Pacific Union Recorder—May 2022

Recorder PA C I F I C U N IO N

MAY 2022

Pleading with God

Daniel [the prophet] does not proclaim his own fidelity before the Lord. Instead

What’s inside

of claiming to be pure and

4 Do All You Can

holy, this honored prophet

8 Redeemed from the Lions of Shame

humbly identifies himself with the really sinful of Israel.… What earnestness and fervor characterize his supplications! The hand

12 Ministering to the 1.8 Billion 15 A Life Beyond 18 Newsdesk 22 Arizona Conference

of faith is reached upward to grasp the never-failing

24 Central California Conference

promises of the Most High. His soul is wrestling in agony.

28 Hawaii Conference

And he has the evidence that his prayer is heard. He knows that victory is his. If we as a people would pray as Daniel prayed, and wrestle as he wrestled, humbling our

30 Holbrook Indian School 32 La Sierra University

souls before God, we should realize as marked answers

33 Pacific Union College

to our petitions as were granted to Daniel (Ellen G. White,

34 Loma Linda University Health

The Sanctified Life, pp. 46, 47).

35 Adventist Health 36 Nevada-Utah Conference 38 Northern California Conference 42 Southeastern California Conference 46 Southern California Conference 50 Milestones 52 Community & Marketplace 58 Sunset Calendars

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 Design/Layout Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela Printing Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com

Adventist Health 916-742-0429 Kim Strobel strobeka@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 139 Jeff Rogers jrogers@azconference.org

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

Pacific Union College 951-809-6777 Gene Edelbach gedelbach@puc.edu

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

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

Southeastern California 951-509-2258 Andrea King andrea.king@seccsda.org

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

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

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

Editorial Correspondents

Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 122, Number 5, 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.

May 2022 3

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By Bradford C. Newton

4 Pacific Union Recorder

Do All

You Can T

oday the Seventh-day Adventist Church is present in 212 countries of the globe, communicating in 535 languages with over

21 million baptized members.1 It’s hard to imagine

that there was a time in our earlier history when our Adventist pioneers debated whether sending personal missionaries to the world was God’s plan.

The young Adventist Church—headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan, with just 3,500 members —was uncertain about the application of Jesus’ command to “go into all the world.” One view was that sharing the message with recent immigrants to the United States would fulfill Jesus’ purpose. The reasoning was that these new arrivals would then share the faith with family and friends back in their home country. The concept of sending missionaries throughout world was still a foreign idea. But this would soon change.

My college denominational history course taught me the story of our first overseas missionary, J.N. Andrews, who departed for Switzerland in 1874.

A reading of Andrews’ biography reveals a tale of remarkable bravery, service, and sacrifice that still inspires. What a surprise to learn that the story of Adventist world missions began 10 years earlier in 1864!

May 2022 5

Our own history reminds us that the DNA of our Pacific Union membership and work is built on the heritage of the missionary spirit.

Michael Czechowski was a Roman Catholic priest

will occasionally read back issues of the Recorder.

of Polish descent who accepted the Adventist

You can find every issue online, beginning with the

message in Ohio. Without

inaugural issue of August 1, 1901. Each of those

church endorsement or

editions coincides with a presidential portrait

support, he departed

displayed at our office. I reflect upon the challenges

for Europe to teach the

and opportunities for mission and service that each

Adventist message of a

of these leaders considered in their day. When I

soon-returning Jesus.

read the Recorder, I catch a glimpse of their thinking

Converts were made in

by what they decided to put in print.

Switzerland, Hungary, Italy,

The very first paragraph of the very first issue of

and Romania. Many of

the Recorder is from the pen of Ellen White. Writing

them were soon pleasantly

from Elmshaven, California, her opening words were,

surprised to learn that there were believers in the

“God has a special work for His servants to do in the

United States who also accepted the three angels’

preparation of a people to stand in the great day

messages. Through the efforts of Czechowski and

of the Lord. This work is to commence in our own

Andrews, the attitude of Adventists concerning

hearts. We need the faith that works by love and

a global missionary movement shifted from

purifies the soul.”3 How beautifully she captures the

uncertainty to enthusiasm. Ellen White testified

mission of service we still engage in today. Toward

at the 1901 General Conference, “The vineyard

the end of this essay, she reminds us, “Life is full of

includes the whole world, and every part of it is to

opportunities for the practical missionary. Every man,

be worked.”2 Since then, we’ve never looked back.

woman, and child can sow each day the seeds of

The missionary motto became “From everywhere to

kind words and unselfish deeds.”4 I catch a special

everywhere,” describing this missionary zeal.

radiance from the phrase “practical missionary.”

It's no coincidence that the establishment of the

People are needing more than just words today.

Pacific Union Conference occurred the same year

What a timeless invitation to us to be practical

that Ellen White endorsed global missionary work.

missionaries who are engaged in work that helps,

Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and all

heals, uplifts, and restores. No need to go to far-off

points west comprised the challenging mission field

lands when practical missionaries are needed all

within the United States. Our own history reminds

around you.

us that the DNA of our Pacific Union membership

Jesus gathered His disciples on the Mount of

and work is built on the heritage of the missionary

Olives several weeks after His resurrection. As

spirit.

He prepared to depart to heaven, there was one

Since being elected Pacific Union president, I

6 Pacific Union Recorder

more important thing to remember: “But you shall

receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon

words and be witnesses to Him.

you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,

The following words have invited generations to a

and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the

life of purpose through service. What is Jesus calling

earth” (Acts 1:8, NKJV). Our Lord’s command in the

you to do in His name today?

first century retains all its singular purpose for the

Do all the good you can,

Adventist Church today. We must intentionally plan

By all the means you can,

and act for the salvation of all the different people

In all the ways you can,

in our spheres of influence. People who resemble

In all the places you can,

us culturally (“Jerusalem and Judea”). Folks who are

At all the times you can,

overlooked and rejected (“Samaria”). Even those who

To all the people you can,

oppose our values (“and to the end of the earth”).

As long as ever you can.5

We are at our best as Adventists in the Pacific Union when we individually choose to don the garb of a practical missionary. Perhaps someone will read these words and be drawn to overseas service.

Or another may sense the invitation from God to

1 Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

2 Ellen G. White, “Our Duty,” The General Conference Bulletin (October 1, 1901), par. 17.

3 Ellen G. White, “True Missionary Work,” Pacific Union Recorder (August 1, 1901), par. 1.

4 Ibid., emphasis added.

5 Attributed to John Wesley.

enter full-time service as a pastor or teacher. But

_____________________________

no matter our age, job, education, gender, or home

Bradford C. Newton is the president of the

address, we are all called by God to heed Jesus’

Pacific Union Conference.

in the Pacific Union when we

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We are at our best as Adventists individually choose to don the garb of a practical missionary.

May 2022 7

Red ISTOCK.COM/ECOPIC

By Ray Tetz

I

t’s not likely that reading the book of Jeremiah

In the first year of Belshazzar’s reign: “I, Daniel, was

would be something one would recommend for

troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through

a person confronting a discouraging realization

my mind disturbed me” (Daniel 7:15, NIV).

about life and a crisis of faith. But that’s exactly

In the third year of Belshazzar: “I, Daniel, was

what the ancient prophet Daniel did. The result was

worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then

nothing short of miraculous.

I got up and went about the king’s business.

Daniel was enslaved and in service to the imperial authority from his late adolescence through the end of his life. The book of Daniel takes us through his life,

I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding” (Daniel 8:27, NIV).

From these verses, we can see that Daniel is

episode by thrilling episode. By the time he prays his

deeply troubled by what he has seen in his life. He is

prayer in chapter 9, he is well into his eighties. Earlier

exhausted by it. But despite this, he trudges back to

chapters give us some disquieting insights into the

work to serve the king. He keeps going—he is, after

way his life of enforced service to a conquering power

all, the man who stared down lions. He does what he

impacted his frame of mind.

is required to do, but he is not at peace.

8 Pacific Union Recorder

deemed

Lions

from the

of Shame

We don’t like to think of Daniel as being

In the first year of Darius: “I turned to the Lord

troubled and depressed. Our Daniel is brave and

God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in

stalwart! Well, not always. It seems that, after

fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes” (Daniel 9:3, NIV).

faithful service to Nebuchadnezzar and then

With the book of Jeremiah’s prophecies in hand,

Belshazzar, when yet another overlord, Darius, is

Daniel contemplates the state of his world as the

introduced into his life, Daniel hits an emotional

time comes near for the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s

wall. And then he hits the books.

prophecy that after an exile of 70 years, Israel will

Seeking to make sense of a world where he has

be returned to Jerusalem. However, Daniel realizes

been trapped for as long as he can remember,

that the reasons given for the exile in the first place

he goes back to the source. He starts reading the

are even more true than they were when it began,

prophecies of Jeremiah. And there he finds the

and he begins to doubt whether they will ever be

words to describe what is driving his discontent.

freed from slavery.

And he takes that to God in his prayer, which we read in chapter 9.

If the exile is meant to reform the nation of Israel to be God’s perfect people, then they will never get

May 2022 9

situation is hopeless.

This outlook explains his anxiety and depression.

The one thing that has been his source of hope, across a long life of enforced service, seems to be slipping out of his grasp. But now his study of the writings of Jeremiah has given him clarity about what he needs to do next. It is not about hopelessness; it is about clarity—and confrontation.

In anguish he expresses his great sorrow and shame that he and his countrymen are responsible for the terrible situation they are in. “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces” (Daniel 9:7, KJV).

Confusion is a synonym for evil in the Old Testament, and when Daniel names what he is feeling as evil, it is not the world around him but the world inside him that he describes. Chaos.

Meaninglessness. Confusion. Evil. Not the situation in which the Jewish people are captured, but what is within the hearts and lives of his people, even after 70 years of captivity.

In this epiphany of shame, Daniel includes everyone—from prince to priest to prophet to pauper. “We” he declares. Not one word of defensiveness, but full acceptance of the evil that has flourished among them—which he is now so concerned may interrupt God’s plan, may cancel

21 LIONS of Shame

1. We Have Sinned 2. Doing What Was Wrong 3. Doing What Was Wicked 4. We Have Rebelled 5. Rejected Your Commandments 6. Rejected Your Decrees 7. We Have Turned A Deaf Ear 8. For Their Disloyal Behavior 9. We Have Sinned Against You. 10. We Have Rebelled 11. We Have Not Obeyed 12. We Have Not Conformed 13. All Israel Has Broken Your Law 14. Refused To Obey Your Command 15. We Have Sinned Against God 16. We Have Done Nothing To Appease The Lord 17. We Have Neither Repented 18. Nor Remembered That You Are True 19. We Have Not Obeyed Him 20. We Have Sinned 21. We Have Done Wrong

the rescue operation, may fate the nation to live forever enslaved.

The man who once stood fearless before savage

thing he needs to say, one more astonishing set of statements before his prayer is over. He hadn’t gone

beasts in the lions’ den now acknowledges the inner

to the Scriptures to find out how evil the world was or

lions—the lions of shame—that seek to destroy his

how depraved the sins of Israel had been over their

spirit, his hope, and his faith in God’s plan.

long exile. In the Scriptures he had found nothing

In his prayer, Daniel forcefully describes Israel’s sin

about how much the people of God were going to

as rebellion—the quintessential description of evil.

need to change or how that would get out them out

His passionate prayer, in which he describes Israel as

of the mess they were in.

sinful—using six different Hebrew words expressed

In Jeremiah he found the thing that matters most:

21 different ways (see sidebar)—is so honest and soul

God keeps His promises. And after enumerating the

barring that it nearly puts him in his sickbed again.

lions of shame, he pleaded with God to be the God

And then—even though he is exhausted from

of the prophets and of his greatest hopes: “It is not

his litany of shame—Daniel knows he has one more

10 Pacific Union Recorder

because of any righteous deeds of ours, but because

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home! They are doomed to live in slavery forever. The

of your great mercy that we lay our supplications

change His mind, forgive us, and give us eternal life.

before you. Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord, listen and

But we need to be careful, because if we trip up, God

act” (Daniel 9:18-19, REV).

will turn on us at a moment’s notice.

And God did listen and act. Daniel tells us that as

But the great truth is that the love of God for

he was praying, Gabriel appeared to him and told

human beings is unconditional. God does not love

him, “You are greatly beloved” (verse 23).

us because of anything we have done. He does not

The end of the exile—or end of whatever enslaves

love us because we are virtuous or obedient or kind.

us—is not to be realized by focusing on the sins of

Nor does He cease to love us when we fail to love as

the world around us or even on our own sins. The

we should or when we disobey His commandments.

end of the exile will come because God keeps His

He does not cease to love us even when we commit

promises and remembers that only He can free us

evil. God’s love for us is unconditional, unmerited,

from the lions of shame.

unqualified, unreserved, absolute, immutable. We

For Daniel, and in the prophecies that were given

cannot earn it, no matter how hard we try; we cannot

to both him and Jeremiah, God acts as He has always

lose it, no matter how hard we try. God does not

intended to act.

change His mind. He is eternally in love with the

God’s plan is not deterred by sin or rebellion.

creatures He made in His image.

Here is what Daniel read in Jeremiah: “’For I know

Daniel knows God is merciful and graceful. Daniel

the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans

was focused on shame—he could make a long list of

to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give

sins. What he is praying for is that God will not leave

you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). The

him in shame, with the gulf fixed between Israel’s

end of sin is not realized by something we do but

sinfulness and God’s mercy. Daniel is desperate for

by something we accept: The acknowledgment

God to reach across that gulf. That is what the end

that salvation comes from outside of ourselves.

of the exile, and the restoration to Jerusalem, really

The recognition that we are not, in fact, alone. The

means.

joyful acceptance of the redemption—the end of the exile—that God offers us.

Like Daniel, we recognize that we must see

That is what it means to be freed from the lions of shame. Like lions, shame is real. And it can diminish, control, and ruin our lives—if that is all there is. But

ourselves as part of a society marked by evil,

it isn’t all there is, not by a long shot. “If we confess

regardless of how hard we have tried to avoid it. This

our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

creates confusion and shame—what can be done?

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John

The answer is not in trying harder to do something by

1:9, KJV).

ourselves or in creating labels and categories.

The answer, like the one Daniel found in Jeremiah,

The fundamental truth of the gospel is that the love of God for human beings is unconditional.

is to accept the essential and transforming help

There is no lion greater than the Lion of Judah. God

that comes from God. To know that the help that

does not change His mind, and His purposes are

Providence provides takes practical forms in those

not frustrated by the lions of shame. We are greatly

people and resources who believe that the divine

beloved by the one from whom help is on the way

plan for His world is redemption—and not lives

and who will forever keep His promises.

ruined by confusion of face.

_____________________________

The big lie that some theologians tell us is that God

Ray Tetz is the director of Communication and

is angry with us, and He’s been angry with us since

Community Engagement for the Pacific Union

the day we were born. If we repent of our sins, He will

Conference.

May 2022 11

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Ministering to the 1.8 Billion 12 Pacific Union Recorder

By Gerald Babanezhad

M

inistering to the Muslim community

My first exposure to ministry was conducting

presents unique opportunities

Bible studies in the San Fernando Valley and

and challenges, and it is helpful to

reaching out to those who would not normally

understand Muslim mindsets and culture in order

attend church or any kind of organized religious

to engage in impactful and effective ministry to this

service. This led to establishing Adventist churches

community.

in areas and communities where there is no

As the coordinator of Muslim Ministries for

Adventist work. The Adventist International group

the Pacific Union Conference, I have traveled

currently under the umbrella of Canoga Park church

extensively, bringing awareness and training

is one of the results of this endeavor.

seminars to Adventist churches throughout the

In 2008, I was also asked by Gospel Outreach

United States, Russia, and Canada. I have spoken

in College Place, Washington, to produce and

frequently at pastors’ and workers’ meetings, camp

broadcast Farsi language telecasts for Iran,

meetings, and for the leadership of the North

Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Europe.

American Division (NAD). During the COVID-19

This project was funded by the aforementioned

pandemic, I intensified my efforts by utilizing a

Adventist organization until 2012. Through the “A ISTOCK.COM/ZURAISHAM SALLEH

wide array of social media platforms like Instagram, Telegram, Zoom, and Facebook to establish a direct communication with Muslims—connections that might not have happened otherwise.

I was born in Iran to an Adventist Armenian mother and a Christian Assyrian father. My family was introduced to the Adventist message through missionaries in Iran, first through my grandfather, but it was my mother who profoundly embraced the message. My family immigrated to the United States in the aftermath of the Iranian Islamic revolution of 1979. After high school I attended Valley College and then

Better Tomorrow” broadcasts, which were also

California State University, Northridge, where I

aired on Iranian satellite networks in North America,

studied engineering, music, and Near East studies.

a significant number of Muslim viewers became

God led me to Muslim ministries in 2008. Prior to

acquainted with the three angels' messages.

this, however, I had been broadcasting the Advent

I was greatly encouraged to further solidify my

message via public access cable television in the Los

efforts and focus on the Muslim community because

Angles area to the Middle Eastern communities.

God’s leading in this direction was very evident. As

May 2022 13

an avid student of history and

surrounding matters of faith and

Semitic languages (Assyrian,

religion are significantly different

Farsi, Arabic, and Hebrew), with

from those of the Western faith

extensive studies in the origins of

experience. Muslims may not

Islam, I have been able to share

feel as free to publicly express

the Advent message in contextual

adherence to a new faith as

methodologies (using the Bible

a Westerner may—often due

and the Quran) with a wide range

to fear for their safety. This

of Muslim seekers in different

can cause discouragement

parts of the U.S. and the world.

for Western Christians when

Muslim ministry also presents

sharing the gospel with the

some challenges, but I have

Muslim community. But what

gladly welcomed them. The

to the Western mind appears

veracity of the Bible, the unique nature of Jesus, and

to be rejection of the gospel, or at least significant

the concept of the Trinity are some of the questions

hesitation, is often fear. It is important to keep

raised by Muslims when met with the gospel

ministering in culturally aware ways—and to keep

message. But the incredible reverential view of the

trusting in the unseen work of the Holy Spirit.

Quran regarding the Bible, Jesus, the Holy Spirit,

In the aftermath of the horrific shooting at two

and the true church, among many other gems, has

Islamic mosques in New Zealand in 2018 in which

been the very platform that I have utilized in sharing

60 Muslim worshipers were killed by an Australian

the last-days message with Muslims who otherwise

assailant, I was asked to deliver a message in the

would not respond to traditional evangelization

mosque in Northridge, California. This led many

efforts.

Muslims to embrace the message brought from the

Among many objections that our Muslim friends

pages of the Quran in regard to the “true people

often raise is their refusal to accept the crucifixion

of the book” mentioned in the Quran. I used this

of Jesus as factual. What has also compounded

opportunity to introduce the Muslim congregation

this issue is their rejection of the Bible as a divine

to the Seventh-day Adventist Church as the

revelation. But recently, in a series I conducted

embodiment of this phenomena.

on Instagram regarding the crucifixion of Christ, I

With over 10 million Muslims in America,

presented the evidence solely by using the Quran.

and 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide, my hope as

This led a Muslim attendee to respond, “Your

Muslim Ministries Coordinator for the Pacific

conclusion is very logical.” Many devout practicing

Union Conference is that we would recognize the

Muslims have attended our presentations and have

importance and relevance of continuing to reach out

even requested further study in Biblical Hebrew in

to this group of God’s children.

order to understand the Quran more efficiently.

Muslims, like Christians and Jews, often grapple with the challenge of not reading their scriptures and

Wa Salamo Aleykom Wa Rahmatollah Wa Barakato JESUS

instead relying on the expounding of written words

_____________________________

by their religious leaders (imams).

Gerald Babanezhad is director of Muslim Ministries

One consideration to keep in mind when

for the Pacific Union Conference and also serves on

ministering to the Muslim community is that

the board of advisors for the North American Division

fundamental mindsets and cultural norms

Adventist Muslim Relations.

14 Pacific Union Recorder

By Alberto Valenzuela

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A Life Beyond … the stories continue to speak about the impulse deep within humans to make things better for themselves, for those in need, and for their world.

W

hen I was a teenager, I read three books that touched my imagination and inspired me: Homer’s The Iliad; the Mayan creation story, Popol Vuh; and the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh.

Those stories resonated with me. I haven’t thought about them for a long time, but now I can see that they were compelling because their message went beyond an interesting narrative. Separated by centuries and continents, the stories continue to speak about the impulse deep within humans to make things better for themselves, for those in need, and for their world.

In Homer’s story, Helen of Troy’s abduction launches a thousand ships to come to her rescue. Even though the epic poem is mostly about war, you cannot help but marvel at the commitment of the kings Menelaus, Agamemnon, Achilles, and Odysseus to each other. They support, advise, inspire, and stand side by side. For me, it’s a story of mankind trying to fix what was wrong at that time. An injustice had been committed, and they did not hesitate to act.

Popol Vuh is a foundational creation narrative of the Mayan Indians of southern Mexico. The name could be translated as “Book of the People.”1 Among the stories that appear in the narrative, the Hero Twins join forces to bring harmony to the chaos caused by evil. They fight and succeed against Vucub-Caquix and his sons, who are the responsible for the chaos in their world. Uniquely presented with elements that are now foreign

May 2022 15

PHOTO: FRANCESCO MALAVOLTA

to us, their story reminds me of the way the Allies

forces to correct an injustice, determined to help fix

joined forces to fight Nazi Germany.

that which is wrong.

Gilgamesh, which I re-read recently, like the book

In our society we tend to associate the terms

of Genesis and to some degree Popol Vuh, is also

service and volunteering with acts of assistance

a creation story. The book contains a flood story

we provide for those who are “less fortunate.” As

as well as the story of Gilgamesh—whose name

Adventists, we often consider that this is what

translates as “the hero”—destroys the snake that

Adventist Community Services and ADRA are for.

had taken up residence in the tree that had been

As Christians, we find it throughout the Bible,

grown by Inanna for the benefit of mankind.

from Genesis to Revelation, from the institution

Three completely different stories with—for

of gleaning in Leviticus 19:10 to the organization

me—a similar motif: man fighting to correct an

of the deacons in Acts 6:1-6. The strongest

injustice or an evil act, to fix that which is wrong.

admonitions and the harshest condemnations are

The recent images on television have made me

reserved for the mistreatment of the poor, widows,

recall these totally different stories—particularly

and orphans.

the photo depicting the baby strollers left by the

The current situation in Ukraine illustrates that

Polish people at the railroad station so the Ukrainian

being in need may not be the result of being poor. In

refugee mothers would no longer have to carry their

this case, the need is the result of man’s inhumanity

toddlers (photo above). Both heartbreaking and

to man. And the ones who suffer the most are

inspiring, the photo demonstrated humanity joining

usually the women and the children. We have to

As an adult, Jesus spent His life in service. And yet He also continued to need service. Matthew 27:55 tells us of the “many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him” (NKJV).

16 Pacific Union Recorder

keep in mind that the poor are not the only ones

lessons, though often difficult, in becoming who

who need loving service. All humans need it. The

we need to be in order to make the changes that

book of Ruth shows how a well-to-do family may,

will heal our lives. Crises are portals—should we

through misfortune, fall on hard times and need

choose to step into them—to a life beyond the one

assistance in even the basics of survival. I cannot

we experience now.”2

help but wonder how many of the people fleeing for

A life beyond the one we experience now is what

refuge in Poland or elsewhere have perhaps lost a

the gospel promises—now, not just in the sweet by

fortune—everything gone in flames.

and by. The need for action is present. The call to

Even though they were kings, the writings of David and Solomon are full of references to feeling helpless and needy, longing for friendship

action is present. The person called to serve those in need is you and me.

The ancient lessons from The Iliad, Popol Vuh,

and support. (See Psalm 34:6; Proverbs 17:17;

and Gilgamesh, the current lessons from the

Ecclesiastes 4:12.) In the story of the Good

Polish people helping their Ukrainian neighbors,

Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37, Jesus makes it

the timeless lessons from the Bible—all show us

very clear who needs help: It’s your neighbor. Your

that we are surrounded by opportunities, that

neighbor needs help.

new possibilities open every day. My prayer is that

As if to remove all doubt forever, Jesus chose

these lessons will teach us to be willing to do what

to become someone who needed help. First He

we can to restore justice, to provide comfort, to

was a fragile newborn. His family served Him in a

minister to others.

thousand ways, as loving families always serve their children. As He grew, He learned to serve, too, from running errands for His mother to helping Joseph

1 Allen J. Christenson, Popol Vuh: The Sacred Book of the Maya [Oklahoma ed.] (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2007), p. 64.

2 https://marianne.com

in the carpenter’s shop. All of this is valid service. As

_____________________________

an adult, Jesus spent His life in service. And yet He

Alberto Valenzuela is the associate director of

also continued to need service. Matthew 27:55 tells

Communication and Community Engagement for the

us of the “many women who followed Jesus from

Pacific Union Conference.

ISTOCK.COM/ANASTASIIA STIAHAILO

Galilee, ministering to Him” (NKJV). Jesus wouldn’t have had food or a place to sleep if it weren’t for His friends.

Best-selling author Marianne Williamson

In this case, the need is the result of man’s inhumanity to

has written: “At times

man. And the ones who suffer

it just feels like things

the most are usually the women

are falling apart.

and the children.

Such is the situation in the world today.…

Personal and public crises, however, are opportunities for new possibilities. They are

May 2022 17

N E W S D E S K

Pacific Union Executive Committee Meets

O

n Thursday, March 17, the Executive Committee of the Pacific Union Conference convened in Westlake Village, California, for the first quarterly meeting of 2022.

The Executive Committee members come from all across the union’s geography to help develop and direct the work of the church in the Pacific Southwest. The members include lay members and employees, and the membership of the committee demonstrates the great diversity of the Adventist Church in our region.

As president of the Pacific Union Conference, Elder Bradford Newton leads this committee, which is deeply focused on both the day-to-day work and the development of long-term strategies that will impact our future.

Highlights Presidential duties President Newton reported on his day-to-day administrative duties to support and serve the 18 Pacific Union Recorder

I Newsdesk

union. From publishing editorials in the Pacific Union Recorder to chairing, vice chairing, advising, and being a member of several boards from Pacific Union College to Adventist Health, he focuses on the future of our churches, schools, ministries, and healthcare.

New faces The union welcomed new employees during the meeting: Joseph Cadiz, associate director for Souls West/Literature Ministries, and Lynal Ingham, associate director for Elementary Education.

In numbers Executive Secretary Sandy Roberts gave a statistical overview for year-end 2021. Some interesting facts presented include: • Number of churches - 806 • Number of pastors - 707 • Membership January 1 - 220,791 December 31 - 218, 863

N E W S D E S K • • • •

Baptisms and professions of faith - 3,249 Transfers into the Pacific Union - 3,488 Transfers out of the Pacific Union - 3,788 Nevada-Utah Conference had a net growth of 1.16%.

Giving back to the community Treasurer Stephen Mayer reported on the budget for the Pacific Union. One of the most exciting aspects of the presentation was the update on the Riverside property ground lease. This project is taking our underutilized land and partnering with a developer to provide 80 units of low-income housing in the city of Riverside. It has been about three years in development, with the closing of entitlements and funding just last month. Once built, 39 units will be available to help prevent homelessness and another 40 units will be available to qualified low-income individuals.

• Freshman: $95,381/134 students • Kindergarten: $218,449/761 students Finally, two special scholarships were presented: The Native American Scholarship and the Teacher Scholarship.

The daylong meeting also included presentations from Vice President Leon Brown Sr., Pacific Union College, La Sierra University, and Hispanic Ministries.

Our union and its leaders are looking to the future and working together to see how to best serve the conferences, churches, and members as they live out our mission of love, serve, lead.

Please continue to pray for our churches, schools, ministries, and institutions—and for the members of the Executive Committee as they engage in the important work of the Pacific Union. ___________________________________________

By Yara Enamorado

Making education accessible Vice President for Education Berit von Pohle presented on how the union is making education accessible and affordable to those who need it most. The Education Endowment funds various scholarships. Now that the applications are online, it has saved time and funds can be allocated quickly and efficiently.

There are five scholarships available, and 538 children were part of the $640,010 in scholarships given. The union is now working on transition scholarships. Here are the two current scholarships, along with the amounts given and number of students granted the scholarships:

Newsdesk

I May 2022

19

N E W S D E S K

Jorge Ramírez to Serve at NAD after 25 Years of Ministry in Pacific Union Conference

A

fter serving in the Pacific Union Conference for over 25 years, Jorge Ramírez, most recently executive secretary/ministerial director for the Arizona Conference, bids the West farewell once again as he heads East to accept the position of undersecretary for the North American Division (NAD).

“My heart is filled with gratitude to past Southeastern California Conference administrators, Arizona Conference officers, and Pacific Union Conference administrators for their support of my 25 years of ministry, both as a pastor and administrator,” Ramírez said. “I have been blessed with godly mentors during these years, and as I transition to the North American Division, I want to thank these leaders for shaping and influencing my ministry in so many positive ways.”

Ramírez holds a BA degree in pastoral ministry from Loma Linda University and a Master’s in Divinity from Andrews University. He began his pastoral ministry in 1985 in the Southeastern California Conference, where he served as youth pastor, associate pastor, and senior pastor of large congregations for 22 years. In October 2007, he moved to the Potomac Conference to serve as the vice president of administration. In May of 2014, he completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University in Leadership and Church Growth. In January 2019, he received an invitation from the Arizona Conference to serve as the executive secretary and ministerial director.

Ramírez and his wife, Bexy Castellón, who works as a respiratory therapist, are the proud parents of three young men: Reuben, Ryan, and Reiss. When

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not working, Ramírez enjoys jogging, traveling, and playing guitar. His greatest passion is to serve the God who has the power to restore broken relationships.

“I consider the restoration of broken relationships the greatest miracle in life,” Ramírez said.

Born and raised in a very conservative Catholic home, Ramírez first heard the Adventist message as a teenager at an evangelistic series sponsored by the La Sierra Spanish church in Riverside, California, and was baptized in 1979. His first two pastors as a new believer were inspirational to him, and they were quite influential in his decision to not just learn more about the Bible and join the Adventist church but also to choose ministry as his life’s work.

“I fell in love with the way they did ministry and how much they loved people, including me,” Ramírez reflected. “They took a special interest in me and invited me to serve the church, even as a teenager.

This is how I fell in love with God and His church.”

Early in his pastoral ministry Ramírez experienced a “baptism by fire” that, challenging as it was, served to strengthen and solidify his commitment to serving God. Some members at one of the churches where he was pastoring were dealing with demonic possession. In dealing with this situation as a pastor, Ramírez realized how very real the battle between good and evil really is. “I made a lifetime commitment with God to serve Him and His mission,” Ramírez said.

He has lived up to the commitment for over 25 years, and he looks forward to continuing to do so at the NAD. Having already lived back East

N E W S D E S K for 13 years in previous positions, Ramírez will miss his many friends and connections made in Southeastern California and Arizona but looks forward to reconnecting with his friends and mentors in Maryland, too. The Pacific Union Conference will always hold a special place in his heart and pastoral journey, because this is where it all began.

“It was here where God called me into ministry. It was here where God placed godly men and women in my path to mentor me,” he said. “I was ordained as a minister in the Pacific Union. My first sermon and baptism took place in the Pacific Union.”

“Jorge is a great guy. I have enjoyed working with him,” said Ed Keyes, president of the Arizona Conference where Ramirez served for three years.

“He’s a super organizer and a strategic planner. He’s more detail oriented, and I’m more about the big picture, so we complemented each other well in that respect. He’s a solid Seventh-day Adventist as far as his teaching, he’s ethical, and he’s humble enough to

H

lead from second chair.”

Through his work in ministry, Ramírez’s own personal walk with God has also been strengthened, allowing him to learn and grow personally and professionally. He looks forward to taking all his experience and passion for service to his new position.

“I have grown both as a Christian and as a leader with every opportunity God has given me,” he said.

“As a pastor, I learned to love people and to see their potential for mission. As an administrator, I have learned to understand what mission and vision is and to apply these leadership skills in my ministry as a conference officer. I have also learned to live by the values of integrity, excellence, service, and spiritual growth. I look forward to continuing to serve the mission of the church along with my fellow administrators in the North American Division.” ___________________________________________

By Cynthia Mendoza

Visions & Revisions

BY RONALD D. GRAYBILL

H

ave you ever thought about the way Ellen White’s books were written? Have you ever considered the enormous quantity of writing she produced?

Ellen White enlisted more than 20 literary assistants to convert her handwritten manuscripts into proper, polished prose. Then, both before and after her death, her published writings were corrected, combined, excised, expanded, revised, modernized, adapted, simplified, translated, reprinted, and reformatted.

This book is the story of how her visions underwent these revisions. It explains the editorial processes that began when she first dipped her pen in ink and put it to paper. It even describes that pen and paper.

A century after her death, Ellen White’s writings continue to generate interest and fascination, and people continue to wonder how she was able to produce so many books and articles in her lifetime.

In his latest book, Ron Graybill shows how studying her original handwritten documents illuminates her work. He also delves into the work of White’s literary assistants and how they helped to shape her publications. The online availability of most of Ellen White’s manuscripts and published writings makes such a study possible, one that is both intriguing and revealing. This is not a book disputing White’s inspiration, but one that attempts to understand the intricate process that went into the publication of her books and articles. This is a study that is long overdue and one that will generate further research and a better understanding of White’s publications.

—Denis Fortin, Professor of Historical Theology, Andrews University Available on amazon.com

Newsdesk

I May 2022

21

ABOVE: Members from both English- and Spanish-speaking congregations joined together for an evangelistic series in Douglas, Arizona. RIGHT: Pastor Jeffery Guerrero baptizes a new member into the Phoenix North Valley Spanish church.

T

Arizona Hispanic Evangelism Efforts

he Arizona Conference has designated 2022 as a “Year of Evangelism,” and the Hispanic Ministries Department has been actively engaging with its churches. Several of the churches have already held meetings in the first quarter of the year and have baptized new members.

The Phoenix Central Valley Spanish church held an evangelistic meeting that featured small groups instead of one large meeting. Six small groups were formed, and each group met on a different night with an evangelist. Church members were actively involved and participated in each of the meetings, and there were several visitors that came every night. At the conclusion

of the meetings, Pastor Adino Salazar organized a special Sabbath that included five baptisms. As a result of these meetings, four new small groups were organized that are now committed to having meetings every week in their homes.

In March, the Phoenix North Valley Spanish church held a more traditional evangelistic meeting with Pastor Bersain Alvarado as the guest speaker. At the end of the meeting, two people accepted the call of God and were baptized by Pastor Jeffery Guerrero.

Douglas, Arizona, sits on the border between Arizona and Mexico, and several groups of believers there banded together to hold an evangelistic meeting. The Douglas Spanish Company worked together with English-speaking members from other churches in the region. The guest speaker was Pastor Moises Espinoza Almazan. On March 26, two young girls, Victoria and Mariely, made their commitment to God public through baptism. ____________________

By Carolina Flores and Jeff Rogers FAR LEFT: Two young ladies in Douglas, Arizona, made their public commitment to God and got baptized on March 26. LEFT: Pastor Moises Espinoza Almaza presents a message in the small community of Douglas, Arizona.

22 Pacific Union Recorder

Arizona Conference

V

A Valentine’s Birthday

alentine’s Day is special for many who chose that day to pop the “Will you marry me?” question. It is also the birthday of television and radio evangelist Lonnie Melashenko— and this past February he decided to celebrate his 75th birthday a bit differently.

“An idea emerged a few weeks before my Valentine’s Day 75th birthday,” said Elder Melashenko. “’Hey, Jeannie!’ I said. ‘What would you think about a different birthday celebration?’”

Jeannie Melashenko excitedly agreed to focus the birthday celebration on members of their church. The last year had been difficult for many in the Clearview church in Surprise, Arizona—nearly a dozen members of the church had lost a spouse. So, instead of a birthday bash, Elder Melashenko thought it would be a better gesture to show love to those in their church who had lost their spouses over the past year.

“These grieving valentines did not have their valentines with them for the first time this year,” said Melashenko. “So, I told my wife, ‘Why don’t we take them out to a nice Italian restaurant, get a huge cake, some ice cream, and get a special gift for each one?’”

The Melashenkos set out to plan the luncheon to be

“A few ladies had just lost their spouse a few weeks prior to Valentine’s Day and were deeply grieving.” held at a local restaurant—each person would order their favorite pasta and then they would be presented with valentine cards, a Melashenko musical CD, a bookmark, and a decorated cake. As the participants arrived at the restaurant, they were greeted at the door

by Robert and Linda Carr, who provided each with a floral bouquet of red roses and white baby’s breath tied with a ribbon lined with hearts.

“A few ladies had just lost their spouse a few weeks prior to Valentine’s Day and were deeply grieving,” remembered Melashenko.

Although retired, the Melashenkos keep a busy schedule packed with church events and preaching engagements all over the United States. They also recognize the Lord’s admonition to minister to widows, orphans, and the disenfranchised, which during this time of the pandemic was received as a generous act of God’s love.

One of the attendees said, “Having friends like these is a direct expression of God showing me His warmth and love.”

Another attendee said she felt so strongly the love shown to her at the luncheon.

“It was a win-win for everyone,” said Melashenko.

“Jeannie and I were moved to tears of joy to celebrate with these dear friends. The ladies and one gentleman couldn’t say enough about how much it meant to them.”

The luncheon serves as a reminder that sharing love to those who are grieving can be as simple as a hug, a greeting card, or a flower to let them know that they are not forgotten or alone. ____________________

By Robert Carr and Jeff Rogers

Arizona Conference

May 2022 23

Reflecting Christ. Transforming Communities.

Arise and Go Training Seminars During the months of February and March, Arise and Go training seminars in evangelism were held in each of the eight areas throughout the Central California Conference (CCC). Dan Serns, CCC president, explained that the purpose was to train lay leaders to be soul winners and witnesses for Jesus. For that reason, conference ministry directors provided training for children, youth, young adults, community service, Sam Smith (right), pastor of literature distribution, family worship, Watsonville church, introduced Jose Ambriz (front center) and prayer, church planting, and small his conversion story to CCC groups. Members were encouraged to President Dan Serns (front left). creatively share Jesus with someone every day during the “40 Days of Sharing Jesus” from March 1 to April 9—with the hope that it will become a habit. The culmination took place on April 30 with the “Fill Every Baptistry Sabbath.”

In February’s Recorder, there was a report on the most recent “Fill Every Baptistry Sabbath” in December of 2021. We mentioned in that story that two people had responded to a call at the Watsonville church. One was “a young man just released from prison who had studied the Bible with another Dan Serns, CCC president, invited members to share Jesus inmate. He was so excited to be at church so he could respond to the appeal.”

Here’s some of the rest of the story: Jose Ambriz had just been released at the Arise & Go Training for Area 4 at the Arroyo Grande from prison on Friday at 10 p.m. Being tired, he almost did not honor his church on Feb. 5, 2022. commitment to go to church the next morning; however, he managed to arrive at the Watsonville church just before the sermon on that special Sabbath in December.

Fortunately, the baptistry was full so he could be baptized. Ambriz is now part of the “Let’s Preach” initiative, with his very first evangelistic series from April 23 to 30—and it will end with another special Sabbath when the baptistry will again be full. Will that be the end of the

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Central California Conference

Arise & Go training seminars: TOP LEFT: Lisa Plasencia, CCC children’s ministry director, shares ideas at the Arroyo Grande church on Feb. 5. TOP RIGHT: Ricardo Viloria, CCC ministerial and church planting director, encourages members to think about opening up new churches at the Monterey Bay Academy church on Mar. 29. BOTTOM LEFT: Joyce Mulligan (in red coat), CCC prayer ministry coordinator, leads a group interested in prayer ministry at the Bakersfield Central church on Feb. 19. BOTTOM RIGHT: The leaders of the various seminars explain their group training presentations at the San Francisco Central church on Mar. 12. several means, one of them being through the issuance of necessary documentation.

The church members believed their injunction came from Scriptures: “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the Missionary Outreach in Taft stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, Although the city of Taft is mostly known for its oil and you shall love him as yourself” (Leviticus 19:33-34, production, it is surrounded by fertile lands that are part ESV). And Ellen White wrote, “When you meet suffering of the most productive agricultural region in the world. souls who need help, give it to them.… In doing this The U.S. food system has long been dependent on the you will be working in lines of Christ’s ministry” (Welfare influx of an ever-changing group of workers in the farm Ministry, p. 29). labor market.

The Taft church and the North American Public Members of the Taft church realized that they had Affairs and Religious Liberty Association (PARL)-West an important missionary opportunity. Without having to considered this a call to serve. It go to a foreign country, they could all started when Daniel Rodela, help many of the local agricultural an elder at the Taft church and workers who were performing some board member of both PARLof the most arduous farm labor West and the Conscience and tasks. Many of the workers come Justice Council, and Valentin from the San Pablo Tijaltepec region Bautista Silva, president of of Mexico. Beyond their need for the Taft San Pablo Tijaltepec basic necessities, the farmworkers Indigenous Federation, also need the help of the Mexican contacted Mexican Consulate government’s consular service, which Community workers waiting in line to Chief Adriana Gonzalez Carrillo. is located in Fresno. The consulate's meet with the Mexican Consul on the They requested support and role is to advance the welfare and first day of the Taft church’s outreach described the need for mobile protection of its citizens globally via from March 14 to 17, 2022. story? Not likely—more miracles are sure to result in the coming months as blessings are poured out in the lives of those who respond to God’s call.

Central California Conference

May 2022 25

TOP LEFT: David Orozco, church elder at the Taft church, welcomed and thanked the leadership of the Taft San Pablo Tijaltepec Federation on March 19, 2022. MIDDLE: Valentin Silva (left), president of the Taft San Pablo Tijaltepec Federation; Daniel Rodela (center), church elder and PARL-West board member; and Linda Carrasco (right), from the Mexican Consul of Documentation. RIGHT: Linda Carrasco (far left in back) from the Mexican Consul of Documentation and the Tijaltepec women leadership at the Taft church’s outreach to farmworkers. consular services in Taft. The Mexican Consulate agreed to visit three times during this year.

In most venues, the mobile consulate initiative will serve about 70 people daily. However, from March 14 to 17 at the Taft church, 317 people were helped, with about 80 people served daily, exceeding the consulate's expectations. "My team is committed to serving the people," said Consul of Documentation Linda Carrasco.

"People in Taft are very kind and respectful. Taft is in our hearts, and we look forward to coming back again soon."

The Taft San Pablo Tijaltepec Indigenous Federation leadership team was also grateful to the church for hosting the event. Over 20 members of its board of directors attended the worship service at the end of the initiative. "We are thankful for the support of the community,” said Silva. "We look forward to attending and collaborating with the church on other impactful projects."

The Mexican Consulate is eager to participate with other churches in the Central California Conference and for opportunities to partner with PARL directors. It is certainly a way to identify and cultivate relationships with leaders and community members. As the Taft church can also testify, it is an outreach that will bring Christ to people’s hearts and life to the church. For more information, you may contact Daniel Rodela at drodela@ churchstate.org.

Welcome to CCC’s Communication Director It is with great pleasure that CCC introduces its new communication director: Pastor Benjie Maxson is now on board to share how God blesses His amazing people!

The CCC seeks to serve by providing Christlike

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Central California Conference

leadership, support, and resources for its churches, schools, and ministries so that relationships and trust will be strengthened. In order to be effective, the conference’s purpose and vision need to be communicated. The communication department and its director are essential in supporting the conference by managing, directing, and coordinating the internal and external communication through a variety of platforms and projects.

Maxson now has a vital role to fill with an assortment of duties and responsibilities—all meant to inform and inspire us to share the gospel. It took him a little while to decide whether or not to accept the assignment— especially because it meant leaving his pastoral position.

However, there is no doubt that he was called by God to serve at this particular time. The conference is embarking on some new initiatives with its emphasis on “Arise and Go,” and it needs his many technological and design proficiencies, as well as his social media skills and abilities.

As he begins his new role, Maxson stated, “I will want to know how I can become more of a help to our churches, schools, and ministries. I will be Benjie Maxson, CCC reaching out to see how Communication Director we all can more effectively and efficiently communicate and what resources we can share from the conference to help with local initiatives and direction.”

Maxson comes with a background in both pastoral and educational ministry. He served as a youth pastor in West Virginia and was ordained in 2009 while serving as the youth director of the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Most recently, he served since 2017 as the senior pastor of the Modesto Central church. Believing in involvement with the community and the church at large, he has been the chaplain for the Stanislaus County sheriff’s office for the last three years, and he also now serves as a member of the Executive Committees for CCC, Pacific Union, and North American Division. He is also on the latter’s pastoral advisory committee. Many CCC members will know him from his present role as the administrative director of Soquel camp meeting, a position he has held for several years.

Maxson has also held many positions in Adventist education. Graduating from Southern Adventist University in 2001 with a major in health/physical education and a minor in religion, Maxson received his Master of Theological Studies degree from La Sierra University in 2020. He has served in four senior academies—in Washington, Maryland, and Colorado— as Bible teacher, dean, chaplain, recruiter, and viceprincipal, and he was principal of Central Valley Christian Academy in the CCC from 2014 to 2017. As a pastor, he

kept his ties to education by serving as the chaplain for the CCC education department.

Maxson is joined in his ministry by his wife, Kartini, who is a registered nurse, and his son, Benjamin, who is currently studying biology education at Southern Adventist University.

Commenting on this new assignment, CCC President Dan Serns said, “God is doing amazing things across Central California, and all of us need to hear the stories.

We welcome Benjie Maxson, a top-notch communicator, as our new communication director to keep us saying Praise the Lord and Hallelujah! We're so thankful for his ability to mobilize and motivate writers, social media influencers, and all communicators in the mission of telling our stories as we take the Adventist message to all of the Central California Conference and to the world in this generation.”

Please pray that Maxson will help keep us focused on doing as Scripture would tell us, “Through Christ, let’s bring to God a continual sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Let’s confess with our lips the reality of what Christ has done and praise His holy name” (Hebrews 13:15, CW). ____________________

By Deloris Trujillo

IMPORTANT NOTICE AS WE WENT TO PRESS Soquel at Soquel is canceled but will be “on the road" during the summer. Check cccadventist.org/ camp-meeting for information.

Central California Conference

May 2022 27

Hawaii Conference Pathfinders Embrace a New Challenge

W

hen people are learning about Pathfinders, often the kinds of activities that get highlighted are the ones that take place outdoors or the ones that build physical skills. It can be easy to overlook one of Pathfinders’ fundamental aims: the spiritual development and discipleship of young people. It was this goal that the Hawaii Conference Pathfinder leadership had in mind when they decided to incorporate a new event into the annual Pathfinder program—the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE).

While PBE has been around for many years, five Pathfinder clubs—Honolulu Central, Honolulu Japanese, Waipahu, Waimanalo, and Kapolei Samoa Tonga— made history on Sunday, February 6, when they took part in the Hawaii Conference’s first-ever Pathfinder Bible Experience! The event took place at the Honolulu Central church, and church lay members, conference employees, and local pastors volunteered to serve as event judges and MCs. PBE is arguably one of the hardest challenges a Pathfinder club can engage in. First, Pathfinders from clubs across the conference form teams of two to six members that prepare for PBE by studying and

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Hawaii Conference

memorizing pre-selected books of the Bible. Ruth and 1 Kings are the books assigned for 2022. On the day of the event, these PBE teams convene, and their knowledge of the Scriptures is tested via 90 questions.

At the end of the event, PBE teams are awarded first, second, or third place based on how many questions they answered correctly. The highest-ranking teams are allowed to advance to PBE testing at the union and division levels.

Each team hoped to achieve a first-place standing; however, the success of the event wasn’t gauged by how many points each team earned. At the beginning of the event, Pastor Jaime Vargas, the Hawaii Conference Pathfinder director, made it clear that each team’s success had already been secured by the fact that they were present to make history and challenge themselves in new ways. The goal of future PBE events in Hawaii will never be that Pathfinder teams simply make it to first place but rather that Pathfinders allow God’s Word to have first place in their hearts and minds. And this the Hawaii Conference will seek to do, one PBE at a time. ____________________

By Jaime Vargas

I

Technology in the Church

am a youth pastor intern at the Kaneohe church, located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Because I grew up with technology, I have gravitated toward bringing it into my life and ministry. The ways the gospel can be shared now are innumerable. But where do we start? Can a small local church be capable of these things, or is it only possible for mega churches? How does a church get to the point where members are being reached six times a week instead of one—and where messages can be enjoyed from homes, hospitals, nursing homes, or even overseas?

When I landed in Hawaii, those were some of the questions I asked myself. My passion was grounded in media and what it can do for the church—but where do I fit into that equation? Do I simply throw all this new technology at the church and its already set routine and hope it sticks? How do I help without overreaching or giving the impression that the media team needs an update on terms and resources? As I answer these questions and find out what works and what doesn’t, I invite you to join me so that you too can see what media and the church can look like.

When I arrived at the church, I was happy to see that the media team was doing well already. The church had a streaming service, a few cameras, quality microphones, and even some online presence. Great!

I thought to myself, how hard could this be? Spoiler alert—it was going to be quite the challenge. While the idea of simply hopping on a streaming site like YouTube or Facebook and uploading sermons is good, the process doesn’t end there. This is a new generation I am trying to reach through media, but we can’t forget the other members of the church. What about those who aren’t ready for that change yet or who need guidance so that they can enjoy it too?

The church I am working at has a great online presence, but it’s almost too much (at least for now). I began talking to the pastor and the elders of the church and found out that there were multiple social media accounts under the church’s name. And that there could possibly be a

YouTube channel, but no one can remember who has the password. Let’s just say we needed a fresh start.

My first step in building the online presence was to create a YouTube channel. This is a simple step that helps members and guests listen and enjoy the worship service without leaving home. Here are some steps to get started.

1. Sign into your Google account. (Having a Google account doesn’t automatically give you a YouTube channel, but it sure does help!)

2. Head to your YouTube Settings (whether that’s the mobile or desktop site).

3. Hit the “ Create Channel” button and get creative!

From here on out, simply follow the instructions to give yourself a name and photos so that others will recognize who you are.

Now that wasn’t so hard, was it? Well, that was just the beginning, but the good news is that if your church is currently meeting every Sabbath, you already have content. We can talk about different levels of content later, but for now just begin to record your Sabbath worship services online and upload them onto your YouTube channel.

As I began to do this with the “Kaneohe SDA Church” YouTube channel, I realized that this first step in putting our church online means so much to others—especially while we are still trying to figure out the pandemic and the variants that keep arising. This also gives listeners a way to listen to the message again whenever they like.

I’m happy to bring you along on this journey of media ministry in the church, and I hope you can take away some useful ideas. ____________________

By Miguel Manzo

Hawaii Conference

May 2022 29

Last Ride

T

hanks to the vision of a faithful employee and his wife, the Equestrian Facilitated Learning program has helped Holbrook Indian School (HIS) students heal since its start in 2010. The rehabilitative program has blessed so many Native American students over the past decade. Program founder Fred Bruce is retiring when this school semester closes, so this will be his last year leading the horse program.

Fred was initially called to HIS to teach industrial arts. However, his passion and background with horses over the years would prove to be an additional asset in launching a program that would become a pillar of Holbrook Indian School’s mission to Native American youth.

With experience in auto mechanics and welding, Fred accepted the position of industrial arts teacher at HIS. With his wife Pam, Fred prepared to move to Arizona to accept his new role, but he had ideas about doing even more. “I told them that if I came, I would be interested in starting a horsemanship program,” he said. Soon after his arrival at HIS, Fred’s proposal to the school board was approved. The rest is history.

The next few years would involve building this program from the ground up, including finding all the necessary funding. Thankfully, wherever there is a noble vision to do God’s work, He supplies the need through the agent of His people. The church that Fred had attended in Chatsworth, Georgia, came to HIS on a mission trip

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Holbrook Indian School

and helped to build stalls and get things rolling. They also raised some money at their Vacation Bible School and provided materials.

Fred was able to utilize the industrial Fred leads HIS students on one last ride during the Pony Express Parade in Holbrook, Ariz. arts program to supplement the building of the horse program. “We came, he read at a first-grade level, but he really liked had our construction class for industrial arts that year, the vocational classes. He took them all four of his years and in that class the students helped build the horse here. Now he does maintenance for a long-term care arena,” he said. “The welding class built the metal facility in Flagstaff.” gates for the arena, and they also made the top doors Besides teaching auto mechanics, woodworking, for the horse stalls.” welding, construction, horsemanship, and maintaining Pam Bruce’s the school’s vehicles, Fred also took time on weekends role at HIS was just to give students rides in the arena or off campus. Pam as instrumental. continued to volunteer at the school after retirement.

As the art teacher, The legacy of Fred and Pam will last beyond their time she helped at HIS. They will be missed by the students and staff. students master ____________________ the indigenous art

By Chevon Petgrave of pottery design beginning in 2012 Holbrook Indian School is grateful to have found another until her retirement dedicated individual to fill Fred's role in the industrial in 2014. For HIS alum Jerena Hunter, art played a arts program. As of this writing, HIS is still seeking big part in her personal growth at HIS. She started someone to continue helping students heal through the attending when there were no visual or graphic arts horsemanship program. If you or someone you know classes. It was during Jerena’s time there that Pam are mission-minded and would like to serve Native initiated the visual arts classes.

American children, please see or share our jobs page at “We didn't have a lot of art supplies,” Pam said.

HolbrookIndianSchool.org/jobs.

“There were no art supplies other than pottery available to the students.” When Jerena came to register for classes the following year, she noticed a new drawing Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfthclass and art supplies. It was a turning point for her. grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union “Jerena likes to draw,” Pam said. “It helps her express Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. HIS also manages a first- through eighth-grade day school on the and process her feelings by doing art.”

Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty-seven percent As teachers at Holbrook Indian School, Fred and Pam of funding comes from individuals who have a desire to have seen firsthand the challenges that many of our support Native American ministries and Christian education. students carry with them. They have also seen many Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our students grow through the horsemanship, students, their families, and the communities they serve. industrial arts, and fine arts programs Thank you for your support. during their time at HIS. When asked if there were any students that stood out DEVELOPMENT to him as showing noted growth and DEPARTMENT progress, Fred said that several came P.O. Box 910 • Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 to mind.

(928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) • Development@hissda.org “To mention one for HolbrookIndianSchool.org industrial arts,” Fred said, “when Troy Dale first

Holbrook Indian School

May 2022 31

To read more, go to lasierra.edu/news

C

Current and Former La Sierra Faculty Receive Prestigious Wenigers

olloquially referred to as the Adventist Oscars, the Weiniger awards ceremony in late February measured up to expectations when it honored a musician, three educators, and a bioethicist for notable achievements and contributions.

The Charles Elliott Weniger Society for Excellence 47th Annual Awards presented medallions to five individuals and recognized 13 student scholarship recipients during its annual meeting at the Loma Linda University church on Feb. 19. Medallion awardees included three current and former faculty members from La Sierra University’s music department, School of Education, and H.M.S. Richards Divinity School: violinist and former music professor Lyndon Johnston Taylor; former education school division chair and author Gilbert M. Valentine; and current New Testament studies professor, author, and pastor Kendra Haloviak Valentine.

La Sierra University Master of Divinity student Christian Botello was among the evening’s 13 scholarship awardees.

Taylor serves as principal second violin for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is a teaching artist in

residence at Occidental College in Los Angeles. He held faculty positions at La Sierra between 1991 and 2004.

Taylor noted renowned Seventh-day Adventist conductor Herbert Blomstedt as “a hero and mentor.

A musician as I see it, is a medium for a message from God,” Taylor said.

New Zealand native Gilbert Valentine is an author, historian, pastor, educator, and administrator with six books and nearly 80 articles and book chapters to his credit. Much of his work sheds light on the lives, philosophies, and impact of Adventist pioneers. A seventh book has just been released by Oak and Acorn Publishing.

“The task of historical inquiry is to seek a comprehensive, well-informed understanding of people in faith, their decisions in their own time and place,” Valentine said.

Weniger executive committee president Richard Osborn and his son Trevan Osborn presented the society’s medallion to Haloviak Valentine. The elder Osborn—Haloviak Valentine’s former academy principal—provided insights into her background and faith journey. Trevan Osborn described Haloviak Valentine’s impact as his teacher nurturing the intellects and faith development of her students.

Haloviak Valentine presented the evening’s Clinton Emmerson Annual Address titled “The Irony of Orthodoxy,” in which she delved into Weniger’s perspectives of the Bible as literature, illustrated through insights into the story of Job. “As we navigate our way through the crosscurrents of the numerous theological debates, understanding the Bible as literature—sacred, inspiring, authoritative literature— will help us avoid shipwreck,” she said. “What new thing is God doing in Weniger Society awardees, left to right, Lyndon Johnston Taylor, our time?”

Gilbert Valentine, and Kendra Haloviak Valentine; Weniger Society ____________________ executive committee member and La Sierra University president

By Darla Martin Tucker emeritus Larry Geraty.

32 Pacific Union Recorder

La Sierra University

PHOTOS: FLOYD HAYES

To learn more, visit puc.edu.

I

PUC Students Serve in Kenya for Spring Break

f you ask Pacific Union College students about their spring break, 22 of them will have an outstanding answer for you! The students dedicated their break to serving with love by joining Professor Floyd Hayes on a service mission trip to the country of Kenya in Africa.

“Our mission trip to Kenya was unforgettable and eyeopening,” said student Drielly Martins.

One objective for the PUC students was to resume an ongoing building project at the Kensington Hall Oloosinon Girls Secondary School, which serves Maasai girls in a rural area of Kenya. Students from a 2019 PUC service mission trip began the project with the construction of a foundation for the school’s administration building.

Safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted plans to return to the country for three years, except for one limited trip, so Hayes and the students were excited to resume the project. This year, they assisted with the construction of a new building by digging trenches and pouring concrete.

In addition, Hayes and the PUC students were able to address some of the school’s technology needs. Before the trip, the group acquired 18 laptop computers that they delivered to the school during their visit, and PUC students helped set up a computer lab and assisted in the training of school faculty.

One of the highlights of the trip came while some of the group, including physician John Hiss and RN Rita Hiss, volunteered at a local healthcare clinic. They helped deliver five babies, and two of those babies were named in honor of members of the volunteer team: Nicolette for

PUC nursing professor Nicolette Piaubert and Christie for one of the PUC nursing students!

There was a strong spiritual side to the trip as well as students led Vacation Bible School classes for local children. As a special blessing at the end of the 10-day visit, Pastor Vuong Tran baptized 13 of the 75 children who attended the VBS. “Teaching the children the various parables of Jesus made me reflect on my own understanding of what it means to live like Christ,” said Martins.

This was the 11th international service mission trip organized by Hayes, a professor of biology at PUC, and his specialty was not forgotten amid all the life-changing activities of the trip. Twelve of Hayes’ Tropical Biology course students were able to explore the Kenyan biology, and everyone enjoyed two days of safari, observing local animals and birds.

“Our students realized more than ever how fortunate they were to be obtaining a Christian education at Pacific Union College,” said Hayes. “This opportunity gave them a chance to experience firsthand the joy of serving others by assisting with development in a rural community in Kenya. In addition to the personal joy and blessings received, these trips make students more sensitive to the needs of others and more willing to commit time and energy for service. We are very proud of our students and inspired by their willingness to serve others instead of pursuing more self-centered interests during spring break.” ____________________

By Ashley Eisele

Pacific Union College

May 2022 33

LLU Cancer Center Launches New Division of Transplant and Cell Therapy Division offers accessible care and continuity with state-of-the-art curative therapies.

L

oma Linda University Cancer Center has formed a new Division of Transplant and Cellular Therapy (TCT) to enhance blood and marrow transplantation and offer novel treatment possibilities, making these options now accessible to patients in the region.

The TCT division will unite pediatric and adult services, providing patients from all walks of life with precise, individualized transplant and therapeutic options, including immune effector, cell and gene therapies, and graft engineering.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to enable a continuum of care for pediatric and adult patients and extend the latest, state-of-the-art transplant, immune effector cell, and gene therapy to patients in the Inland Empire and beyond,” said Hisham Abdel-Azim, MD, MS, division head of Transplant and Cell Therapy and professor of Pediatrics, Medicine and Basic Sciences.

Bone marrow transplants, including engineered grafts, along with cell and gene therapy options, will primarily help people diagnosed with cancer, AbdelAzim said. Additionally, he says people diagnosed with non-malignant genetic conditions will also be able to benefit from the TCT division’s services.

“The division will combine clinical services with translational research to continue providing excellent service to patients and lead development of new cellbased therapy treatments like gene therapy and immune effector cell therapies, including CAR-T cell therapy, for advanced malignancies,” Abdel-Azim said.

Abdel-Azim said these transplant and cellular therapy services tend to require shared expertise to address similar aspects of their care, including side effect profiles, product processing, and treatment administration.

So, housing the services under a single division allows experts from various specialties to coordinate efforts and exchange information seamlessly.

“As a major academic medical center teaming with multi-disciplinary expertise in various specialties, Loma

Linda University Health has the depth and breadth of knowledge to ensure safe delivery of the specialized services offered by the TCT division,” Abdel-Azim said.

The consolidation of adult and pediatric services will enable TCT to provide care across different age groups as well as provide an optimal environment to translate bench research into clinical trials. Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) and long-term survivorship patients will particularly benefit from the continuity of expertise across age categories.

“Depending on a patient's circumstances, some things can be managed better from an adult approach and other times from a pediatric approach. So it's not one size fits all,” and the Cancer Center modeled its TCT division after this philosophy, Abdel-Azim said.

Before the TCT division, Abdel-Azim said Inland Empire residents would need to travel long distances east or west to obtain this caliber and combination of services. The Cancer Center’s TCT division is the only care center from Las Vegas to Los Angeles to provide such comprehensive TCT patient care.

To learn more about all of the resources offered to cancer patients at the center, visit https:// lluh.org/cancer-center.

See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories ____________________

By Lisa Aubry from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu.

34 Pacific Union Recorder

Loma Linda University Health

Adventist Health Facilitates Donation of Medical Supplies for Ukraine

M

edical supplies and medications were airlifted to Ukraine the first week of April through a collaboration between Adventist Health and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

Supplies were donated by Adventist Health medical supply partners and made possible in part by private donors. The Adventist Health Supply Chain and Global Mission departments managed the logistics of the donations in California. Supplies will be distributed to eight hospitals in Ukraine through channels maintained

by ADRA. “In March, we received an urgent request from the Ministry of Health in Ukraine through ADRA for needed supplies,” said John Schroer, Global Mission System Lead for Adventist Health. “The request noted that surgeons in Ukraine are particularly in need of supplies to treat combat wounds and civilian injuries at local hospitals.”

While many supply chain channels into Ukraine have been cut off because of the war, logistics are in place through ADRA to route the supplies where they are most needed. The ADRA Ukraine team has remained in their country to coordinate this work as the fighting continues.

“These are desperate times for the people of Ukraine,” said Schroer. “There is no greater opportunity to live God’s love and provide health, wholeness, and hope in a community than at a time of great despair.”

Schroer organized the collection of supplies and the airlift process. Supplies were put on pallets and

The ADRA Ukraine team has remained in their country to coordinate distribution of supplies as the fighting continues.

Supplies were held at Adventist Health Simi Valley while shipping logistics were organized. The effort involved contributions from various Simi Valley teams, including supply chain, purchasing, facilities management, and communication. prepared for the flight at Adventist Health Simi Valley in California. On March 29, a group of associates from Simi Valley gathered to pray for those affected by the war in Ukraine and for safe delivery of the supplies.

“We’re so thankful for our supply chain leader, Justin Freed, and for the leaders and associates at Adventist Health Simi Valley who were instrumental in getting the supplies ready to send,” said Schroer. “This effort took the contributions of many individuals coming together as a team. It was rewarding to see the collaboration happen in so many different areas.”

Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as ADRA and other partners, Adventist Health works to strengthen health systems, provide sustainable healthcare solutions, and bring hope and healing to a hurting world. The Adventist Health Global Mission department draws together resources from inside and outside the organization for both long- and short-term projects in response to disasters and other specific needs. The driving force is often a desire among Adventist Health employees to do something to help.

“Jesus helped people in very practical ways. His example is our inspiration. We do this work because providing health, wholeness, and hope like He did is at the heart of the mission and purpose of Adventist Health,” said Schroer.

To learn more about the work of Adventist Health, visit adventisthealth.org/story. ____________________

By Kim Strobel

Adventist Health

May 2022 35

TOP LEFT: NUC President Carlos Camacho and NUC Youth Director Rudy Alvir were able to speak several times during the weekend. TOP MIDDLE: Pastor Neat Randriamialison, pastor of the Sparks church, demonstrates his passion for youth ministry in his talk. TOP RIGHT: Friday night music is just the beginning of an event filled with singing, testimonies, and prayer. BOTTOM RIGHT: Young people from across the conference respond to an altar call after a weekend filled with inspiration and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Where Two or Three are Gathered

H

“

ere I Am” was the theme of the Youth and Young Adult Retreat hosted by the Sparks and Riverview churches. In addition to the young people from the Salt Lake City area, Las Vegas area, and Reno area, the Holy Spirit showed up in a big way.

Because the Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) is the largest, geographically, in the Pacific Union, it has been a challenge to create events that everyone is able to attend. After a lot of planning and even more prayer, Delberth Castillo and Neat Randriamialison, both from the Reno area; Kevin Barrientos, from Provo; and Lorraine Descutido, from Las Vegas, worked together to plan and organize a beautiful weekend filled with testimonies, Bible studies, and music. With only two exceptions, the presenters and music leaders were youth and young adults from around the conference.

The two exceptions were NUC President Carlos Camacho and one of the newest additions to the conference, Children, Family, and Youth Director Rudy Alvir. Both pastors spoke several times throughout the weekend, and each time their passion for God and love for His family was clear. “My experience at this event was a blessing,” Alvir said. “I was most impressed with the Spirit manifested by the young people that attended. They just had a different attitude that I have not seen often. They were there to bless and be

36 Pacific Union Recorder

Nevada-Utah Conference

blessed. They were all very friendly and approachable; we made new friends. The testimonies on Saturday afternoon were very powerful!”

For Sabbath School, questions submitted anonymously by attendees were answered by a panel of pastors. Although the panel only had time for a handful of the submissions, the questions started some very open and honest discussions.

Sabbath afternoon’s breakout sessions were focused on practical application. Titled “How to Study Your Bible,” “Living in Ministry,” and “How to Study Daniel and Revelation,” each of the sessions was packed, and all the attendees came away with a better understanding of how to make Bible study and the Christian walk a part of their daily lives.

Pastor Camacho expressed his delight with the outcome of the weekend. “Even though the weekend was targeted for the youth and young adult age range, it was attended by elementary through retirees, with every person coming away blessed. I was especially impressed with the personal testimonies of the young adults. They made themselves very vulnerable and were a great encouragement to the listeners. I am proud of our young people as I see God working through them, and I look forward to more events like this!” ____________________

By Moriah Ward

I

Nevada-Utah Conference Holds Women’s Retreat

n a continuing effort to bring more unity in fellowship for the members of the Nevada-Utah Conference, NUC Women’s Ministry Coordinator Melody Darrow and Hispanic Women’s Ministry Coordinator Veronica Zuniga worked together to plan a joint retreat. Instead of a separate retreat for the Hispanic women, all the women of the NUC were invited to join together at the Renaissance Hotel in Reno for a weekend of camaraderie and spiritual growth. NUC President Carlos Camacho attended the weekend as translator and gave his thoughts: “We experimented by bringing both the Spanish- and English-speaking women together, and it was a huge blessing to everyone. They want to do it again. We will continue to strive to become one in Jesus!”

For the past two years, women have tried to carry out their obligations with heads held high. On top of the typical responsibilities of career, family, and church, the additional challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have left many Christian women overwhelmed and exhausted. For some, these duties have skewed schedules, leaving little time for more than a quick prayer for help from above and often allowing feelings of selfdoubt and unworthiness to creep in.

“You Are Enough” was the theme for the event, with the guest speakers doing a wonderful job of presenting an irresistible Jesus. Yaqueline Tello shared, “My passion is to support those human beings who are interested in learning to live with happiness and in peace. My biggest dream is to meet Christ face to face.” Her presentations on the mechanics and physiology of the mind were fascinating.

“Sister Tello’s talks focused on a subject that is often seen as taboo—mental health,” Brissa NUC President Carlos Camacho Castillo served as translator for the reported. women’s retreat, joined here by “Sharing NUC Treasurer Karen Schneider how God (middle) and NUC Women’s Ministry created us to Coordinator Melody Darrow (right).

Women from several of the NUC Hispanic churches sport the event soccer shirts, with the theme in Spanish on the front and English on the back. be enough for His love despite our insecurities, trauma, and sinful nature; making the familiar Bible stories more applicable to today; encouraging us to take mental health breaks, spend time with our Creator, and seek help, if needed, to overcome difficulties in our lives that have impacted us or others in a negative way.”

Tamyra Horst’s book Enough: Discovering a God Who is Enough When You’re Not was the springboard for the theme of the weekend. Her presentations had a new and refreshing way of bringing to life the stories of the Bible and demonstrating how to pull lessons from the Word to live by today. For example, “When we compare and compete, we can’t care and connect,” and “What is needed: time with Jesus; time to pray; and time to gather with our sisters.” Horst’s desire is to “encourage, equip, and challenge people to grow deeply and serve uniquely.”

The message of God’s love for us being enough came through loud and clear. When asked about their thoughts on the weekend, Veronica Zuniga said, “I loved to see the joy of all participants that comes with the joy of the Lord.” And Mara Verduzco shared, “It was a pure blessing, and on point. Sometimes in church we do things for the wrong reason—today we learned about true service.”

That true service is a result of recognizing one’s value as a princess, a precious child of God—the God that will never leave us nor forsake us. ____________________

By Michelle Ward

Nevada-Utah Conference

May 2022 37

Inspirational ISTOCK.COM/BY-STUDIO

Women

O

vercoming various life challenges, the following three women engage their calling to ministry and connect people to an abundant life with Jesus in their own unique way. They remind us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

A dream fulfilled Kayla Chavez, an 18-year-old, has been a member of the Grass Valley church her entire life.

She attributes her spiritual growth and relationship with God to her amazing church family. “I love them so much!” Chavez declared.

Early on, she was diagnosed with a blood disorder. “It affects my energy, immunity, and, especially, blood clotting factors,” Chavez explained. “With this being a factor, I often cannot be in large crowds or in close contact with others.”

But Chavez still felt called to serve. “I began to pray that God might show me a way to use the talents I've been given for Him and in a manner that would not risk my health,” she said. Her passion is digital outreach and technological evangelism through graphic design and writing. “The goal of my writing and work is to always point to God’s true character and

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Northern California Conference

make others think just how precious they are to their heavenly Father.”

Chavez continued, “Two days after that prayer, I received a call from Pastor Richards asking me to be the new editor for the Valley Views—the newsletter for the Grass Valley church! God listens and answers prayer in ways that we would never see coming! I am so excited, humbled, and grateful to be a part of such a ministry!”

"Kayla is a very talented senior in high school with the sweetest, kindest heart,” said Jeff Richards, pastor at Grass Valley church. “It was clear to me that her passion is to write and organize our communications for the furthering of God’s work.”

Not only is she the editor for the local church's newsletter, she is also a new contributing writer for the Northern California Conference. “We are very excited to have such a passionate, talented, and committed young person on our team!” said Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development. “She will bring a unique perspective that is necessary to effectively communicate how God is working in our conference.”

Chavez confirmed, “My dream is to serve God in the Northern California Conference, and again God answered my prayer!”

Modern-day Deborah Honorable Judge Allison Williams, a church member in the Northern California Conference, made the history books! In November 2021, as one of the two appointed judges to the Sacramento County Superior Court, she became the first public defender in Sacramento County to rise to this level of leadership in the last 30 years.

“I was propelled to serve people and give back to

my community when I started practicing 16 years ago,” said Williams. “I believe God bestowed upon me special gifts and blessed my work; I was a successful public defender. In 2020, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that I was too comfortable, and that I needed to give more,” Williams continued. “I looked around my community and saw the distress and distrust of the justice system, and I felt God telling me that I needed to be more and to serve my community in a different way.”

From the time Williams applied for the position in 2020 to her appointment in January 2022, the Holy Spirit removed many obstacles, making her journey full of miracles. For instance, during the process, the State Judicial Nomination Evaluators mailed about 1,000 evaluations to almost everyone with whom Williams had come into contact during her career. When these evaluations came back, the appointee secretary asked her to come in for another interview. However, there was no need to worry because God had it all worked out in advance. "Out of all the returned evaluations, there was not one negative comment. Not one!”

Williams said. “This reaffirmed that God wanted me on this leadership path."

The Honorable Judge Williams’ call to ministry and her ability to engage the community is unique. She has the opportunities to reveal God’s character. “When presiding over cases, I can show compassion, patience, and understanding. Equality, equity, and justice are values that are synonymous with our American system of jurisprudence and with my Christian faith,” Williams explained. “Never did I think my life would lead to where I am at today. I never had plans to be a leader like this—a Black woman serving the community as a judge.

But then the Holy Spirit reminded me of something that Ellen White wrote: ‘Every human being, created in the image of God, is endowed with a power akin to that of the Creator—individuality, power to think and to do. The men in whom this power is developed are the men who bear responsibilities, who are leaders in enterprise, and who influence character. … Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God’s ideal for His children’” (Education, pp. 17-18).

“When presiding over cases, I can show compassion, patience, and understanding. Equality, equity, and justice are values that are synonymous with our American system of jurisprudence and with my Christian faith.”

It's not a board vote “It does not take a church board vote to show that someone is loved and important,” said Shirley Grear, a Paradise Fire survivor, Grass Valley church member, and recent widow. Shirley has transformed her tragedy and grief into a blessing for others who have experienced trauma in their lives. “Satan tries to isolate people with problems and tries to make them feel alone,” she explained. “This is where Satan works best. But as believers in Christ, we can step in at these critical moments and ruin Satan’s plan.”

Last August, when a wildfire threatened her community, she worked with the Grass Valley church and Pastor Jeff Richards to establish a member and community communication system that serves as an effective early warning alert and a way for the church to stay connected with the members during a disaster.

Grear then turned her attention to connecting with widows and single moms. “This is an overlooked population, and their needs are very specific. They are alone and feel very isolated. God has used the passing of my husband to help others facing similar grief.”

Shirley Grear is an inspiration and embodies what it means to use your God-given spiritual gifts. “There are many special situations in our churches, like parents who have specialneeds kids, or empty nesters, or families who lost a child,” she said. “Each one of these groups feels alone. And our job is simple—reach out and embrace them.

Ministry like this does not take a church board vote.” ____________________

By Laurie Trujillo

Northern California Conference

May 2022 39

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Northern California Conference

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NCC Selects New Women’s Ministries Coordinator

A

ngela Fusilier is the new women’s ministries coordinator for the Northern California Conference. A Sacramento Capitol City church member, she has been active in ministry for decades.

“We are very happy Angela has joined our NCC team,” said President Marc Woodson. “She has a real calling for ministry to women, and I know her leadership will be much appreciated.”

A native of Ohio, Fusilier served as lifestyle facilitator in the medical missionary work of New Life Health Institute in Ashtabula. She then moved to California, serving as lifestyle-facilitator at Weimar Health Institute.

She earned her Master of Social Work from California State University, Sacramento, and currently serves as a social worker for Sacramento County.

Fusilier is a co-founder of the Rites of Passage Youth Program, Young Ladies’ and Men’s Ministry, at the Capitol City church. She is passionate about serving women, stating, “I want to create and provide safe spaces for women within the church culture.”

As she begins her new role, one of her goals is to foster a ministry for women at the local level. “I want to focus on mining the resources in our various churches and communities,” as there is a “component for women’s ministries in every church—even if it’s not formally developed.”

She is eager to get started in her new position. “I look forward to working with the NCC Women’s Ministries Advisory Council, including my assistant coordinator, Janice Nelson,” she said.

Fusilier is an avid downhill skier who also loves water sports. She has been married for 22 years to Erick Fusilier, an elder at the Capitol City church.

Her life verse is Hebrews 2:11: “Both the one who

“I want to create and provide safe spaces for women within the church culture.”

makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.

So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters” (NIV). “This is such a life-giving statement,” Fusilier said.

“The God of the universe is not ashamed to call me His family—His sister. It has become my desire to motivate and empower others to walk in the fullness of life provided by the Savior of all, Christ the Lord!” ____________________

By Julie Lorenz

March 9, 2022 Constituency Session Notice Northern California Notice is hereby given that a regular session of the Northern California Conference of Seventhday Adventists is called to convene at the Granite Bay Hilltop church in Granite Bay, California, on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to receive from the officers and department directors of the conference reports pertaining to the work carried on within its territory since the last conference session; to elect for the ensuing session officers, department directors, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and the Conference Executive Committee; and to transact any other business that may properly come before the delegates in session.

Each church is entitled to one delegate for the organization and one additional delegate for each 100 members or major fraction thereof.

Marc K. Woodson, President Jose J. Marin, Executive Secretary

Northern California Conference

May 2022 41

LEFT: Sasil presents at The Pursuit evangelistic series. RIGHT: Pastors stand with baptismal candidates.

CAFE Life: Moreno Hills Focuses on Youth Ministry

K

lenth Sasil moved to Moreno Hills church last fall and became the youngest Filipino pastor in the conference.

“I wasn’t sure where to start,” the youth pastor admitted. “When you get done at the seminary, there’s a lot to process, and I just felt lost.”

He started by asking his senior pastor for a workspace that could double as a youth hangout.

His request was granted, and he set up CAFE Life: Community, Authenticity, Friendship, and Experience.

“I wanted to create a space where we could all just be real with each other and do life together,” he explained.

As their first contribution to 2022’s year of evangelism, Moreno Hills youth created an evangelistic series for young people called “The Pursuit: Finding meaning and purpose in Christ,” which took place over five Sabbaths in January and February. As a result of their partnership with the Holy Spirit, 12 people were baptized.

“Our focus was really the heart of God,” Sasil said. “We wanted to provide a chance for people to encounter God’s presence in an intimate way.”

And, according to Sasil, the series was a success.

“It’s not about having a fancy program or the number of baptisms,” he said. “It’s about seeing people transformed by finding a new pursuit in their lives.

That’s God at work.”

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Southeastern California Conference

Sasil enjoys seeing the youth become more at home in their church. CAFE Life provides a comfortable space where they can ask tough questions and have real conversations, and they’ve started inviting friends to come too.

“They are very curious,” Sasil said. “They want to know what it means to be a Christian, and they’re looking for someone to share their struggles.”

The church has been very supportive of CAFE Life.

They offer financial support, furnish spaces, provide branded shirts for the youth, and even cook for them.

The group gets together outside church at the lake, at restaurants, and for vespers at members’ homes.

Sasil said there are conversations taking place between several area churches to make CAFE Life regularly available to all their youth and young adults and to coordinate regular joint vespers programs. Their goal is to create a strong program that also includes youth who aren’t yet part of the church.

“We’re just doing what we’re doing,” Sasil explained, “going where the young people are and focusing on relationship-building. Evangelism isn’t always sermons and Revelation—sometimes it’s just creating a safe space where we can show authenticity and experience Jesus.” ____________________

By Becky St. Clair

The 4- and 5-year-old class depicts David and Goliath.

Jesus Is My Superhero! “

J

esus, you’re my Superhero. You’re my star, my best friend” were the words of the theme song that echoed loudly through the outdoor amphitheater of the Loma Linda University church during the months of January and February. The Omicron variant spread quickly throughout our community, city, and state, and we knew that we needed to once again get creative while making Sabbath School happen for our families.

The safety of our children was our priority, and creating a space where we had good ventilation with social distancing was our focus. We had a few days’ notice to prepare, and God more than delivered.

In the thick of planning our first Sabbath with such limited time, we came up with our Bible Superheroes theme on a Wednesday afternoon. We did not have much time to order supplies. By God’s grace, we received a random donation of a giant box of superhero costumes. Unbeknownst to the donor, this was a huge answer to prayer. Anything we could have possibly needed to get us through the first program was in that box. God provided, even to the smallest request.

Each Children’s Sabbath School class and our Adventurer Club were assigned a week with their own Bible hero. Children dressed up in character, helped decorate the stage, and were a part of the story. Each week, they presented their skit and taught us who our Bible superhero was, what they had done that was admirable, and how it still applies to our lives today.

God’s presence was felt all around, and families were happy to be able to fellowship. The sounds of singing and laughter were the culmination of God providing!

Children came each week excitedly dressed in their capes, ready to learn about heroes like Samson, Noah, Esther, David, and Moses, to name a few! The cutest little “animals” dressed up from our infant class were ready to load up the ark, while our older children proudly donned their shiny soldier costumes.

This unexpected program transformed into something beautiful that touched many! We heard stories of children who put a stone from one of our family activities near their bed as a reminder of God’s love. The programs also encouraged families to worship together and elaborate more on the different superheroes. It was a reminder that God knew that this was exactly what our church families needed at that time. His faithfulness and glory reminded us that, in spite of current events, He is better than anything any superhero could offer. ____________________

By Shawna Campbell and Joanna Hartnell

Luke Oms portrays King Xerxes in the Queen Esther story.

Southeastern California Conference

May 2022 43

LEFT: Valenzuela is ordained at the LSA outdoor evening service. RIGHT: Pastors lay hands on Leno during the prayer of ordination.

Glenn Valenzuela and Starla Stephan Leno Ordained to the Gospel Ministry

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his past February, Southeastern California Conference (SECC) ordained two pastors: Glenn Valenzuela, TK-12 campus chaplain at La Sierra Academy (LSA), and Starla Stephan Leno, discipleship and care pastor at the Azure Hills church.

Born in Texas, Valenzuela was raised a sports-loving Catholic who ultimately converted to Adventism at 15 years old. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Adventist University (SAU) and a master’s degree from Andrews University.

During his junior year at SAU, Valenzuela realized his passion was studying the Bible and sharing what he learned with others.

“I had a moment of clarity,” said Valenzuela. “At that moment, I decided to pursue a degree in religious education, and from that point on, God continuously blessed my journey into education and school chaplaincy.”

As TK-12 campus chaplain, Valenzuela creates opportunities for LSA students to be servant leaders. At all grade levels, students participate in planning in-reach and outreach programs to help one another become actively involved in the spiritual life of the LSA campus and community.

“I’m very intentional about being available to all students for conversation, prayer, ministry, or just to hang out and laugh,” said Valenzuela. “It’s a joy to help students realize their potential and help them experience the genuine love and transforming grace of God.”

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Leno serves her Azure Hills congregation in similar fashion. As discipleship and care pastor at Azure Hills church, she coordinates church ministry efforts to ensure that people at any stage of their spiritual journey continue, find, or enter a salvation experience with Jesus Christ.

“I've come to understand my pastoral role as coming alongside my church members and empowering them to minister to others,” explained Leno. “I am not separate from but rather right next to our congregation, helping them to use their gifts to spread the gospel.”

Before ordination, Leno served as a registered nurse for more than 30 years and then felt the Lord calling her to full-time ministry. When her three children went off to college, she returned as well and completed degrees in human development and human services; then she went on to complete a master’s degree in theological studies at La Sierra University School of Divinity.

“God has pulled together all the broken pieces of my life and put them back together to form a unique ministry,” said Leno. “I minister and connect with others about the things I’ve struggled with most strongly.”

SECC is blessed to have these pastors serving, both of whom are dedicated to creating opportunities to bring people to Jesus Christ so that they can serve others as well. ____________________

By Danni Thaw

So Much More: SECC Hosts Events for Youth and Their Leaders

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n February and March, the youth ministry department of Southeastern California Conference (SECC) hosted two events meant to strengthen and encourage both the church’s young people and the pastors who serve them.

The Youth Ministries Summit, designed for young adult, youth, and children’s ministry leaders, had a threefold purpose: to build camaraderie, to inspire mission, and to further equip leaders for effective ministry.

“Youth ministry today brings new challenges and is different than it was in the past,” said Aren Rennacker, youth ministries director. “We’re encouraging our pastors to get creative and think outside the box.”

Rennacker took a unique approach, inviting participants to share not only ministry efforts they were proud of, but also something they tried that failed.

“Sharing ‘epic fails’ requires honesty and humility, but hearing that everyone tries things that don’t work is encouraging,” said Somer Knight, event attendee and family ministries pastor at Redlands church. “It was a reminder to bring our best, to lean on wisdom learned the hard way, and to not be frozen by past failures.”

The Youth Summit ended with a panel discussion between Patty Marruffo, executive secretary of SECC, and Dilys Brooks, chaplain at Loma Linda University.

Questions for the panelists were submitted ahead of time by participants, and no topic was off-limits.

“They are both thoughtful, articulate women,” Knight

Pastors share breakfast with SECC President Park at the Youth Summit.

Students bow in prayer at The Experience. said, “and I really appreciated their authenticity and care for each question.”

During The Experience, a spiritual retreat for middle school students, four presenters gave 12-minute presentations on a spiritual tool: prayer, Bible study, service, and sharing our faith. Students then rotated through breakout sessions to dig deeper into each one.

“For this age group, church means going to a building on Sabbath,” said Gatra Suhari, event presenter and youth pastor at Azure Hills church. “It’s so much more than that, and in order to help these kids see that, we need more events like The Experience.”

“Faith can seem kind of isolating for this age group,” Knight said. “The Experience is an opportunity for them to see there’s a bigger community of kids who care about doing things God’s way. They’re not alone in their faith, and we’re here to support them along this journey.”

Around 100 students attended, and Rennacker said the feedback has been entirely positive.

“The church is all about community,” he added.

“When our young people are given an opportunity to experience the beauty of community, we’re instilling in them an appreciation of what the church can provide for them for the rest of their lives. It’s honestly a huge win-win, and I can’t wait to do it again.” ____________________

By Becky St. Clair

Southeastern California Conference

May 2022 45

A Vision for Community: North Hills Church Celebrates 50th Anniversary

t is impossible for one church to maintain any dynamic influence over such a geographic area and population.” These words, preserved from board meeting minutes at the Pomona church in 1972, marked the start of the North Pomona project— North Hills church today—to expand the ministry in the developing region of Pomona Valley.

For 50 years, the North Hills church has strived to be a dynamic influence for good—and for God—in its community. The theme, to “be bold” for Christ, was felt among all who commemorated this significant anniversary.

In his message concluding a series on Acts, Tim Cress, senior pastor, reflected on the bold influence of the early church and noted North Hills’ similar focus today. “What I love about the history of our church is that its focus has been on outsiders and not insiders,” he said. “North Hills has asked, ‘Who are we to our community?’ from day one.”

Cress emphasized that it takes everyone to steward their influence. What does this influence consist of?

“Cross-conference week of prayer for schools, VBS programs, and small groups,” he said. “Working with community partners, other churches and religious groups, city council people, or nonprofit organizations in our city—this is what it takes to have influence in our community in the name of Jesus. Influence is not a ‘me’ thing; it’s a ‘we’ thing.”

North Hills has been led by seven pastors who all have committed to this vision of positive influence for the community in which they serve. These pastors

PHOTOS: LAUREN LACSON

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“

An attendee examines a photo mosaic prepared especially for the event.

were recognized for their leadership, and several were interviewed in a special video message shared during the service.

Tom Schroer (1995-2005) noted that during his time at North Hills, “the conference was pro sending pastors to the purpose-driven church. My eyes were open to a new way of doing ministry.” When Schroer interviewed, the board told him they didn’t want to continue doing church the way they’d done it in the past, that they wanted to be more involved and more relevant. “Doing things that would meet the needs of the community,” his wife, Kay Schroer, added. This attitude is especially relevant today as churches have had to adapt to new methods of ministry during the pandemic.

Terry Benson (2005-2018) talked about his hope for the church—then and now. “What shouldn’t change is having a heart for Christ and then having Christ’s heart for people and for the community,” he said. “If we aren’t making a positive difference in the community, then who are we? That’s not the church Jesus established.”

“My wish is that everyone decides to commit to be the church together,” added Cress.

“The mission Jesus gave us isn’t only for paid pastors; it’s for everyone.” ___________________ Six of the pastors who had led the congregation during the 50 years were present at

By Araya Moss the celebration.

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Southern California Conference

PHOTOS: JON DE LA PAZ AND KELVIN SUPIT

LEFT: The worship team leads song service during an outdoor program. MIDDLE: The New Life team collaborates with the Long Beach church to host a Sabbath morning worship service together. RIGHT: Attendees worship together and enjoy fellowship at a New Life beach vespers.

New Life Church: A Young Adult-Led Church Plant Centered on Christ, Creativity, and Community

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n February 8, 2020, a group of young adults met at Temple City church for the first evening worship service of a brand-new church plant: New Life church. A Christ-led vision was coming to life—a church plant led by and for young adults.

Yet, they couldn’t know what would happen next.

A few short weeks later, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic and the world shut down. For many, plans were postponed. Events were canceled. Projects were shelved.

But the New Life team believed too much in the vision to abandon it.

They pivoted their plans, moving online and outdoors.

The online context helped foster a collaborative spirit, and meeting outdoors cultivated a casual and open community, which held to New Life’s values. “It forced us to be very creative,” shared Jon de la Paz, Temple City church elder and New Life director. “Planting a church in the pandemic has forced us to be creative, both in worship and in growing our community.”

The idea of intentionality runs through everything New Life does. Their mission is “Inspiring new life with Christ through creativity and community.” Their goals include pursuing the unchurched and “dechurched” by sharing God’s love and making a relationship with Jesus irresistible to this current generation.

“We’re not just about starting a contemporary worship service; it’s not just about the music,” de la Paz

explained. “It’s about being very intentional about our culture and communication and starting with a new DNA of the church.”

Through the years, this burden had been increasingly weighing on de la Paz’s heart. “In looking at my generation, I realized there was a big need in my local context, and in the conference, for a church that was really actively seeking and reaching out to the young adult population,” he shared.

The support of the parent church and its senior pastor, Brett Poynter, has been invaluable. A symbiotic relationship supports healthy growth in both groups; while they may have a different focus, growth in one encourages growth in the other. When Adam Hicks joined Temple City church as associate pastor in 2022, he began to work with New Life as their first pastoral presence.

“My favorite part of this experience so far has been fostering a commitment to creativity and growth in a Christ-centered community and seeing it echo throughout the church, our community, and our conference,” de la Paz said.

New Life church begins meeting weekly at 11 a.m. starting this month, on the Temple City church campus.

Connect with and follow New Life church online at www.newlifesocal.com and on Instagram at @newlifesocal. ___________________

By Lauren Lacson

Southern California Conference

May 2022 47

Love Me TV Series Shares God’s Words Through Music

Watch & Share Love Me Promo: https://bit.ly/lovemepromo Time: Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Direct TV: Channel 368 Online: www.HOPETV.org On Demand & Recent Episodes: www.HopeTV.org/shows/LoveMe/episodes Facebook: fb.com/OfficialLoveMe YouTube: https://bit.ly/ytloveme Ten Commandments L.A.W. Musical: https://bit.ly/loveatworkmusical

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Southern California Conference

PHOTO: SCHUBERT & YOLANDA PALMER

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t all started 15 years ago. Schubert and Yolanda Palmer, members of Vallejo Drive church, had recently completed production on a CD of inspirational worship songs when, as they put it, “Yolanda heard God speaking to her, not audibly, but with the distinct impression, ‘Put my words to music.’”

As songwriters, the husband-and-wife team thought perhaps God was impressing them to create another original production. But through fasting and prayer, “it dawned on us that God was impressing us to do, not another concert, but a very special musical for these end times, showcasing God’s Ten Commandments, in God’s own words!”

And so the Ten Commandments Love At Work (L.A.W.) musical was born. “From the outset, God impressed us to make this musical a collaborative effort,” they said. This meant it would be a diverse production in many ways: multi-artist, multi-ministry, multimedia, multi-ethnic, and with clergy and laity working together.

The L.A.W. musical was a springboard to a brandnew Bible study series in song. Entitled Love Me, the weekly 27-episode musical TV show is all about God’s incredible love. This series airs every Sabbath afternoon on Hope Channel.

As with the original musical, the series focuses on the Ten Commandments wrapped in God’s love.

“The Lord showed us that as we are studying the Ten Commandments to present it all about love,” Yolanda shared. “The purpose for this series is to lead men and

A clip from the Love at Work musical, filmed at the Washington National Cathedral. The audience included 300 invited guests of Chaplain Barry Black from Capitol Hill and 200 Adventist world leaders. The team partnered with 16 churches, their respective conferences, the GC, Adventist Health, and Washington Adventist University. women, boys and girls, to the foot of the cross.”

It’s no secret that music is a powerful tool for memorization; that’s why all the key doctrinal texts in the program are presented word-for-word in song.

It was important that the content of the program come directly from Scripture—and what better way to incorporate these concepts than in song? This format helps viewers memorize these important passages easily. “When it’s in your mind, it’s easier to share in a Bible study because we already have the Scriptures embedded,” Schubert shared.

The series has proven to be an effective tool for both in-reach and outreach alike. Pilot programs at SCC churches, including Vallejo Drive and Pasadena, and in other states have each resulted in baptisms. There has been wonderful feedback from non-Adventist viewers; many have shed tears when the love of God became clear to them and others have shared that the program opened their eyes to Bible truth. Still others have eagerly asked, “Can I share this program with my family, with my minister?”

A simple way to spread the message, the Love Me series has opened doors for outreach and evangelism.

Catch up with the latest episodes today—and share with a friend! ___________________

By Lauren Lacson

PHOTOS: LIZELLE ORENO

LEFT: The student missionaries from SOULS West are dedicated in prayer at the start of their practicum at Ojai church. RIGHT: Baca presents on the first night of the Revelation of Healing seminar.

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Prayers Answered in Ojai Valley

n a small, secular town with a population near 8,000, Ojai Valley church welcomed 61visitors during a twoweek Revelation of Healing seminar this January.

Efforts began last year, with several prayer groups faithfully meeting. Yet, after conversations with members, David Gardner, pastor of Ojai Valley church, realized more evangelism work was needed. Inspired, the church applied for a grant from the Pacific Union Conference Evangelism Endowment Fund. Soon after it was approved, Lizelle Oreno was hired as a Bible worker, and the church was ready to hit the ground running.

An evangelistic event was new for the congregation, and members were initially discouraged when two speakers canceled. “But God answered prayers we hadn’t even prayed,” said Gardner. “God was prepared ahead of time and sent Anthony Baca, director of SOULS West Bible College, and a team of ten students, out of nowhere!”

The ten Bible-workers-in-training knocked on doors, administered surveys, and posted flyers in local businesses. The event was also shared through Facebook ads. However, the most effective method was radio, where Oreno shared brief ad segments on local Christian station KDAR 98.1. Then, she and Baca were interviewed about the seminar, and they invited people to attend.

One man heard Oreno’s radio ad for Bible studies and contacted the church, hoping to find a spiritual mentor.

Oreno also met the man’s wife and invited her to the

seminar. While there, the wife took diligent notes. After sharing with her husband, he was impressed to attend; after that, both attended every night. The husband, who unbeknownst to Oreno had been convicted of the Sabbath a few years prior, made his decision for baptism.

One of the Bible workers met a woman who was interested in attending, despite her belief in New Age spirituality, a popular practice in the area. While waiting for the trolley to take her to the seminar, the public transport missed her stop. Her car had been broken for six months. Determined to go, she prayed to God, “If you want me to go to the seminar, then you have to make my car start.” Her car started, and she attended—every single night. As soon as the seminar ended, her car stopped working. She has since been attending Sabbath services and Wednesday Bible studies.

“God did the unimaginable,” reflected Oreno. “I didn’t have high hopes: the community is New Age, this is my first time working at a church, and it felt like the odds were against us. But it’s undeniable that this is something God did.”

As of April, there have been three baptisms since the seminar ended. “In many ways, this campaign has exceeded our expectations,” said Gardner. “Follow-up and future events will continue the work of winning souls and reaping a harvest. God does answer prayers.” ___________________

By David Gardner and Araya Moss

Southern California Conference

May 2022 49

M IL E S T O N E S

Honoring Lloyd Wyman and John Todorovich

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lder Lloyd Wyman and Elder John Todorovich were well known in the Pacific Union both for their long and effective ministries and for their lifelong friendship. They were the same age, with birthdays only four days apart, and they passed away just two months apart. They worked together in ministry many times over the years and held a deep respect for each other.

C. Lloyd Wyman passed peacefully into his rest on January 16, 2022, at age 93. He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Sandy; son, Scott; four grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.

Lloyd was born in Burma in 1928 to missionary parents, the youngest of four children. Except for a furlough trip to America when he was nine, Lloyd spent his first 13 years in Burma or at Vincent Hill School in northern India. During the early years of World War II, following his parents escape from Burma, the family returned to America where Lloyd and his siblings finished their education.

In 1949, prior to graduating from Walla Walla college with his degree in theology, Lloyd and Donna Spillman were married. His 60 years in gospel ministry started with pastoring and singing evangelism in the North Pacific Union. His rich tenor voice and his passion for conveying the love of God through music impacted many lives throughout his ministry. Lloyd and Donna often sang duets together.

In 1960, Lloyd and Donna, with their two children, moved to the Pacific Union Conference where Lloyd pastored the Hollywood, Azure Hills,

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White Memorial, and Central Oahu churches before serving for many years as Ministerial Secretary for the Pacific Union. Lloyd retired at age 81.

Lloyd rarely repeated a sermon; he loved to create fresh insights and bring in current world events. He was a master of Bible stories and brought them to life with practical application to daily living. His greatest joy was sharing a pathway to knowing Jesus personally.

Lloyd had a great sense of humor, was the first to say “I’m sorry,” and practiced daily kindness to all. Even in his Alzheimer’s at the close of his life, he thanked his caregivers, expressed his affection for his family, and prayed meaningful prayers.

Lloyd went to his rest looking forward to the heavenly eternity he preached about throughout his ministry.

John Todorovich passed away on November 4, 2021, in Loma Linda, California.

Lovingly known as Elder “T” to many, he faithfully served God in his ministry for nearly 40 years. He made a lasting impression on those he met as he shared his kindness and compassion.

He was cherished and beloved by many.

John was born in 1928 in Walla Walla, Washington, and was the youngest of ten children.

He graduated from Walla Walla College in 1955 and began his ministry in Oregon. He spent most of his ministry pastoring in the Southern California and Oregon Conferences. He received and answered the call to become Vice President of the Oregon Conference in 1981. He returned to Southern California in 1989 to pastor again at the Camarillo church. In 1992 he returned

M IL E S T O N E S to conference administration as the Ministerial Secretary for the Southern California Conference, where he remained until his retirement.

John enjoyed landscaping and took a personal interest in beautifying his yard whenever he moved. He especially loved roses and made sure

they were always in his gardens. He also enjoyed listening to music and reading.

John is survived by five children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He will be remembered as a man who loved God, ministry, and his family.

Remembering Dr. Brian Bull

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rian Bull, MD, an inventor and one of the world’s leading experts on hematology, who served as dean of Loma Linda University School of Medicine for a decade starting in the 1990s, died February 22. He was 84 and had been diagnosed with cancer.

Highly analytical, Bull was a prolific inventor, creating numerous methods and instruments to better understand blood platelets and their function, including clotting. Graduating in 1961 at the top of his class from Loma Linda University School of Medicine helped him land residencies at Yale University and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he collaborated on numerous groundbreaking research projects. He returned to Loma Linda University as a professor in 1968, where he remained for the rest of his career.

Colleagues estimate he was granted 17 patents and authored 230 papers. At the NIH, he helped invent the Coulter Counter analysis—essentially an electrochemical cell with a small hole in it to count blood platelets as they pass, similar to what had already been invented for blood cells. He also created “Bull’s algorithm” in the 1970s, an equation for blood lab technicians to quickly determine if equipment is working correctly that is still widely used in most lab equipment today. He published the algorithm instead of thinking to patent it, which he later laughed and shrugged about.

As medical school dean, a post he held from 1994 to 2003, he used data to discover ways to empower students and increase graduation rates.

His approaches included creating systems for more students to perform well on national exams and to better pinpoint key attributes of successful medical students, which colleagues then used to more effectively interview applicants. Bull chaired the Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy for more than 40 years, starting in 1973. He also served for 10 years as editor of the international hematology journal, Blood Cells.

Brian Stanley Bull was born in Watford, a suburb of London, England, on September 14, 1937. He attended high school in Jamaica where his father served as a school administrator. He attended Pacific Union College in Northern California and later transferred to what is now Walla Walla University in Washington state, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1957. To meet the age requirement, he had to wait a year to attend what is now Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He graduated in 1961.

Residencies at Yale and the NIH were followed by fellowships at the NIH and at the Royal Post Graduate Medical School in London. Bull joined Loma Linda University in 1968 as an assistant professor of pathology, became associate professor in 1971, and served as department chair beginning in 1973.

Bull had remained active in his work through December, including a series of journal articles highlighting new research on the pathology of COVID-19 infection.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen, and daughters, Beverly and Beryl. ___________________

For Dr. Bull’s memorial please go to https://bit.ly/3JOlKIZ

Milestones

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Correction: In the April issue of the Recorder, Berit von Pohle was listed as director of education for the Pacific Union Conference. Elder von Pohle is vice president for education for the Pacific Union Conference. We apologize for the mistake.

Correction: The article on Pastor Damon Washington in the April issue incorrectly stated that he had no religious background prior to joining the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Washington grew up in the Christian Science church.

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; 1/4-pg., $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.

June: May 6 • July: June 7 Contributions The Recorder pages are assigned to the local conferences, colleges, and health care institutions, and all content comes through the communication departments in those organizations.

If you have a news story/idea, calendar announcement, etc., please contact your local communication department. See the masthead for contact information. Want tips for writing for us?

See www.dailywritingtips.com/the-art-of-writing-news.

52 Pacific Union Recorder

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Calendar Central California Conference

Youth and Young Adults ARISE (May 6-8). Note the dates and sign up today to join Ty Gibson and David Asscherick for a weekend intensive in Fresno, Calif.

Special rates apply for youth and young adults under 35. Register at https://ariseintensive.com/fresno for details and groups rates for this in-person-only event.

Check the Events page online at cccadventist.org for all event updates.

La Sierra University

Presidential Inauguration. The inauguration ceremony for La Sierra University President Joy Fehr, the university’s fourth president, will be held Tuesday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at the La Sierra University church.

The ceremony had been previously canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spring Music Gala. The La Sierra University Department of Music will hold its 2022 Spring Music Gala at Avila’s Historic 1929 facility in Riverside, Calif., Saturday, May 14, at 7 p.m. The evening will include performances by students, faculty, and alumni. For information and to register, visit https://lasierra.edu/ music/, email music@lasierra.edu, or call 951-785-2036.

Northern California Conference

James Dick and Tureic Cordis are retiring after decades of service! Friends, former colleagues, and former students are invited to a joint retirement party on May 27 at 11 a.m. at PUC Elementary School, 135 Neilsen Court, Angwin, Calif. We will begin with a special program in the PUCE gym, then proceed outside for a picnic lunch provided by the school.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by May 20 to the school office at pucelementary@nccsda.com or 707-965-2459. Cards may be sent or brought to the school, or you may leave memories, pictures, and messages of congratulations here: James Dick https:// tinyurl.com/bdnzrvak, Tureic Cordis https://tinyurl. com/466u9j34

Southeastern California Conference

La Sierra Academy Free K-12 Tour. Open enrollment is NOW open! For a free tour, please contact Mrs. Diane Brown (K-6) or Mrs. Julie Narducci (7-12) at 951351-1445. Or visit our website at www.lsak12.com.

Classified At Your Service

Shop for New/Used Adventist Books: TEACH Services offers used Adventist books at www.LNFBOOKS.com or

new book releases at your local ABC or www.TEACHServices.com. Authors, let us help publish your book with editing, design, marketing, and worldwide distribution. Call 800-367-1844 for a free evaluation.

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.

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.

Adventist realtor serving North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. If you want to buy land or a home in this beautiful area, call me. Pierre @ Remax REC 423-987-0831 (cell) or 423-664-6644 (office).

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.

Do you like to read books that are rooted in the three angels’ messages and written from the perspective that we are now living in the last days? Do you enjoy peeling back the layers of the words in the Bible to discover hidden meanings? Visit our website: www.comingkingpublications.com.

SDA realtor at your service: Let us help you sell your property or buy the ideal home here in gorgeous northern California. Rural properties abound. Perfect for families and retirees. Contact: Jerry Kea, 707-8889613, thomaskea.tk@gmail.com, CA DRE Lic# 02080864, The Real Estate Group.

Employment

The Voice of Prophecy at Adventist Media Ministries is seeking a full-time Manager/Treasurer. The Manager-Treasurer is responsible for managing all hands-on operational aspects of the ministry, which also includes developing and managing its financial wellbeing. Being a fellow administrator, he assists the Speaker/Director in achieving the goals and objectives set for the organization. For more information, you may email Victor Pires at victor@vop.com or apply at https://www.adventistmediaministries.com/ available-positions/.

Community & Marketplace

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Holbrook Indian School is currently in need of a Head Girls’ Dean, Assistant Girls’ Dean, Science Teacher, Farm and Agriculture Assistant, Cafeteria Assistant, and Horsemanship Program Director. If you or someone you know are mission-minded and would like to serve Native American children, please see or share our jobs page at HolbrookIndianSchool.org/jobs.

Stallant Health Rural Health Clinic is accepting applications for full-time NPs, PAs, or physicians at our Weimar and Crescent City, Calif., locations.

Competitive pay, benefits, and ministry opportunity.

Send CV to Marva at: marva@stallanthealth.com or call 530-637-4025, ext. 263.

Southeastern California Conference is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist.

Responsibilities include videography, photography, website maintenance, and social media for the conference. Assists the Communication & Media Director in creating, writing, editing, and producing publications, videos, and online content. Responsible for general communication to inquiries to the office through social media, email, and phone calls.

Assists the department with clerical duties, as well as other communication projects. Weekend work will be required. English and Spanish bilingual is preferred. Submit cover letter, résumé, and portfolio showcasing web, video, and photography samples to communications@seccsda.org. To receive a job description or for more information, please contact Human Resources Department at 951-509-2351.

Southeastern California Conference is seeking oncall videographers. Videographer helps shoot and edit videos for various events, interviews, and social media content. Must be able to execute video projects from start to finish: pre-production, production, and post-production. Should be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite applications, including Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop. Please be prepared to

California Adventist Federal Credit Union YOUR “ONE STOP FINANCE SHOP” Serving our Adventist Community for over 70 years with financial products and services, along with wealth building education.

Please visit our website for updates on all that CAFCU has to offer. Call our office and speak to our friendly staff or manager for more information.

www.SDACreditUnion.com 818-246-7241

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submit a portfolio showcasing videography samples.

For more information, please email: communications@ seccsda.org.

Loma Linda Academy Children’s Center is looking to recruit teachers for their center. Candidates must have completed 12 core units in Early Childhood Education. Teaching experience or a degree in Early Childhood Education a plus. If interested, please send resume to jbergvall@lla.org.

Azure Hills Children's Center is looking for a parttime preschool teacher. Candidate must have 12 core units in Early Childhood Education (ECE), AA or BA in ECE preferred. Experience in ECE classroom required.

Please send résumé to azurehillschildrenscenter@ yahoo.com.

Indonesian-American church in Azusa, Calif., is seeking a full-time associate/youth pastor who is spiritual, mission-minded, friendly, and passionate about working with children, youth and young adults, and young families to guide them in developing a personal relationship with Jesus. A team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Bachelor’s degree in theology/religion from an SDA college/ university is required; a master's in divinity is preferred.

Minimum of two years’ experience as a youth or associate pastor. Detailed job description available upon request. Please submit a cover letter and résumé to iasdacazusa@gmail.com.

Camp Cedar Falls positions available immediately.

Assistant cook, general kitchen worker—full time.

Cafeteria, weekend staff—part time. Please visit the Southern California Conference website (www. scc.adventist.org) and click on Human Resources (under the “Departments” tab) for information and job descriptions. Please contact Jim Oliver, camp manager, at campcedarfalls@sbcglobal.net or 909844-5728 for more information.

Clinical nurses at Loma Linda University Health.

Hiring on all units for all shifts—20k sign-on bonus with two years of recent, relevant experience for all bedside RN positions! Join us as we continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ to make man whole! https://bit.ly/32CM8Gt Food service workers at Loma Linda University Health. The food service worker performs a variety of duties relating to food services and catering. Aids in overall cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen area.

Maintains proper food handling, sanitation, and safety standards. Transports food and equipment to various sites around the campus. Requires a valid driver’s license and a food handler’s certificate

from the San Bernardino County Department of Environmental Health. Apply at https://bit.ly/3zjw1JP Physician assistant in the Loma Linda University School of Allied Health. Assistant assists with organizing and structuring the academic program in accordance with established educational standards and practices. Coordinates the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the professional Physician Assistant course. Provides lectures, supervises and instructs students in clinical settings, and performs administrative duties. Performs other duties as needed. Requires a bachelor’s degree, one year of previous teaching experience, and a current certification through the NCCPA and license to practice as a Physician Assistant. https://bit. ly/35OSiod Central California Conference is seeking a fulltime Auditor. Responsibilities include all aspects of accounting and bookkeeping. Prefer a bachelor’s or associate degree in accounting. Must be able to communicate comfortably and interact well with people. Must be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in regular standing and maintain consistent, active church attendance. Send cover letter, application, and résumé to Human Resources.

By email: lbarron@cccsda.org or mail to 2820

Willow Ave., Clovis, CA 93612. Link for application: https://www.centralcaliforniaadventist.com/humanresources/.

Looking for someone in love with Jesus to shepherd a church of about 70 members in southern Nevada.

You will ideally have some preaching experience and be comfortable fitting into a theologically conservative congregation. Being a “people person”—maintaining positive relationships with members of the church and community—is important. Hours, schedule, and salary to be negotiated. Please call Brissa Castillo at 775-5252012 or email at bcastillo@nevadautah.org.

Delta Eye Medical group in Stockton, Calif., is looking for an ophthalmologist to join thriving practice. 209334-5886.

Pacific Union College is seeking a full-time Housing Coordinator. Major duties include coordination of PUC faculty/staff housing, moving arrangements, and monitoring of commercial leases/master leases and utility charges for all College-managed leases. Must be customer-service oriented and able to multi-task with numerous projects. Must be able to maintain organization and be team player. Salary position.

For more information or to apply, please call Human Resources at 707-965-6231 or visit our website at www.

Normalcy seems to have flown the coop. The world we once knew is being replaced with one that is angrier, more cynical and partisan. People (both secular and religious) are worried and depressed.

Hard questions about work, money, and ultimate meaning captivate our waking thoughts. Questions about security and truth jump out of the recesses of our thinking onto center stage.

In response to the above, The Invitation invites readers to embrace life’s enduring ideals–which interestingly, undergird God’s ultimate plan for humanity.

Share this book with non-Christian and Christian friends, family members (especially those who have become disenchanted with church), and neighbors who are searching for a better way.

Available online at ChurchSupportServices.org/the-invitation Produced by Pacific Union Conference Church Support Services

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PUC.edu/campus-services/human-resources/currentjob-postings.

Pacific Union College is seeking a full-time Associate Vice President of Finance for Financial Administration. Major duties include provision of leadership and guidance for all financial aspects of PUC and Howell Mountain Enterprises, ability to develop and implement long- and short-term financial goals consistent with the mission of PUC, budget and balance analysis, and development of strategic tools and systems for critical financial and operational goals.

Also must work in conjunction with the Vice President of Financial Administration in engaging the Board of Directors and other members of cabinet in matters of finance, auditing, and investment issues. For more information or to apply, please call Human Resources at 707-965-6231 or visit our website at www.PUC. edu/campus-services/human-resources/current-jobpostings.

Looking for certified teachers to join us in Christian online education (grades 1–12). Work part time from home tutoring “live” in a Zoom environment. If interested, please call us at 817-645-0895.

IMPACT HOPE is seeking an enthusiastic Development Director with expertise in fundraising and major donor relationship-building, who can bring creativity and resourcefulness to the fundraising

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operations of a mission-driven nonprofit that supports refugee youth in Rwanda. Email liz@impact-hope.org.

Impact-hope.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.

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.

Country living at its best! This 5-acre property has it all for $395,000. Located near Blue Ridge in North Georgia, it has a four-bdrm, three-bath house with a well, creek, barn, cabin, woodshed, greenhouse, tractor shed, and root cellar. Call Pierre @ Remax REC today for more information 423-987-0831.

For Sale: Amazing California land with water; Incredible Hawaii land; House in mainland; 36' Islander sailboat in Waikiki. Due to COVID and Paradise Camp Fire we are interested in exploring options. Facing tax foreclosures.

Call us at 209-507-9686, email us at: health. by.choice.120@gmail.com, or text me at 530-353-5561.

Southern Oregon, country setting, 3 acres, easy I-5 access. Modified A-frame, 3-bdrm, 3-bath, ample living areas, grapes, trees, pool, outbuildings, well, septic. SDA church and school, close to Milo Adventist Academy.

541-430-2710.

Office building for lease in Nashville. KentuckyTennessee Conference is leasing a free-standing building ideal for medical, dentistry, or counseling practices. The building was recently renovated and measures 3,000 square feet. It is located immediately off the interstate exit in a highly trafficked upscale commercial area, and it is only 30 minutes from Nashville—a growing city with a booming economy. For more information, contact Terri Jenks at 615-859-1391, ext.1006.

Costa Rica country property with two homes on 16 acres. Several water sources, including a year-round creek, spring, and a well. More than 100 fruit trees, 2 greenhouses, and many additional structures. $595,000.

760-305-9929.

4-bdrm, 3-bath home in the foothills of Central California, in Coarsegold, 60 miles south of Yosemite.

Almost 20 acres. Greenhouse, chicken coop, canning/ craft room. 74 GPM well. Established fruit trees (apricot, apple, pear, peach, nectarine, plum, pomegranate, olive & lemon) and various types of berries. Second residence on the property 2 bdrm, 1 bath—needs TLC. Horse friendly. $498,000. Johnny & Darlene Herr, REALTOR®-

Associates 559-760 8141, darlene@herrsrealestate. com. CalBRE#02081978 & CalBRE#02071769. Broker: Bass Lake Realty.

For Sale

Houseboat at Lake Don Pedro, Fleming Meadows, 35 minutes east of Modesto, Calif.

Master bedroom with bathroom and shower, guest bathroom, living room with hide-a-bed and two recliners, TV, gas fireplace, full kitchen with two refrigerators/ freezers covered upper deck for family, Pathfinder events, etc. Can sleep 20 in sleeping bags.

Twin engine power and Sea-Doo personal watercraft. $110,000 for 1/3 ownership, plus monthly dues of $375 to cover slip rental, insurances, taxes, and routine repairs and maintenance. Call: Dan García 209-968-7979. Leave a message and I will return your call.

SDA Physical Therapist in western WA selling practice. Small (1.5 FTE) but with growth potential, if motivated. Longstanding, solid reputation. Broad referral base. Consistently profitable (even through COVID). Turn-key business. Training provided.

Local K-12 SDA school and active SDA church. Small town with mountains and ocean nearby. Inquire: sdanwptclinic4sale@gmail.com.

Piano for sale by owner: $29,999 or best offer. 1926 Steinway Model M 5'7" ebony with original ivory.

Completely restored in 1990. 2005 appraisal for $25,000. Looks brand new. Please call 209-931-9619.

Email: bhbmbm1959@gmail.com.

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.

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Vacation Opportunities

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.

Angwin home: Five-bedroom, three-bathroom vacation home 2 miles from PUC. Fully furnished, large kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, piano, vineyard views, WiFi, washer and dryer, BBQ, sleeps 10. Call for rates, photos, and reservations: 415-539 7980 or email nroger1965@gmail.com.

Adventist Tours 2022. Israel in Jesus’ Steps, June 12-21 (optional Jordan/Egypt); New Testament Alive/7 Churches, June 2-12; African Safari & Service, May 24-31; Germany-Austria: Luther to WW2, June 22-July 1 (includes Oberammergau Passion Play); Thailand, July 27-Aug. 7. All tours are Adventist-led, with excellent rates and beautiful experiences for all ages. $1750+/person. For full details, contact tabghatours@gmail.com or facebook.com/ TabghaTours or call 423-298-2169. “The best trip I’ve ever had! Nothing comes close.” “Fabulous!” “The Bible comes alive.” “An awesome experience!”

At Rest Blue, Roger Irwin – b. May 2, 1943, Glendale, Calif.; d. March 7, 2022, Bakersfield, Calif. Survivors: sons, Roger Dale, Russel Douglas; daughter, Shelia Gibbons; 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild.

Brehms, Douglas R. (Randy) – b. June 18, 1949, San Jose, Calif.; d. Jan. 29, 2022. Survivors: wife, Karren; children, Heidi, Justin, Heather Jesstine; four grandchildren; sisters, Cheri, Kim. Randy was on staff at Wawona Youth Camp and an icon at Soquel camp meeting for over 50 years—singing and playing the organ and keyboard. He worked with evangelist Richard Pollard in Central California Conference and pastored in Kentucky, Texas, Nebraska, and Northern California. He retired in 2018 after 35 years of ministry.

Bull, Brian S. – b. Sept. 14, 1937, Watford, United Kingdom; d. Feb. 22, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif.

Survivors: wife, Maureen; daughters, Beverly Rigsby, Beryl Harrison; seven grandchildren; siblings, Berryl Longway, Nancie Parmenter. Brian Bull was Dean Emeritus of the School of Medicine.

May 2022 Sunset Calendar Alturas Angwin Bakersfield Calexico Chico Death Valley (Furnace Ck) Eureka Four Corners [E] Fresno Grand Canyon (South Rim) Half Dome Hilo Holbrook Honolulu Joshua Tree Lake Tahoe Las Vegas Lodi-Stockton Loma Linda Los Angeles McDermitt [N] Moab Monterey Bay Mt. Whitney Napa Nogales [S] Oakland Paradise, CA Phoenix Pu‘uwaiau, Ni’ihau [W] Reno Riverside Sacramento Salt Lake City San Diego San Francisco San Jose Santa Rosa Sunset Beach Thousand Oaks Tucson

MAY 6 8:46 8:06 7:46 7:27 8:06 7:39 8:18 8:09 7:52 7:20 7:53 6:45 8:09 6:58 7:33 7:57 7:32 8:01 7:36 7:40 7:55 8:15 8:00 7:34 8:05 7:06 8:04 8:05 7:15 6:48 7:58 7:37 8:02 8:29 7:34 8:04 8:01 8:07 8:00 7:43 7:08

MAY 13 8:54 8:13 7:52 7:32 8:13 7:45 8:25 8:15 7:58 7:26 7:59 6:48 8:15 7:01 7:38 8:04 7:38 8:07 7:42 7:46 8:02 8:21 8:06 7:39 8:11 7:11 8:10 8:12 7:20 6:51 8:04 7:42 8:09 8:39 7:39 8:11 8:07 8:13 8:06 7:48 7:13

MAY 20 9:01 8:19 7:57 7:37 8:19 7:51 8:32 8:21 8:03 7:31 8:05 6:50 8:21 7:04 7:43 8:10 7:43 8:13 7:47 7:51 8:09 8:27 8:12 7:44 8:17 7:16 8:16 8:19 7:25 6:54 8:11 7:47 8:15 8:42 7:44 8:17 8:13 8:19 8:12 7:54 7:18

June 2022 Sunset Calendar MAY 27 9:08 8:24 8:02 7:41 8:25 7:56 8:38 8:26 8:09 7:36 8:10 6:53 8:26 7:07 7:48 8:16 7:49 8:18 7:52 7:56 8:16 8:33 8:17 7:49 8:23 7:20 8:22 8:24 7:30 6:57 8:17 7:52 8:21 8:48 7:48 8:22 8:25 8:25 8:17 7:58 7:22

[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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City/Location

!

!

City/Location

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

JUNE 3 9:14 8:29 8:07 7:46 8:30 8:01 8:43 8:31 8:13 7:41 8:15 6:56 8:30 7:10 7:53 8:21 7:53 8:23 7:56 8:00 8:21 8:38 8:21 7:53 8:28 7:24 8:26 8:30 7:34 6:59 8:22 7:56 8:26 8:54 7:52 8:27 8:24 8:30 8:22 8:03 7:26

JUNE 10 9:18 8:33 8:10 7:49 8:34 8:05 8:47 8:35 8:17 7:45 8:19 6:58 8:34 7:13 7:56 8:25 7:57 8:27 8:00 8:04 8:25 8:42 8:25 7:57 8:32 7:27 8:30 8:34 7:37 7:02 8:26 8:00 8:29 8:58 7:56 8:31 8:27 8:34 8:26 8:06 7:30

JUNE 17 9:21 8:36 8:13 7:52 8:37 8:07 8:50 8:38 8:20 7:47 8:22 7:00 8:37 7:15 7:59 8:27 8:00 8:30 8:02 8:06 8:28 8:44 8:28 7:59 8:35 7:30 8:33 8:37 7:40 7:04 8:29 8:02 8:32 9:01 7:58 8:34 8:30 8:37 8:29 8:09 7:32

JUNE 24 9:23 8:38 8:14 7:53 8:39 8:09 8:52 8:39 8:21 7:49 8:23 7:02 8:38 7:16 8:00 8:29 8:01 8:31 8:04 8:08 8:30 8:46 8:29 8:01 8:36 7:31 8:34 8:38 7:41 7:05 8:30 8:04 8:34 9:02 8:00 8:35 8:32 8:38 8:30 8:10 7:34

[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

Church, Donna Wood – b. May 18, 1959, Stoneham, Mass.; d. March 20, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: husband, James; son, Jonathan; daughter, Debbie; one grandchild; sister, Della Wood Robertson; mother, Rosamond Wood.

Colwell, David W. – b. Sept. 8, 1960, Stoneham, Mass.; d. March 26, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: son, Juan; daughters, Rosemary, Maritza; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.

Damazo, Jay E. – b. March 2, 1931, Plainfield, N.J.; d.

Jan. 26, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: husband, Paul Demazo; sons, Rob Golles, David Golles; six grandchildren. Jay served for 21 years as associate director and later as director of admissions for the Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

Eñano, Conrado – b. July 17, 1934, Guimaras, Philippines; d. April 4, 2022, San Bernardino, Calif.

Survivors: wife, Esther; daughters, Faith Kung, Ann Arntson; five grandchildren.

Hanson, Vera Mae Marsh – b. March 11, 1931, Mich.; d. Feb. 20, 2022, Napa, Calif. Survivors: husband, Grayson; sons, Dean, David, Donald; daughter, Susan; nephew, Dennis Hung; seven grandchildren. Vera Mae played the violin in the Napa church orchestra and she and her husband were the directors of the Napa church Community Services.

Henderson, Una Leviene – b. Nov. 26, 1959, West Indies, Jamaica; d. Feb. 14, 2022, San Jose, Calif.

Survivors: husband, Robert King; son, Theodore King.

Herrera, Ezequiel – b. July 25, 1935, San Alejo, El Salvador; d. Feb. 28, 2022, Daly City, Calif.

Janzen, Lydia – b. Sept. 21, 1937, Russia; d. March 10, 2022, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: husband, Lloyd; sons, Byron, Brad, Bruce; two grandchildren. Lydia was director of food service for Camp Cedar Falls in the Southern California Conference for many years.

Johanson, Edgar – b. June 21, 1926, Red Deer, Canada; d. March 29, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif.

Survivors: daughters, Diana LeBard, Leslie Bedros; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

Majestic, Julie Anne – b. June 24, 1970, Loma Linda, Calif; d. Feb. 23, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif.

Survivors: mother, Elizabeth Pastrama; stepfather, George Pastrama; sisters, Louisa Machain, Jacquelyn Pope; brothers, Chad Pastrama, Jonathan Pastrama.

Marquez, Benjamin T. Sr. – b. Jan. 28, 1940, Pangasinan, Philippines; d. March 4, 2022, Glendora, Calif. Survivors: wife, Felicita; son, Benjamin Jr.; seven grandchildren.

Mulkearns, Marta del Carmen – b. July 17, 1961, San Salvador; d. Jan. 11, 2022, Walnut Creek, Calif.

Survivors: husband, David Patrick Mulkearns; son, David Joshua Mulkearns; daughter, Lauren Rebecca Mulkearns; two grandchildren (with one on the way).

Muth, Alice M. (Thorn) – b. July 7, 1925, Tappan, N.D.; d. Jan. 11, 2022, Lodi, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Judy L. Bunch; son, Stanley E. Muth; four grandchildren. She and her husband Leland sang in their church choirs for many years.

Richards, Gwendolyn Maxine – b. Feb. 1, 1925, Prattville, Mich.; d. March 28, 2022, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: sons, Don, Bon; daughters, Sharon, Tamara; five grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren. She was a member of Loma Linda University church for 42 years.

Rossow, Carol Buck – b. April 21, 1939, Watsonville, Calif.; d. Feb. 22, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: son, Charlie; daughter, Suzy Johns.

Her smile went all the way to her eyes.

Sanchez, Lina Alcira (Tabuenca) – b. Feb. 6, 1942, Puno, Peru; d. Feb. 27, 2022, Exeter, Calif.

Survivors: husband, Rubén Darío; son, Adrían Nelson; daughter, Vivian Bouit; four grandchildren.

Lina was an academy teacher. At the Adventist Media Center, she directed the Bible School for the Voice of Prophecy.

Larsen, Lavonne – b. March 10, 1940, Hanford, Calif.; d. Jan. 5, 2022, Ceres, Calif. Survivors: husband, Harold; sons, Steven, Dane, Gregory; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren.

Venden, Marjorie – b. Sept. 15, 1929, Glendale, Calif.; d. March 28, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif.

Survivors: daughters, Elizabeth Sutherland, Susan Barrow, Barbara Venden; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Marjorie was a pastor’s wife and first lady at the Loma Linda University church when her late husband, Lou Venden, pastored there.

Long, Robert Gary – b. July 15, 1937, Bainbridge, Ohio; d. Aug. 24, 2021, Cookeville, Tenn. Survivors: wife, Janice; sons, Jeffrey, Gary, Troy; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren.

Williams, Mildred C. – b. March 9, 1928, Chicago, Ill.; d. Jan. 21, 2022, Diamond Bar, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Marina R. Williams, Jennifer L. WilliamsWalker; one grandchild.

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