listening to young readers make a significant impact on the lives of our young people. I’ve heard many a testimony from people sharing how the janitor or librarian helped to strengthen their personal resolve to stay close to Jesus in their early years and beyond.

This kind of service is nothing short of humbling.

Volunteers, you are appreciated for being a part of the team, a part of the village that it takes to make Adventist Education work. It’s love in action, and the village wouldn’t be the same without you.

Thank you for reminding us what love looks like.

Arizona Conference

From the Heart of a Teacher

By Phil Draper

“M

r. Blake, this doesn’t make any sense!”

This seems to be the opening line for countless conversations Glenview Adventist Academy teacher Cody Blake has with his 56 students.

Each day as he drives across Phoenix to his school, his thoughts go over numerous things: “…a plethora of lesson plans, alternate lesson plans, back up lesson plans, other teacher’s lesson plans, Teachers-Pay-Teachers and Pinterest lesson plans—usually just to end up going with the first lesson plan I came up with.”

Blake wants to make sure the lesson he teaches that day will make a connection with his students so they can learn quickly and efficiently. “My tireless planning and preparations,” he said, “are still met quite often with ‘Mr. Blake, this doesn’t make any sense!’”

Most teachers in the Adventist Education system can probably tell you that their days and nights are spent similarly, gathering many details together to make the standards and curriculum as relevant, fun, and relatable as possible.

“But the standards and curriculum aren’t why we do what we do,” Blake said. “It certainly isn’t for the pay or the glory that goes with the job, as both aren’t in high supply. We go through this endless process of preparation for our students. Moreover, it largely has nothing to do with curriculum or pedagogy at all. Rather, it’s that my students can learn to see their inner

worth, that they have something to bring to the world, that they mean the world to me, and that they are everything in the eyes of a loving Creator who has made each of them unique and special.”

Blake is grateful he had the fortunate opportunity to go through the Adventist Education system.

He attended Thunderbird Christian Elementary from kindergarten through eighth grade, spent his four years of high school at Thunderbird Adventist Academy, and received his Elementary Education degree from Union College.

“I had teachers who made the same sacrifices and lesson plans that I now make as a middle-school teacher,” he said. “Of course, just like any of my students, I don’t remember what

was said in class or what I was taught.

Of course, I remember the material, but I don’t remember the lessons themselves. What I remember most vividly and will never forget are the moments, conversations, pep talks, cheerleading, and countless hours that my teachers invested into me and my life to make sure that I knew that the love they had for me was just a fraction of the love that my Jesus has for me. Now I get to continue that legacy, showing that same love to my students. And if that means a few hours a day of planning the best way to teach my students how to graph linear equations or find the value of X in any given situation, then so be it! What is a couple hours of lesson planning compared to an eternity with Jesus?”

Cody Blake teaches middle school math and English at Glenview Adventist Academy in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Central California Conference

49ers in Action Find Gold in Them ‘Thar’ Hills Life Hope Centers’ Clinics in Central California Conference

By Deloris Trujillo

W

hat a coincidence that the 49th Life Hope Centers’ (LHC) clinic for Central California Conference (CCC) was held at the Discovery Life church in Sonora on Jan. 11 and 12. Sonora is considered to be in the heart of “Gold Country” in California. However, the gold discovered by the 49ers of old does not compare with the precious gold found in clinic number 49.

Jesus earnestly and lovingly counseled us “to buy of me gold tried in the fire” (Revelation 3:18, KJV). Ellen White explained that “The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 158). When searching for that living faith that runs “like threads of gold.… we may link ourselves by a golden chain to the higher world” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p.

360). This was the type of gold that was found in Sonora this January.

Not only was it their part of the

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mission to “Do Good,” the church in Sonora took up the challenge of all LHC clinics throughout Central California by following Jesus’ example in offering the special gift of whole person health.

The overall figures for the CCC have now reached nearly 9,000 patients, involving more than 7,000 volunteers, with an estimated value of $2.4 million.

This is the third year the Sonora church has held an LHC clinic. This one, like the others, certainly provided a great benefit to the community and to

Central California Conference

the individual guests who were treated. The totals for this event are amazing: 403 guests took advantage of 602 free dental, vision, and medical care options; they were served by 343 volunteers. Also available were medical screenings, cardiology, foot care, massages, chiropractic care, and haircuts— providing a conservative value of $250,000.

It all started on Thursday night when the volunteers were given instructions and then prayed together.

The CCC director for LHC, physician Ed Urbina, also encouraged them to treat each guest as Christ would by letting them experience the power of a loving touch. They were to wear their special gold T-shirts and to interact with a smile as loving guides.

Because the LHC would take place all day Sabbath, a special church service was held on Friday evening.

Sabbath morning dawned bright and early for the volunteers; some were there as early as 6 a.m. Volunteer Julie Jones arrived in the kitchen at 4 a.m. to begin preparing breakfast and lunch for the volunteers. Although the clinic hours were from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, guests started to arrive much earlier, just to make sure they would get the service they most needed. Slots filled up fast, especially in the dental area, and some had to be turned away

to try the next day.

Lots of planning, organizing, and work went into the clinic from beginning to end, with many people to thank for all that they did. That in and of itself is the gold of faith and love as the volunteers expressed how honored and blessed they were to serve in an event that went smoothly and efficiently from check-in to checkout for the guests. While the guests certainly appreciated the medical services, they overwhelmingly noted in their checkout comments the friendliness with which they had been treated.

One hungry lady in a wheelchair noted how grateful she was when Pastor Nathan Renner brought her a bowl of beans. Several mentioned that they had been very nervous about their needed procedures, but the doctors and assistants had been so calming and nice—and the procedures turned out to be "not that bad after all."

Nevertheless, that is not all the gold that was discovered. Story after story could be told about how God provided miracles along the way.

Urbina was amazed when a missing part for the dental sterilizer was found in a miraculous way. Guests Jill, Dennis, Charles, Lijuan, and others remarked that this clinic occurred at just the right time for their medical needs.

One guest mentioned that recent

stressful events had increased his need to see a doctor for his COPD. With no insurance, he had no hope until he learned of the clinic just that morning. Not only was he able to see a cardiologist, but also one of the volunteer chaplains, Don Crisp, prayed with him and invited him to a support group.

The stories also include that of Marc, who had a severe toothache.

Unfortunately, he did not qualify to see a dentist because his blood pressure was very high. After several attempts, and even coming back the next day, it looked hopeless. That was when volunteer Gary Caldwell finally took Marc’s hands in his, prayed for him, and took his blood pressure again. As Caldwell explained, “I was stunned and was able to tell him that God brought his pressure way down so that he could now have the procedure. I am sure that God sometimes just waits until we have to acknowledge our helplessness so He can affirm our faith in His power.”

Yes, gold was found in Sonora, and it will be discovered again in the CCC during this coming year. Ellen White wrote, “Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort.

To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 23). It is then that our words and deeds will be “like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11, KJV).

Renner now wants to start a “serveolution” in the church and come up with other ways to serve the community.

For more information regarding Life Hope Center clinics, please visit our website at www.lifehopecenterscentral.com.

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Hawaii Conference

ISTOCK.COM/GLOPPHY

Teaching with the

Born to Teach

by Beverly Church

I received a one-room Adventist church school education from dedicated teachers. Inspired to be like them, I played "teacher" to my three little brothers in our treehouse and taught them their alphabet. I loved reading about missionaries and enjoyed singing with my class from Happy Songs for Boys and Girls.

I am so thankful for parents and family who sacrificed to help me attend church school, Laurelwood Academy, and Walla Walla College— and for the privilege to serve as a student missionary in Sri Lanka during my college years.

And then I became a real teacher. I

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Big Picture in Mind

have been so blessed by the students and parents I've met since my first teaching assignment in Florence, Oregon.

I was asked to serve as teacher/ principal at Kona Adventist Christian School when my daughter was two; when she was five, she started first grade here. This school has provided an idyllic childhood, with kind friends and teachers for Megan. I will always be grateful for their generosity, patience, and love.

I like to think that my mission field comes to me each morning. I know the sacrifices that many parents are making to help their precious keiki learn more about Jesus and the joy that can be had serving Him and others.

I'm so pleased by the opportunities our students have to use their talents in the community as well as at church programs.

The students enjoy working in the garden, including pulling weeds! Our students benefit from technology, robotics, cooking, ukulele, art, yearbook, and sign language classes—and all the while they are learning teamwork, respect, responsibility, leadership, and reverence.

Our keiki are precious to our school board, church members, families, and friends, and our goal is to give our students the spiritual, emotional, physical, and academic foundation to achieve success in this world and the world to come.

Hawaii Conference

Feeling Safe and Loved in the Classroom

By Angela Weidemann

Last year a student came into my classroom with a rougher background than most of the other students. Tom (not his real name) was timid and shy, and he tried to make himself as small as possible. He was behind academically compared to the other kids in the class, and he struggled because English was his second language.

At first, I was overwhelmed by all the need that he presented. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to help Tom achieve success in the classroom. It was really hard to connect; for the first couple of weeks, he would hide his face when he walked into the classroom. He didn’t want to be noticed.

I spent a lot of time praying about it—asking God what I should do to help Tom in the best way possible.

God spoke to my heart and helped me realize that I just needed to make Tom

feel safe and loved in the classroom and He would take care of the rest. So, day by day, I just loved Tom the best I could as his teacher, looked for ways to help him feel like he belonged, facilitated his tentative efforts to share what he was passionate about with his classmates, and prayed for him daily.

Tom had to leave before the end of the school year, and I was really sorry to see him go. I had seen how much he’d grown during his time at Hawaiian Mission Academy Ka Lama Iki. Not only

had his academics begun to flourish, his confidence and sense of belonging were also developing well.

I’m so glad Tom came to my classroom. God reminded me through Tom that showing love to my students is the most important thing I can do as a teacher. Tom taught me that even though I may feel overwhelmed by the task in front of me, God will make His strength perfect in my weakness. It’s because of kids like Tom that I am a teacher.

This is Why We Teach

By Hilda Scott

As principal of Hawaii Mission Academy Windward Campus, I pray every day that what we do will make a difference in the lives of our students. I have confidence that God is answering my prayers, of course. But sometimes, especially with seventh- and eighth-graders, I just have to ask them outright. Maybe even turn my question into an assignment: write a testimony.

Following are excerpts from some of those student testimonies, which I have promised will remain anonymous.

Responses like this make it all worthwhile.

“I first discovered Jesus in about third grade. I found out through HMA Windward, and as soon as I found out, I never left his side. The next big thing is prayer, it’s been a huge part of my life. Then going to chapel on Fridays and hearing about all God’s work was interesting to me and helped me understand more. So currently I’m still growing and learning about Him.” “It was October when my mom and I met the teacher and I finished the year as a HMA student. Now, four years later, I’m a 7th grade student at HMA because God led my family and me in the right direction. I know that the teachers, my family, and friends are there to help me when times are tough.”

“God whispered that He is there.

And not only present, He is everywhere.

I know for sure He has counted all the splits in my hair.

And I remember He told me to take care.”

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Holbrook Indian School

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

A Guide for the Route

By Nicole Potgieter

L

ast school year, Principal Ojeda came across a very interesting TED talk. The presenter was discussing the idea of “trust circles” in one’s relationships. These “circles” were groups of people who worked together to support each other and help one another grow. Mr. Ojeda showed the video to Holbrook Indian School (HIS) staff. He asked them, “What ideas do you have? How can we implement this concept in our students’ lives?” Several ideas were considered, and the result of that brainstorming session was a program called enCOMPASS Groups.

All our students have various emotional and social needs that must be met. Before the enCOMPASS Groups started, students were

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disjointed from each other. Cliques were forming on campus, but even within those circles, students would turn on each other. The campus culture was not a healthy one. Other issues included students ignoring greetings and not knowing how to apologize or accept apologies. HIS created the enCOMPASS Groups program as a way to contend with these types of concerns.

You may be wondering, “How do enCOMPASS groups work?” The students are divided into groups of no more than six, with one staff member as a leader for each group.

Children of similar ages are placed together; that makes it easier for them to understand and support each other. Sometimes students who

are known to have issues with each other are placed in the same group.

This gives them the chance to work on their relationship and heal the divide. The enCOMPASS Groups have a different topic each week. These topics can range from “How to return a greeting” to “Delayed gratification” to “Why do we have communion?”

Each group of students and their staff member get together and discuss the subject as well as run through practical demonstrations of it.

The long-term goal is for these groups to become self-sufficient.

We want our students to take the reins and continue engaging in their groups. If any issues arise, a staff member will be right there to smooth out the rough spots.

Holbrook Indian School The four pillars of M.A.P.S.— mental, academic/artistic, physical, and spiritual wholeness—are the guidelines for our students’ lives. The “map” shows them where they are in life and the destination they are trying to reach. The enCOMPASS groups empower our students to reach that destination or goal. The “compass” guides them through the rough and unknown parts of the journey when the map is hard to follow.

Although the program has only been running for a short time, we are already seeing results. Students are responding to “Good morning!” and

The “compass” guides them through the rough and unknown parts of the journey when the map is hard to follow. even initiating greetings themselves.

They are learning to apologize and how to accept an apology from someone who wronged them. These groups, along with other initiatives such as Life Skills Classes and Girls and Boys Groups, have really helped to shift the campus culture. And we're excited about it! Usually it takes 2 to 3 years for a school program to stabilize and become part of the students' lives. The enCOMPASS Groups are well on their way to becoming a permanent fixture at Holbrook Indian School.

Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfth-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventhday Adventist Church. HIS also manages a first- through eighth-grade day school on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. 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, Arizona 86025-0910 (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) Development@hissda.org HolbrookIndianSchool.org

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La Sierra University

La Sierra Music Alum

Wins Prestigious LA Phil Fellowship

By Darla Martin Tucker

A

t first it sounded like a rejection message. In a phone call on Feb. 21, the representative from the Los Angeles Philharmonic thanked Pablo Sanchez for his audition, and the young violinist assumed the worst—until the rep congratulated him.

“That’s when it clicked,” said the 2019 La Sierra University Performer’s Certificate alum. “Then I was very, very excited.” Sanchez, now a 26-year-old graduate student at the Cleveland Institute of Music, was informed that he was one of two performers selected as LA Phil Resident Fellows.

Violinist Pablo Sanchez performs his first graduate recital on Feb. 1 at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

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La Sierra University The prestigious award involves up to a three-year fellowship with a salary and benefits package that includes a stipend for housing and lessons. The fellowship is open to outstanding string players and percussionists from underserved populations and those who have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts, according to information from the philharmonic. LA Phil fellows will perform regularly with the famed orchestra, including in October for New York City's Carnegie Hall season opener. Sanchez will also assist with teaching the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles inspired by acclaimed Los Angeles Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel.

Right after he received the good news, Sanchez texted his former professor, Jason Uyeyama, La Sierra University’s director of string studies and a player with the L.A. Phil since 2005.

“It couldn’t have happened to a more dedicated student. It was well deserved,” Uyeyama said. “This experience, performing with one of the greatest orchestras in the world, is going to prepare him well for other auditions. I don’t know that there is a better position to be in as a student.”

Sanchez credits Uyeyama with helping him learn the art of meticulous preparation and technique, as well as the time management skills essential to a professional musician. “He really helped me learn how these things work,” Sanchez said.

“His trust,” Uyeyama answered when asked about the qualities that set Sanchez apart. “He trusted my approach, my suggestions, and I always gave him room for his own creativity.”

Sanchez, a native of Mexico, earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 2015 from Andrews University

La Sierra University Director of String Studies Jason Uyeyama with his former student and violinist Pablo Sanchez. in Michigan. His studies included a summer under the tutelage of Lyndon Taylor, a former La Sierra music instructor and principal second violin with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Upon Taylor’s recommendation, Sanchez enrolled in 2017 in La Sierra’s Performer’s Certificate program to study with Uyeyama. The program focuses exclusively on preparation for employment as a chamber, orchestral, or solo musician.

The prized L.A. Phil fellowship is the latest of Sanchez’s achievements.

In April 2019 he was chosen from a field of 15 musicians as La Sierra’s winner of the $3,500 Marcia SpechtGuy Prize in the university’s annual concerto competition. Among his awards are previous fellowships to the prestigious Aspen Music Festival and Rocky Ridge Summer Festival.

Last year he landed a position as a substitute violinist with the New World Symphony Orchestra cofounded by eminent conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.

Sanchez was raised in Mexico in a musical family. His parents are both musicians and teach at the

Seventh-day Adventist University of Montemorelos in Nuevo León, Mexico. His two older sisters play piano and cello.

“My greatest influences have always been both my family and parents with their example and support, and also the community where I grew up,” he said.

Sanchez’ upward trajectory has not been without its setbacks and challenges. He suffered a hand injury resulting from a bicycle accident a couple of days before last year’s concerto competition. And before enrolling in graduate school at the Cleveland Institute, he was involved in a car accident, which impacted his auditions. Through it all he has been grateful for the many individuals who have supported his goals and for the guiding hand that has helped him navigate life’s obstacles.

“I always trusted that there was a good plan for me,” he said. “It all somehow sorted itself out in the end.

I like to plan ahead a lot regarding my career, but I’ve learned to be calm and trust that things will eventually work out. I think it’s very important to work hard and leave the rest to God.” A P R I L 2020

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PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

Loma Linda University Health

New Study Associates Intake of Dairy Milk with Greater Risk of Breast Cancer

By Briana Pastorino

I

ntake of dairy milk is associated with a greater risk of breast cancer in women, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University Health.

“Dairy, soy, and risk of breast cancer: those confounded milks,” published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found that even relatively moderate amounts of dairy milk consumption can increase women’s risk of breast cancer—up to 80% depending on the amount consumed.

First author of the paper, Gary E. Fraser, MBChB, PhD, said the observational study gives “fairly strong evidence that either dairy milk or some other factor closely related to drinking dairy milk is a cause of breast cancer in women.

“Consuming as little as 1/4 to 1/3 cup of dairy milk per day was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer of 30%,” Fraser said. “By drinking up to one cup per day, the associated risk went up to 50%, and for those drinking two to three cups per day, the risk increased further to 70% to 80%.”

Current U.S. Dietary guidelines recommend three cups of milk per day. “Evidence from this study suggests that people should view that recommendation with caution,” Fraser said.

Dietary intakes of nearly 53,000

North American women were evaluated for the study, all of whom were initially free of cancer and were followed for nearly eight years.

Dietary intakes were estimated from food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), also repeated 24-hour recalls, and a baseline questionnaire had questions about demographics, family history of breast cancer, physical activity, alcohol consumption, hormonal and other medication use, breast cancer screening, and reproductive and gynecological history.

By the end of the study period, there were 1,057 new breast cancer cases during follow-up.

No clear associations were found between soy products and breast cancer, independent of dairy. But, when compared to low or no milk consumption, higher intakes of dairy calories and dairy milk were associated with greater risk of breast cancer, independent of soy intake.

Fraser noted that the results had minimal variation when comparing intake of full fat versus reduced or nonfat milks; there were no important associations noted with cheese and yogurt.

“However,” he said, “dairy foods, especially milk, were associated with increased risk, and the data predicted a marked reduction in risk associated with substituting soymilk for dairy milk. This raises the possibility that

dairy-alternate milks may be an optimal choice.”

A hazardous effect of dairy is consistent with the recent AHS-2 report suggesting that vegans but not lacto-ovo vegetarians experienced less breast cancer than nonvegetarians.

Fraser said the possible reasons for these associations between breast cancer and dairy milk may be the sex hormone content of dairy milk, as the cows are of course lactating and often about 75% of the dairy herd is pregnant. Breast cancer in women is a hormone-responsive cancer.

Further, intake of dairy and other animal proteins in some reports is also associated with higher blood levels of a hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is thought to promote certain cancers.

“Dairy milk does have some positive nutritional qualities,” Fraser said, “but these need to be balanced against other possible, less helpful effects. This work suggests the urgent need for further research.”

The study is part of the Adventist Health Study-2, a long-term health study exploring the links between lifestyle, diet, and disease among members of the Seventh-day Adventist church. The Adventist Health Study is funded in part through the generosity of the Ardmore Institute of Health.

See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu.

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Loma Linda University Health

Weniger Society Honors Loma Linda University Health President

By Larry Becker

R

ichard H. Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, was one of four people honored by the Charles E. Weniger Society on February 15, 2020, for their contributions to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

PHOTO: ENNO MÜLLER

Named in honor of the late seminary dean and English professor Charles E. Weniger, the Weniger Award has been presented to 182 prominent Adventists since the society was founded in 1974. This year’s awards were announced during the Society’s annual meeting at the Loma Linda University Church.

Hart has served Loma Linda University Health for 48 years, holding positions as chair of the School of Public Health’s department of health sciences, director of the Center for Health Promotion, dean of the School of Public Health, and president of the organization since 2008.

The Weniger Society’s award focused on how Hart’s vision extends beyond the walls of Loma Linda to the local community, and to the hospitals and medical clinics in villages and towns in the farthest reaches of the globe. Hart’s passion for service has inspired programs such as the

Students for International Mission Service (SIMS), the Social Action Community Health System (SACHS), and the San Manuel Gateway College, part of Loma Linda’s San Bernardino campus.

The Society also noted that most of the mission hospitals in Africa and Asia would not exist without management support of Adventist Health International, a consulting organization Hart founded that supports the establishment and operation of Adventist health missions worldwide.

“Richard Hart is a living example of the type of visionary service that led the pioneers to sacrifice to build this health center,” said Lawrence Geraty, Weniger Society board member and president emeritus of La Sierra University.

In his acceptance comments, Hart reflected on the complex, polarized society of today and how society calls out the absolute best of those who represent a belief system or institution.

“I wish instead that we could be measured by the standards of Micah 6:8—justice, mercy and humility,” Hart said. “I wish the church would be more concerned about those issues than a lot of the other issues that guide us today. Those are the values that Christ would call out in each of us; those are the principles that make us unique.”

“It’s a privilege to be a part of an organization that espouses those higher principles,” Hart said in reference to the Weniger Society. “It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.”

The 2020 Weniger Award program also included presentations for Reinder Bruinsma, a long-time Adventist Church administrator who in retirement ministers to people who are struggling with doubt, who have left the Adventist Church, or who are on the margins of church membership; Andrea Luxton, president of Andrews University; and Ganoune Diop, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church and former church liaison to the United Nations in New York.

“We are grateful for all the contributions our awardees have made to society and Richard H. Hart, right, to the Adventist Loma Linda University Church, and it is our Health president, accepts privilege to honor his 2020 Charles E. them with this wellWeniger Award from deserved recognition,” Lawrence Geraty, Weniger said Bernard Taylor, Society board member the Weniger Society's and president emeritus of president.

La Sierra University.

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Nevada-Utah Conference

Las Vegas Junior Academy Hosts Government Officials

By Deborah Dahl

D

on Soifer, president of Nevada Action for School Options, led out at the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) meetings that were recently held at Las Vegas Junior Academy (LVJA.) At the conclusion of the meeting he visited with Leon Brown, president of Nevada-Utah Conference, regarding issues that involve the future of education. As a result of the information Soifer gained and passed on to U.S. Department of Education Acting Assistant Secretary/ Rehabilitation Service Administration Commissioner Mark Schultz regarding his visit to LVJA, Schultz determined to visit and see for himself.

On Feb. 12, Schultz visited Las Vegas Junior Academy, spending time in each classroom and thoroughly enjoying his visit with the students and teachers.

Each class presented demonstrations of some of the exciting things they are learning at LVJA, specifically in STEM and history. Using the Learn to Code curriculum, the first- and secondgraders are using coding with the robots affectionately named Dash and Dot. The fifth- and sixth-grade students use robotics to work together to solve real-world problems. They are learning how to use math and science skills, applying them to real-world situations.

Those skills are tested under pressure when they compete with other school teams from around the country.

Schultz asked questions and responded to the pertinent questions he received in return. As a special treat, he was serenaded in Mandarin by the

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first- and second-grade classroom and heard a presentation of “Jesus Loves Me” from the T-K/Kindergarten classroom.

He then spent time in conversation with Edward Mason, LVJA school board chairman; Melissa Schroeder, education program professional, Nevada Department of Education; Jummy Abiodun, LVJA Home and School leader; Joan Avery, Home and School committee member; and Brian Reeder, partner at Ferrari Public Affairs and lobbyist for AAA Scholarships.

Schultz stated, “During my visit to Las Vegas Junior Academy, it was evident that school leaders and teachers fostered a learning environment focused on successful academic achievement and engagement for all students, including students with disabilities.”

Prior to his departure from LVJA, Schultz said, “This school reminds me of the school I attended as a young person. It was a faith-based school and had a family environment.” Although in a high position of leadership, Schultz exudes humility. His visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Nevada State Senator Scott Hammond, a strong supporter of education for the young people of Nevada, visited as well. Arriving later in the day, and taking the opportunity to visit each classroom, Hammond thoroughly enjoyed meeting the LVJA students as well.

The following week, Senator Hammond made a return visit to

Everyone enjoys creating with Legos, including Senator Hammond during a recent visit to Las Vegas Junior Academy. speak to the seventh- through tenthgrade students about the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program offered through the State of Nevada.

The CTE program provides workbased learning programs for youth.

Skills learned through this program while in school will prepare those students for the local workplace in various occupations with projected growth and openings. The program is offered in public and charter schools at present; however, Hammond hopes to make this program available to private schools as well. Las Vegas Junior Academy is exploring the process of making this program available to its student body. As Hammond stated, “The skills you acquire in the ninth and tenth grade will prepare you to join the workforce for the state of Nevada and will benefit you with career sustainability while also helping the state of Nevada by lowering the need for outsourcing.”

The Las Vegas Junior Academy students, teachers, and the many people that support them were thrilled to be honored by visits from these prominent and respected leaders.

Nevada-Utah Conference

Summit Christian Academy Students

Join Patriot Guard Riders

By Pam Mertz

O

ne recent chilly morning, Summit Christian Academy’s fifth- through eighth-graders went on a field trip to, of all places, a cemetery! Their math and science teacher, Tom Roy, had a special assignment for them.

Roy, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Utah, receives invitations to serve as an escort when a veteran, a fallen officer, or even an animal that has served is brought to their final resting place. Sometimes these opportunities for Roy to serve as escort occur during school hours on a weekday.

To give the fifth- through eighthgraders a chance to experience what Patriot Guard Riders do when given an assignment such as this, Roy made it possible for them to attend a Patriot Guard Rider activity with their teachers.

The students respectfully and silently stood guard with their flags and presented arms as the World War II veteran’s casket came through. Then, still holding their flags, they circled the family during the brief graveside service.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders

commented that these students did a great job and were very respectful during the service. The students were told that they are always welcome to any such missions.

In addition, a card from the family came to the school. The note conveyed how impressed they were at how well the students did. The family expressed gratitude that young people from Summit Christian Academy took the time to honor their family member.

The students were affected by being able to play a small part in honoring a veteran. Sixth-grader Matson Blackwelder recalled, “I was impacted by how the Patriot Guard Riders would take time out of the day to do this for the family. I felt like I was honoring soldiers who had fought in wars for the good of the country.”

Fellow sixth-grader Danielle Mertz agreed,

saying, “I liked how the Patriot Guard Riders would take the time to honor someone who took their time to fight for our freedom. I felt honored to be a part of that.”

Those who mourn find huge comfort in being encircled by caring individuals, even if those individuals are strangers and don’t know what to say. Knowing that someone has set their schedule aside to stand silently by to pay tribute to this moment touches hearts to the core. There is something special about knowing that Mr. Roy and his students could provide such a gift to a grieving family and that the family appreciated that gift.

While textbook learning is essential, involving students in real-life situations often adds an unforgettable dimension to their development and has the potential to shape their future.

(Left) Summit Christian Academy students stood guard with the Patriot Guard Riders of Utah at a recent service for a fallen veteran. (Far left) Math and science teacher Tom Roy and Summit Christian Academy students discuss a documentary about a heroic military dog killed in action.

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Northern California Conference

NCC School Gardens

Grow Healthy Kids

By Julie Lorenz

E

lementary students at two Northern California Conference schools are learning practical skills and gaining an appreciation for healthy food as they work in their school gardens.

Redwood Adventist Academy Since the 2017 Tubbs Fire destroyed the Redwood Adventist Academy campus, farm manger Joby Oft has been working to reestablish the school’s What’s Up Farm. “We had the soil tested, and there is no contamination,” said Oft. With 20 truckloads of donated soil, soil amendments, and cover cropping, he has been improving the farmland, located in a different area than before.

In the meantime, Oft has been working with the students to tend smaller plots and sell their produce.

“Each classroom has its own garden, and the kids are learning what to grow, when to grow, and how much money to charge,” said Oft. “There are an endless variety of lessons they can

learn in the garden.”

The students agree. “I like to learn about food and farming,” said second grader Ily Cochran.

Some kids appreciate the business aspect. “I like being an entrepreneur,” said fifth grader Jordan Campbell.

Plans are in the works to build a new school facility, which will include a commercial kitchen to turn garden produce into school lunches. “Our kitchen is going to be a huge part of our farm program,” said Oft. “It will be another great platform for educating the students and the community as we conduct cooking demonstrations.”

Oft has seen firsthand the way gardening opens the students to new experiences. “Oftentimes I’ll see the picky kids not wanting to eat a certain

thing, but after growing it, they’ll want to take a taste,” he said. “The garden definitely encourages them to open their minds.”

Napa Christian Campus of Education Every school day, right after morning worship, the elementary students at Napa Christian Campus of Education head out to work in their school’s garden and farm as part of the project-based, hands-on learning program called CONQUESTS, authored

by Principal Justine Leonie.

The garden contains rows of vegetables, grow boxes, a fruit orchard, a section for flowers, and a small greenhouse. There’s also a “living tipi” made of bamboo and

PHOTOS: JOBY OFT

Redwood Adventist Academy students are involved in every aspect of the gardening process, including selling the produce.

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Northern California Conference themselves, and composting,” said Dana VanHook, CONQUESTS K-6 teacher.

Best of all, the garden and farm generate a sense of wonder among the students. “My favorite part is seeing them excited about learning new things—their curiosity, questions, and love of learning,” said VanHook.

“They just love coming to school.”

PHOTOS: DANA VANHOOK

entwined with different kinds of vines. The farm houses goats, pigs, miniature horses, ducks, and chickens.

The kids are involved in every part of the gardening and farming process, including selling produce and eggs.

“My son loves the school garden,” said Lisa Bertolucci, mother of a second grader. “He is constantly coming home from school and telling me about how he planted things like sunflowers or marigolds that day.”

The Napa students sometimes get to snack on their produce, including cucumbers and broccoli. “It’s fun harvesting the vegetables we grow in the garden and getting to taste our work,” said fifth grader Maddy Gibson.

The teachers incorporate the garden into formal lessons, such as calculating profits, but the kids are also gaining other life skills.

“They’re learning tool management, organization skills, cleaning up after

Elementary students at Napa Christian Campus of Education enjoy working in their school garden and tasting the results of their efforts.

WEATHERING

Storms THE

REFLECTIONS FROM THE LIFE OF PAUL ACTS 27:10 & 31

May 1-3, 2020 Leoni Meadows

The Christian Men’s Retreat is designed to help men experience a more satisfying spiritual life. This special weekend is planned by concerned Christian laymen in Northern California who share the vision of encouraging Christian men to be strong for and in the Lord Jesus.

Special Guest for 2020

Douglas Tilstra, Ph.D. vice president for Student Life at Walla Walla University

32nd Annual

Join our community online at www.facebook.com/ ChristianMensRetreat. For more information, visit www.nccsda.com/MensMinistries. Sign up online at a leonimeadows.org, or call Leoni Meadows at (530) 626-3610.

SPONSORED BY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE MEN’S MINISTRIES

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Pacific Union College

Aviation students at PUC have an advantage with plenty of sunny days in Northern California.

Graduates of PUC's Nursing program have the potential to earn well above the national average, and they have the backing of a Top 25 college behind them.

Pacific Union College Looks to the Future With Purpose, Faith, and Love

By Ashley Eisele

P

acific Union College is known for a lot of things. There's the lush, gorgeous woods, perfect for recreation and relaxing. Nearby, there’s the world-famous Napa Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. And, of course, there’s the proximity to Ellen White’s Elmshaven home and the Adventist history that comes along with it.

The college opened its doors as Healdsburg Academy in 1882, adopted its current name in 1906, and moved to its mountaintop home in Angwin in 1909. This is where the school earned its affectionate nickname “Our College on the Mountain” and where Ellen White herself found inspiration.

“I wondered how we could have found another site that would better suit our needs than the one we have found here,” White wrote in a letter. “…a place where we can study the works of nature, and in the woods and mountains around us, learn of God through His works.”

When the college released new brand messaging in March, they intended to show that they are embracing the school’s rich history but also want to be known for what they will bring into a flourishing future. The new brand platform reads: Learn with

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Purpose. Rise in Faith. Serve with Love.

Learn with Purpose Students who enroll in college today are already thinking of what’s next. Sure, they are planning for a career—but more than that, they expect to embrace a true calling. PUC is prioritizing academic strategies that best support students from day one so they can make the leap from classroom to a meaningful career as seamlessly as possible.

This means providing academic instruction from faculty who inspire, providing opportunities to gain real experience in a supportive environment, and providing support for mentorship and a career network.

Nursing students at PUC are part of a program that makes the school one of the top 25 best colleges for undergraduate nursing. And students

know that they can expect some of the highest salaries for nurses in America.

PUC’s aviation students are taking to the sky more than most because PUC’s Northern California location boasts an average of more than 260

PUC chaplain Kent Rufo studies the Bible with students as the campus sees a renewed sense of spirituality.

Pacific Union College sunny days a year. Biotechnology students are studying in a location where Napa Valley’s agriculture focus, Silicon Valley’s technology playground, and San Francisco’s endless career opportunities are in their backyard.

PUC graduates around the world have careers at notable companies and across every industry. These alumni, or Pioneers as they’re called, are helping to build a valuable network for current students as they become mentors and provide vital connections to internship and career opportunities.

Rise in Faith The students in our Adventist schools right now are the future of the Church. PUC wants to create opportunities for these students to build Christ-centered lives, as well as help to foster a desire in them for active faith and discipleship.

PUC’s chaplain, Kent Rufo, and a team of student chaplains are helping to set a renewed spiritual tone for the campus. It’s inspiring to see students praying together and rising up to share their love for Jesus.

Connect Ministries is a collection of these students. The group started small, traveling to local schools, churches, and events to share God’s message through music and speaking engagements. Now they have events

Students are helping to lead in ministry and service on the PUC campus.

lined up in multiple states, and with a rotating roster of students they can accommodate as many events as possible and inspire more young people to follow their lead into ministry.

While no two spiritual walks are the same, PUC believes that every student who steps onto their mountaintop campus has the potential to become a leader in our church. And every student can find a reason to love their faith, live their faith, and share their faith.

Serve with Love The PUC family seeks to serve their students by surrounding them with a community of care and compassion.

This helps grow leaders of character who can, in turn, dedicate themselves to serving God and humanity with their whole hearts.

Hand in hand with a future of

fulfillment that goes beyond career goals, PUC’s Missions team, led

by Fabio Maia, gives students the chance to put service into action as student missionaries or on short-term mission trips. Additionally, there are opportunities to serve on a more local level, feeding the hungry in nearby communities and more.

PUC also considers it part of their service of love to invest in students from day one. The school offers financial aid and many scholarship opportunities, including a new Pacific Union Conference scholarship. The college also launched the PUC Promise this year—a no-cost loan payback assurance program that will help many new students be able to focus on their future without the fear of student debt.

Whether looking to PUC’s past or looking forward to the school’s future, the spirit of purpose, faith, and love is impossible to miss.

Learn more about PUC, schedule a visit, or submit an application at puc.edu.

PUC recently launched a new brand platform: Learn with Purpose. Rise in Faith. Serve with Love.

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Southeastern California Conference The friendships formed through fellowship and learning at Adventist schools, such as Loma Linda Academy Junior High, often last a lifetime.

(Left) At La Sierra Academy, students engage in various service projects as an expression of their faith.

Adventist Education:

Stories of Faith Beyond the Classroom

By Cynthia Mendoza

V

isit any Adventist college or academy on alumni weekend and you quickly will find some of the long-term impacts of Adventist Education simply by virtue of attendance. It is apparent that something happened during those years that made a long drive, or even a plane trip, worthwhile 10, 20, or even 50 years later.

Believers in Adventist Education are quick to cite strong academics and a lower student-teacher ratio and all its benefits as key components in long-term student success. But a sometimes lesser verbalized—though arguably equal, if not more important— component its impact on students’ faith and spirituality beyond the classroom.

In this article, administrators from various schools in the Southeastern California Conference share their thoughts on how they have seen and experienced the impact of Adventist Education on the lives of their students, beyond academics.

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“What I value most is that Christ is the center of their educational life,” said Bill Davis, head principal at Escondido Adventist Academy.

“Teachers not only model and impart values but experience them with the students. Faith becomes more personal to the students.”

Activities such as Bible camps and community service, for example, offer opportunities to integrate and nurture faith in the lives of the students as part of a larger educational context.

“Our schools address the whole person—spiritually, physically,

mentally, and socially,” said Norma Howard, teaching principal at Needles Adventist Christian School.

“God uses that to empower people to be His hands and His heart to others. We’re not here for ourselves.

Regardless of what students do later in life, they’ve learned to reach out to others around them.”

At La Sierra Academy, opportunities for ministry and service are a big part of the students’ daily lives. The academy partnered with a nearby public middle school with a higher low-income student population to help provide them

Southeastern California Conference (Far left) Students at Loma Linda Academy pray together at the school’s Campus Ministries Center. (Left) At El Cajon Adventist Christian School, the Bible is incorporated into the learning experience as much as any other book. with basic supplies and necessities.

“Faith and learning extend beyond the classroom,” said Glenn Valenzuela, La Sierra Academy campus chaplain.

“In the classroom, teachers talk about God, but we are also intentional about going into the community.”

According to Valenzuela, through the strong spiritual component openly lived on campus, even students from nonreligious or atheistic backgrounds have embraced the spirit of worship and fellowship by asking to participate in religious activities, such as singing praise music.

Along those lines, a common sentiment expressed by several educators was that Adventist Education is instrumental in planting seeds. “’Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it,’” said Luis Ortiz, teaching principal at Murrieta Springs Adventist Christian School, citing Proverbs 22:6 (KJV). “What we are doing is planting seeds. I’ve heard from people who say that if it wasn’t for their experience in elementary school, they wouldn’t have come back

to church many years later.”

As an educator, Ortiz offers a unique point of reference on Adventist Education, having served over 25 years in the public school system prior to moving to Murrieta Springs. In the public system, Ortiz felt that God used him in quiet ways to plant seeds while respecting the system’s policies, but one of his greatest joys now is being able to share Christ openly.

Seeds are also planted as educators navigate the oftenchallenging work of guiding students who are facing personal struggles in their formative years. By openly integrating faith into conversations and conflict resolution, teachers and administrators are able help students beyond offering superficial or shortterm solutions.

“I tell my students, ‘You are a child of God.’ We encourage them to make choices based on that point of reference,” said Iveth Valenzuela, high school principal at Loma Linda Academy. “They will have many ups and downs during the next few years, but we want them to know they belong to God.” At Needles Adventist Christian School, teachers and staff actively incorporate faith into the overall learning experience of the students.

One time, during a particularly difficult situation with a student, Valenzuela prayed silently that God would use her to show that student unconditional love. Even without having verbalized that prayer, a while later she received a card from the student saying, “Thank you for showing me unconditional love.”

For Connie Sunderland, teaching principal at El Cajon Adventist Christian School, seed planting begins early in the morning.

“I tell my students that we start each day with the most important part by inviting Jesus into our hearts,” she said. “I want them to know they can trust Him, even when bad things happen. After they’ve moved on, I hope I will have helped them have a close relationship with Him and know they’re extremely important to Him.” Common themes shared by the principals were the planting of important seeds that can last a lifetime and the benefits of a Christfocused, whole-person approach to education that consistently reinforces the values students are learning at home and at church.

Some of these educators said that their service in the Adventist school system is a result of the impact that same education made on them during their formative years.

“Adventist Education made a difference in my own life,” said Don Krpalek, interim junior high principal at Loma Linda Academy. “God has a real sense of irony; in spite of my own challenges when I was a student, my teachers and parents never gave up on me. Here I am 40 years later.”

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Southern California Conference

Glassell Park Church

Celebrates 40 Years of Ministry

1980

40

2020

By Lauren Lacson

I

t was a full day of joy and celebration as current and past members of the Glassell Park Spanish church in Glendale, Calif., gathered together for the church’s 40th anniversary. Some members came from local cities like Los Angeles, while others traveled from other states for this special milestone.

PHOTOS: LAUREN LACSON

The church’s current location in Glendale is only its second address during its 40-year history; the first was only a short distance away in Eagle Rock. The congregation, which is currently renting its facility, longs to have its own building and more freedom to do ministry. Velino A. Salazar, Southern California Conference president, addressed the congregation, saying, “This church has been very generous—you need your own facility.”

Pastor Javier Huerta, who pastored the church for four years, prayed that morning that the Lord would guide and bless in this particular area.

More than 15 pastors have had the opportunity to lead the church throughout its 40-year history. Five of those pastors were present and took part in the worship service: Cruz Castro, Javier Huerta, Moises Gullón, Giddell Garcia, and the current pastor, Salvador Garcia.

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(Left) Salazar engages with church members during the Sabbath School program. (Right) The church’s founding members reunite for the special celebration.

Giddell Garcia, currently the pastor at Culver City Spanish church and Hawthorne Spanish company, was the pastor at the Glassell Park church from mid-2014 to mid-2018, immediately preceding the current pastor.

Giddell Garcia shared the morning’s message, which centered on the seven churches found in Revelation. He spoke of confronting obstacles and continuing to grow from the experience.

Each of these seven churches received a

different message, but “these churches came with the presence of God,” Giddell noted. “The last 40 years don’t matter; you have to keep with the presence of the Lord until He comes.”

“My prayer,” shared Josue Brito, head elder, treasurer, and risk management director at Glassell Park church, “is that we may revive the same desire and spirit of the pioneers of this church so that we may have great success to honor our God by sharing the gospel in the most efficient manner possible and by that way growing enough to have our own church.”

Pastor Giddell Garcia preaches a message to encourage members to be faithful and stay in the presence of God following this anniversary celebration.

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Southern California Conference

Vallejo Drive Church Encourages Kids to Connect With God

By Araya Moss

W

hat if Vacation Bible School (VBS) was not limited to one week during the summer but was incorporated into Sabbath School each week? This was the question that Audrey Zorek and Pastor Manny Vitug asked each other when discussing ideas for children’s ministry at a VBS training last March.

Zorek, children’s ministry director at Vallejo Drive church, wanted to revitalize this ministry at his local church. Vitug, Southeastern California Conference (SECC) children’s ministry associate director, invited Zorek to a Sabbath School curriculum training at Los Angeles Central Korean church last May. SECC had recently launched Growing Together, a new Sabbath School curriculum designed to reinstate the importance of family worship. With Growing Together, everyone studies the same lesson with peers at their own developmental level each Sabbath in hopes that the material will be reinforced later in the home.

Shortly after the training last summer, Vallejo Drive launched Kids Connection for lower division Sabbath Schools using this curriculum.

Kids Connection is Vallejo Drive’s interpretation of Growing Together.

“We wanted to make a difference in our children’s lives,” said Zorek. “Kids

Connection is a safe and fun place where kids learn how to connect with each other and with God.” This new format introduces the lesson by bringing all kids together— from primary to youth—for 30 minutes, involving them in an opening song, offering, and a short story before they break out into separate classes.

There, all teachers will go over the same lesson, taught in a way that is most appropriate and effective for their respective age groups.

Attendance at Kids Connection doubled from 30 to 60 kids in just two months since its inception. “My children love this new program!” recalled a parent. “I had a hard time getting them to church for Sabbath School. Now they are up early, rushing me not to be late, because they don’t want to miss it.”

“My favorite part is the connectiveness of all the kids coming to worship together and learning the same story,” said Kelly Fontamillas, Sabbath School teacher at Vallejo Drive. “A bonus for me as a teacher covering multiple classes: no matter what class I teach, they will be studying the same lesson.”

With the success of this program, Vallejo Drive hosted SECC’s recent Growing Together Sabbath School curriculum training, available to all churches. The workshop was divided

CORRECTION: The Southern California Conference Communication Office would like to apologize for not giving full credit to the author on one of our articles from last month’s issue. The article entitled “SFVA Takes the Classroom on the Road” (March 2020, page 52) was written and submitted by Joel Kindrick.

(Top left) Through a learning-style test, attendees discover whether they are dynamic, creative, pragmatic, or analytical—which reflects their teaching style. (Above) Vitug gives a demonstration to illustrate how little time Sabbath School teachers spend with a child each week. He points out that the role of discipling kids doesn’t solely rely on the church; the church is to equip parents to disciple their children. into two parts. The first half consisted of a mock Kids Connection set-up so that attendees could visualize what the church does every week. The second half consisted of sessions led by Vitug and Isaac Kim, family ministries pastor at Calimesa church.

They explained the philosophy behind the new curriculum, provided tips to revamp Sabbath School programs, and discussed methods for teaching at different levels.

The goal of this dual training was not simply to tell other churches to replicate this program at their church; rather, it was to demonstrate how one church identified a need within the congregation and community and found a way to meet that need.

“We are in a different generation,” said one attendee after the training.

“It’s time to change what we are currently doing in order to obtain different results.”

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PA C I F I C

U N I O N

C O N F E R E N C E

Journey to

a

Excellence

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Arizona Conference

Impacting Lives in Arizona FOR THE FUTURE SCHOOLS Adobe Adventist Christian School Apache Junction/Mesa Cochise Adventist Christian School Bisbee

Arizona Adventist Education A Journey to Excellence

Whether large or small, our Adventist schools in Arizona are impacting the lives of students, parents, teachers, congregations, and communities from north to south, east to west. Students are learning how to be Christian leaders, influencers, and impactors through service, academics, and spiritual leadership. We are raising student leaders‌student servers!

Desert Valley Christian School Tucson Glenview Adventist Academy Glendale/Phoenix Maricopa Village Christian School Laveen Prescott Adventist Christian School Prescott Saguaro Hills Adventist Christian School Tucson Thunderbird Adventist Academy Scottsdale

A Z A D V E N T I S T E D U C AT I O N.O R G

Thunderbird Christian Elementary Scottsdale Verde Valley Adventist School Cottonwood Yuma Adventist Christian School Yuma

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Central California Conference ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS & ACADEMIES Armona Union Academy (K-12) auaweb.com

Bakersfield Adventist Academy (K-12) bakersfieldacademy.org

Central Valley Christian Academy (K-12) cvcaonline.net

Chowchilla Adventist Elementary

chowchilla22.adventistschoolconnect.org

Dinuba Junior Academy dinubajracademy@gmail.com Foothill Adventist Elementary foothilladventistschool.com

Fresno Adventist Academy (K-12) faa.org

Hollister Adventist Christian School hollistersdaschool.org

Los Banos Adventist Christian School losbanosadventistschool.org

Miramonte Adventist Elementary miramonteschool.org

Monterey Bay Academy (9-12) montereybayacademy.org

Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy (K-10) motherlodeja.org

Mountain View Academy (9-12) mtnviewacademy.org

Peninsula Adventist School

Teaching Students PROVIDING EDUC ATION AND MINISTRY

Central California Adventist Education A Journey to Excellence

peninsula22.adventistschoolconnect.org

San Francisco Adventist School sfasonline.org

Sierra View Junior Academy (K-10) svja.org

Templeton Hills Adventist School thaskto8.org

Valley View Junior Academy (K-10) vvaaonline.org

VHM Christian School vhmchristian.org

559-347-3000 • CCC E D U.A D V E N T I S T FA I T H.O R G

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EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS Bakersfield Adventist Academy Preschool CVCA Helping Hands Preschool Fresno Adventist Academy Christian Preschool Milpitas Discoveryland Parkwood Christian Preschool Santa Cruz Discoveryland Sonora Kiddie Kollege Valley View Children’s Center PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R

661-871-1591 209-538-6443 559-251-5548 408-263-7626 209-557-9510 831-476-9684 209-532-8612 805-481-7534

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Nevada-Utah Conference

ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Las Vegas, Nevada www.alcacademylv.org (702) 647-2777

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BISHOP ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bishop, California bishop22.adventistschoolconnect.org (760) 872-1036

BISHOP RAINBOW CONNECTION (PRESCHOOL) Bishop, California (760) 972-1272

DEAMUDE ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ogden, Utah www.ogdenchristianschool.org (801) 731-3140

FALLON ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fallon, Nevada fallon22.adventistschoolconnect.org (775) 423-4185

LAS VEGAS JUNIOR ACADEMY Las Vegas, Nevada www.lvja.org (702) 871-7208

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RIVERVIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Reno, Nevada riverviewacademy.org (775) 322-0714

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SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Salt Lake City, Utah www.scautah.us (801) 613-1722

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SUSANVILLE ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Susanville, California susanvilleca.adventistschoolconnect.org (530) 257-5045

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Nevada-Utah Conference

Adventist Education A Journey to Excellence

Our schools enable learners to develop a life of faith in God, and to use their knowledge, skills, and understanding to serve God and humanity.

To learn more about Adventist Eduation in our territory, visit us at www.nuceducation.org.

Northern California Conference

Excellence for Eternity

STARTING STUDENTS ON THE RIGHT PATH FOR LIFE

Northern California Adventist Education A Journey to Excellence

SCHOOLS

With 215 educators, 2400 students, 34 schools, and five early childhood education centers in the Northern California Conference, we are proud to be part of a worldwide Adventist educational system.

We are committed to transforming knowledge into wisdom, character into relationships, and skills into service for God.

Adventist Christian Elementary School of Red Bluff Adventist Christian School of Yuba City Bayside Adventist Christian School Chico Oaks Adventist School Clearlake SDA Christian School Crescent City Seventh-day Adventist School Echo Ridge Christian School El Dorado Adventist School Feather River Adventist School Foothills Adventist Elementary School Fortuna Junior Academy Galt Adventist Christian School Hilltop Christian School Humboldt Bay Christian School Lodi Academy Lodi SDA Elementary School Magalia Adventist School Middletown Seventh-day Adventist School Napa Christian Campus of Education Orangevale SDA School Pacific Union College Elementary School

Pacific Union College Preparatory School Paradise Adventist Academy Pine Hills Adventist Academy Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy Redding Adventist Academy Redwood Adventist Academy Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Sacramento Adventist Academy Tracy SDA Christian Elementary School Ukiah Junior Academy Vacaville Adventist Christian School Westlake SDA School Yreka Adventist Christian School

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTERS Discoveryland Preschool - Pleasant Hill Hilltop Christian Preschool Kingdom Kids Christian Preschool Sacramento Adventist Academy ECEC

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

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www.ncceducation.org education@nccsda.com (916) 886-5645

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Southeastern California Conference

Educating for Today, Preparing for Eternity Southeastern California Conference Office of Education

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secceducation.org (951) 509-2307 Assisting schools to be grace oriented, academically excellent, financially solvent, and distinctly Seventh-day Adventist Christian.

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4,149 Students 300 Teachers 35 Administrators

SCHOOLS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Azure Hills Children’s Center (ECEC) Calexico Mission School Children’s Discovery Center (ECEC) Desert Adventist School El Cajon SDA Christian School Escondido Adventist Academy Hemet Adventist Christian School Laguna Niguel Junior Academy La Sierra Academy Loma Linda Academy Loma Linda Academy Children’s Center (ECEC) Mesa Grande Academy Murrieta Springs Adventist Christian School Needles Adventist Christian School Oceanside Adventist Elementary School Orangewood Adventist Christian School Sunrise Christian Preschool (ECEC) Redlands Adventist Academy San Antonio Christian School San Diego Academy Valley Adventist Christian School Victor Valley SDA School ECEC = Early Childhood Education Center

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Southern California Conference

Glorifying God THROUGH AC ADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Southern California Adventist Education

A Journey to Excellence

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTERS A+ Adventist Children’s Center Child Development Center of SFVA Conejo Adventist Preschool SBJA Discoveryland Child Care and Infant Center lruka Yochien Los Angeles Discoveryland Preschool Three Angels’ Preschool and Infant Center K-8 SCHOOLS Adventist Union School Antelope Valley Adventist School Conejo Adventist Elementary East Valley Adventist School Glendale Adventist Elementary Linda Vista Adventist Elementary Los Angeles Adventist Elementary Ridgecrest Adventist Elementary San Fernando Valley Elementary San Gabriel Elementary Simi Valley Adventist School South Bay Junior Academy West Covina Hills Adventist School White Memorial Adventist School K-12 SCHOOLS Glendale Adventist Academy San Fernando Valley Academy San Gabriel Academy 9-12 BOARDING ACADEMY Newbury Park Adventist Academy

The mission of the Southern California Conference Adventist school system is to glorify God through academic excellence in nurturing Christian environments. Here, students establish a lifelong friendship with Jesus Christ while preparing for a lifetime of devoted service to Him and to humanity. The system pursues this mission by educating for eternity.

www.scc.adventist.org/edu • 818-546-8451 A P R I L 2020

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Arizona Conference & Central California Conference

Armona Union Academy A K-12 Seventh-day Adventist Christian School Serving Kings and Tulare Counties, Since 1904

The mission of Armona Union Academy is to inspire and

mentor our students to

Love God, Serve Others, and Value Learning.

14435 Locust Street • P.O. Box 397 • Armona, CA 93202 • (559) 582-4468 • office@auaweb.com

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Central California Conference

Ceres, CA

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Central California Conference

Fresno Adventist Academy

Now Offering $1000 Scholarships for all new students*

• • • • • •

*K-12 students only

Biblical Values Career-Based Stem Lab AP Classes in High School K-12 Music Program Competitive Athletics Financial Aid Available

E N R O L L M E N T I S N OW O P E N F O R T H E 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1 S C H O O L Y E A R !

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5397 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727

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Phone: 559-251-5548 Fax: 559-252-6495 office@faa.org www.faa.org

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Central California Conference At Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy, we aspire to nurture a love for God and a Biblical worldview.

We seek to develop lives that are balanced academically, spiritually, socially, and physically.

Our students are prepared to achieve excellence in their service to God, the church, and their community.

Mother Lode Adventist Junior Academy 80 N. Forest Road Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 532-2855 www.motherlodeja.org

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Central California Conference

SIERRA VIEW JUNIOR ACADEMY

A T K-10 Grade Seventh-day Adventist Christian School

Grounded in the Seventh-day Adventist Christian faith, we are a close-knit community enriched by a diverse group of students, teachers, board members, and parents working together to nurture student minds and hearts.

19933 Avenue 256 Exeter, CA 93221-9648 office (559) 592-3689 sierraviewjunioracademy.org

Come to Valley View Adventist Jr. Academy!

At Valley View, students are encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, socially, and physically. Our students test above average grade equivalent, receive individualized math programs, art, music: choir and handbells, robotics for grades 3-8, and Spanish language class in all grades from K-10.

It’s a great place to learn!

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Hawaii Conference & Nevada-Utah Conference

Las Vegas Junior Academy Our classes are sized to allow one-on-one attention to specific areas of need and to motivate the student to think outside the box when approaching an assignment.

We offer classes ranging from K through 10th grade. The entire academic program is well-rounded and balanced, giving your child a great education.

We honor God by striving for academic excellence, character development, and positive relationships with our community and each other.

6059 W. Oakey Blvd.

Las Vegas, Nevada 89146 (702) 871-7208 www.lvja.org info@lvja.org

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Northern California Conference

HAPPY CHILDREN Learn Best

“The Napa Christian Campus has a wonderful blend of academics, art, and nature. The staff and students are like family. It is truly a magical place.” - P A R E N T

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ur curriculum is dynamic and diversified, offering humanities, mathematics, science, language, and the arts. Mastery of the traditional academic disciplines is interwoven with artistic and practical activities to provide a dynamic and engaging educational experience for every student.

Central to our K-12 educational program is a recognition of and a respect for the child’s unfolding Godgiven individuality. Our education values difference and strives to support children in such a way that each child’s unique gifts are utilized and challenges are faced.

Schedule a visit and your child’s personal kindergarten readiness evaluation.

• 1:10 Student Teacher Ratio • Daily Activities in Our Farm/ Garden • Fully Accredited • Student Aid Available • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) • Project-based Learning

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Northern California Conference

Paradise Adventist Academy We are so grateful to God, and to all who have served as God’s hands and feet, for the gracious support of Paradise Adventist Academy. After the fire that devastated our community and partially burned our campus, we have been blessed by your prayers, volunteers, meals, encouragement, presents, and presence.

We are especially grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Chico community to provide excellent education for students in all grades (preschool through grade 12) on one campus. We thank all of you, the body of Christ, for allowing God to work through you in such a powerful way to help us continue fulfilling our mission: To develop well-educated citizens who do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. 530/877-6540 1859 Hooker Oak Avenue Chico, CA 95926 mypaa.net

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Northern California Conference

Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy offers a quality, preschool–12, Christ-centered education, preparing students not only for college but for eternity. In the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, we promote Christian values in and out of the classroom—especially through service to others as modeled by Christ who inspires, transforms, and serves.

Our WASC-accredited academic program is focused on college readiness, and all high school classes meet the A-G requirements for the University of California and California State University systems, with PHAA graduates attending Stanford, UC Berkeley, Pacific Union College, La Sierra University, and numerous other in- and out-of-state colleges and universities.

Preschool-12 Christian Education (925) 934-9261 • office@myphaa.com www.myphaa.com 796 Grayson Road • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 www.facebook.com/PleasantHillAdventistAcademy

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Northern California Conference

Ukiah Junior Academy "Ukiah Junior Academy provides the best education for the money in the Ukiah area."

PA R E N T

School Highlights: • • • •

Christ-centered education Grades K-10 ACS-WASC Accredited School-wide music progam, including choir, orchestra, and a spring musical each year • Field trips to Washington D.C., science camps and trips, forty-niner camp for grade 4.

• Gardening projects • Community service for all students, all grade levels, with projects at the community food bank, Plowshares (feeding the homeless), community garden, visiting the assisted living communities to share music, and more.

180 Stipp Lane, Ukiah • www.ukiahjracademy.org • 707.462.6350 A P R I L 2020

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Southeastern California Conference

Escondido Adventist Academy EDUCATING THE HEAD, THE HAND, AND THE HEART SINCE 1903

Escondido Adventist Academy, a TK through 12th grade school, provides a welcoming community in a small nurturing environment.

Offerings include Advanced Placement courses, art, music, community/global missions, and a strong athletics program.

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Southeastern California Conference

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Southeastern California Conference

EDUC ATION WITH A HIGHER PURPOSE

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Spirituality Scholarship Sportsmanship Service Preschool–12th Grade

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13732 Clinton Street Garden Grove, CA 92843 714-534-4694

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info@orangewoodacademy.com orangewoodacademy.com A Seventh-day Adventist Preparatory School

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Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Southeastern California Conference

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Southern California Conference G L E N DA L E A DV E N T I S T AC A D E M Y & E L E M E N TA RY Grades TK-12

NOW ENROLLING

APPLY NOW FOR FALL 2020 Scholarships Available There is no greater gift to the future than a generation of young people who are empowered with spiritual commitment, strong academic preparation, leadership skills, and a social awareness and sensitivity.

Glendale Adventist Academy (TK-12) is at the forefront of developing such young people.

700 Kimlin Drive, Glendale, CA 91206 Academy (818) 244-8671 • Elementary (818) 246-4867 www.glendaleacademy.org

The mission of NPAA is to develop Christ-like character, gain wisdom through Biblical principles, and foster unselfish service.

WWW.MYNPAA.COM | 805-498-2191 76

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New families receive 50% off first month’s tuition for the 2020-2021 school year! (with ad)

• Quality Christian Education • Boarding School With Dorms • Strong Fine Arts, Music & Athletics • Beautiful Campus & Safe Location • WASC Accredited & UC Approved • Caring and Dedicated Faculty • Small Student-Teacher Ratio • International Student Program

Southern California Conference

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Holbrook Indian School

Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfth-grade Christian boarding school for Native American children and youth. Located in Holbrook, Arizona, just a few miles from the Navajo Nation, HIS serves indigenous youth from many tribes: Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Havasupai, Lakota, Pima, Crow, and Micmac, to name just a few.

Operated by the Pacific Union Conference, HIS also manages Chinle Adventist Elementary School (CAES), a first- through eighth-grade day school located in Chinle, Arizona, Navajo Nation.

PO Box 910 • Holbrook, AZ 86025 2001 McClaws Rd. • Holbrook, AZ 86025 928-524-6845 (Ext. 109) • holbrookindianschool.org A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946

$2,000 Scholarship Supports In-Union Adventist College Freshman

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ncoming freshmen at Pacific Union College or La Sierra University now have access to a $2,000 scholarship provided by Pacific Union Conference for the 2020-2021 school year.

Freshmen applying for the scholarship 1) must be first-time undergraduates, 2) must be enrolled full time, 3) must be baptized members of an Adventist church in the Union, or have a parent or guardian that is a baptized member of an Adventist church in the Union, or have attended a Union-operated secondary school for a minimum of one semester.

Applications and verifications for this scholarship are to be completed with Pacific Union College or La Sierra University and summitted as part of the student financial clearance process.

For more information about this scholarship, email the student financial services department of Pacific Union College at studentfinance@puc.edu or La Sierra University at sfs@lasierra.edu.

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Community & Marketplace Advertising

Advertising is accepted as a service to Seventh-day Adventist church members in the Pacific Union. The Recorder management reserves the right to refuse any advertisement, especially ads not related to the needs and practices of the church membership. Acceptance of any advertising shall be considered a matter of accommodation and not a matter of right, nor shall it be construed to constitute approval of the product or service advertised.

Payment in advance must accompany all classified advertisements or they will not be published. Display ads for known advertisers will be billed. To pay by credit card, please call 805-413-7280.

How to Submit Advertising Classified ads must be sent with payment to the Recorder office (Sali.butler@adventistfaith.com).

Display ads should be arranged with the editor (info@adventistfaith.com).

Classified Rates $70 for 50 words; 75 cents each additional word.

Display Rates (Full Color Only) Back cover, $4,200; full page, $3,800; 1/2-pg., $2,200; 1/4-pg., $1,200; 1/8-pg., $700; $160 per column inch.

Information Circulation is approximately 76,000 homes, and magazines are scheduled to arrive in homes by the last Thursday of the previous month. For more information about advertising, please click on the Advertising tab at www.pacificunionrecorder.com, email info@adventistfaith.com, or call 805-413-7280.

2020 Deadlines These are the advertising deadlines for the Recorder. Your local conference news deadlines will be earlier.

May: April 7 June: May 7

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 the masthead for contact information. Want tips for writing for us? See www.dailywritingtips. com/the-art-of-writing-news.

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As a result of efforts to contain the coronavirus, scheduled events everywhere are being suddenly canceled or postponed. Please call the number listed or check online to ensure that an event is still taking place.

CALENDAR Arizona Conference

Thunderbird Adventist Academy 99th Annual Alumni Weekend (April 3-5). Honor classes: ‘00 and ’05. For those who are part of classes ‘65, ‘70, ’80, and ‘00 and have not heard from your class coordinator, please contact Tanna Allison at tallison@thunderbirdacademy. org. Info: https://www. thunderbirdacademy.org/ alumni.

Hispanic Women’s Retreat (April 3-5) Camp Yavapines, 2999 W. Iron Springs Rd, Prescott, AZ. Info: Betty Valenzuela, 480-991-6777 ext. 130. Main speaker, Yaqueline Tello; Youth, Edith Pereda. Banquet theme: Latin America Night (Una Noche Latinoamericana). All churches represent a different country.

Scottsdale Top Raw Food Potluck (April 10) meets once each month (second Saturday) 5:30 p.m. Natural Grocers, 13802 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. Bring your glutenfree raw food dish already prepared and ready to eat; enough to feed 8-10 people.

Recipes appreciated. Bring eating and serving utensils.

Info: Mary Russo: 602-214-9423.

Omega House Story (April 18) Beacon Light church, 2602 N. 51st Ave, Phoenix, AZ, Info: B.J. Warren 602-820-6089.

Pathfinder Fair (April 26) Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. Goodyear info and registration form: www.azsdayouth.com.

Central California Conference Life Hope Centers (April 5) for the Cambrian Park

community, San Jose, Calif.

Volunteers are needed for this free event. The more dentists, medical professionals, and optometrists that volunteer, the more community members can be served. Sign up at LifeHopeCentersCentral.com.

La Sierra University

La Sierra University’s Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) is offering music camps and academy programs for students grades 1-12. Activities will be held June 15-26, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.–4 p.m. at Hole Memorial Auditorium. Registration is $35; tuition is $390. For more information, email avpa@lasierra.edu or call 951-785-2086.

3AC Teen Retreat (April 17-19) Camp Wawona inside Yosemite National Park. You won’t want to miss guest speaker Ronnie Vanderhorst tackle the theme “Focus on What Really Matters.” Info: Info@route31.org. The Hanson-Koobs Chamber Registration $120 at: Music Series will feature http://bit.ly/2snJ5zB. international concert pianist Orion Weiss, violinist Jason Life Hope Centers (April 19) for Uyeyama, Los Angeles the Visalia community, Visalia, Philharmonic principal cellist Calif. Volunteers are needed Robert deMaine, and assistant for this free event. The more principal violist Ben Ullery, dentists, medical professionals, Sun., May 17 at 7:00 p.m., Hole and optometrists that volunteer, Memorial Auditorium. Tickets: the more community members students $5, seniors 55+ can be served. Sign up at $10, general admission, $15.

LifeHopeCentersCentral.com.

Information: https://lasierra. edu/hanson-koobs/, music@ CCC Teen Guys Retreat (April lasierra.edu, 951-785-2036.

24-26) Turlock church. Ages 13-18, “Waking the Warrior” La Sierra University Drama is the retreat for you. Register presents “The Comedy of at https://guysretreat2020.

Errors,” William Shakespeare’s eventbrite.com or email: shortest play. It is a farcical yet@cccsda.org. tale about separated twins and mistaken identity. May 9, CCC Teen Girls Retreat (April 10, 14, 16, and 17, 8:30 p.m. in 24-26) Soquel Conference Matheson Hall. Tickets are $10.

Center. Ages 13-18, Contact the box office at 951“Something Beautiful” is 785-2241 or drama@lasierra.edu. the retreat for you. Register at https://girlsretreat2020.

Stay in the know and sign eventbrite.com or email: yet@ up to receive The La Sierra cccsda.org.

Report, a monthly e-newsletter of interesting news and top Alumni Weekend (April 25events. To subscribe, send your 26) Fresno Adventist Academy. email address to dmartint@ All former students, faculty, lasierra.edu. and staff are encouraged to attend. Sabbath services The Art+Design department featuring Cathie Jones; at La Sierra University will potluck meal. Put your team hold a student exhibit April together or join one for 6–23 at Brandstater Gallery with Sunday’s golf tournament. a reception on Sunday, April Info: office@faa.org or call 12 at 6 p.m. Gallery hours are 559-251-5548.

Community & Marketplace Mon.–Thurs., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. For further information, contact tmusso@lasierra.edu or call 951-785-2170.

Adventist Academy 57th Homecoming (April 4). This event has been canceled due to coronavirus.

The La Sierra University Orchestra will perform Saturday, April 18 at 7:15 p.m. in Hole Memorial Auditorium.

Tickets are $5 students, $10 seniors aged 55-plus, $15 general admission. For further information call 951-785-2036 or email music@lasierra.edu.

Pathfinder Bike-a-thon (April 5) 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Metro Air Park, Sacramento. Info: NCC Youth Department, 916-886-5656.

La Sierra University will feature a Choral Home Concert Saturday, May 2 at 8:15 p.m. in Hole Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $5 students, $10 seniors aged 55-plus, $15 general admission.

For further information call 951-785-2036 or email music@ lasierra.edu.

Northern California Conference CANCELED - Rio Lindo

CANCELED -Adventist Community Services Retreat (April 17-19) Leoni Meadows.

“Be Prepared” disaster response training. Speakers: W. Derrick Lea, North American Division Adventist Community Services associate director; Marc Woodson, NCC president; Steve Hamilton, Paradise church senior pastor.

Musician: Cindy Suh. This event has been canceled due to coronavirus.

Instituto Laico Adventista de California (ILAC) (April 19) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pacific Union College. Training for Spanish-

speaking laypeople. Speaker: Daniel Scarone. Info: nccsda. com/ilac.

Christian Men’s Retreat (May 1-3) Leoni Meadows. Speaker: Doug Tilstra, vice president for student life at Walla Walla University. “Weathering the Storms: Reflections from the Life of Paul.” Free T-shirt with registration. Two-mile run with prizes. Sign up before April 21 and receive $10 off the registration fee. Info: nccsda.com/MensMinistries.

Filipino Camp Meeting (May 22-24) Leoni Meadows.

Speaker: Elizabeth Viera Talbot. Register online at www. leonimeadows.org or call 530626-3610. Info: Asian/Pacific Ministries Department, 916-886-5616.

Instituto Laico Adventista de California (ILAC) (May 24) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pacific Union

College. Training for Spanishspeaking laypeople. Speaker: Daniel Scarone. Info: nccsda.com/ilac.

Asian/Pacific Convocation (May 30) 3:30 p.m. Antioch church, 2200 Country Hills Drive, Antioch. Info: Asian/ Pacific Ministries Department, 916-886-5616.

Pacific Union College PUC Symphonic Wind Ensemble will join the PUC Prep Band and St. Helena Community Band for a joint concert on April 5 at 1:00 p.m. The event is open to the public. Email music@puc.edu for more information.

An Easter service at the PUC Church on Sabbath, April 11 during the 11:00 a.m. service will feature the Brass Ensemble, organ, and choir.

Email music@puc.edu for more details.

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Community & Marketplace Applications for Pacific Quest will close on April 14. This is a STEM-focused program taking place June 21-26 on the PUC campus and is aimed at students who have finished 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. Full details and the application are available at puc.edu/pacificquest.

Applications for PQ Rise will close on April 14. Taking place on PUC’s campus at the Albion Field Station June 28-July 3, this program allows high school students to take collegelevel STEM courses from PUC professors. Full details and the application are available at puc. edu/pqrise.

PUC’s Alumni Homecoming Weekend will take place from April 17-19. Registration is available online at homecoming. puc.edu.

The Rasmussen Art Gallery on the PUC campus will be

hosting the Student Art Exhibit from April 18 through May 9.

Follow the gallery at facebook. com/RasmussenArtGallery to learn more.

The Golden State Choral Competition will be hosted on PUC’s campus on Tuesday, April 28. Learn more by emailing music@puc.edu.

Southeastern California Conference

various health topics, presented by health care professionals. Info: mhchealthministries@gmail.com.

Adventurer Fun Day (April 19) 7 a.m.-2 p.m. SECC grounds, 11330 Pierce St., Riverside. Clubs can earn money by setting up food booths and are encouraged to display their accomplishments.

Info and registration: seccyouth. com or call 951-509-2265.

Passion and Resurrection Pageant (April 11) 10:45 a.m.

Corona church, 2550 S. Main St., Corona. A visual portrayal of the plan of salvation through the life and ministry of Jesus.

Info: 951-737-5953, coronasda@sbcglobal.net.

La Sierra Academy Alumni Homecoming (April 24-25) La Sierra Academy, 4900 Golden Ave., Riverside. Honor classes: 2015 and back every five years, and all classes before 1950.

Guest speakers are Meshach Soli and Tim Gillespie. Info: 951-351-1445.

Finding Wealth in Health (April 18) 2 p.m. Moreno Hills church, 25873 Alessandro Blvd., Moreno Valley. The church is holding workshops on the third Sabbath of every month on

Adventurer Campout (May 1-3) Hurkey Creek Park, 56375 California 74, Mountain Center. Club directors or secretaries must submit the online registration at

seccyouth.com under the ‘Events’ tab 15 days before the event. Registration deadline is April 16. Info: 951-509-2265.

Prayer Conference (May 7-9) Thurs. and Fri., 7 p.m.; Sab. 9, 10:30, and 11:45 a.m.; and vespers at 5 p.m. Loma Linda University church, 11125 Campus St. Loma Linda. “Pray God’s Glory Upon the Earth” Hab. 2:14. Guest speaker is Debleaire Snell. Info: anita.roberts@seccsda.org.

Southern California Conference

Revival Seminar: Claim Your Children Back! (April 4) 2 p.m. These messages and testimonies will bring hope, healing, peace, encouragement, and joy.

Speaker: Grant Agadjanian of A Sure Harvest Ministries.

Vallejo Drive church, 300 Vallejo Dr., Glendale 91206.

Info: 818-246-2476.

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Community & Marketplace Mental Health Workshop (April 4) 2:30 p.m. Topic: anxiety disorders. These mental health workshops are confidential, free, and educational. All Nations church, 1948 Peck Rd., Monrovia 91016. Info: meusebio@ph.lacounty.gov.

Rediscovering Calvary: Easter Sabbath (April 11).

Presenters: attorneys Lewis and Richard Walton. All day; morning service followed by 2 p.m. program. Hacienda Heights church, 2120 S. Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights, 91745. Info: 626-3304356.

Second Saturday Series (April 11) 4 p.m. A performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by the FluteSonic Orchestra with special soloists for each season. Other composers in the concert will include Bach, Ogerman, Debussy, and Tchaikovsky.

Glendale City church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale 91206. Info: 818-244-7241.

Easter Vespers Concert and Sakura Matsuri (April 11) 6:30 p.m. West Los Angeles Japanese church, 1527 Purdue Ave., Los Angeles 90025. Info: 310-479-1605.

SCC Girls Retreat (April 17-19).

Where young ladies ages 13-18 can go to be inspired to fall in love with Christ. Practical workshops, team bonding, on-site counseling and prayer, studying the Bible, and other activities will be offered.

Glendale Adventist Academy, 700 Kimlin Dr., Glendale 91206. Registration and info: sccgirlsretreat.com.

POSTPONED - 53rd Annual GLAR Convocation (April 18) 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Join the Greater Los Angeles Region for the annual convocation. Faithful Central

Bible church, 333 W. Florence Ave., Inglewood 90301. Info: Franklyn Broomfield, 818-7305094. This event has been postponed due to coronavirus.

CANCELED - San Gabriel Academy Alumni Homecoming Weekend (April 24-26). The honor class reception will be Friday evening, the reunion program and alumni luncheon will be Sabbath, and the HOPE 5K run, spring festival, and alumni games will be held Sunday.

San Gabriel Academy, 8827 E. Broadway, San Gabriel 91776.

Info: sangabrielacademy.org.

This event has been canceled due to coronavirus.

Los Angeles Adventist Forum (April 25) 3 p.m. Speaker: Carmen Lau, chair of the Adventist Forum board since 2018. Light refreshments to follow. Glendale City church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale

91206. Info: 818-244-7241.

POSTPONED - Piano Concert (April 25) 6 p.m. All are invited to an unforgettable evening where 15-year-old piano virtuoso and vocal soloist David Cerna will perform.

Norwalk church, 12191 Firestone Blvd., Norwalk 90650.

Info: 714-234-1998. This event has been postponed due to coronavirus. Date to be determined.

Stronger Than the Storm (April 25) 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Simi Valley Women’s Ministries will host its eighth annual women’s conference, featuring music, drama, spoken word, and fellowship. Guest speaker: Judi Zaugg-Sanderson. Registration is $25. Lunch is included.

Register by April 19: 805-5260141 or simiadventist.org.

ONEHouse Gathering (May 2) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Speaker: Sam

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Community & Marketplace Leonor. Los Angeles Adventist Academy, 846 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles 90059. Info: onehousesocal.com/events.

Mental Health Workshop (May 2) 2:30 p.m. Topic: family violence prevention.

These mental health workshops are confidential, free, and educational. All Nations church, 1948 Peck Rd., Monrovia 91016. Info: meusebio@ph.lacounty.gov.

Second Saturday Series (May 9) 4 p.m. Performance by organist David Wheatley.

Glendale City church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale 91206. Info: 818-244-7241.

8th Annual “Can U Hear Me Now?” Youth Conference (May 21-25). The conference will feature general sessions, seminars, hikes, camping, and counseling. Theme: “Restoration

2020!” Camp Cedar Falls, 39850 CA-38, Angelus Oaks 92305.

Info and registration: 818549-4147, 323-204-7906, or canuhearmenowconference.org.

Los Angeles Adventist Forum (May 23) 3 p.m. Speaker: Dr. Brian Bull, LLU School of Medicine and Dr. Fritz Guy, LSU HMS Richards School of Divinity.

Light refreshments to follow.

Glendale City church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale 91206.

Info: 818-244-7241.

CLASSIFIED At Your Service

California Adventist Federal Credit Union, your "One Stop Finance Shop."

Serving our Adventist Community for over 65 years with financial products and services, along with wealth building education. Please

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Silverado Orchards

Retirement Community Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons • Three Nutritious Meals Every Day • Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar • Vegetarian or Clean Meat Options • Activities & Excursions • Housekeeping • Transportation • Health & Wellness Program • Hope Channel, LLBN and 3ABN • Beauty Salon • Guest Rooms • And Much More...

“We’re all about Family!”

Family Owned Since 1978

(707) 963-3688

www.SilveradoOrchards.com

601 Pope Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

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visit our website at www.

SdacreditUnion.com for updates on all that CAFCU has to offer. Call our office and speak to our friendly staff or manager for additional information: 818-246-7241.

at $1,276/month for a studio apartment, all inclusive. Onebedroom apartments also available, couples welcome.

Call 541-839-4266 or email: curtdewees.forestglen@gmail. com.

Find lower home prices in Tennessee and Georgia.

Specializing in buying or selling affordable homes in Collegedale, Chattanooga, N. Georgia, or surrounding areas.

Great retirement area, close to Adventist university. Howard Karst, Realty Specialists, your best partner for experienced professional service. 301-3328471, tsrak@msn.com, 423238-7325.

Bulletin Board

SDA Realtor: Let us help you sell your property or buy the ideal home here in gorgeous northern California. Rural properties abound. Perfect for families and retirees. Jerry Kea, Realtor, 707- 888-9613, email: thomaskea.tk@gmail.com, CA BRE Lic#02080864, TREG INC, dba The Real Estate Group.

Seniors 55+: Enjoy peaceful and affordable retirement living at Forest Glen Senior Living in Canyonville, nestled in the foothills of Oregon’s scenic Umpqua National Forest.

Included: three home-cooked meals a day (vegetarian always available), planned social activities, weekly linen service, and weekly housekeeping.

Transportation provided to medical appointments and to the Canyonville SDA church every Saturday. Rates start

Adventist Books: Looking for new Adventist titles to encourage and grow your daily walk? Visit us at www.

TEACHServices.com. For used Adventist books, visit www.

LNFBooks.com. Authors: If you’re interested in having your book published, call 800-3671844 for a free evaluation.

Couple seeking position as estate caretaker. Couple’s experience includes retired commercial asset/property manager and retired pediatric registered nurse. Available to cook (vegan, vegetarian, ethnic), drive, shop, oversee contractors, care for homebound person(s), pets, or plants. Prior experience, verifiable references, bondable, and additional information available on request. If interested, write WTSO, Box 711747, San Diego, CA 92171 or email williamtsohara@aol.com.

Employment

Associate dentist. Full- or part-time positions in rural Tennessee (Hohenwald, Centerville, and Lawrenceburg).

Earn a great income and enjoy a lower cost of living. Digital x-rays, CBCT, laser, Isolite, and EFDA’s. Peaceful country living and ideal setting to raise a family. Several SDA churches nearby. Erik Andersson, anderssonabe@hotmail.com.

Visit: wellnessfamilydentistry. com.

Southern Adventist University is seeking qualified candidates for the following teaching faculty positions: School of Computing, School of Visual Art and Design, and School of Physics and Engineering. For more

Community & Marketplace information and a complete list of qualifications, visit www.southern.edu/jobs.

The General Conference is seeking an associate treasurer for technology to lead and direct its technology departments. Responsible for setting long-term strategies. Bachelor’s degree in information systems management or a related field is required. A master’s in information systems and experience in administration at higher levels of the church organization is preferred.

Interested applicants should send résumé to stavenhagenr@ gc.adventist.org.

Missing Members

Riverview Adventist Church, 7125 W 4th Street, Reno, NV 89523, 775-322-9642 or riverviewadventistchurch@ gmail.com. Kevin Baker, Jennifer Booth, Elvera Corty, Buddy Fleck, Tanya Fleck, Jeff Hyett, Sunia Kohitolu, Jennifie Leuluaialii, Yvonne (Lissa) Cabinada, Lopeti Poulivaati, Maye Salave'a, Mulu Salave'a, Navarrete Saline, Cassandra Sturdivant, Talakai Tu'uta, James Wright, Biane Blodgett, Kamala Caleb, Tanya Danton, Devon Fleck, Manusina Gasetoto, Lana Hyett, Faafetai Leota, Lute Pedro-Mkfisi, Jena Phillips, Robert Riley, Moli Salave'a, Sala Salave'a, Mark Scott, Teleisi Tafilele, Jessica White.

Real Estate

80 view acres close to Lake Mathews, La Sierra

291 acres in Southeast Kentucky, the heart of Lake Cumberland and the beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest.

Featuring a covered bridge; 3 natural springs; 10-bedroom, 9-bath country home/garage, 4,400+ sq. ft. living; additional unattached garage/shop.

Rich with timber and wildlife.

An excellent property for a small health retreat or dandy acreage for a horse or cattle farm. Area family amenities: Monticello Airport, ATV trails, Conley Bottom Resort, and Little South Fork on Cumberland River. Aerial view website: htts://www.youtube. com/watch?v=VBIfM90a2o.

Asking $979,000. Contact: Ed Komorowski, 865-300-7944.

Beautiful 155-acre ranch near Redding, Calif. Solar, spring water, orchard, creek, pond, shop. Main house has 3-bdrm, Office/bdrm without side entrance; second home, 3-bdrm, 1300 sq. ft. $600,000 Call Judy: please leave a message 530-410-8525.

Fall in love with this 1500 sq. ft. mountain cottage on 2.2 acres. Fabulous view into the Salmon River Canyon.

Experience a real wilderness feel, yet only 1 mile off Hwy 95, just North of Riggins, rafting capital of Idaho. Outdoorsman's paradise. Fertile soil, 8-ft. deer fence, apricot trees, golden delicious, honey crisp, plum, and blackberries. Rushing creek along property line, down into the Salmon River. $319,000.

Text 208-598-6667.

Calif., beautiful sunrise/sunset panoramic views. Master bdrm w/bath, adjoining office, 2nd bdrm and bath, laundry room, well, septic, established fenced garden w/underground irrigation, ideal second building spot affords 2-family dwelling or rental opportunity. $265,000 OBO. Call 530-515-0624.

N. Aurora, Ill. All ideas and information welcome. Send email addresses and questions to Natanja and Kerry Hensley, bva.alumni.cte@gmail.com, or call Dale Rollins at 224407-0233, or visit: www. broadviewacademy.org.

Reunions

2 bdrm condo in Honolulu, Hawaii. Minutes to beaches, Chinatown, and hiking. Sleeps 6 comfortably. Furnished kitchen; washer/dryer; AC & more. Free parking. Visit honcentralsda. org/vacation-rentals/nelsonhale or call 856-278-1334.

28th Annual FAA Alumni Weekend (April 25-26).

Sabbath Service Speaker, Cathie Jones; Sunday Golf Tournament. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck after Sabbath Service. Info: FAA office at 559-251-5548 or office@faa.org.

Broadview Academy Alumni Weekend (April 24-25). Honor classes: ‘50, ’60,’70, ’80, ’90, ’95, and ‘00. N. Aurora Church,

Vacation Opportunities

Angwin home – Five-bdrm, 3-bath vacation home, 2 miles from PUC. Fully furnished, large kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, piano, vineyard views, WiFi, washer

Sunset Calendar City

April 3

April 2020 April 10

April 17

April 24

Alturas 7:30 7:37 7:45 7:53 Angwin 7:35 7:42 7:49 7:55 Bakersfield 7:19 7:25 7:31 7:36 Calexico 7:03 7:08 7:13 7:18 Chico 7:34 7:41 7:48 7:55 Death Valley (Furnace Ck) 7:11 7:16 7:22 7:27 Eureka 7:44 7:51 7:59 8:06 Four Corners [E] 7:40 7:47 7:53 7:59 Fresno 7:23 7:29 7:35 7:42 Grand Canyon (South Rim) 6:52 6:58 7:04 7:10 Half Dome 7:23 7:29 7:36 7:42 Hilo 6:35 6:37 6:39 6:41 Holbrook 7:01 7:07 7:12 7:18 Honolulu 6:47 6:49 6:51 6:54 Joshua Tree 7:08 7:13 7:18 7:24 Lake Tahoe 7:26 7:32 7:39 7:46 Las Vegas 7:04 7:10 7:16 7:22 Lodi-Stockton 7:30 7:37 7:43 7:50 Loma Linda 7:11 7:17 7:22 7:27 Los Angeles 7:15 7:21 7:26 7:31 McDermitt [N] 7:19 7:27 7:34 7:42 Moab 7:44 7:50 7:57 8:04 Monterey Bay 7:32 7:38 7:44 7:50 Mt. Whitney 7:17 7:23 7:29 7:35 Napa 7:34 7:41 7:48 7:54 Nogales [S] 6:44 6:49 6:54 6:58 Oakland 7:34 7:40 7:47 7:53 Paradise, CA 7:33 7:40 7:47 7:54 Phoenix 6:50 6:55 7:01 7:06 Puuwai, Ni’ihau [W] 6:54 6:56 6:59 7:01 Reno 7:25 7:32 7:39 7:46 Riverside 7:12 7:17 7:22 7:28 Sacramento 7:31 7:38 7:45 7:51 Salt Lake City 7:55 8:02 8:09 8:17 San Diego 7:10 7:15 7:20 7:25 San Francisco 7:35 7:41 7:47 7:54 San Jose 7:32 7:38 7:45 7:51 Santa Rosa 7:36 7:43 7:49 7:56 Sunset Beach 7:32 7:38 7:44 7:50 Thousand Oaks 7:18 7:23 7:28 7:34 Tucson 6:45 6:50 6:55 7:00

!

Santa Cruz Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1024 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, Calif.

95062. Call 831-429-1442 or email secretary1@santacruzsda. org. David Benjamin, Susanne Cross, Adria Escobar, Maggie Escobar, Carina Ferraro, Frank Ferraro, Gloria Mattey, Rene Mattey, Zachary Nelson-Jones, Charles Pervorse, Norma Pervorse.

University, UC Riverside, 15, 91, and 215 freeways. May be subdivided into 5-acre lots for homes, farming, ranching, horses, nursery. Older mobile home. City water, wells, electricity, phone line. Buyer to verify zoning. $1,125,000. Call Martin 623-759-1738.

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

Out of the cities: Secluded 20 acres west of Redding,

“So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9

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Remembering

THEODORE R. “TED” BENSON

F

ormer Pacific Union Conference Treasurer Theodore R. “Ted” Benson died the evening of March 8, 2020, following a long battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. Benson graduated from La Sierra Academy and attended Loma Linda University/La Sierra Campus, where he studied business administration and accounting. He began his long career with the Pacific Union in 1976 as a systems analyst, and he helped establish the computer operations department in the newly constructed Pacific Union offices in Westlake Village, California. He served as associate treasurer from 1981 through 2001, as undertreasurer from 2002 through 2005, and as treasurer from 2006 until his retirement on March 31, 2019.

Benson is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly (née Wood), and their son, Ted Jr. A memorial service that was originally announced has been postponed because of health and safety concerns. The new date for the memorial service is yet to be determined. The family has asked, in lieu of flowers, for memorial donations be made to Holbrook Indian School in Ted’s name.

A full tribute to Ted Benson may be found at https://adventistfaith.com/news/2020/03/benson-tribute/

and dryer, BBQ grill, sleeps 10. Call for rates, photos, and reservations: 415-497-5678 or email: nvroger@mac.com.

Egypt tour (Dec. 28, 2020Jan. 6, 2021) with Dr. Carl Cosaert of Walla Walla University. Discover the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, the Exodus, a Nile cruise, and much more.

Wonderful weather, meals, and accommodations $2,565 plus airfare. For information contact info@adventtours.org.

Maui vacation condo in Kihei. Relaxing and affordable.

Only a 3-minute walk to the beach! 1-bdrm w/king bed.

Clean, comfortable, wellmaintained. Sleeps 4. Fullyfurnished kitchen, washer/ dryer, and more! Free parking, Wi-Fi, and 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.

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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 Baker, Bruce A. – b. July 15, 1927, Miles City, Mont.; d.

Jan. 7, 2020, Vacaville, Calif.

Survivors: wife, Jill; son, Bill; daughter, Judy Singer.

Barber, Ruth Clover (Benton) – b. June 18, 1924, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Feb. 13, 2020, Walnut Creek, Calif.

Survivors: son, Bruce Hamren; daughters, Cynthia Arrington, Clover Longway; stepson, Charles; stepdaughter, Alice Villanueva; sister, Helen

Grattan; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Served as a secretary for White Memorial Hospital and the Paradise church; served as a missionary in the Marshall Islands with her husband, Walt.

Fisher, Buddy (Lloyd) – b. July 6, 1940, Durham, N.C.; d. Jan. 24, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Lorraine; sister, Clarice Leslie; one nephew; two cousins. Served at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Hale, Nathan Paul – b. Aug. 17, 1952, San Francisco, Calif.; d. Jan. 9, 2020, McArthur, Calif.

Survivors: mother, Lucille Geear; brothers, Daniel, Louis; sisters, Venita Bush, Susan Geear; stepson, Brock Stober; stepdaughter, Kate Stober; one grandchild.

Johnson, Lillian N. (Nitschke) – b. Nov. 14, 1926, Lodi, Calif.; d. Feb. 19, 2020,

Sacramento, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Mary Francis Richardson; stepdaughters, Katherine Price, Cynthia Johnson, Victoria Gammill; five grandchildren.

Owens, Lloyd Leiland – b.

July 14, 1921, Lodi, Calif.; d. Nov. 16, 2019, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: wife, Doris Hansen.

Seltmann, Carolyn "Care" (Bliss) – b. July 16, 1943, Walla Walla, Wash.; d. Feb. 22, 2020, Temecula, Calif.

Survivors: sons, Laughn, Larry "Max" Jr.; daughter, Lauren; sister, Corine Wallace (Bliss); nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Served as an accomplished musician, vocalist, pianist, and organist.

Tonge, Bertha Batch – b.

Sept. 9, 1926, Acampo, Calif.; d. Jan. 28, 2020, LaQuinta, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Judith and Pamela; four grandchildren.

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P.0. Box 5005 Westlake Village CA 91359-5005

P E R I O D I CA LS

Recorder

Your child belongs … … … … …

in in in in in

your church your community the body of Christ the kingdom of God Adventist Education

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. C O LO S S I A N S 3 : 1 6 , E SV

True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements; but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of noble character. It needs men in whom ability is controlled by steadfast principle.

E L L E N G . W H I T E , A C A L L T O STA N D A PA R T , P. 6 5

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