Pacific Union Recorder—April 2021

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The Life-Changing Powers of Adventist Education DR. GEORGE R. KNIGHT

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Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education. This is made plain in the law that God has given as the guide of life. The first and great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” Luke 10:27. To love Him, the infinite, the omniscient One, with the whole strength, and mind, and heart, means the highest development of every power. It means that in the whole being—the body, the mind, as well as the soul—the image of God is to be restored.

Education, p. 16

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Adventist Education is Love in Action Over a year ago, the coronavirus The Life-Changing Powers pandemic forced all of us to of Adventist Education adjust to new ways of doing things in almost every aspect of daily life. Schools have been deeply impacted.

Our fourth annual Education Issue takes you inside our school system to see how God has continued to bless one of our most important ministries—and celebrates the unselfish love and commitment that has kept our schools open and teaching during this extraordinary time.

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DR. GEORGE R. KNIGHT

What’s inside

4 A Love That Will Not Disown

8 Educate to Thrive, Not Just Survive

12 Why Adventist Education?

22 Arizona Conference 24 Central California Conference 26 Hawaii Conference 28 Holbrook Indian School 30 Loma Linda University Health 31 La Sierra University 32 Nevada-Utah Conference 34 Northern California Conference 36 Pacific Union College

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.”

37 Adventist Health 38 Southeastern California Conference 40 Southern California Conference 42 Pacific Union Conference Schools 68 Community & Marketplace 72 Sunset Calendar

Recorder PA C I F I C U N I O N

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.

Publisher Ray Tetz Editor Alberto Valenzuela Assistant Editor Faith Hoyt Assistant Editor Connie Jeffery Design/Layout Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela Printing Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com

Adventist Health 916-742-0429 Brendan Collins collinbm@ah.org

Holbrook Indian School 505-399-2885 Chevon Petgrave cpetgrave@hissda.org

Northern California 916-886-5600 Laurie Trujillo Laurie.Trujillo@nccsda.com

Arizona 480-991-6777 ext 114 Kerysa Ford kford@azconference.org

La Sierra University 951-785-2000 Darla Tucker dmartint@lasierra.edu

Pacific Union College 707-965-6303 Haley Wesley pr@puc.edu

Central California 559-347-3194 communication@cccsda.org

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

Southeastern California 951-509-2287 sandy.roberts@seccsda.org

Hawaii 808-595-7591 Miki Akeo-Nelson mnelson@hawaiisda.com

Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929 Michelle Ward mward@nevadautah.org

Editorial Correspondents

Southern California 818-546-8400 Lauren Lacson Llacson@sccsda.org

Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 121, 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.

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once read a story of a family of three: mother, father, and daughter.

The teenaged daughter became pregnant. The father, in his pride, embarrassment, and anger, declared to the daughter that she was no longer his child. He bitterly denounced her for her sin, which was a point of great embarrassment to this Christian family. He went so far as to take the family Bible, in which all the family members’ names had been written, and with the blade of his pocketknife he cut her name out of the family record.

He thoroughly disowned his daughter.

The mother watched this scene with tears streaming down her face.

Her heart was torn into shreds, not only because of the results of her daughter’s disappointing behavior but also because of her husband’s fierce emotional rejection of their daughter and, by extension, their unborn grandchild.

The brokenhearted mother went to the daughter and told her, “What you've done is a terrible sin, and we are so disappointed. But I love you and forgive you. You will always be my daughter.” Her love for her daughter was greater than her disappointment in her sin. She wouldn’t, couldn’t, disown her child.

Isaiah 49:15 asks and answers a serious question: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely, they may forget, Yet I will not forget you” (NKJV). Unlikely though it may be, it is possible for a parent to forget a child. But, rooted in His great love for humanity, God will not disown us or forget us.

The disciple John tells us that God is love; the very essence of His being, His

Love That Will Not Disown

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He designed a detailed plan within His own timeline of eternity in which He would demonstrate to the universe, and forever to human beings, His great love for sinful people.

character, His personality is love. No, not the sentimental love we see on the Hallmark channel, but the everlasting, pure, unselfish, principled love that is exemplified most closely in our daily lives by a mother caring for her children.

The feelings that welled up within Audrey and me when we held our firstborn for the first time are indescribable. With awe, we recognized that she looked similar to us. We were overwhelmed to see in person this child who was born of the love that we had for each other.

The love that we had (and still have) for this new creature was (and still is) amazing, irresistible, powerful. I marvel at the thought of the Father's love for all of humanity. God loves us all as His children, on a much higher plane than I could love my child.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861), wrote a famous poem, “How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43).”

You can probably recite the first line by memory: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”

If we were to try to count the ways God has loved us, we might be attempting an impossibility.

Certainly, we each have long and personalized lists of evidence of God’s love, which will differ in as many points as our life experiences differ. However, the commonality of God’s love would cut across our individual experiences. We would admit that God has loved us when we were most unlovable. At our lowest point, in the grips of our deepest sinfulness, God has loved us. His love is incomparable because it is eternal. “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you’” (Jeremiah 31:3, NKJV).

God’s love for humanity began long before

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Creation. The Bible teaches that Yahweh formed the first person out of the dust of the earth; with love He breathed the breath of life into the inanimate form, and man became a living soul. God didn’t speak us into existence as He did the sun, moon, and stars.

He didn’t separate humanity from the elements as He did the dark from the light. But, as the Bible tells us, with loving care He fashioned humanity after His own image with His own two hands.

We love our children for many reasons, and we have loved them at each stage of their lives. In every stage of their personality development, I have appreciated who they are—and now I admire the amazing adults that they have come to be.

God loved us even before we were born. He recognized that we had the power to choose right or wrong, that we had the propensity to sin, that we could accept or reject His principles. So, out of His love, He had in place a plan to rescue us from our sinful choices. He provided a Savior and salvation.

God took affirmative action in that, while we could not help ourselves, He designed a detailed plan within His own timeline of eternity in which He would demonstrate to the universe, and forever to human beings, His great love for sinful people. He did this through the Incarnation—becoming one of us, becoming part of humanity, becoming the Child who would grow up to die for our sins.

Oh, what love God has for us, that He would take on humanity, dwell among us, live out the principles of His true love, and then, out of His fullness, die for the sins of humanity.

"With lovingkindness have I drawn you." Ah, how gently, how tenderly, sometimes mysteriously, but ever in love, He draws us to Himself.

In 1846, J. H. Evans preached a sermon on Jeremiah 31:3 in his church in London, saying: “All the blessings of present salvation spring from God’s everlasting love.”

This love is everlasting. Time never knew its beginning; eternity shall never know its end.

Now we experience the love of God “through a glass darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Sin obscures our vision and comprehension. But that doesn’t prevent us from getting a glimpse of God’s great love for us, as the Cross reveals His love for us.

Jesus was an offering of love for the benefit of all.

So, do we merely receive the love of God? Don’t think so. We have the opportunity to share it or “pass it on,” as the song says. When we let other people know about the love we have been blessed to receive, this love can radiate from us to those around us.

The love radiating from our hearts prompts us to focus on bringing others into this loving relationship. This is the mission of Adventism: to share the love of God with all whom we come in contact, introducing them to the God who is constantly calling and wooing people to Himself.

“The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world is a revelation of His character of love” (Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 415).

We must share this message of mercy. The churches in the Pacific Union are invited to reveal the loving character of God. Quite a task, isn’t it? But it is achievable in God’s Spirit. _______________________________________ Ricardo Graham is the president of the Pacific Union Conference.

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hen the pandemic brought in-person instruction to a screeching halt in the spring of 2020, our teachers didn’t miss a beat. Leaving their teaching materials behind in their classrooms, the teachers went into high gear to find ways to create a remote teaching space, to keep the education of their students moving forward, and to keep the way open to just continue teaching. As a new school year began in the fall, teachers also made it a priority to protect the students from harm.

Observing the response of the leadership of our schools and our teachers to

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By Berit von Pohle

Educate to Thrive, Not Just Survive the pandemic has inspired me over and over again during the past 14 months. Throughout our schools I have seen such passionate responses to this extraordinary challenge. But the response is not defined by the pandemic—far from it.

Our teachers want their students to thrive, not just survive. They want them to keep learning and growing—as individuals and as students. It seems to me that this is very near the heart of true education.

Teachers take great satisfaction in being part of the learning process. There is something very exciting about being part of the “Ah-ha!” moment when a student’s eyes light up with something

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they have learned or realized for the first time.

Parents are often able to watch their children’s understanding of a subject grow over the course of a school year, but teachers watch it happen moment by moment, day by day. They witness the milestones for each of their students as concepts and skills are mastered. It is a rich and unique experience that teachers cherish and preserve.

One of the greatest joys for a teacher is to observe students begin to dig more deeply into a subject that was once unknown to them or that they cared little about. These are the occasions when it is the teacher’s face that lights up in excitement. Every teacher loves those moments when students begin to discover the things that may shape their future.

And that is why the joy in teaching increases exponentially as the years go by—because those

futures become reality, and teachers get to see the results of their earlier efforts.

Every teacher I know takes special pride in the accomplishments of their students. It is not uncommon for me to encounter a former student during my work week—and often these are individuals who have become teachers or school leaders themselves! There is simply nothing quite like knowing that you had a small part in the development of someone who is now forging their own professional experience.

An even more frequent occurrence is encountering former students in a social setting— and seeing them now experience their own family.

At those moments you might see in a smile or facial expression that student you once knew, and it brings back memories that still resonate in your heart.

There are few circumstances that teachers take more seriously than when a former student who is experiencing difficulty or pain reaches out for understanding or help. At these moments, the time and energy that was once invested in creating relationships of trust and value are suddenly the currency of life itself—the means through which a teacher discovers anew that the motivating passion has always been that your students continue to not just survive but thrive.

Teaching isn’t an easy profession, but it is rewarding in so many ways. It is challenging to find creative and relevant ways to meet the needs of students. In doing so, teachers find themselves growing in understanding and wisdom. There is a direct relationship between empowering students to reach their full potential and fulfilling the promise and possibilities of your own life. All of this must

Teaching isn’t an easy profession, but it is rewarding in so many ways. It is challenging to find creative and relevant ways to meet the needs of students.

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be realized in the context of bringing the same enthusiasm and energy to your personal and family life that you try to bring to your classroom as an educator.

The pandemic has complicated an already complex and challenging profession. There is the uncertainty of not knowing from one day to the next whether you will be teaching in person or remotely, along with all the implications of teaching during a period of social distancing and lockdown. There is anxiety caused by wondering if you have been exposed to personal health risks that may impact your own health or that of your family. Trying to communicate difficult concepts over Zoom or teach something that requires tactile practice is hugely challenging for teachers. And so is trying to teach while wearing a face mask—and being tasked with making certain that students are masked as well.

Thousands of our members have made support of education one of their priorities. Thank you! You share in the blessings that are realized from this ministry. Each day thousands more join in praying

for the health, safety, and development of our students—and the effectiveness and success of our teachers and schools. We take up this work each day confident in God’s leadership and power to guide and bless us. I invite you to join us in bringing the needs of this ministry to our heavenly Father through your prayers—and thank you for this important support on behalf of our students and teachers.

In Adventist schools across our union there has been an extraordinary effort made by teachers, leadership, school boards, and churches to operate our schools safely and successfully during a challenging and uncertain time. While we cannot fully predict what will happen next and how it will impact our schools and our students, we believe that we are doing the work to which God calls us and for which God equips us. And our prayer for every student is that they will not only survive, they will thrive. _______________________________________ Berit von Pohle is director of education of the Pacific Union Conference.

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Why Adventist Education?

By George Knight with Cynthia Mendoza

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n spite of its outstanding contributions to the church and the larger world, Adventist Education is under fire. The sad fact is that, here in the early 21st century, the attacks all too often come from inside the denomination.

Some pastors, for example, have even argued that Adventist Education “is stealing money from evangelism.”

A concerned church member recently wrote, “The pastor of my church has decided that Christian education is irrelevant and not soul winning.

Therefore, our local [Adventist] school should be closed so as not to waste any more of the money that he could be putting into his evangelism to win souls. He has previously sent out e-mails stating that it is his intention to see the school closed.

“Last school year, the school presented a church service at each of the constituent churches, except ours, because the pastor felt it was irrelevant to the members and a waste of time and told them they were not welcome. He has even preached a sermon on the evils of not bearing fruit, which is a great sermon topic, except when his whole point was that our academy does not bear any visible fruits and therefore should be closed.”

Eye on the long view As I read that letter, I wondered how that pastor would have evaluated

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Spiritual Growth Even post-COVID, spiritual growth activities are still an integral part of school life. In the Arizona Conference, seventhand eighth-graders engaged in a “camp” experience called GRIP, based on 1 Thessalonians 5:21, which calls believers to test everything. Each letter in the word GRIP represents a word based on the principle of testing ideas: G=Gauge (think the problem over); R=Risk (what are the risk and potential consequences?); I=Ignite (make a wise decision based on love for God and what you know to be right); P=Pursue (move forward with no regrets).

“I think this is a real application of using the principles of the Bible to grow in Jesus and evaluate according to Scripture and our relationship with God,” said Nicole Mattson, Superintendent of Schools for the Arizona Conference.

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the teaching/evangelistic ministry of Jesus. After all, He intensely taught a core of twelve disciples/ students for three years, yet when He went to the cross, not one of them—as far as we can tell— was converted or even understood the central message of His teaching. Far from self-denial and servanthood, they were all arguing about who was the greatest, even as He approached His sacrificial death. And, of course, one betrayed Him and another swore that he didn’t even know Jesus.

From a human perspective, Jesus could certainly have spent His time in a more profitable way. But He had His eye on the long run rather than the short term. After Pentecost, the majority of those disciples would be transformed into powerhouses for the gospel.

So it is with Christian schooling. Results are generally not immediate. Ellen White caught that vision when she wrote of the resurrection morning: All the perplexities of life’s experience will then be made plain. Where to us have appeared only confusion and disappointment, broken purposes and thwarted plans, will be seen a grand, overruling, victorious purpose, a divine harmony.

There all who have wrought with unselfish spirit will behold the fruit of their labors.… How little of the result of the world’s noblest work is in this life manifest to the doer!… Parents and teachers lie down in their last sleep, their lifework seeming to have been wrought in vain; they know not that their faithfulness has unsealed springs of blessing that can never cease to flow; only by faith they see the children they have trained become a benediction and an inspiration to their fellow men, and the influence repeat itself a thousand fold. Many a worker sends out into the world messages of strength and hope and courage, words that carry blessing to hearts in every land; but of the results he, toiling in loneliness and

The Seventh-day Adventist church has operated an educational system long enough to realize the incredible power that such a system exerts on the hearts and minds of young people. obscurity, knows little. So gifts are bestowed, burdens are borne, labor is done. Men sow the seed from which, above their graves, others reap blessed harvests. They plant trees, that others may eat the fruit. They are content here to know that they have set in motion agencies for good. In the hereafter the action and reaction of all these will be seen (Education, pp. 305-306).

Myopic vision just won’t do in evaluating the true value of Christian education. Short-term evaluations of long-term projects are nearly always distorted and inadequate.

The life-changing powers of Adventist Education The Seventh-day Adventist church has operated an educational system long enough to realize the incredible power that such a system exerts on the hearts and minds of young people. The reasons for its continued existence are many. Allow me to highlight just a few and share how students within the Pacific Union Conference are benefiting from it.

1. Adventist Education introduces students to the Bible as a framework for thinking and evaluating.

In 1881, writing about Adventism’s first educational institution, Ellen White noted that “God has declared His purpose to have one college in the land where the Bible shall have its proper place in the education of the youth” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 26).

Virtual Week of Prayer In the Southern California Conference, K-12 schools came together for a virtual week of prayer called “Persisting Together” in early November 2020. The key themes were: “Keep going. We are in this together and God will see us through.”

The virtual event, organized by the pastoral team, included programming not just for students, but for parents and teachers as well. “During this pandemic the conference realized that we were physically separated more than ever, at home much more, and depression rates are on the rise. We wanted to give students, parents, and teachers support at the conference level,” said Iki Taimi, director of Southern California Conference (SCC) Senior Youth and Young Adult (SYYA) ministries. If there was one idea that Taimi hoped students, especially, took away with them from this event it’s that “God is in love with them, and that the church is in love with them.”

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At its core, Adventist Education is evangelistic and redemptive.

It does no injustice to that quotation to expand the idea to an entire system of Christian schools.

But—and this is a crucial point—the Bible in an Adventist school is never studied as an end in itself.

Rather, the Scriptures provide the framework for everything that takes place on campus, whether it be academics, extracurricular activities, chapels and Sabbath services, or work-study programs.

2. Adventist schools are introducing young people to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

At its core, Adventist Education is evangelistic and redemptive. As Ellen White puts it in the book Education, “In the highest sense the work of education and the work of redemption are one.… To aid the student in comprehending these principles, and in entering into that relation with Christ which will make them a controlling power in the life, should be the teacher’s first effort and his constant aim. The teacher who accepts this aim is in truth a co-worker with Christ, a laborer together with God” (p. 30; cf. pp. 15, 16, 29).

This redemptive role of education means that

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teaching is just as surely a form of ministry as that which takes place from behind a pulpit.1 Martin Luther glimpsed that idea. “If I had to give up preaching and my other duties,” he wrote, “there is no office I would rather have than that of school-teacher. For I know that next to the [pastoral] ministry it is the most useful, greatest, and best; and I am not sure which of the two is to be preferred.

For it is hard to make old dogs docile and old rogues pious, yet that is what the [pastoral] ministry works at, and must work at, in great part, in vain; but young trees…are more easily bent and trained. Therefore let it be considered one of the highest virtues on earth faithfully to train the children of others, which duty very few parents attend to themselves.”2 And, Ellen White points out, “[while] it may seem that the teaching of God’s word has but little effect on the minds and hearts of many students…, some lessons of divine truth will linger in the memory of the most careless. The Holy Spirit will water the seed sown, and often it will spring up after many days and bear fruit to the glory of God” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 26).

The primary function of Adventist Education is to help young people find a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. And that function is just as important for children who grow up in an Adventist home as for those who don’t.

Concerning the evangelistic potential of Adventist Education, it is important to realize that worldwide, the percentage of young people from non-Adventist homes attending Adventist schools is more than 50 percent and sometimes runs as high as 90 percent.

When we get our perspective right, we will see that public evangelism and Christian education are not adversaries but rather serve as complements to each other in achieving the gospel commission.

Don’t let anyone tell you that the school one attends makes no difference. The power of education was forcefully brought to my attention as a young pastor in Galveston, Texas. One of my professional families wanted to keep their only daughter near to them, so they sent her to the very fine local Roman Catholic school. It is perhaps not altogether surprising, given the power of education, that she dedicated her adult life to being a nun.

3. Adventist schooling at its best leads a person to a lifelong dedication to serving others.

It is no accident that the first and last pages of the book Education focus on the “joy of service” (pp. 13, 309). A major function of Adventist Education is to help naturally selfish human beings gain a vision of service for others. That is one reason why Seventhday Adventist higher education has traditionally been heavily slanted toward the helping professions such as teaching, health care, spiritual nurture, and related fields. Most church leaders have been trained in Adventist schools. What if we had no such institutions?

Adventist educational institutions at all levels need to be viewed as training grounds for soul winners—in whatever profession they choose.

And for the young to be prepared to give a definite sound to their service/soul-winning trumpet, they need to be properly instructed. The magnitude of that challenge becomes clearer when we realize

Serving Our Community At Pine Hills Academy in the Northern California Conference, Community Service Days brought together students and staff for an entire day of service near Auburn.

The three-day event was organized by students and included small group Bible studies as well as service projects in the local community such as raking leaves and yard work, tutoring, sorting and organizing clothing donations, engaging and interacting with mentally handicapped youth, and sharing a brunch with shut-ins.

“When service is incorporated into our lives at an early age, we gain a taste for the joy that comes from an others-centered life,” said Joe Fralick, principal at Pine Hills Academy. “When students see their time and talents impacting someone else's life in positive ways, it produces a sense of satisfaction that surpasses self-seeking experiences. Service is also the piece in our relationship with God that makes our connection to Him become vibrant and authentic.”

At Kona Adventist Christian School in Hawaii, service is also a way of life. In this tight-knit community, students learn things such as gardening a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure food security, as well as community service through projects such as Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for children in Third World countries, collecting and distributing food to local families in need, making cards for the sick and the elderly, and other activities.

Students take that spirit of service with them after graduation as some, such as alumni Jaylene Ventura and Joey Domingo, come back later to serve the school as teachers’ aides, tutors, coaching, teaching ukulele, and carrying out COVID-19 cleaning protocols.

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Teaching With a Purpose “You’re taught that things aren’t as simple as they seem. You’re encouraged to dig into topics, get to the root of it, and ask as many questions as you need,” wrote a student at Fresno Adventist Academy in the Central California Conference.

“Adventist schools teach with a purpose.

With Scripture as your basis, you view things with a new light and purpose. You don’t just learn something and think ‘oh yeah, that’s cool’, but it helps you wonder why it is, how it happened, and what it could mean.”

“Adventist schooling helps us as students to view every topic from the philosophical perspectives of Scripture in several ways,” wrote another student. “My parents taught me things like the Golden Rule and the Fruits of the Spirit, and my elementary teachers expanded on them, and then high school religion classes expanded even more on how Scripture affects our worldview.”

that 74 percent of Adventists are first generation and lack even a basic grasp of the denomination’s heritage, structures, and beliefs—and most importantly, an understanding of the church’s apocalyptic mission to the world.

4. Adventist schooling helps students view every topic from the philosophic perspective of Scripture.

While the Bible is not primarily about history or science, it does provide a framework for thinking about and organizing the facts of history, science, and every other subject. In a similar manner, the Bible provides the tools for valuing and decision making. Here we have a contribution of Adventist Education that is all too often overlooked. And that is unfortunate, since, as one author puts it, “education has to do with the transmission of values.”3 Values are strategic to human thinking and behavior because they form the basis for every decision a person makes in life.

Our humanistic, postmodern culture has many methods of transmitting values. Young people are influenced by the glorification of consumerism, violence, and immorality in media, videogames, and music— and a peer culture that celebrates drinking, drugging, carousing, and casual sex. Yet public schools in most countries are barred from teaching religion or morality and cannot even tell students that there are alternatives to evolution. Other schools transmit a distorted view of the meaning of life and the way of salvation. Adventist schooling is one of the most forceful ways of transmitting a biblical value system. That transmission is not perfect, but when one considers the alternatives, it is a giant step in the right direction.

5. When a large sector of a peer group shares a Biblical/Christian/Adventist value system, social interaction becomes a vehicle for good, not an avenue for evil.

To put it more bluntly, I firmly believe that one of the major contributions of Adventist schools is to bring young people together in sufficient numbers

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so that they can make lifelong friends and meet spouses who share their vision of what is important in life.

I still vividly remember my first three visits as a beginning pastor in San Francisco. Each of those visits was to young church members who had married non-believers. Disorientation and depression were the messages that consistently bridged their individual experiences. At that point in my professional career, I began to view the social function of Adventist Education as extremely important.

We must not forget that most students learn more from other students than from either teachers or parents. Thus, it is important that we do all we can to create an educational atmosphere that maximizes the benefits of peer group power and the influence of student leaders.

6. Godly teachers and other adult role models present the same message at school, home, and church.

This spiritual continuum exists within a student’s extracurricular activities, including sports and other programs. In public school systems, these activities

The Friendships “Lifelong friendships are one of the gifts I treasure most from my Adventist education,” said Dan Martella, administrative pastor at the Paradise church in California. “These friendships have been nurtured not only through shared classes and experiences on campus, but later on through phone calls, emails, networking, shared ministries, and retreats through the years.”

This past New Year’s Eve, Dan and his wife, Linda, enjoyed a Zoom reunion with friends Jim and Betty McMurry, Dave and Eileen Gemmel, and Dave and Cheryl Calderaro, classmates from their Pacific Union College days. The group chatted about kids and grandkids, retirement, and life in the age of COVID. “We told stories, laughed a lot, and prayed together,” Martella said. “We reaffirmed our commitment to Christ and the life of ministry He has called us to. We enjoyed just being friends.”

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Emphasis on Athletics Adventist Education usually includes robust extracurricular athletic programs, but it is not without its challenges, particularly in terms of Sabbath observance. But that hasn’t stopped schools such as Orangewood Academy (OA) in the Southeastern California Conference from excelling in sports while remaining faithful to their values.

In 2019, their girls’ basketball team ranked third in Orange County and 27th in the state.

The team was featured in the Orange County Register newspaper in November 2019.

According to Leslie Aragon, athletic director and girls’ head basketball coach at OA, during the regular season it’s fairly easy for organizers to work the schedules so that Adventist schools don’t play on Friday night or Sabbath, but championship play becomes much more challenging. However, thus far, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), which governs high school sports in the state, has been very good at working with Sabbath-keeping schools.

Some students were drawn to the school for

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its athletic programs, but they stayed for much more than that. “Most came to play sports, but little by little they started asking questions,” Aragon said. “I’ve been lucky enough to baptize 33 kids in the last seven years or so.” Most of those students were not from Adventist homes.

Good sportsmanship is also a mark of athletics in Adventist Education. In February 2020, not only did Rio Lindo Adventist Academy's varsity girls’ basketball team win the Small School Bridge League (SSBL) Tournament—becoming the first girls’ team in Rio Lindo history to win both their league and the SSBL Tournament in the same year—but the coach of the opposing team emailed the Rio Lindo athletic director to let him know that they were glad that out of all the teams there, a team with great sportsmanship like Rio Lindo were the winners.

"We hear these compliments all the time for our sports teams, and we are proud of our student athletes who continue to be a great example of Christ wherever they go," said the school in a written statement.

often occur during the Sabbath hours, forcing Adventist students to make difficult choices between their faith and their social life. That reality is an extremely important one for most young people. The obvious solution is the creation of schools that respect both the needs of faith and healthy social development.

In conclusion Adventist Education has held a central place in the building of a unified church, which since 1863 has spread throughout the world.

And yet, Adventist Education is not keeping up proportionately with the growth of church membership.

As the denomination continues to mature, it needs to constantly reassess its commitment to reaching and teaching young members. To lose that commitment would have a devastating effect on the very nature of the church as it continues into the 21st century. I’m convinced that recommitment to Adventist Education should be viewed as an imperative for advancing the gospel

commission. It should be the aim and prayer of every dedicated Seventh-day Adventist. _______________________________________ Dr. George R. Knight has worked for the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 40 years in both its pastoral and educational ministries. He has authored several books on Adventist Education, including Philosophy and Education (Andrews University Press, 3rd ed., 1998) and Myths in Adventism (Review and Herald, 1985). He’s currently emeritus professor of church history at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Cynthia Mendoza, a freelance writer in Southern California, wrote the sidebars.

Footnotes 1. For more on teaching as ministry, see George R. Knight, Philosophy and Education: An Introduction in Christian Perspective, 3rd ed. (Berrien Springs, Mich.: Andrews University Press, 1998), pp. 198-202.

2. Martin Luther, “Sermon on the Duty of Sending Children to School,” in Luther on Education by F.V.N. Painter (Philadelphia: Lutheran Publication Society, 1889), p. 264.

3. Arthur F. Holmes, Shaping Character: Moral Education in the Christian College (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1991), p. vii.

April 2021 21

Arizona Conference Education Department Launches “GRIP" for Middle School Students

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new annual camp started by the education department of the Arizona Conference is equipping seventh- and eighth-grade students with a spiritual framework for building good decision-making skills.

“GRIP” is an acronym based on 1 Thessalonians 5:21: "Test everything; hold fast what is good" (RSV). Nicole Mattson, superintendent of schools for the Arizona Conference, developed and launched the camp with a team following discussions about how to give young people opportunities to develop life skills. Her team decided that, rather than have fifth- through eighth-graders repeat an outdoor education experience, they would split the groups up and tailor a day camp to fit their needs. Now, fifth- and sixth-graders will have the chance to focus on the theme of creation in the subject areas, and seventh- and eighth-graders will tackle topics that will help prepare them for solving real-world problems.

“GRIP is really a process for decision-making,” Mattson said. “In GRIP, each letter represents lessons for holding onto what is good and of God when making decisions. It helps introduce young people to using the Bible when evaluating decisions.”

In GRIP, G stands for Gauge and encourages students to think the problem over and assess who/what is involved. R stands for Risk and prompts students to consider potential consequences and who might be affected. I stands for Ignite, a step advocating that students make wise decisions based on their love for God and what they know to be right in the situation. Finally, P stands for Pursue and urges students to move forward with no regrets towards growing closer to God. The first GRIP event, a partly virtual, partly in-person gathering, took place on March 4. Nearly 100 students joined in via Zoom from

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Arizona Conference

their respective schools and distance-learning locations to hear stories with real-life applications from Pastor Daniel Ortega, youth director for the Oklahoma Conference. For each focus of “GRIP,” there was a short talk, a breakout session, and then a scheduled break.

One unique aspect of the camp had students later pair up in group breakout sessions with their local pastors. Each pastor facilitated games and activities illustrating decision-making concepts, using activity kits that Mattson’s team mailed to each school. Activities included a matching "good choices and bad choices" game, a dice rolling game challenging students to not take too many risks, a beach ball catching game with challenging questions about decision-making, and balloon rockets to symbolize giving all decisions to God. Following the presentation of each of the four concepts (Gauge, Risk, Ignite, and Pursue), local pastors led discussions and taught students about using the Bible journals provided to each of them during the event.

Pastors also helped their young people identify ways to act on what they were learning, such as signing up for Bible studies, baptism, or getting involved in a youth group.

Schools ended their day with service projects in their locality, which included creating cards for shutins, yard cleanup at their school, painting covers for night lights, and thank you cards for people who donate to the school.

A survey of the students after the event revealed that 85 percent strongly agreed or agreed that they enjoyed connecting with their breakout session facilitator, who in most cases was their local pastor. Additionally, 78 percent strongly agreed or agreed that they feel better equipped to make decisions and face challenges, and over 85 percent said overall, they feel closer to Jesus after participating in GRIP.

One student stated, "Even though we didn't go to Camp Yavapines, we're still thankful for this fun day."

Another shared, "It (this day) was fun and reminds us to be careful with our decisions.”

Yet another added, “I know positivity comes from God. I’m learning to take risks. He will always have my back.”

Mattson’s team looks forward to hosting the fifth- and sixth-grader camp next and to seeing how these annual camps will help young people learn and grow together. ____________________

By Faith Hoyt

Arizona Conference

April 2021 23

SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

Adventist Education at its Best!

“It is God who gives insight and wisdom. He is the source of all knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6, CW).

TOP: Students in grades one to four at the Los Banos school show the beginning of their can collection for the Merced Food Bank. ABOVE: Students at Central Valley school on Valentine’s Day thinking about how to do random acts of kindness. RIGHT: Lukas Castillo, a freshman at the Central Valley school, and his 98-yearold World War II friend.

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llen White once posed the question, “What is the essential education for this time?” And then she went on to answer, “Education means much more than many suppose. True education embraces physical, mental, and moral training, in order that all the powers shall be fitted for the best development, to do service for God, and to work for the uplifting of humanity” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 387).

Although there is only space to tell of just a few examples, this “essential education” is found throughout the Central California Conference (CCC) K-12 schools. More information can be obtained by going to schools’ websites. Certainly, the “sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15) is affirmed in the lives of our teachers and students.

Hollister SDA Christian School: Principal Chester Sears shared, “Nazmy Godinez, K-2 teacher, always prays at the typical times throughout the day. One of the students asked, ‘Why don't we pray for everything?’ So now they also pray before each class, before recess, or any time they think they need to pray. Sometimes we adults can learn from the students.”

Los Banos Adventist Christian School: Principal Lea Gilbert described what happened with her first- to fourth-graders: “At the beginning of the new year, my classroom made the resolution to be of service to others. After brainstorming ideas, they voted to sponsor a child through World Vision and to help our local community by collecting canned goods for the Merced Food Bank. Every little bit counts!”

Central Valley Christian Academy: The first- and second-grade classroom talked about performing random acts of kindness and wrote about how they felt when they were kind. Teacher Tiffany Steinberg added, “They are learning about how God molds us as our Potter and prepares us to be who God wants us to be.” Cherie Uyeyama, the eighth-grade teacher, told how her students created Bible verse cards for a cancer patient and for a mother who was discouraged. During the height of the pandemic, Lukas Castillo, a high school freshman, visited and wrote letters to a lonely 98-year-old World War II veteran, resulting in a lasting friendship. A recent highlight occurred when siblings Gael and Gali Gomez, through the influence of the school and Bible studies, were baptized together.

Foothill Adventist Elementary: The eleven fifth- and sixth-grade students at this school in Milpitas voted to support the Kids Against Hunger Bay Area organization as

Central California Conference

LEFT: Students at Foothill school work on their fundraising project for the Kids Against Hunger Bay Area organization. RIGHT: Students at Miramonte thank the Mountain View Police Department officers on Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service. their classroom’s Light the World project. They raised $569.19 by selling Valentine candy and roses, which far surpassed the $55 their teacher, Bonnie Gottke, had envisioned. Read this inspiring story in its entirety on their website: www.foothilladventistschool.org/classes/ community-service.

Armona Union Academy: Seniors in Spanish 2 asked to lead out in class worships, and they did an incredible job sharing their faith with their classmates.

Additionally, students in Religion 4 conducted the annual student week of prayer. At the other end of the academic continuum, kindergartners were definitely listening when their teacher explained how Jesus helps us to feel better when we’re sick. One of the kindergartners then shared how he assured his own sick family that Jesus would make them better.

Miramonte Adventist Elementary: As noted in the February 4 Pacific Sunrise newsletter, some of Miramonte’s students observed the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service by thanking the Mountain View Police Department officers. It was done as part of this year’s theme: “Unity in C❤mmUNITY.” Fresno Adventist Academy: Recently the academy students were asked to respond to several questions about their educational experience. While many students described the value of Adventist Education, a freshman summarized what many others had expressed: “I believe that Adventist schools do their best to create a great atmosphere that includes everyone and supports our beliefs. Overall I think this

school gives us the best opportunity to create a close relationship with God and to use the Bible as a resource in our daily life.”

Monterey Bay Academy: Biology teacher Jenny Wheeler shared how the pandemic reminded her that God did not create us to be alone. It is especially poignant now that the school has been allowed to return to in-person teaching, using a cohort structure, after nine months of remote learning. For the first two weeks, the focus was on the three R’s: relationships, review, and rebuild. Wheeler exclaimed, “The students now have motivation. Their spirits are higher and they are now more engaged. Being together, in person, is such a gift! One that I hope we will never take for granted. God created us to be social creatures as we support and serve each other.”

One of the cohort groups on MBA's campus work together on a team-building exercise involving papier-mâché.

As God would simply say to CCC’s schools, “Tell the kids I love them!” When our children sing “Jesus loves me, this I know!” with delight and enthusiasm, surely Adventist Education fulfills its essential and true purpose. ____________________

By Deloris Trujillo

Central California Conference

April 2021 25

You I Gotta Feel Aloha

n 2020, Hawaiian Mission Academy (HMA) celebrated 100 years of Adventist Education within the Hawaiian Islands.

Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic and local, state, and county guidelines, the in-person celebration had to be pushed back until June of 2022. Though this in-person celebration was delayed, the Hawaiian Mission Academy Alumni Association developed a plan to get everyone connected.

Michael Naluai (‘65) came up with the idea of hosting a live event that would be streamed online, in which alumni and friends of HMA could call in, reconnect, talk story, and make donations. Over several months of planning, this event became known as “You Gotta Feel Aloha.” The planners realized that making this event happen would require funds, and no one knew where they would come from, but Uncle Michael always reminded everyone, “We have God, which means we have the Bank of God, and nothing is impossible.”

Over the course of a few months, the HMA Alumni Association, with the leadership of Dr. Russell Kim (‘82), Colin Siaw (‘77), Michelle Konn Rai (‘93), Esther Otsuka Nakashima (‘72), and many other friends of HMA, was able to raise the money to purchase the equipment needed to make the event a reality.

Trying to pull this off during a pandemic made the planning process difficult, but the logistics gradually came together.

Fortunately, at times God opened doors that seemed to be firmly closed. Lisa Yrojo Leonardo (‘87) led out in the planning of programming, along with technical leads Nicholas Lambson

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Hawaii Conference

(friend of HMA) and Matt Webster (visual arts director at HMA). Providentially, the Honolulu Central church was made available for the event. Their lighting and stage space ensured that the event could be of high quality, as well as making it possible to follow the COVID guidelines given by the State of Hawaii.

At the same time that one team was getting the production ready, the IT team was busy at work. Led

by Jorge Gurrola (former HMA Taskforce worker) and Josh Landenberger (‘19), they were able to build what became the call center. Through this center, anyone around the world could call in and reconnect with HMA. After months of meetings, planning, filming, and editing, the event went live January 31, with Uncle Michael Naluai (‘65) and Jesse Seibel (‘98) serving as MCs. The 3 ½ hour program showcased alumni from all decades of HMA’s history back as far as the 1940s, current stories of what HMA is doing in the community, music, hulas from alumni halaus, and talk story sessions. During the program, the 10 volunteers at the call center were busy handling phone calls, taking donations, and offering to pray with all those calling in.

“Prayer was the highlight of the call center,” said Michele Naluai Seibel (’78), Hawaii Conference prayer ministries coordinator. “Even though, yes, the call center was to take donations, reconnecting with people and offering them prayer was not only a blessing to those calling, but a blessing to us working the call center as well.”

“The ‘hidden agenda’ in opening opportunities for ministry and spiritual encouragement/rejuvenation was the true accomplishment of the event.”

By the end of the event, the program had raised $40,000. “While the fundraised money was an amazing blessing, it was overwhelming to see the community of alumni reconnect with each other and HMA,” said Joe Lee, HMA principal. “The ‘hidden agenda’ in opening opportunities for ministry and spiritual encouragement/rejuvenation was the true accomplishment of the event.”

The equipment purchased for the event is now being used by HMA students in the Film Production class, where it is helping to teach technical skills, such as directing a live production. The HMA Alumni Association is currently in the planning process for their next live event, scheduled for the summer of 2021.

To watch the program, visit HMA’s YouTube page at www.youtube.com/c/ HawaiianMissionAcademyOfficialChannel. ____________________

By Matt Webster

Hawaii Conference

April 2021 27

CAMPUS HAPPENINGS

Building Nature’s Classroom with Daniel Nicholls

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"When you are talking about plants, it’s always better for students to be in an environment where they are surrounded by plants. In a sense, the new greenhouse will be like a gardening lab."

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aniel Nicholls, agricultural director at Holbrook Indian School, doesn’t have a classroom per se. There is a room that he occasionally uses if it’s too cold or too wet outside, or when he has to give a lecture or present traditional instruction. For the past few months, however, he has been working hard in planning and building a dedicated space that combines teaching and hands-on practice for the students. The building is still in the early stages; here Daniel shares how he hopes to turn this vision into a reality.

Daniel Nicholls We don’t have a dedicated space for transplanting and potting. The makeshift area that I have been working in is way too cold during the winter months. As things stand right now, we work on our nursery starts in one area. Then I have to move the plants into the boys’ dorm basement to keep them warm under grow lights during the winter months. We are currently building a 20- by 50-foot greenhouse so we can have everything in one place.

We will be able to work on the plants in the greenhouse and not have to move back and forth.

Holbrook Indian School

This greenhouse will be the place where we start the nursery trays, but it will also be a place for theory instruction. Currently, I will occasionally borrow a classroom from a teacher to go over lessons in agriculture. However, when you are talking about plants, it’s always better for students to be in an environment where they are surrounded by plants. In a sense, the new greenhouse will be like a gardening lab. I can teach theory and instruction without having to take all the students from the classroom or work area over to the boys’ dormitory basement where the nursery trays we started are being stored.

We do have some existing greenhouses being used as areas for traditional greenhouse growing. I am hoping to install some more systems into them.

However, the new gardening lab is the main objective at the moment. With this new project, the plan is to introduce our students to some alternative methods of growing. For example, I plan to set up basil in a hydroponic system because that’s an excellent way for our students to learn about the nutrients that a plant needs.

This new project will be a place for our students to learn more about gardening. It will be a setting that gives us the space, the tools, and the resources to do that. In addition, the students are helping to build this gardening lab, adding to the learning experience.

For more on this project, visit: HolbrookIndianSchool.org/gardenlab.

____________________

By Chevon Petgrave and Daniel Nicholls Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfth-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh-day 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.

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 910 I Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) I Development@hissda.org HolbrookIndianSchool.org

Holbrook Indian School

April 2021 29

Loma Linda University Health Launches Podcast Featuring Physician Stories, Experiences

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oma Linda University Health has launched a new podcast to highlight physician stories, both as providers and patients themselves. The podcast and video series—called Evening Rounds—features ground-level health discussions and shared life lessons from doctors who provide care at the organization’s hospitals.

Evening Rounds is led by Anthony Hilliard, MD, a practicing interventional cardiologist and the chief operating officer of Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Group. The physician-led group is made up of more than 1,200 physicians in six hospitals supporting all disciplines dedicated to healthcare in the Inland Empire. Hilliard is joined by co-host Kelsey Culler, executive director of communications for Loma Linda University Health.

Evening Rounds touches on topics ranging from family life and areas of health interest to personal mission in providing patient care. Evening Rounds is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, YouTube, or on the website at lluh.org/podcast.

The podcast’s first episode, titled “Eight Schools, Six Hospitals and a Farm,” features Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president of Loma Linda University Health, as he discusses how his cumulative experiences shape the vision for the organization.

See the latest news and Health & For more information about the show, visit the Wellness stories from Loma Linda Evening Rounds website at lluh.org/podcast. ____________________ University Health at news.llu.edu.

By Janelle Ringer

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Loma Linda University Health

Title V STEM Program Aims to Move Needle on Student Success

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level and earn a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study if they complete community college courses within three consecutive years and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.

Guided Pathways enrollees will be assigned a La Sierra student identification number and may participate in La Sierra activities and campus programs while in community college.

“If anyone doubted the need for qualified STEM professionals before the COVID pandemic, it should be clear now,” said Payne. “Through these grants and collaborations, we are working to create an environment where students can realize their potential and make a difference in the world.” ____________________

By Darla Martin Tucker

For more on this story, visit www.lasierra.edu PHOTOS: NATAN VIGNA

federal grant program aimed at addressing inequities in STEM education is under implementation at La Sierra University, which helps at-risk students earn bachelor’s degrees and pursue STEM careers.

Directed toward Hispanic and low-income students, the grant, Guided Pathways to Success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is funded by a $3 million Title V award received in October 2019 from the U.S. Department of Education.

“We believe that students shouldn't be limited by barriers to success because of their circumstances,'' said Dr. Marvin Payne, Director of Title V Programs at La Sierra University. “Our programs are helping to break down the barriers.”

The funding supports development, improvement, and expansion of programs that increase equitable access to STEM degree programs and improve graduation rates, bolstering the STEM workforce. The university, whose student body is more than 45% Hispanic, was among 43 colleges and universities around the country approved to receive a Title V STEM grant through the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program in 2019.

The Guided Pathways to Success grant, a fiveyear allocation, is currently focusing on supporting high school seniors who plan to enroll in a California community college; are interested in chemistry, computer science, physics, and other STEM majors; and desire to transfer into a four-year program to complete a bachelor’s degree. These community college students can apply to join La Sierra’s Guided Pathways program in which advisors create an individualized roadmap of courses detailing a track from community college through to a La Sierra four-year degree. Advisors will meet regularly with Guided Pathways participants and provide direction and support. Students will receive supplemental instruction and advice in study skills, financial literacy education, and research and career opportunities.

Community college students in the Guided Pathways program will be eligible to enter La Sierra at the junior

A student conducts scientific research in a La Sierra University lab.

La Sierra University

April 2021 31

FAR LEFT: Faithful volunteers Mylo McCormick, Allison Rasmussen, and Shane Sudweeks fill produce bags for the day’s distribution to the clients of the Carson City Food Pantry. LEFT: The Lord continues to bless the Carson City Food Pantry with a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables for distribution to the local community.

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Carson City Food Pantry Continues to Grow

f you've never experienced food insecurity, you are fortunate. It's difficult for most of us to imagine that simple food items like a box of spaghetti or some fresh fruit can make such a difference, but for many of the clients of the Carson City church’s Food Pantry, food insecurity is a way of life. The volunteers feel blessed every week to be able to help them.

The Food Pantry opened in June 2018 with the simple goal of helping individuals and families in Carson City and the surrounding area with their food needs. Since then, the church members have been surprised by the overwhelming need in their community. The number of pantry visitors has grown steadily since the opening, and the volunteers are currently helping nearly 200 needy individuals and families every month by offering non-perishable foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and dairy products, meat, and hygiene items.

Initially, only non-perishable food was offered. In

May 2020, thanks to fundraisers (including a concert by world-renowned violinist Jaime Jorge), a grant from the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, and the generosity of the church family, volunteers were blessed to be able to purchase a commercial refrigerator and a commercial freezer, enabling them to offer cold foods as well.

In March 2020, due to COVID-19, the pantry went to a drive-through model. Volunteers spent many hours filling bags and boxes with food, which were then delivered to clients waiting outside in their cars.

Recently, the pantry has been reopened, with the pantry clients again able to come in and choose the foods they prefer. On their way out, they receive a box filled with produce, eggs, dairy, and meat choices. A pantry client shared, “My husband and I never thought we would not have enough food. Everything we receive from the pantry is a blessing and has helped us survive. We thank God for the volunteers and the help of the pantry.”

Each week, the team of volunteers picks up between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds of food and produce to be distributed to pantry clients. Over the last two and a half years, the need for a small box truck with a lift gate became obvious; volunteers with trucks are not always available to help. Currently, the team is praying and working to raise money to buy an adequate box COVID-19 restrictions necessitated parking lot delivery. Here Shane Sudweeks takes an order to a waiting client.

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Nevada-Utah Conference

truck as soon as possible, which would eliminate the concern about being able to accommodate all the food to be picked up.

“Volunteering at the pantry has given me the opportunity to keep busy, as well as socialize during the pandemic,” said pantry volunteer Charrie Smart.

“It has been such a blessing to help distribute food to families in need.”

What a blessing this has been to the entire Carson City church community. They encourage each other with the following words of Jesus: “Then shall the

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righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:37-40, KJV). ____________________

By Sheri Rasmussen

Empowered to Serve

he theme for 2021 ministry in the NevadaUtah Conference (NUC) is “Empowered to Serve,” the logical next step to the 2020 theme of “Saved to Serve.” As one of their leaders in ministry has discovered, God often bestows that empowerment through the simplest means.

Darriel Hoy’s work is an example of how easily some of our young people can be encouraged to allow God to work through them in ministry endeavors. Hoy serves as the director of the Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries of the NUC. However, she remembers struggling, like many youth, through some of those “high Sabbaths” that adults seem to enjoy so much. She recalls one particular Sabbath, while some members of the congregation were encouraging the speaker with “preach on” and “take your time,” she was praying that church would end so she could feed her growling stomach.

Sister Stewart, one of the “intimidating” church mothers, took in the situation and invited Hoy to the kitchen for a sandwich—a veggie chicken salad on a croissant! Upon arrival in the kitchen, Hoy noticed that Sister Denman and Sister Morgan were already there making sandwiches. The three women smiled as Hoy took her first bite of the “manna from heaven,” the best sandwich ever. Preparing to leave after polishing off three sandwiches, Hoy said, “I heard Sister Stewart

‘whisper’ that she was too tired to make another sandwich. I was just like a fish being reeled in!”

Hoy soon found herself happily making more sandwiches, to Sister Stewart’s specifications, making sure the spread went all the way to the edges of every slice of bread. These sandwiches were special, she learned. They were for “the boys.”

“What boys?” asked a curious Hoy. Soon she learned that she had just become part of the Baton Rouge Berean church’s ministry for the boys locked behind bars at the Juvenile Correctional Institute. On the fourth Sabbath of every month, these boys looked forward to sandwiches, along with cake and candles, to celebrate the birthdays in that month.

Hoy remembers learning that “in spite of their lifealtering mistakes, this church wanted them to know that they were loved and forgiven by a loving and forgiving God.” Hoy recalls thinking, “I wasn’t just making sandwiches.… I was Abigail providing food for David’s hungry army. I was the little boy sharing two fish and five loaves of bread as Jesus miraculously fed over five thousand people. I felt a joy I’d never experienced before. I was given a chance to live my faith. I was empowered to serve.” ____________________

By Michelle Ward, with Faith Hoyt

Nevada-Utah Conference

April 2021 33

A Supportive Learning Environment Helps Students Thrive at NCC Schools

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PHOTO: STEVEN VANDEVERE

ven in the midst of a difficult school year, students at Northern California Conference (NCC) schools continue to thrive, thanks to a supportive and caring learning environment.

Dedicated teachers Redwood Adventist Academy kindergarten and prefirst teacher Steven VandeVere is one of the many NCC educators making extraordinary efforts to teach students during the pandemic.

Recently, one of his kindergartners missed several weeks of school because she had to quarantine with her family.

VandeVere could have just mailed her family a packet of assignments. Instead, he Steven VandeVere offered to come to their home after school to teach their daughter. “I knew she would be happier to see her teacher and interact with somebody outside her family,” he said.

Standing outside a closed window, VandeVere held a 30- to 40-minute class with the student each day. He helped her with assignments and brought crafts and science activities. The student got a big laugh out of a water balloon experiment that hit him in the head. “Anything to make school enjoyable!” said VandeVere.

As much as possible, he is determined to keep the pandemic from interfering with his students’ learning process. “My goal has been to give the kids a safe space to learn, play together, explore, and be themselves without the constant fear of COVID hanging over them,” he said.

Since August, his class has grown from 10 to 15 students—full capacity. Each afternoon, the kids experience forest kindergarten, designed to help children develop a variety of skills through interactions with nature. On a couple of acres behind the school, the kids dig, climb trees, and play in the creek.

“They need joy, not anxiety and fear,” said VandeVere. “Our school is giving them that space where they can grow. In a year that’s anything but The forest kindergarten program at Redwood Adventist Academy encourages students to explore normal, helping these kids have a normal experience and learn in nature. is what I’ve been called to do.”

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PHOTOS: JENNIFER LALAS

Students at Galt Adventist School display some of the Valentine's Day cards they made for senior citizens as part of their school's outreach efforts.

An emphasis on outreach Service to others is an integral part of Adventist education, and the Galt Adventist School has made it a priority.

In February, the K-8 students made Valentine’s Day cards for more than 80 residents of a nearby apartment complex for senior citizens. Each card included a handwritten message, drawings, and a Bible text. A school volunteer included several treats with each one.

The apartment manager shared words of appreciation on behalf of the residents, and one woman was so touched that she wrote a thank you card to the student who made her Valentine.

The children enjoyed the experience. “It was nice to give older people joy,” said third-grader Jack Friend.

Sixth-grader Abigail Gifford agreed. “It was really fun!

And I enjoyed doing it for other people,” she said.

Before the pandemic, the Galt students participated in monthly community outreach projects. “We give them real-life experiences to put into practice the things we teach in Bible classes,” said Principal Jennifer Lalas, who teaches grades 3-8. “These service opportunities make those lessons stick.”

Committed volunteers Throughout the conference, NCC church members contribute countless hours to support their local Adventist schools.

Pleasant Hill church member Brenda Brandy has volunteered at Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy since her daughter began preschool in 1978. Since then, Brandy has continued to donate her time and talents to the school—everything from helping

in the classrooms to chaperoning field trips. This year, she has been spending about 10 hours per week grading papers at home for the 5-6 grade classroom.

She also serves as the chair of her church’s Christian Education Committee.

Brady enjoys supporting the faculty and getting to know the students. “Teachers only have so much time, so the more I can take off their shoulders, the more time they have to be better teachers,” she said. “When volunteers help at the school, the students learn that there are other people that care about them besides their parents and teachers—plus they learn that it’s important to get involved!”

Each February, Brandy makes history come alive for the students during Black History Month. Through the years, she has spoken to the kids about a variety of historical subjects, including the Underground Railroad, African American cowboys, and the Tuskegee Airmen. “I am a history buff, and I talk about the history of places that I have visited,” she said.

Brandy believes that actions are more important than words when it comes to advocating for Christian education. “You put your money where your mouth is,” she said. “If you want a better school, you need to support the school and get involved!” ____________________

By Julie Lorenz

Brenda Brandy and her husband, Lorenzo, visit the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada. This event inspired her to give a talk about African American cowboys to the students at Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy.

Northern California Conference

April 2021 35

PUC Focusing on Spiritual Lives in a Virtual World

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upporting the spiritual needs of college students requires a lot of dedication at the best of times.

This support has become more vital than ever during the COVID-19 crisis—and it has also required a boost in creativity. With much of the Pacific Union College (PUC) student body going remote, the college’s Student Life team found themselves connecting in ways they never expected.

“This school year has been challenging,” said J.R. Rogers, PUC’s acting Vice President of Student Life.

“We can’t wait to have the whole PUC family back on campus, but we appreciate the opportunity we’ve been given to innovate and test new ways to meet students where they are, whether they’re back on campus or with us remotely.”

One of the school’s favorite new ways to share spiritual messages has been through regular social media videos from PUC Church Lead Pastor Chanda Nunes and PUC Chaplain Kent Rufo, as well as other Student Life team members. Weekly vespers services and residence hall worship services are also now held both online for students who are remote and in-person for those who are on campus, and PUC’s bi-weekly community services have moved completely online.

These programs have integrated live panels and realtime chat to keep students engaged and able to provide instant feedback.

For Pastor Rufo, moving to a virtual presence has meant a departure from his usual personal, face-to-face style of worshiping and connecting with students, who

PUC's social posts share religious updates online with students. are feeling the pressure of a global pandemic.

“It’s been a difficult time for some students,” said Rufo. “Most don’t want to be in front of a screen all day, and many feel disconnected from important aspects of college life. Some feel more depressed or anxious than before the pandemic.”

Pastor Rufo and PUC’s Campus Ministries team have been busy keeping traditional programs running consistently online, while also exploring new ways to give students a meaningful worship experience through online Bible studies and the weekly social media videos— as well as establishing what a vibrant missions program could look like when so many are away from campus.

“Students have been naturals at using online platforms to connect,” said Rufo. “For example, on Sabbath mornings there are a group of students that meet regularly on Microsoft Teams to study Scripture and to connect with each other.”

Although PUC looks forward to a future without COVID-19, it doesn’t mean that the school will leave behind all of the new ways they have found to serve the spiritual needs of their campus family. The school plans to continue connecting with their students in multiple ways, even when they are back on campus. ____________________

By Ashley Eisele PUC Chaplain Kent Rufo prays during an online virtual religious service.

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Pacific Union College

Celebrating the Life of Frank F. Dupper

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ealthcare lost a larger-than-life figure when Frank F. Dupper passed away December 31, 2020—22 years to the day after he retired as president of Adventist Health—culminating a storied three-decade career with the West Coast health system.

One of the founders of Adventist Health, Dupper left a legacy that inspires the organization today, said Adventist Health CEO Scott Reiner. “While I never had a chance to work directly with Frank, he affected me deeply. Frank had a profound impact on our organization’s culture, and the private conversations we shared were always so encouraging and centered on the focus of our work: our mission.”

Dupper was born January 20, 1933, in Beebe Draw, Colorado, to a German-speaking immigrant couple, Henry and Caroline Dupper. One of seven siblings, he recalled milking cows by hand and not having electricity at the farm until he was 10 or 12. He would be served well professionally by that grit and work ethic, as well as by dealing with polio, which he referred to as a “blessing from God.” Dupper attended high school at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado, and graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, with high honors in 1954. The first decade of his career was spent teaching accounting and working as a treasurer for church schools. While at Fresno Union Academy, he met his future wife, Norma Eder, and the couple married on June 24, 1956.

Dupper was recruited to be controller at Glendale Sanitarium and Hospital (now Adventist Health Glendale), where he advanced to vice president of finance. In the early 1970s, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s hospitals were a very loose association. With other administrators, Dupper helped frame a bold vision: Create a healthcare system with a shared mission. In 1974, he became the

first vice president of what was then known as Adventist Health Services, and six years later he became president of Adventist Health System/West, a forerunner of the $4 billion integrated health system Adventist Health is today.

Dupper was an embodiment of integrity and servant leadership who also set a high bar. More than one person confessed that no boss ever got as much from them as Dupper did, because nobody wanted to disappoint him. His handwritten notes are treasured still today. His signature line, “Big Thanks, Frank,” was often penned in the first page of a book sent as a gift to his management team and even competitors. Those books were most often spiritual in nature, which reflected Dupper’s Christian faith. A man of prayer, he more than once knelt in his corner office imploring God to guide him while leading the organization in chaotic times.

Upon Dupper’s retirement, Adventist Health established the Dupper Internship Program. To date, approximately 200 young professionals have benefited from the opportunity to learn and grow while working within the healthcare system.

While sometimes characterized as a workaholic, Dupper also was a devoted husband to Norma, his wife of 64 years, and father to Debbie (Mark) Ashlock and Brent (Sylvia) Dupper. He was the family pancake maker and bargain hunter. He was beloved as “Pops” to four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His legacy of service continues in that his children, their spouses, and even grandchildren have worked or are working in healthcare today.

One of Dupper’s most frequently recited quotes was, “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” To his family, throngs of friends, fellow church members, and colleagues, Dupper remains a hero for whom we cared very much. Big thanks, Frank! ____________________

By Rita Waterman

Adventist Health

April 2021 37

LEFT: La Sierra Academy students and young alumni lead the praise band for the outdoor chapel.

ABOVE: La Sierra students created artwork to celebrate the accomplishments of influential Black Americans.

La Sierra Academy Celebrates Black History Month

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n honor of this year’s Black History Month, La Sierra Academy celebrated the history and accomplishments of the Black community with intentional chapel programs and a unique curriculum.

At each Friday’s outdoor chapel service, a pastor invited from one of the constituent churches approached Black history from a different perspective.

Pastor Jeremiah Green talked about the “Historic Perspective” and commemorated the contributions of the Black community. Pastor Baron Sovory spoke about the “Present Perspective” and the impact of the Black experience in today’s world. Pastor Wade Forde provided a look at “United Within Diversity” and recognized the people and events that have helped to unify our diverse nation. Pastor Eric Penick presented “Future Perspectives,” with hope and a vision for a positive future.

Pastor Jeremiah Green composed spoken word poems for the students to read at each chapel program. “To see the kids with so much talent perform these pieces was truly beautiful,” said Libett MunozBeard, La Sierra Academy principal. “For our campus, worshipping together was very healing.”

Glenn Valenzuela, campus chaplain at La Sierra

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Southeastern California Conference

Academy, also noted that the campus was able to consider their perspectives as a school family.

“Each pastor blessed our students with a powerful discourse,” said Valenzuela. “We were forced to not only listen but to contemplate and consider.”

Valenzuela also highlighted the praise team composed of predominantly Black students and alumni that led the students in worship every week. “They brought their energy!” Valenzuela said.

Each teacher at La Sierra Academy designed a curriculum that honored Black History Month in one of their class periods each week. John Chen, TK-12 vice principal, and Victoria Karsten, grades 7-12 registrar, were available as curriculum coaches to assist teachers as they created lessons. Stephanie Sarli, sixth-grade teacher at La Sierra Academy, guided her students as they studied George Washington Carver, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Amanda Gorman. “As we studied each person's life, I asked the students to reflect on the characteristics of these men and women,” said Sarli. “Students discussed how they could apply the same mindset as these activists in today's society.”

As the month progressed, Valenzuela noticed that La Sierra Academy’s proactive approach to honoring

Black History Month caused students to discuss the issues. “Education was happening on every level,” Valenzuela said. “We were all exposed to wonderful truths, and that has helped us to become better people and a stronger community.”

Valenzuela pointed out the work of the “Taboo Team,” a group of students who gather around social justice awareness. “Each week the team would post a one-minute talk on social media about a powerful and gifted African American,” said Valenzuela. These talks joined the chapel and classroom experiences on LSA’s

social media to share with the wider community.

As Black History month drew to a close, MunozBeard expressed plans to use the same model to celebrate more students in the future. “La Sierra has a student body composed of many different ethnic groups, and we are looking forward to incorporating Latino and Asian heritage into our curriculum as well,” Munoz-Beard said. “We want every child and family to feel comfortable and celebrated at La Sierra Academy.” ____________________

By Tricia Murdoch Zmaj

CREATIVE CONNECTIONS:

Virtual Chapel Brings Two Schools Together

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re-COVID, the sixth- to eighth-graders at Escondido Adventist Academy (EAA) and Oceanside Adventist Elementary (OAE) got together on a regular basis so the students could get to know each other and build relationships through activities, sports, chatting, and having chapel at OAE. When the pandemic put a halt to cross-school visits for the 2020-2021 school year, everyone was disappointed.

“We want EAA to be a positive and likely option for the Oceanside kids when they’re ready for high school,” explained Bill Davis, EAA principal. “The whole purpose of getting our students together is so that if the OAE kids do decide to come here for academy, they already have a group of friendly, familiar faces waiting for them.”

During the SECC virtual Jr. High Bible Camp in January, Davis hit upon an idea.

“The students were cheerfully engaging online through this virtual event, connecting and having fun,” he said. “It occurred to me that we could do something similar between our two schools.”

And so the idea for joint virtual chapel services was born. The first one was held in February, and—after extremely positive feedback from teachers and the 75 students involved between both schools—shortly thereafter a couple more joint chapels were scheduled.

“On a basic level, we want the kids to form friendships with other kids their age who are also attending an

Adventist school,” said Brooke Lemmon, OAE principal.

“But we also want to help them form bonds that will hopefully lead to friendships when our students head to EAA. The kids really enjoyed it and were immediately excited about the prospect of doing it again.”

During the February chapel, EAA chaplain and religion teacher Gabe Martinez started with an interactive activity to get the students engaged with each other and comfortable with the format, and then he presented a short talk.

“COVID has actually made events like this much more easily accessible,” Davis pointed out. “This isn’t something we’d ever really considered before because logistically you’re always thinking of in-person and how you’re going to haul an entire bus full of kids across town for a 30-minute chapel. But I think we’ve been inspired to continue trying things like this even when we’ve achieved some sense of normalcy again.”

Lemmon feels that events like this are the epitome of what Adventist Education is meant to be.

“This is the reason Adventist Education exists,” she said. “To promote godly relationships among young people and help them grow together in Jesus. I hope this partnership lasts a long time, and I hope it inspires other schools to look for ways to collaborate, too.” ____________________

By Becky St. Clair

Southeastern California Conference

April 2021 39

Remembering George Newmyer

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“His ministry was deeply relational, and he was a friend I could speak with all through high school on the phone, even though he was my elementary school principal.”

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eorge Newmyer, a lifelong Adventist educator, passed away in his sleep on February 21 at his home in Broad Run, Va. He was 87 years old.

With more than 50 years of service in Adventist Education, Mr. Newmyer, as his students called him, loved showing the love of Jesus to his school community.

“Mr. Newmyer is hands down the best principal I’ve ever had,” shared Lejone Morris, Newmyer’s student from 1989-1996 at Long Beach Adventist School. “He really loved his job, and it showed. I can still see his dazzling smile and cheerful disposition that would greet us during morning assemblies.”

Newmyer began his career with five years of service in Colorado. After serving for 16 years in the Kentucky Conference, five years in Florida, and three years in Michigan, he spent his final 26 years in the Southern California Conference, where he was principal of Long Beach Adventist Elementary and, later, P.E teacher at San Fernando Valley Academy.

Known for his guitar playing, love of sports, and Bible trivia games, Newmyer was always a positive personality at school. Remarkably, even in his mid70s, he was able to be out in the field with his P.E class, pitching for a softball game or throwing football passes to kids.

“His ministry was deeply relational, and he was a friend I could speak with all through high school on the phone, even though he was my elementary school principal,” said Sam Chung, Newmyer’s student from 1984-1988. “I remember bowling with him and listening to all his stories.”

Newmyer never wanted to quit working at school. Defying age and retirement, he served as long as possible, until it was finally necessary to move to Virginia to be with family. Even then, he would talk of going back to work if possible.

An avid bowler and golfer, many a principal or superintendent can remember having a golf game with Newmyer or challenging him in a bowling match. The outcome was most often defeat. He once bowled a 272.

Teachers at his schools would look to his leadership for weekly assemblies and chapels. Every year Newmyer would write a theme song for the school to sing in chapel. Songs like “Uncle Noah’s Ark” and “You Can Make a Difference” continue to live on in students’ memories.

George Newmyer leaves behind a legacy of service, love of family, and most importantly, faithfulness to God. He is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. ____________________

By Will Gile

Southern California Conference

PHOTO: PAUL CHO

Jason Chen and Tarsha Cen (left) donated 60,000 face masks at Chino Valley church’s 11th anniversary celebration Sabbath.

Church Receives Large Face Mask Donation and Pays It Forward

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hat would you do if you suddenly had 60,000 face masks in your possession?

For Paul Cho, pastor at Chino Valley Chinese church, the answer was simple: give them away!

Earlier this year, Cho received a call from Tarsha Cen, who, along with her family, had recently begun attending Chino Valley Chinese church, to ask if he wanted face masks.

“I just wanted to help people,” said Cen, who also shared masks with her friends and family and donated masks to Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina.

“I was so thankful when she called me; it was the right timing,” Cho shared. “When we visit church and community members to pray for them, I always bring a box of face masks. Face masks and food are the most needed.”

Cho ensured that the blessing of these face masks would reach beyond his local community. In addition to use in Chino Valley Chinese church community services, these donated masks were passed along to Southern California Conference community services, San Gabriel Academy, and seven churches and one group in the Asian-Pacific Region.

Gratitude for this gift was felt all around. “We are now able to offer masks to students as well as share them with our sister schools,” said Angel Nair, San Gabriel Academy elementary principal.

“This is an added blessing we would not have been able to offer without this gracious gift.”

At El Monte Vietnamese church, the face masks are a crucial addition to their food ministry. “We’ve given masks to Vietnamese homes that we visit bi-weekly to give food,” Vinh Nguyen, El Monte Vietnamese senior pastor, said. “The community really appreciated that the church cares for them in times like these.”

Ataru Nakagawa, district pastor of Central Japanese-American Community, Gardena JapaneseAmerican, and West Los Angeles Japanese churches, isn’t yet sure what his churches will do with the masks, but he says they will “use them wisely for the poor in the Japanese community.”

“Sharing and caring is one of our major works as a church,” explained Cho. “It’s our mission to reach the community, especially during this difficult time.

Even in the small things, they are touched.” ____________________

By Araya Moss

Southern California Conference

April 2021 41

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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Impacting Lives in Arizona FOR THE FUTURE

Arizona Adventist Education SCHOOLS Adobe Adventist Christian School Apache Junction/Mesa Cochise Adventist Christian School Bisbee

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 leaders…student servers!

Glenview Adventist Academy Glendale/Phoenix Maricopa Village Christian School Laveen Prescott Adventist Christian School Prescott Saguaro Hills Adventist Christian School Tucson

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

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

Arizona Conference

April 2021 43

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)

Teaching Students PROVIDING EDUC ATION AND MINISTRY

Central California Adventist Education A Journey to Excellence

mtnviewacademy.org

Peninsula Adventist School 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

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS

CVCA Helping Hands Preschool

209-538-6443

Milpitas Discoveryland

408-263-7626

Sonora Kiddie Kollege

209-532-8612

Valley View Children’s Center

805-481-7534

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Central California Conference

Hawaii Conference

April 2021 45

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

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 Education in our territory, visit us at www.nuceducation.org.

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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.adventist schoolconnect.org (530) 257-5045 VEGAS VALLEY ADVENTIST ACADEMY Las Vegas, Nevada www.vvaa4u.org (702) 871-7208

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Nevada-Utah Conference

Excellence for Eternity

STARTING STUDENTS ON THE RIGHT PATH FOR LIFE

Northern California Adventist Education A Journey to Excellence

SCHOOLS

With 198 educators, 2,087 students, 34 schools, and three 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 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 Paradise Adventist Elementary 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 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

Northern California Conference

April 2021 47

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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3,070 Students 211 Teachers 46 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 Laguna Niguel Junior Academy La Sierra Academy Loma Linda Academy Loma Linda Academy Children’s Center (ECEC) Mentone SDA School 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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Southeastern 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 Adventist Education Simi Valley Preschool 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 Linda Vista Adventist Elementary Los Angeles Adventist Elementary Ridgecrest Adventist Elementary Simi Valley Adventist School South Bay Christian School 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 Southern California Conference

April 2021 49

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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Ceres, CA

April 2021 51

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 1 - 2 0 2 2 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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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

April 2021 53

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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Vegas Valley Adventist 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.vvaa4u.org info@vvaa4u.org

April 2021 55

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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W W W. N A PA C H R I S T I A N . C O M

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7 0 7 - 2 5 5 - 5 2 3 3

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 (grades 9-12) 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 1877 Hooker Oak Avenue Chico, CA 95926 mypaa.net

April 2021 57

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.

K-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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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 April 2021 59

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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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

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GLENDALE ADVENTIST ACADEMY Grades TK-12

NOW ENROLLING

APPLY NOW FOR FALL 2021 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 (818) 244-8671 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

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New families receive 50% off first month’s tuition for the 2021-2022 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

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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 2021-2022 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 submitted 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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Calendar Central California Conference

Many events and outreaches are now being virtually presented or streamed online. Check the Events page online at www.CentralCaliforniaAdventist. com for all the updates.

Zooming with Young Adults (online): Join the standing Zoom meetings with the young adults. All times are PST; the schedule and meeting id#s are as follows: Mondays at 11 a.m................................................................Steps to Christ Zoom: 987-8355-2992 Mondays at 6 p.m......................... Bible Study and Testimonies Zoom: 844-734-252 Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m....................................Anchored Bible Study Zoom: 968-4130-9390

La Sierra University

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 go to recorder@adventistfaith.com.

How to Submit Advertising Classified ads must be sent with payment to the Recorder office.

Display ads should be arranged with the editor (recorder@ 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; 1/4pg., $1,200; 1/8-pg., $700; $160 per column inch.

Information The Pacific Union Recorder is published 12 times per year with a circulation of approximately 75,000. For more information about advertising, please email to recorder@adventistfaith.com.

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

May: April 8 • June: May 6

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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Wednesdays at 11 a.m.....................................................Steps to Christ Zoom: 987-8355-2992 Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m............................................. Prayer Meeting Zoom: 963-1262-0503 Thursdays at 5 p.m.....................................................Ladies Bible Study Zoom: 968-7573-1282 Fridays at 10 a.m..................................................................Morning Manna Zoom: 968-7573-1282 Fridays at 5 p.m............................................................... Micah Bible Study Zoom: 974-4249-4745 Fridays at 7 p.m............................................................................................. Vespers Zoom: 912-2906-8424 Sabbath at 9:30 a.m.......................................................... Sabbath School Zoom: 945-8167-8714 Sabbath at 5 p.m.......................................................... Sundown Worship Zoom: 982-2295-7250 For more details, visit https://bit.ly/2x0jvDf or email tvang@cccsda.org.

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College Prep Webinar Series. Have questions about college? La Sierra University’s live Webinar Series covers topics ranging from campus life and spiritual life programs to athletics and department faculty Zoom events. Recorded past webinars are also available. For information and registration, visit https://admissions.lasierra.edu/webinars/.

Virtual music performances: Virtual performances by La Sierra University vocal and instrumental ensembles, student recitals, and student interviews are on YouTube or the music department’s Facebook page @lasierrauniversitymusic. On Instagram, follow @ kenaiso1 to watch live home mini concerts by La Sierra adjunct violin/viola instructor and concert artist Ken Aiso. Information: music@lasierra.edu, 951-785-2036.

La Sierra University Music Department Newsletter.

The show is still on! Sign up to receive up-to-date information about news and performances from the

Newsdesk Online The regular section of Newsdesk in the Recorder is available online at: sda.faith/pacificnewsdesk

Department of Music. To subscribe, send your email address and subscription request to music@lasierra.edu.

The La Sierra Report. Stay in the know and sign up to receive The La Sierra Report, a monthly e-newsletter of interesting news and events. To subscribe, send your email address and subscription request to pr@lasierra.edu.

Northern California Conference

Instituto Laico Adventista de California (ILAC) (April 18-19). Online training in leadership and church administration for Spanish-speaking laypeople. Info: nccsda.com/ilac, 916-886-5614.

Hispanic Women’s Retreat (April 23-25). Info: roman. leal@nccsda.com, 916-886-5614.

“Don’t Forget Me” (April 24) 10 a.m. West Sacramento church, 2860 Jefferson Blvd., West Sacramento.

Livestreamed. Meeting the needs of the incarcerated and released during the pandemic. Speaker: Virgil Childs. Special guests: Aaron Brieno, Michael Ashley.

Vocalist: Rochelle Holman. Sponsored by NCC Prison Ministries. Info: nccsda.com/prison-ministries, westsacsdachurch@gmail.com, 916-372-6570.

Instituto Laico Adventista de California (ILAC) (May 23-24). Online training in leadership and church administration for Spanish-speaking laypeople. Info: nccsda.com/ilac, 916-886-5614.

Get the News! Engage with the Northern California Conference by subscribing to the NCC’s weekly emailed news source, “Northern Lights.” Sign up: nccsda.com.

Southern California Conference

Resurrection Oratorio (April 3) 7 p.m. Join Santa Clarita church this Easter to celebrate the Savior of the world through musical worship. The event will be held outdoors, and masks and social distancing are required. Santa Clarita church, 24436 Valley St., Santa Clarita, 91321. Info and registration: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/resurrection-oratoriotickets-143907548351.

GLAR Convocation (April 16-17). Join the Greater Los Angeles Region for a virtual convocation. Speakers: Dr. James Doggette, Kymone Hinds, and Dr. Vandeon Griffin. Special music: Maurett Brown Clark. Plus, a special nightly week of prayer with Dr. Rupert Bushner, April 11-15 at 7 p.m. Live on Facebook and YouTube. Info: glarsda.com.

One House Living Room Sessions (May 16-23). Tune in online for a week of worship, sharing, and growing

in the area of mental health. The theme is “THRIVE,” and the event will focus on mental and emotional wellness. Info: onehouse@sccsda.org.

Tuesday T-Time 4 p.m. Every Tuesday, join SCC Senior Youth and Young Adult director Iki Taimi as he sits down to chat about life and ministry with a different special guest each week. Available to watch on Facebook @onehousesocal and YouTube.

Classified At Your Service

New/Used Adventist Books: TEACH Services helps authors publish their book, including editing, design, marketing, and worldwide distribution. Call 800-3671844 for a free evaluation. Visit www.LNFBOOKS. com for used books and your local ABC or www.

TEACHServices.com for new book releases.

SDA Immigration Attorney: We handle family and employment-based immigration cases for clients throughout the United States and around the globe.

We also provide free immigration law seminars for churches and other groups. Please contact Jason Mustard at 831-249-9330 or Jason@surowitz.com.

Feeling the call to get out of the city? Husband and wife SDA REALTORS® can help you find your mountain home near Yosemite. Darlene@HerrsRealEstate. com 559-760-8141. Darlene Herr CalDRE#02071769 & Johnny Herr CalDRE#02081978. We can also refer you to other agents within our networks across the country. HerrsRealEstate.com. Broker: BassLakeRealty.

Country Living: Properties available in California.

Call Soonyoung Park 707-312-3635 or email soonyoungnapa@gmail.com. Country properties and all real estate needs. CA BRE Lic #01421077.

You can help the Lord’s ministry of healing in Micronesia by donating your car, boat, bike, RV, or truck. All proceeds go to provide free medical services to the island peoples of Micronesia. Canvasback Missions, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, has been serving since 1986. Visit our website for more info: www.canvasback.org or call 707-746-7828 to arrange your donation.

Employment

Adventist Media Ministries treasury department is seeking a full-time staff accountant. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting is required, and two years of experience is preferred. Our offices are in the Riverside area of Calif. Please contact the Human Resources department at 805-9557715 or hr@sdamedia.com, or you may visit the

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following link for more information about the “Staff Accountant” position and to apply: https://www. adventistmediaministries.com/available-positions/.

Wanted: single person to manage and care for estate home in Lake Las Vegas part time. Live-in with private room/bath. For a widow…lovely situation. Call Myrna at 702-568-7777 or 310-613-9549 (cell), or email me at curtismyrna@verizon.net.

Stallant Health, a rural health clinic in Weimar, Calif., is accepting applications for an optometrist to join the team. Interested individuals should contact Marva by email: marva@stallanthealth.com.

Custodian needed. The Tierrasanta church in San Diego is looking for a custodian (or custodial couple) to live on the church campus. Responsibilities include yard work, opening and closing facility each day, etc.

2-bedroom apartment on campus is rent free. For more info, contact Gary McCary at 858-395-3859 or email mccarys6@hotmail.com.

Full-time employment opening, Pacific Union Conference Department of Education. Fulltime office assistant to three associate directors for Elementary, Secondary, and Early Childhood.

Candidate will perform high levels of clerical work, administrative and project support, follow through with various tasks as assigned, and occasionally travel to training locations. Must have significant knowledge of computer applications, excellent communication/ customer service skills, and be able to manage simultaneous projects and deadlines. For more information or to apply, please contact treasurer@ adventistfaith.com.

Delta Eye Medical group in Stockton California is looking for an ophthalmologist to join thriving practice. 209-3345886.

Andrews University Seeks School CounselingProgram Coordinator & Professor. Oversee all aspects of the Counselor Education program.

Responsibilities include managing the program to maintain accreditation standards with CACREP and the state, teaching graduate courses in the field of counseling and school counseling, providing academic advisement support to students in the program, responding to inquiries regarding the overall academic unit, participating in committees, maintaining an active research agenda as documented through publications and presentations, sitting on dissertation committees, and other duties as assigned to the position. https://www.andrews. edu/admres/jobs/show/faculty#job_2 Pharmacy Faculty at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy. Responsibility encompasses education, research, and/or service. Demonstrates loyalty to the mission, policies, standards, and regulations of his/her department, school, and the University, and follows the administrative policies set up by the University and the individual school. Must have earned doctorate from accredited institution.

Minimum two years of experience in area of scholarly focus. Functions in a leadership capacity in area of expertise. Professional certification, licensure or registration as appropriate. https://lluh.referrals. selectminds.com/jobs/faculty-pharmacy-12326 Assistant Professor CRNA at Loma Linda University School of Nursing. Responsibility in education, research, and/or service. Demonstrates loyalty to the mission, policies, standards, and regulations of his/her department, school, and the University, and follows the administrative policies set up by the University and the individual school. Graduation from a nurse anesthesia program, two years clinical experience as a nurse anesthetist, and Current California Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) certification required. https://lluh.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/ assistant-professor-crna-11167

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Assistant VP – Hospital Patient Billing Office in Loma Linda University Shared Services.

Implementation of the strategic plan and direction for claims and collection functions for all LLUH hospitals.

Supports the achievement of Revenue Cycle key performance metrics and the organization’s overall financial performance with optimal revenue capture.

Supports the overall patient experience by providing consistent, excellent, measurable service standards and industry best practice tools and processes.

Bachelor’s degree, seven years of experience in leading patient access functions, and seven years of management experience required. Experience with EPIC systems desired. https://lluh.referrals. selectminds.com/jobs/assistant-vp-hospital-pbo-12665 Compensation Analyst at Loma Linda University Shared Services. Assists with the development, implementation, and administration of compensation practices. Monitors and audits pay practices to ensure compliance with policies, guidelines, and wage and hour laws. Conducts job analysis, conducts benchmark reviews and market price jobs. Develops, reviews, and updates job descriptions. Conducts FLSA Assessments.

Participates in Compensation Surveys. Bachelor’s degree and two years of compensation experience required. https://lluh.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/ compensation-analyst-12106 Primary care that invests in the infinite value of each person. Practice primary care with measurable outcomes, advocate healing, transform lives, and support whole living. We would love to share the exciting possibilities of HealthMotivate’s medical ministry. Be a groundbreaking part of the deployment of our in-house platform that will support customized plans and goals engaging clients in positive lifestyle change. Located in the beautiful Northwest, rich in culture, and surrounded by the beauty of nature.

You will be supported by comprehensive benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and relief from graduate school loans. Join HealthMotivate and experience the joy of sharing wholeness and encouraging individuals to live to their full physical, spiritual, mental, and social potential. Visit us at HealthMotivate.org or contact Jayne Peterson Jayne@HealthMotivate.org.

Real Estate

Choice mountain land inside Cherokee National Forest in beautiful East Tennessee. Four tracts ranging in size from 10-50 acres. Large creek, cleared land, mixed forest, mature trees. On county-maintained road, utilities on site. 50 miles to Southern Adventist University. 60 miles to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Near scenic rivers, lakes, trails. Ideal retreat, country living, retirement. Call, text, email for info and pictures. 301-332-8237 or Kathyrr777@gmail.com.

Great opportunity in Idaho for $275K. Do you want to experience country living while operating an outpost/ministry or operate your own business? Here is your opportunity to own an 8,000 sq. ft. 2-story building featuring: large open country-themed banquet area, renovated separate living space/office with bathroom/shower, 180-seat auditorium, stage, baby grand piano. SDA church 20 minutes away. 11 S. Main St., Kooskia, ID 83539. Price reduced to sell.

For information: bit.ly/3iiG47R or Theresa Reynold 208-798-7822.

Sierra foothills country living. Easy access to Adventist Health System, Northern Calif. Conf., Weimar, Pine Hills Academy. Two-story home with 3 bdrm, 3½ bath, 2500 sq. ft. with shop, 4 car garages, unfinished apartment. Pool, landscaping, fencing on 2½ acres. Price $950,000. Call 530-913-8995 or email herbiedouglass@gmail.com.

Quiet 4 bdrm/4 bath home in Angwin, Calif. Walk to schools, church, and market. Near Adventist Health St. Helena. Two-story with master bedroom on main floor. Private entrance to second floor.

Dining room and eat-in kitchen, 2540 sq. ft., large deck, hardwood floors, updated throughout. $669,000. Call Herb 530-913-8995.

Settle into your own beautiful mountain cabin retreat. In the heart of nature on 9 acres near the Salmon river in Siskiyou county. Awesome scenery, hiking, rafting, swimming. Supplies w/wood heat and hydroelectricity. Sleeps 8 comfortably (3 bdrm), shop building, orchard, and garden. Less than 1 hr drive to active SDA church. $258,000. Wanda, 707-445-1156.

Safe 80-acre retreat near La Sierra University. Not in a flood or fire zone, with views of Lake Mathews/ Gavilan Hills with deeded access to Wood Rd./Cajalco Rd. and zoned for agriculture/residential. Freedom with two drilled wells, septic, city water line, phone line/FAX, strong cell signal, and high solar score.

Original 1977 family mobile home, wells, and tack buildings sold “as is.” Used for farming, horses, animal husbandry, nursery, and gardening with serenity and privacy. $1,250,000. Martin: 623-7591737 (cell).

For Sale in Northwest Arkansas 1,885 sq. ft. home, built summer of 2019, 3 bdrm, 3 bath, on 20 acres with great view of lake. Fruit trees, garden, muscadines, building sites, firewood, 30- by 40ft. shop. Very nice SDA church nearby. Remote, secluded, yet near town. 85 miles to Ozark Adventist Academy. Located near Ozark, AR. Junior Scoggins, scoggins41@live.com, or phone 479-213-1338.

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Vacation Opportunities

Maui vacation condo in Kihei. Relaxing and affordable.

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

Clean, comfortable, well-maintained. Sleeps 4. Fully furnished 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.

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.

Constituency Meeting Announcement

Pacific Union College Constituency Meeting (May 5).

An official session of the constituent membership of Pacific Union College will be held virtually.

At Rest Ashkar, Nawal – b. Sept. 26, 1926, Nineveh, Iraq; d. Jan. 8, 2021, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Annette; son-in-law, Nagib Bahri; three grandchildren.

April 2021 Sunset Calendar

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City/Location

APR 3

APR 10

APR 17

APR 24

Alturas 7:29 7:37 7:44 7:52 Angwin 7:35 7:41 7:48 7:55 Bakersfield 7:19 7:25 7:30 7:36 Calexico 7:03 7:08 7:13 7:18 Chico 7:13 7:18 7:23 7:29 Death Valley (Furnace Ck) 7:11 7:17 7:23 7:29 Eureka 7:43 7:51 7:58 8:06 Four Corners [E] 7:09 7:14 7:19 7:24 Fresno 7:23 7:29 7:35 7:41 Grand Canyon (South Rim) 6:51 6:57 7:03 7:09 Half Dome 7:22 7:29 7:35 7:42 Hilo 6:35 6:37 6:39 6:41 Holbrook 6:21 6:26 6:32 6:38 Honolulu 6:47 6:49 6:51 6:54 Joshua Tree 7:07 7:13 7:18 7:23 Lake Tahoe 7:25 7:32 7:39 7:46 Las Vegas 7:04 7:10 7:16 7:22 Lodi-Stockton 7:30 7:36 7:43 7:49 Loma Linda 7:11 7:16 7:22 7:27 Los Angeles 7:15 7:20 7:26 7:31 McDermitt [N] 7:18 7:26 7:34 7:42 Moab 7:43 7:50 7:56 8:03 Monterey Bay 7:31 7:38 7:44 7:50 Mt. Whitney 7:10 7:15 7:20 7:26 Napa 7:34 7:41 7:47 7:54 Nogales [S] 6:44 6:49 6:53 6:58 Oakland 7:34 7:40 7:47 7:53 Paradise, CA 7:32 7:39 7:46 7:53 Phoenix 6:50 6:55 7:00 7:06 Pu‘uwaiau, Ni’ihau [W] 6:35 6:37 6:39 6:41 Reno 7:25 7:32 7:39 7:46 Riverside 7:12 7:17 7:22 7:28 Sacramento 7:31 7:38 7:44 7:51 Salt Lake City 7:54 8:02 8:09 8:16 San Diego 7:10 7:15 7:20 7:25 San Francisco 7:34 7:41 7:47 7:53 San Jose 7:32 7:38 7:44 7:51 Santa Rosa 7:36 7:42 7:49 7:56 Sunset Beach 6:47 6:50 6:52 6:55 Thousand Oaks 7:18 7:23 7:28 7:34 Tucson 6:45 6:50 6:55 7:00 [N]=Northernmost

[S]=Southernmost

[E]=Easternmost

[W]=Westernmost point in the Pacific Union

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

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Benavides, Hope (Ayala) – b. June 20, 1932, Phoenix, Ariz.; d. Dec. 21, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: husband, Eliezer; sons, E. Armando, Samuel, David; daughter, H. Irene Grohar; 11 grandchildren. She exemplified a life of service to the Lord and love for others.

Blum, Don – b. March 26, 1939, Oakland, Calif.; d. Dec. 10, 2020, Galt, Calif. Survivors: wife, LaVene; sons, Brian, Brent, Bruce; brothers, Brent, Glen, Scott; sister, Jean; four grandchildren. He worked in the print shop at Pacific Union College and at Pacific Press in Mountain View.

Bushnell, Samuel Arthur, Jr. – b. Jan. 2, 1936, Seattle, Wash.; d. Dec. 11, 2020, Fresno, Calif. Survivors: wife, Hope Penn; sons, Scott, Stuart; daughters, Faythe, Melanie; siblings Grace, Beverly, Sandra, Carol, Shirley, Kenneth, Ronald, Keith; eight grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren. Served as a pastor and evangelist in Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and as a missionary in the East African Union.

Casebolt, Gerald – b. July 22, 1925, The Dalles, Ore.; d. Sept. 1, 2020, Tucson, Ariz. Survivors: wife, Shirley; children, Don, Challis, Carol, Melanie; siblings, Don, Lillian, Wilfred, Bryce; six grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren. Gerald graduated from Loma Linda School of Medicine in 1949. He served as a mission doctor in Malamulo and Rwanda in Africa and in Bangkok, Thailand.

Crandall, Darlene May (Babb) – b. March 15, 1933, Strathmore, Calif.; d. Dec. 11, 2020, Modesto, Calif.

Survivors: son, Charles; brother, Ray Babb; sisters, Gladys Anthony, Betty Bonham; two grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren. Worked at Miramonte School for 22 years as librarian, food service worker, craft instructor.

Volunteered at Modesto Adventist Academy (now CVCA) for 24 years as a ceramics instructor.

Recorder Membership The Pacific Union Recorder is provided as a free service to members of the conferences that are part of the Pacific Union Conference (Arizona, Hawaii, Northern California, Central California, Southern California, Southeastern California, and Nevada-Utah). Each conference maintains the list of members, based on the reports from their churches. If you would like to make a change to your subscription (name, address, cancellation), please contact your local conference. The staff of the Recorder does not have access to the circulation lists, other than the paid subscriptions.

Day, Jim Eugene – b. Sept. 25, 1927, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Oct. 10, 2020, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: wife, Anna Mae; daughter, Maureen Jenkins; stepson, David Majors; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren.

Elloway, Jane (Potts) – b. Jan. 8, 1931, Los Angeles, Calif; d. Dec. 17, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: sons, Russell, Rob; daughter-in-law, Cheree Cox; daughter, Melissa Tomas; one grandchild.

Farley, Norman C. – b. July 22, 1937, Gardiner, Maine; d. Nov. 24, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Alice; sons, Gregory, Norman II; three grandchildren.

West Virginia pastor, built Morgantown church; head of Bible dept., Sacramento Union Academy; SECC pastor, built Palm Desert Oasis church, built Oceanside gym and school building.

Gimbel, Hervey W. – b. Nov. 25, 1926, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; d. Feb. 21, 2021, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Ann; sons, Kenneth, Marlin; daughters, Shirley, Denise, Beverly; sisters, Elaine Skoretz, Naida Oliver, Glenda Shaeffer; brother, Howard; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Physician, graduate of Loma Linda School of Medicine. More than 25 medical/ education missions to China.

Gomer, Grace F. – b. Sept. 6, 1926, India; d. Jan. 16, 2021, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: sons, Wilson, Dayasingh; daughters, Merlin Ponraj, Dharmaseeli Moses, Paminnii Davomony, Doris Kore; sister, Jane Jabez; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren.

Kramer, Wilfried John – b. April 8, 1928, Royal Oak, Mich.; d. Nov. 18, 2020, Gold River, Calif. Survivors: wife, Zerita; sons, Will Jr., Paul; daughters, Carol Burger, Kathy Rasmusson; 11 grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren. Served for many years on the Northern California Conference Executive Committee and as Carmichael church head elder.

Muir, Evelyn (Chapman) – b. April 28, 1931, San Francisco, Calif; d. Dec. 29, 2020, Vellore, India.

Survivors: daughters, Gail Giebel, Gladys Muir; two grandchildren. Served as a missionary and nurse in the Central California Conference, Peru, Bermuda, and Thailand. Volunteered in the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, and India.

Nash, Dwayne Luther – b. Aug. 30, 1938, Los Angeles, Calif; d. Jan. 18, 2021, Stockton, Calif. Survivors: wife, Judy; sons, C. Wayne, Brandon; daughters, Dori Nash Mohr, Wendy Myhre; 13 grandchildren; brother, Calvin.

Practiced dentistry, with a specialty in endodontics, for 50 years in the Lodi/Stockton area.

Neergaard, Jim – b. Aug. 23, 1947, Bertha, Minn.; d. Jan. 11, 2021, Morristown, Tenn. Survivors: wife, Joyce; mother, Anne Neergaard Caviness; sister,

Nianne; brother, Keith. He was a pastor in South Dakota and Southern California, Middle East Union Ministerial Secretary, regional ADRA Director, missionary in Egypt, and evangelism coordinator for Quiet Hour Ministries.

Noble, George Rodney – b. July 23, 1932, Detroit, Mich.; d. Jan. 19, 2021, Cottonwood, Ariz. Survivors: wife, Lois; sons, Rodney William, Glen Allen; daughter, Aleida Marie Quick; two granddaughters.

Peterson, William “Bill” Durward – b. April 9, 1926, Omaha, Neb.; d. Nov. 10, 2020, Sunny Valley, Ore. Survivors: wife, Joan Larson Peterson; sons, Douglas, Daniel; five grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren. Served for 46 years at Paradise Valley Hospital, including 36 years as director of pharmacy.

Schleicher, Jack E. – b. April 6, 1931, Indianapolis, Ind.; d. Jan. 1, 2021, Thousand Palms, Calif.

Survivors: son, David; daughter, Denise Prince; sister, Lois Ann Hardt; six grandchildren. Graduate of Loma Linda School of Allied Health and worked as medical technologist for 35 years.

Voth, Alfred – b. Aug. 7, 1938, Lugowsk, Orenburg, Ukraine; d. Jan. 8, 2021, Angwin, Calif. Survivors: wife, Donna; daughter, Wendy; sister, Elfriede (Ellie) Jenkins. Worked as a nurse anesthetist in Michigan.

Wesner, Wayne – b. June 6, 1928, Modesto, Calif.; d. Jan. 19, 2021, Sacramento, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Joleane Wesner-King, Carolyn Wesner, Beverly Wesner-Hoehn, Lavonne Wesner; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Served as lead contractor for the Sacramento Central church, the original Sacramento Adventist Academy classrooms, and church buildings in the Republic of Kiribati; served many years as a Pathfinder and youth leader.

West, Carolyn Ann – b. Sept. 28, 1940, Loma Linda, Calif.; d. Oct. 6, 2020, Pasadena, Calif.; Survivors: brothers, Winton K. West Jr., Richard J. West.

Carolyn attended San Pasqual Academy and Pacific Union College and graduated from Loma Linda School of Nursing. She spent 38 years as a Public Health Nurse for the County of Los Angeles.

Williams, Richard L. – b. March 7, 1938, Toledo, Ohio; d. Feb. 19, 2021, Napa, Calif. Survivors: wife, Geraldine A.; son, Gregory L.; daughter, Tyra Kay Meginness; brother, Robert; sister, Barbara Herr; one granddaughter. Served as a deacon in the Toledo (Ohio), St. Helena, Napa, Yountville, Clearlake churches. Known as “The Whistler” because he whistled hymns in church instead of singing.

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Community & Marketplace

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PACIFIC UNION

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