Recorder PA C I F I C U N IO N
JUNE 2022
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. ECCLESIASTES
3:1
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ncoming freshmen at Pacific Union College or La Sierra University now have access to a $2,000 scholarship provided by Pacific Union Conference for the 2022-2023 school year. Freshmen applying for the scholarship 1) must be first-time undergraduates, 2) must be enrolled full time, 3) must be baptized members of an Adventist church in the Union, or have a parent or guardian that is a baptized member of an Adventist church in the Union, or have attended a Union-operated secondary school for a minimum of one semester. Applications and verifications for this scholarship are to be completed with Pacific Union College or La Sierra University and submitted as part of the student financial clearance process. For more information about this scholarship, email the student financial services department of Pacific Union College at studentfinance@puc.edu or La Sierra University at sfs@lasierra.edu.
“The glory of God is displayed in His handiwork. Here are mysteries that the mind will become strong in searching out.… All may find themes for study in the simple leaf of the forest tree, the spires of grass covering the earth with their green, velvet carpet, the plants and flowers, the stately trees of the forest, the lofty mountains, the granite rocks, the restless ocean, the precious gems of light studding the heavens to make the night beautiful, the exhaustless riches of the sunlight, the solemn glories of the moon, the winter’s cold, the summer’s heat, the changing, recurrent seasons in perfect order and harmony, controlled by infinite power; here are subjects which call for deep thought, for the stretch of the imagination.” Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, December 6, 1905.
What’s inside 4 Seasons of Life 8 Embracing the Purpose of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries 12 The Good Part 15 Coping (or Not) With Change 21 Newsdesk 24 Arizona Conference 26 Central California Conference 28 Hawaii Conference 30 Holbrook Indian School 32 La Sierra University 33 Pacific Union College 34 Loma Linda University Health 35 Adventist Health 36 Nevada-Utah Conference 38 Northern California Conference 40 Southeastern California Conference 42 Southern California Conference 44 Community & Marketplace 50 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 Assistant Editor Connie Jeffery 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 6, 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.
June 2022 3
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By Sandra E. Roberts
4 Pacific Union Recorder
Season
Father’s Day
Graduations
Summer Summer
ons of Life A VBS
s the earth continues to revolve in its orbit around the sun, June has ushered another season into our lives: summer!
We welcome it with eager anticipation this year, especially after two summers of limited activities due to the global pandemic. Now, in normal ways, we will celebrate graduations—from preschool, elementary, academy, college, and university—as we honor our children and youth who are moving into the next season of their education and future. We will celebrate holidays such as Father’s Day, when we love on our dads, and Fourth of July, when
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we watch fireworks and enjoy picnics.
Camp
We will vacation with our families, perhaps to see grandparents. We will enjoy the out of doors, perhaps by camping or making s’mores. Trips to the beach and lakes and rivers will help us escape the heat and create memories together. We will attend camp meetings and be inspired in our journeys of faith, renewing friendships with other companions on the way. Summer ministries programs will be up and running, with hundreds of youth and young adults pouring themselves into the lives of children at summer camps and day camps as they model for their charges what a life of joyfully following Jesus looks like. Student literature evangelists will be out all over our union territory, going door to door—not just
June 2022 5
We experience seasons of joy in finding new relationships, becoming new parents, or discovering new depth in our friendship with Jesus. selling literature but praying with people, providing spiritual care for people, and leading them to Jesus. Thousands of children from our neighborhoods
until the next one takes its turn. Scripture reminds us that seasons indeed come and go in our lives. “As long as the earth endures,
will be attending Vacation Bible Schools in our
seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and
churches, while volunteers of all ages prepare
winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis
themed programs and minister to them day after
8:22, NIV).
day. There will be life-changing mission trips out of
Some of those seasons we embrace with open and welcoming arms. We experience seasons of
the country for the first time in a few years, with
joy in finding new relationships, becoming new
adventures that will forever be woven into the
parents, or discovering new depth in our friendship
memories of those who participate.
with Jesus.
These activities and many more evoke other
However, some of the seasons of life are
memories of summer, ministry, family, and
unwelcomed. We long for these seasons to
relationships. We have long, sunlit days and more
be brief. Times of sickness, job loss, fractured
carefree schedules, and we will linger in this season
relationships, and financial stress are all difficult
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“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and
6 Pacific Union Recorder
days, weeks, and months to go through. A day can
over us as we journey deeper into His heart. With
seem like a week, a month like a year, as we live in
each season, we have new opportunities to love,
those seasons.
serve, and lead. We have new opportunities to
Scripture also reminds us that there is a time for every season, welcomed or unwelcomed. “There
discern what God is doing in His time in our lives. I was reminded of this a few years ago when
is a time for everything, and a season for every
I was interviewing several 100-year-old church
activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a
members for an upcoming anniversary event. I
time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a
wanted to hear their stories of the seasons of their
time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down
lives and how the church had impacted them in
and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to
those seasons—as well as how they had served
laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time
during those seasons.
to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time
One lady brought me to tears as she talked
to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a
about learning to live in her seasons of life,
time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep
adjusting and adapting to changes in her
and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time
circumstances and health. At 100 years of age,
to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
she was unable to walk, had to be transferred in
a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war
and out of bed, and was dependent on others for
and a time for peace.… He has made everything
her care. Yet she was smiling and content as she
beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11, NIV).
reflected on her life journey. She had served the
Whatever season of life you are in at this moment, you can remember that God has indeed made everything beautiful in His time—and His
local church in almost every leadership capacity and had led many people to Jesus. I will never forget how she looked at me and
time is always perfect. Seasons will come and go,
said, “Pastor Roberts, I am old now and I can’t do
but God continues to extends His grace and care
much, but I am doing what I can. The one thing I have is time. I have all the waking hours of the day with nothing else to do, but I can pray! I have committed my days and the times I wake in the night to intercessory prayer for others. I will be a prayer warrior for the rest of my days here on earth. It gives me joy in this season of my life.” I finished that interview with a renewed sense of embracing every season of my own life journey. Whatever season
winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis 8:22, NIV).
you are in this summer of 2022, may you remember that God
has made everything beautiful in His time. _____________________________ Sandra E. Roberts is the executive secretary and the ministerial director of the Pacific Union Conference.
June 2022 7
Embracing By Jim Park
Why are Sabbath School and Personal Ministries
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important?
8 Pacific Union Recorder
of Sabbath
the Purpose School and Personal Ministries
T
o answer that question, I would first like to share my own testimony and how God used the experiences from my
youth to give me a deep appreciation for and understanding of the value of Bible study and outreach today. I was raised in a devout Catholic family in Northern California. During my senior year at a Catholic high school, I went to mass and communion every day, seeking a closer relationship with God. Not finding the answers I was looking for, I took philosophy for three years at a secular college. When that didn’t provide answers, I dropped out of school to pursue a music career instead, not unlike “zillions” of other young people during the era of the late 60s and early 70s. After about a year of playing music, I was again feeling frustrated at where my life was headed. One day I was strongly impressed with the following thought: “You know, Jim, if you gave up alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, coffee, and meat, you would be a lot better off.” Somehow that voice made sense, and I resolved to follow through with that rather singular impression. Although smoking hung
June 2022 9
had been searching for. I realized that God had never turned His back on me and had answered my heart’s desire to know the truth. As a former “seeker” who was sincerely looking for truth, I have no doubt that God was preparing me all along for a life of ministry and outreach. I started teaching a Junior Sabbath School class even before I was baptized and have no doubt that this laid the foundation for my future career as a seminary professor. I believe Sabbath School and Personal Ministries are at the very heart of every Seventh-day Adventist church. The Adventist Church was born and is grounded in the prophetic Scriptures to share the everlasting gospel to every person and prepare a people for the soon coming of Jesus Christ. At the beginning of Counsels on Sabbath School Work (CSW), Ellen White states that “The influence growing out of Sabbath school work should improve and enlarge the church” (CSW, p. 9). Carefully note ISTOCK.COM/DIGITALSKILLET
the dual ministry of the Sabbath School work: it should both improve (spiritually grow) and enlarge (numerically grow) the church. The catalyst for this growth is grounded by the on for some time after that, I kept away from the
study of the Scriptures, which is the foundational
“drunk, stoned, wired, and tired” lifestyle. Despite
element for all growth in the individual and the
the positive changes I had made in my lifestyle, a
church. Note what Ellen White says: “When we
short while later I found myself at rock bottom—no
search the word of God, angels are by our side,
money, no job, and no hope.
reflecting bright beams of light upon its sacred
But God did not give up on me. By His providence I received a Bible, and for the first time in my life I
pages” (CSW, p. 22). We are not only called to share information
began to read the Word of God. His providence led
during the Sabbath School time but to provide the
to a job in the kitchen at the St. Helena Adventist
opportunity for the Word to transform the mind
Hospital, where I met my wife, Diana. I knew that
and character of both the teachers and students.
Adventists were vegetarian, and since I had not
These transformational moments are not restricted
eaten meat for a year, this singular trademark was of
to the time the class is taught on Sabbath—more
interest to me.
importantly, they can be brought to the heart and
I began studying the Bible with faithful Adventists. When I saw the plan of salvation laid out before me,
mind during the week in the circle of the family. “As a means of intellectual training, the
I was thoroughly converted and began to recognize
opportunities of the Sabbath are invaluable. Let the
God’s leading in my own life. This was the major
Sabbath-school lesson be learned, not by a hasty
turning point of my life; I had finally found what I
glance at the lesson scripture on Sabbath morning,
10 Pacific Union Recorder
but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during
growth. May their tribe increase. For the past six years, the newly created Personal
the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in the
Ministries/Sabbath School Volunteer Department
memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost” (Ellen G.
of the Pacific Union has been active in several
White, Education, pp. 251, 252).
important areas of research and ministry in order
The work of the devoted teacher will not cease at the end of the class, but their concern for the
to enhance the mission of the local church, which is the very heartbeat of the Advent movement.
salvation of others will lead them to “come close
The first ever textbook on urban ministry is about
to them in loving sympathy, visiting them at their
to be published by the Global Mission Urban Center
homes” (CSW, p. 75).
department of the General Conference. Several
After all, according to both the General
ministries within the Pacific Union are featured as
Conference and North American Division
case studies, including Glow, Youth Rush, Souls
Departments of Sabbath School and Personal
West, Thrive, the AMEN Dental Clinic, the Arizona
Ministries, the four emphases of each Sabbath
Sonshine health ministry, and Manna Mesa, a food
School should be Fellowship, Bible Study, Outreach,
distribution program.
and Mission. It is only as we convert our Sabbath
These important case studies will not only
Schools from study groups to wholistic small groups
enhance the understanding on how to be fruitful
that the ultimate purpose of our weekly gatherings
in urban ministry in the Pacific Union but will have
can truly bear fruit for the kingdom.
a widening circle of influence in other areas of the
One of the very best ongoing resources is Sabbath School Toolbox, which is available on an
world field. Finally, during the last four years I have also
ongoing quarterly basis at the Adventist Book Center
worked closely with our Pacific Union Conference
website. Created by Jim Zackrison, the former head
Souls West program, which is a wonderful school
of the General Conference Personal Ministries and
and training center for young people. We have
Sabbath School Department, it is full of practical
been working together with Pacific Union College
ideas to transform your Sabbath School.
to upgrade the academic viability of the program in
Although any local church could fulfill its call to
order to enhance the two years the young people
be a personal ministries center by focusing on the
dedicate to the publishing and Bible work ministry of
Sabbath School alone, there are many individuals
Souls West.
who will not come to a church. Any ministry that the
I deeply believe that by embracing the true
local church can create, ideally on a weekly basis,
purpose and spirit of Sabbath School and Personal
can go far in fostering that relationship, which is so
Ministries, our churches and communities will
vital to soul winning.
flourish beyond what we can imagine.
Ellen White tells us, “If we would humble
___________________________________________
ourselves before God, and be kind and courteous
Pastor Jim Park serves as Sabbath School and Personal
and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one
Ministries coordinator for the Pacific Union. He is
hundred conversions to the truth where now there
the author of several books and teaches at Loma
is only one” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p.
Linda University and Andrews University. For more
189). My own conversion into the Adventist Church
information about Sabbath School and/or Personal
was not so much based on doctrinal truth as it
Ministries, or to inquire about church growth seminars
was motivated by loving and wise members whom
or consultations, you may contact Jim Park at jimpark@
God was able to use at critical times in my spiritual
mac.com.
June 2022 11
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Woodcut engraving after a drawing by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld (German painter, 1794 - 1872), published in 1877.
The Good Part By Alberto Ingleton
P
eriodically, Christ Jesus visited his friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. At their home, He was able to relax and get away from the constant siege to which He was
subjected by the jealous religious leaders and their spies. In the tranquility of this home, Christ would offer spiritual nourishment to the family and their guests. Mary made sure to be seated in the front row, because listening to Christ was a priority in her life. Martha was an attentive and virtuous woman, who was overjoyed with the visit of Christ Jesus. She knew that His teachings would prepare her for eternity; however, she believed that preparing a delicious meal for her
12 Pacific Union Recorder
guests was more important than sitting down to
off the plane, and with great agility followed the
listen to the Master.
skydivers while recording all their movements.
Martha excused herself, went to the kitchen,
The skydivers completed their maneuvers and
and started cooking. In the process, she became
opened their parachutes, and the time had come
anxious and wondered why Mary was not helping
for him to do the same. He raised his arm to pull
her. At that time, Martha felt that preparing the
the cord of his parachute but was horrified to
meal was more important than listening to the
discover he had forgotten to put his parachute on.
Master. Martha, needing Mary's assistance, decided
Imagine the panic this man experienced when he
to appeal to Jesus. I am sure she thought Christ
realized death was imminent—a death that could
would agree with her, so she approached Him
have been avoided had he not forgotten the most
and said, “‘Lord, do You not care that my sister
indispensable piece of equipment, his parachute.
has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to
This story is a sad one, but it emphasizes a cardinal
help me.’ And Jesus answered and said to her,
truth for the Christian. Above all things we should
‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled
never neglect the most important thing—cultivating
about many things. But one thing is needed, and
a personal relationship with God—otherwise, our
Mary has chosen that good part, which will not
spiritual death will be inevitable.
be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:40-42, NKJV;
As Christians, we need to experience a deeper
emphasis added). The message of Jesus Christ was
desire for our spiritual development. Too often we
clear; Mary had chosen correctly, and her priorities
are overly concerned about temporal things, and
were well defined. She was following the biblical
in many cases our priorities are not correct. “Me,
teaching, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His
myself and I” becomes the center and obsession
righteousness, and all these things shall be added
of our lives, and we neglect the “one thing that is
to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).
needed,” which balances the life of the Christian.
Like Martha, we are so busy with all the cares of
Inspiration tells us “Beware how you neglect secret
this world that we neglect the most indispensable
prayer and a study of God’s word. These are your
part of the Christian experience. It is not always
weapons against him who is striving to hinder your
about choosing between good and bad—
progress heavenward. The first neglect of prayer
sometimes it is choosing between good and best.
and Bible study makes easier the second neglect”
For the Christian, the best is the “good part” that
(E.G. White, “Onward and Upward,” The Youth’s
Mary chose, which was to be at the feet of Jesus.
Instructor, June 26, 1902).
This should be our top priority. The Apostle Paul
On more than one occasion I have spoken
wrote, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). In other
with church members who sincerely long for the
words, my necessity of Jesus is such that I must
celestial home but tell me: “I feel far from God.”
spend time with Him daily. The apostle knew he
“I feel empty.” “My life has lost all meaning.” “I feel
was heavenly bound, and he knew that to get there,
anxious.” “I am spiritually confused.” “I have no
one thing was needed: his personal relationship
peace.” During our conversation, I ask the following
with God.
question: “How is your daily communion with
I read the story of a famous skydiver who had
God?” Unfortunately, 99% of the responses admit
completed more than 800 jumps. He was also
to neglecting time with the Lord because they are
a skilled photographer, dedicated to recording
self-absorbed in their life objectives and personal
other skydivers during public exhibitions. On one
challenges. In this context we are told: “The enemy
occasion, he prepared his equipment, jumped
knows when we undertake to do without our
June 2022 13
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By dedicating time to the study of the Word of God, Christians will find in it the totality of divine counsel that makes them wise for salvation.
Lord, and he is there, ready to fill our minds with
the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4, KJV).
his evil suggestions, that we may fall from our
It is interesting to note that the Bible tells us that
steadfastness; but it is the desire of the Lord that
this faith that gives life to the righteous is obtained
from moment to moment we should abide in Him,
when we choose the “good part.” Romans 10:17
and thus be complete in Him” (E.G. White, My Life
tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and
Today, p. 15).
hearing by the word of God” (KJV).
The Psalmist learned this great truth. He found
By dedicating time to the study of the Word of
the secret of his fullness with Christ and wrote:
God, Christians will find in it the totality of divine
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will
counsel that makes them wise for salvation. Through
seek after; that I dwell in the house of the Lord all
daily study they will find the portions that will always
the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4, KJV). David tells us
supply their specific needs in any circumstance. For
that his serenity, his tranquility, his strength, his
this reason, the Christian who dedicates time to God
peace, and his salvation, despite the vicissitudes
“shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
of life, were the result of his daily communion
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf
with God. Unfortunately, we are so busy in our
also shall not wither “(Psalm 1:3, KJV).
professional, religious, or personal endeavors
This verse speaks to me of tenacious Christians
that we neglect our time with God. Sometimes
who enjoy a consistent strength because of
we are so wounded, hurt, distressed, and worried
choosing the “good part.” These Christians,
that we do not allow time for God to give us
when threatened by heat and drought, will be
encouragement, strength, tranquility, and the
sustained by Christ. When afflicted by trials, pain,
peace we long for.
disease, contempt, loneliness, and/or criticism,
What the Psalmist wants to emphasize is the fact
nothing can destroy them, because they find help,
that the privilege of the Christian does not consist
encouragement, and hope in their relationship with
of being free from problems; rather, it resides in
God. As Christians, we know this world is not our
enjoying a personal experience with Christ. While
home. We are heaven bound. Let us not neglect
we are in this world, the problems will be real, our
the most essential “good part” in our lives: our
weaknesses will be evident, and we will experience
communion with God.
the pressures of life; however, it is wonderful to
_____________________________
know that we can find help through prayer and the
Alberto Ingleton is vice president for Hispanic
study of the Word. The Word of God tells us “but
Ministries at the Pacific Union Conference.
14 Pacific Union Recorder
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Coping (or Not) With Change By Gilbert Valentine
S
eminary Dean William G.C. Murdoch was flummoxed and irritated. It had been difficult to keep General Conference President Robert Pierson happy. The
president had been critical of the seminary in the past and was increasingly insistent that behavioral standards be maintained along with traditional Adventist orthodoxy. And now, in January 1971, Dean Murdoch had a headache. Two students were persisting in wearing beards against the clearly spelled out regulations. Murdoch was sure that Pierson would hear of this, somehow. Everything seemed to find its way onto his desk
Robert Pierson
in Washington, D.C. Murdoch wanted to get in front of this problem and other even more serious challenges emerging on the campus in Berrien Springs. He wrote the
June 2022 15
president in self- and seminary defense.1 One bearded student, Rajmund Dabrowski,
the result of historical research and discovery. New information was being discovered. Sometimes
was the son of a respected union conference
troubling information. Change was happening all
president. The other, Tom Dybdahl, was the son of
around. Murdoch was trying to support traditional
a prominent denominationally employed doctor.
values, and he wanted Elder Pierson to know that.
What was Murdoch to do? He wanted Elder Pierson
But his faculty felt under siege and had been for
to know that such irregularities at the seminary
some time. They felt an obligation to stand up and
occurred despite the dean doing his very best.
speak out—because when canaries stop singing in
Murdoch knew that Elder Pierson was concerned about a lot more than just beards. He had also been
the coal mine, there is danger. All during the 1960s, unprecedented waves of
critical about theological and historical issues that
turbulent social change had washed over North
were being discussed in hallways and classrooms.
America and rippled around the world. The waves
On this second subject, Murdoch sought to set the
surged through Adventism, eroding away at the
record straight. As to the problematic discussions
edges of past practices and inevitably changing
about Ellen White and her literary borrowing,
the shorelines of the church in various ways.
Murdoch informed Pierson, the teacher responsible
Civil Rights agitation and Vietnam War protests
for that difficulty, William Peterson, was not actually
dominated the daily news cycle and changed
from the seminary. Peterson taught across campus
Adventist attitudes. A disturbing new youth
in the university, and he was President Richard
culture with its weird music, radical dress styles,
Hammill’s responsibility.
and drug experimentation impacted Adventist
There were likely yet more problems to be found
youth and seemed increasingly ominous. Divorce
and likely more criticism, Murdoch fretted. Some
rates increased and the stability of Adventist
were cultural, some were behavioral, some were
marriages came under new pressure. Topics
The Wedgewood Trio
16 Pacific Union Recorder
COURTESY CENTER FOR ADVENTIST RESEARCH (SOURCE: ESDA)
W.G.C. Murdoch being awarded a medallion of Merit in 1972 by Dr, Garland of the General Conference while University President Richard Hammill looks on.
such as premarital sex, juvenile delinquency,
as he took up his duties in Washington, D.C.
“the generation gap,” and issues addressed by
What he saw in the turmoil around him was
provocative student newspapers began to crowd
overwhelming evidence of unsettling change,
church leaders’ committee agendas. Intramural
superficially characterized as “creeping liberalism.”
sports, drama clubs, movie nights, and the teaching
Change there had been indeed. By 1945, all
of Shakespeare began to appear on Adventist
the Adventist undergraduate colleges had been
campuses, troubling those with traditional values
accredited; there were now many more teachers
and causing headaches for administrators. Even
with graduate degrees, and the numbers were
the staid and true Voice of Prophecy published
still increasing. And they were teaching students
psychedelic brochures, used hip language in
critical thinking skills. The church under Pierson’s
its new Way Out magazine, and used the guitar
immediate predecessor, Reuben Figuhr, had
playing, foot-tapping Wedgewood Trio in its
launched two new universities, and the seminary
programs. Swirling through society beyond
and graduate school had been moved to the
the church, creating an even greater sense of
Berrien Springs campus, aligning them with the
uncertainty and discombobulation, were fast-paced
university’s culture and environment. In local
technological developments in the computing
churches, the denominational leaders began to
world and in communications. How could the
encounter a new kind of Adventist: “intellectuals,”
church cope with such rapid, alarming change? It
who asked questions and demanded a voice
was tempting to bury one’s head in the sand.
in church affairs. There was much talk about
Elder Robert Pierson was elected to the General
the proper role of the “laity.” Compounding the
Conference presidency in June 1966 after 25 years
difficulties confronting the church and its leaders
of service outside of the United States. His service
was the exploding amount of knowledge being
in the mission field had not prepared him for both
created in the mid-20th century. New facts and
the culture shock and future shock he experienced
new information in a wide array of disciplines
June 2022 17
challenged some traditional Adventist teachings.
The idea that the Adventist understanding of the
All this troubled Elder Pierson. Could it not be
age of the earth might be reconsidered in the
stopped? From his perspective it was clear that
light of scientific evidence or that some other
the fundamentalist church that he knew from
apostle may have authored the letter to the
childhood and to which he had recommitted
Hebrews sounded like undisguised heresy. Had
himself in his late teens needed to be preserved—
not Ellen White spoken and made all that clear?
not only its lifestyle standards but also its theology.
Wasn’t her authority sufficient and final? Elder
Church leaders needed to step on the brakes.
Pierson set about battening down the hatches
He did.
against the fierce winds of what came to be called
New theological ideas—such as the new views
“liberalism” that were threatening to swamp the
on the heavenly sanctuary taught by Edward
church. He secured control of the Biblical Research
Heppenstall and the new approach to teaching
Committee, reappointed staff at the Geoscience
the New Testament that included exposure of
Research Institute, and pressured Hammill to clean
students to “the Synoptic problem”—deeply
out problem teachers from the seminary. In spite
unsettled Pierson and his colleagues in leadership.
of these changes, the turmoil persisted, and some suggested that considerable blame could perhaps be assigned to the West. The West Coast seemed to be the problematic source for many of the troubling changes Elder Pierson saw threatening the conservatism of the church. Was it not students at La Sierra and at PUC who had agitated against The Youth’s Instructor, arguing that it was no longer relevant and that the church needed a new youth magazine? Was it not university teachers and professional laymen from Los Angeles who had started the independent papers Claremont Dialogue and Perspective, which challenged church decisions? Was it not Glendale Sanitarium which had first argued the case that
ISTOCK.COM/AXLLLL
it might be better to keep short-term, acute-care
18 Pacific Union Recorder
Compounding the difficulties confronting the church and its leaders was the exploding amount of knowledge being created in the mid-20th century.
Fundamentalism would prove to have exceedingly deep roots and staying power in Adventism. patients on a meat diet than to insist on a radical
remonstrated. If Elder Pierson continued with his
change to vegetarianism? Was it not the doctors at
approach that stifled discussion, his administration
Loma Linda who were pressing for salary increases
might well become known in church history as “the
and wanting to break free from the ministerial wage
quinqennium of the Ostrich.” It was a brave letter.3
scale? When some people spoke of “West Coast
Cottrell and Coffen were really trying to help Elder
Adventists” as being undoubtedly different and
Pierson realize that the church was changing and
perhaps disturbing, were they not onto something?
that it was not necessarily a bad thing. Intellectuals
Review and Herald book editor Raymond Cottrell
could be a blessing to the church, not a problem.
provoked a sharp rejoinder from Elder Pierson in
Would their voices fall silent like canaries
1976 when he suggested that in some theological
succumbing to a toxic atmosphere?
issues there was not always a simple right side
During the late 1960s and the 1970s, the era of
and a wrong side. In complex issues of faith and
Robert Pierson’s administration, there had been
doctrine, there could be a
a notable loss of seminary faculty
number of sides that all needed
because they were perceived
to be fitted together. Church
to be not supportive of some
intellectuals generally were of
traditional Adventist interpretive
this view.
viewpoints. The recurring and
2
Elder Pierson argued in
deeply problematic twin issues of
response to Cottrell in his
the nature of biblical inspiration
Adventist Review column, “Heart
and the inerrancy and authority of
to Heart,” that there really was
Ellen White lay at the heart of the
only one sure way to look at
troubles. The idea of an inerrant
biblical teachings because the
Ellen White was deeply rooted,
Bible, in fact, was very clear.
and the issue played out across a
When it came to such questions
Edward Heppenstall
number of doctrinal matters. In its
as the inspiration of the Bible, the nature of Christ,
starkest terms, the issue was as simple as Edward
the binding claims of the law, the Sabbath, the
Heppenstall posed it to the Biblical Research
imminent return of Christ, and the judgment-
Committee in January 1976: “Can we allow EGW
hour message, there was no “other side” to be
to veto Bible evidence?” Heppenstall was trying to
considered. To think that there might be “another
correct clear misinterpretations of aspects of the
side” to an issue, or even a number of sides to be
Old Testament sacrificial system that been built
considered, could be exceedingly dangerous.
into the sanctuary doctrine. He too was singing like
Southern Publishing Association book editor Richard Coffen wrote Pierson in protest at what he
a canary. Fundamentalism would prove to have
perceived to be Pierson’s overly rigid stance. Facts
exceedingly deep roots and staying power in
and new information could not be ignored, he
Adventism. Elder Pierson and his colleagues
June 2022 19
resisted change. On the other hand, facts— and those believers who were prepared to accommodate them—would not go away either. Progressive Adventism would also prove to have deep roots in Adventism, and the struggle to prevent its growth would not succeed despite the strenuous effort. It had come to stay and the church would be richer for it. What might be called “progressive Adventism,” after its unwelcome arrival on the church scene, successfully grew deep roots. In the opinion of this writer, it continues to give promise of being the flourishing future version of Adventism. Why? The complex realities of incontrovertible facts that Adventism faces have not disappeared just because they might be ignored or glossed over. Burying one’s
“In this new work Gilbert Valentine turns his spotlight on the Pierson presidency of the Adventist church. The years 1966-1978 were tumultuous in American society and also for the church, as ingrained fundamentalism faced the progressive ideas that came with the recently established universities in Loma Linda and Berrien Springs. Pierson could only react to the changes all around by attempting to return to a comfortable past. Suspicion and witch hunts became the order of the day; many of Adventism’s finest minds were purged. It was not the church’s finest hour. I highly recommend this book: in important respects the struggles of the Pierson years are still with us.”
head in the sand might relieve the discomfort of coping with the unwelcome reality of the moment, but it does not work as a long-term solution. Change is often uncomfortable, though necessary. Adventists have spent quite a long time resisting change, and the temptation to ignore facts is strong. But facts do not go away. Some are becoming more painful and persistent. Progressive, committed Adventists are not only a valued part of the community with staying power. Their arrival and rootedness in the church holds promise of enabling the community to both cherish its past and adapt to a more complex world where facts do matter and need to be accommodated in the expression of the ancient faith “once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). W.G.C. Murdoch to R.H. Pierson, Dec. 22, 1970. R.F. Cottrell, to R.H. Pierson, Dec. 31, 1975; R.F. Cottrell, “The Mission of the Church to Intellectuals” (1975). 3 R.W. Coffen to R.H. Pierson, March 18, 1976. 1 2
_____________________________ Gil Valentine continues to write illuminating Adventist history from his home in Riverside, California. His
William G. Johnsson, editor,
Ostriches and Canaries: Coping with Change in
Adventist Review (1982-2006)
Adventism 1966-1979, which expands on the theme of this article, is published by Oak and Acorn and is now available on Amazon.com.
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N E W S D E S K
Mahalo Nui Loa, Hawaii RALPH WATTS REFLECTS ON 16 YEARS OF SERVICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE HAWAII CONFERENCE
R
ather than running off to Hawaii upon retirement, Ralph S. Watts III left the islands he had called home since 2006 to settle down in California after serving 16 years as president of the Hawaii Conference. For Watts, who grew up in Korea and Singapore in a pastoral and missionary family, Hawaii truly was “home” for him, not just simply a place to work. “Having grown up in Korea and Singapore developed in me firsthand a deep appreciation of the ethnic diversity and cultures and the vast scope and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church around the world,” Watts said. “It gave me the opportunity to experience living life in another culture.” Growing up in the 60s in Korea, Watts experienced what it’s like to be the minority, though he didn’t realize it at the time. To him, his experience, as it was happening, was the norm. His formative years prepared him not just for a life of ministry and service but for building meaningful connection and understanding with people from backgrounds and cultures other than his own, which in turn opened many doors for sharing the gospel both in his professional roles and simply as a follower of Christ. He first sensed his call to ministry when flying with the bush pilot in Borneo and assisting in evangelistic meetings the summer of his junior year at Far Eastern Academy. Watts posts on Facebook: "First time in 16 years to leave Hawaii without a return ticket. That’s the bad news. The good news is we’ve got the time to return someday."
June 2022 21
N E W S D E S K
16 Years of Ministry in Hawaii
“What makes Hawaii so beautiful is the people. When I look back on my life, I see God had a plan.”
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I Newsdesk
Early on in his journey as a young pastor, Watts prayerfully created a framework upon which to build his ministry, He asked himself the question: “What would motivate me in ministry?” The answers were four core priorities: To be Christ centered, to be mission driven, to be service oriented, and to be empowered to do it all by the Holy Spirit. He embraced the example of Jesus in Matthew 20:28, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Watts, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Union College, a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, began his pastoral ministry in 1983 in Wyoming in the Rocky Mountain Conference. He went on to pastor churches in Northern California, where he then served for many years prior to answering the call to serve in Hawaii. He has also traveled the world extensively, including Zimbabwe, Thailand, South Africa, and India, to conduct weeks of prayer and many other service and ministry involvements. When the call came to serve in Hawaii, he took time to pray and seek God’s guidance. After a long while, the answer came. “I gave you the gift of being multicultural,” the Lord impressed strongly upon his heart. “Now it’s time to give it back to me.” That was all he needed to accept the call and move to Hawaii. “It felt like going home,” Watts recalled, even though he had never lived in Hawaii. “What makes Hawaii so beautiful is the people. When I look back on my life, I see God had a plan.” The natural beauty of Hawaii was certainly appealing, but it was the people that made Hawaii such an incredible and beautiful experience for Watts and his wife Sharon, who is a music teacher and holds a master’s degree in flute performance. “Ohana means family, and everything we do on the island is family and relationship driven,” he said. In his role as conference president, Watts made it a point to visit the 13 Adventist schools in the territory, most on the island of Oahu, to visit with students and to thank the teachers for their work and dedication.
N E W S D E S K
Ralph Watts and his wife Sharon join in a group prayer at their farewell.
Though technically a pastor and not an educator, Watts is a strong proponent for a good education that will help young people build solid professional foundations that will in turn enable them to add value to people’s lives as well as provide for themselves and their future families. But most importantly, he is passionate about the value of a quality Adventist education beyond the academics. “I believe every child needs to be given the opportunity to come to the foot of the cross,” he said. In his role as Hawaii Conference president, Watts also worked closely with the pastoral team, healthcare professionals, church members, and conference staff to “Reach Hawaii—Each One Reach One,” the Hawaii Conference’s mission statement. Now back on the mainland, Watts looks forward to continuing his life of ministry in “reboot or refresh” mode, which he prefers to the term “retirement.” “There is no such thing as ‘over the hill,’” he said. “Over the hill implies you’ve reached the summit. Heaven is the summit and we’re not there yet. I want to be actively engaged until Jesus comes.” Watts’ passion for a lifetime of service is rooted in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (NKJV). His vision is to lead people to a
renewed commitment to Christ, His church, and His rapidly approaching second coming. At the time this article is published, Watts is planning to engage in humanitarian projects, not unlike many he was a part of earlier in his ministry. He believes that even in reboot (not retirement), the same core values and passion still apply, regardless of official employment status or job description. But he also recognizes that none of it is possible without the help of the Holy Spirit. “’To whom much is given, much is required.’ I’ve been blessed in so many ways,” Watts said. “Whatever gifts He’s given me are His. I want to give them back to Him as faithfully as possible.” ___________________________________________ By Cynthia Mendoza Ralph Watts hugs new Hawaii Conference president Erik VanDenburgh at Watts' farewell.
Newsdesk
I June 2022
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A Dream Come True
I
n the summer of 2021, while COVID was still pretty much in full swing, Sylvia Hayashi, health ministry leader at Desert Cove church in El Mirage, Arizona, had a dream of a large health and wellness fair. She shared her dream with other church members, and a date was set for March 20, 2022. She then starting contacting people she knew from other local Adventist churches in Arizona. Telma and Chris Bearden from the Clearview church in Surprise said they would help her contact different businesses and entities that would be a good fit for a health fair. By March, nearly 85 vendors had been signed up, encompassing a wide variety of topics, including nutrition, fitness, medical services, senior services, and church and community ministries. Some of the activities included a bouncy house, a kid’s petting zoo, and collector cars. There was something for everyone. Held from noon to 3 p.m., the event included a talk from Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism Director Carlos Munoz and a concert by Michael Harris, closing with a presentation from Dr. Rose inside the church. In addition, representatives from Good News TV and the Arizona Conference Adventist Book Center were on hand.
Members of the community got a free health screening, including a blood pressure check. The church’s mission is to reach people as Jesus did by meeting their needs. One of the main purposes of the health fair event was to be an outreach to the community. Ministry of Healing, Illustrated Great Controversy, and Steps to Christ books were given away at various booths to both vendors and people from the community. The church plans on following up with classes on diabetes, smoking cessation, healthy eating, cooking, and Bible studies. ____________________ By Cathy Fields
Over 85 vendors were on hand to provide services and products to the community.
Bullhead City Church “Tears Up” Mortgage
T
raditionally, when there is a mortgage burning ceremony at a church, a mortgage is burned. On April 9, the members of the Bullhead City church in Bullhead, Arizona, felt that their brand-new sanctuary should be fire free. Instead of burning the mortgage, Arizona Conference
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Arizona Conference
Treasurer Reggie Leach tore up the mortgage into as many tiny pieces as he could. Sitting atop a hill with the sparkling blue Colorado River in the distance, the church still shows signs of its recent construction. Stacks of stone lay next to exterior walls, waiting for a mason’s touch to finish the stone
siding. A dirt parking lot to the north side of the church is waiting for funds for paving. The church members are noticeably proud of
Arizona Conference Treasurer Reggie Leach tears up the “Paid in Full” mortgage for the Bullhead City church.
C
having a brand-new church that is debt free. It is a testament to the faithfulness of the church members and to their stalwart belief in God’s blessings. “What a fabulous new facility this church now has,” Arizona Conference President Ed Keyes said. “I was blown away with all the work they did to make this church a very representative facility to that community.” Just prior to the mortgage being torn to shreds, Dr. Robert Leo gave his testimony of the building project. “I voted against it,” he recalled. “I was the only vote against proceeding with the building plan because I didn’t think we would be able to do it.” Then after a short pause, with a smile across his face, he said, “But time after time God provided the funds.” His smile displayed his pride in both the new building and the faith of the church members that was rewarded by God. ____________________ By Jeff Rogers
Thunderbird Adventist Academy Celebrates 100 years
elebrating 100 years of Adventist education in Arizona was the theme of the Thunderbird Adventist Academy alumni weekend this past April. It was even more special as all the honor classes that were missed from postponed alumni weekends in 2020 and 2021 were recognized in addition to this year’s honorees. With three times as many honor classes, Members of the 70-year classes receive special recognition at the 100th close to 400 individuals were anniversary ceremony. on campus during the Sabbath graduated, Arizona Academy moved to its current program, and even more joined via livestream location in Scottsdale and the name was changed to provided by Good News TV. Thunderbird Adventist Academy. The Thunderbird During the roll call, eight alumni from the 70name comes from the military airfield that was part of year classes (1950-1952) of Arizona Academy were the property that was purchased in the early 1950s. honored. These individuals are some of the remaining ____________________ alumni who walked on the first academy campus that By Tanna Allison and Jeff Rogers was located in downtown Phoenix. Shortly after they
Arizona Conference
June 2022 25
Let’s Preach! W
hat happens when members are trained to do evangelistic preaching? It is no surprise that God abundantly blesses—and miracles prove it. Beginning in 2021 and continuing until 2024, the Central California Conference (CCC) has adopted Arise & Go as its theme for member mobilization and soul winning. Under the leadership of Dan Serns, CCC president, the vision of “the Adventist message to all of Central California Conference and the world in this generation” will support a variety of events now scheduled for the spring and fall of each year. They each will culminate with the “Fill Every Baptistry Sabbath” in every church and school. Taken mostly from the New Testament book of Acts, the themes began in 2021 with listening and prayer and will continue with sharing Jesus, family worship, starting groups, baptizing, sending missionaries, and entering new communities. During the spring of this year, members were encouraged to make a habit of sharing Jesus every day. However, that outreach also included training members to hold evangelistic meetings. Therefore, the “Let’s Preach!” training seminars via Zoom were held in late March, and over 150 lay members and pastors attended an allday workshop at the Clovis Church on April 3. Although there were breakout sessions, Louis Torres, Adventist World
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Central California Conference
Radio evangelist, and Rodney Bowes, ASI evangelist, provided the basic training. Twenty-eight sites throughout the conference took up the challenge and planned “New Beginnings” evangelistic meetings—most of which occurred during the last week of April. Amazing Truth Bible seminar at the Fresno All Nations church God certainly blessed the “Let’s Preach” series held at the All Nations church from April 14 to 30. Justin Kim, senior pastor, and Bryan Bong, associate pastor, invited the members to come together every morning for two weeks before the beginning of these lay evangelistic meetings. They studied the book of Acts and prayed that God would bless their meetings and their lay evangelist, Dolores Jones. While her husband had been the CCC evangelist for many years before he passed away, Jones, an administrative assistant at the CCC office, had never held a meeting in this country. We can expect that ABOVE: Over 150 lay members attend a Let’s Preach training seminar at the Clovis church on April 3. LEFT: Pastor Justin Kim welcomes attendees to the Amazing Truth Bible seminar held from April 14 to 30 at the Fresno All Nations church with Dolores Jones as lay preacher.
this was only the beginning of many more, as she is planning on doing training for other women in her area. Before the meetings began, church members were encouraged to invite their neighbors. When Jones walked her neighborhood, she found two neighbors in hospice care and was so glad that she was able to pray with them. On opening night, four of her neighbors were among the 16 visitors. Two more of the guests were ladies she had also especially invited—and they attended every night. Another couple who had studied with her husband 15 years earlier faithfully attended, and they are now planning on being baptized. There were eight decisions for baptism, one occurring on the “Fill the Baptistry Sabbath.” There are several more still deciding who are now attending regularly. Jones will continue to teach a “Growing Christian Life” class during Sabbath School time. Pastor Kim will conduct a Bible study class every Tuesday evening for those who will be baptized later. “It is such an honor to serve God in this capacity,” said Jones. “I trust the Holy Spirit will do His part to convict hungry hearts to this everlasting gospel. I am totally helpless, even though I have done all I can do. I pray that my friends will make the decision, and I know that is one prayer that God wants to answer. Our church wants to continue teaching and cultivating the interest of the faithful visitors who have attended our meetings. We will continue to point them to the Savior of the Word, Jesus Christ.” Members of The Ark church in Visalia The God of the Ark is the God worship in their new of miracles church home on When lay members want to December 15, 2021. plant a church and preach, it can produce some incredible results. A testimony of faithfulness and miracles comes out of the new church plant that was started in Visalia. The details of how one miracle after another allowed them to obtain a church building would amaze even the skeptic. You may get tired of seeing the word miracle, which they often claim and assert in their story, but there is no other way to describe the process they went through to have a church building of their own. The first miracle is that a
group in the Visalia church, eventually led by Joseph Castillo, a physical therapist, decided to do some outreach and plant a church in their local community. Surrounded by members who also felt the calling to become church planters, Castillo, a “tentmaker preacher” like the Apostle Paul, helped the group to go forth and make new believers in a new territory. When a church building became available that perfectly fit their needs, the members assert that every dollar raised for its purchase was a miracle. It is a very long story that is positively remarkable. Perhaps we will be able to tell it in totality in the future. It was all finalized and they were able to move in on December 15, 2021. They now have members of the community coming to them asking for baptism. The prayer is that their experience will be multiplied and repeated over several years. For CCC members, please read the Central ACTS newsletter inserted in this Recorder. There are definite plans to further the CCC’s mission of sharing “the Adventist message to all of Central California Conference and the world in this generation” by establishing a new department to focus on church planting. We are confident that God will bless as we seek to do His will. ____________________ By Deloris Trujillo
Central California Conference
June 2022 27
Hawaii Conference Elects New President
E
rik VanDenburgh was elected Hawaii Conference president at the 11th constituency session on April 24, 2022, held at the Honolulu Central church. He succeeds the retiring Elder Ralph Watts III, who faithfully served Hawaii for the past 16 years. Watts and his wife, Sharon, will settle near Lodi, California, where they will enjoy being near their parents and grandchildren. VanDenburgh has served as Hawaii Conference youth director for the past seven years. He and his wife, Jana, came to Hawaii after serving in the Arizona Conference for 11 years, where he worked as Literature Ministries and Youth Director. The VanDenburgh family has three handsome and energetic young sons—Jacob, Joel, and Jaben— who love their tropical home. VanDenburgh has established his good name and reputation as a forward- thinking, creative, highly energetic, and spiritual leader. He has motivated hundreds of young people to become faithful and responsible leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His first priority after coming to Hawaii was to revolutionize Camp Waianae, resulting in a major remodel with new and improved facilities throughout—totally worth a visit by our members, by the way. VanDenburgh also developed the Pastoral Intern program, in
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Hawaii Conference
which future potential pastors work for one year with a mentoring pastor in local Hawaiian churches. Many go on to become pastors who will eventually serve the church throughout the world. Pastor VanDenburgh shared his three commitments for his ministry as Hawaii Conference president. • His commitment to God with his heart, mind, body, and soul. • A commitment to his family to be there for them as husband and father, to never neglect them and always do what’s best for them spiritually, physically, and mentally, leading them to a personal walk with Jesus. • A promise to love this church and lead with integrity while embracing the mission of the great Hawaii Conference “to facilitate the proclamation of the everlasting gospel in the context of the three angels’ messages of Revelation 12:6-12 to all peoples within its territory, leading them to accept Jesus as personal Savior and to unite with His church, and nurturing them
in preparation for His soon return.” Highlights of the session included special music from the Hawaiian Mission Academy choir, directed by Zoviel Charles. In his devotional, Elder Ralph Watts III recalled his 16-year ministry here in Hawaii, including both challenges and victories. Quoting Joshua 1:9, a Watts family favorite text, he encouraged our Hawaii family to “be of good courage.” The treasurer’s report was given by Benjamin Supit, there was an audited video report from GC Senior Auditor Jacob Bindernagel, and Executive Secretary Jay Warren presented the Constitution and Bylaws Report. After the nominating committee report from Pacific Union Conference President Brad Newton, the new Hawaii Conference officers were announced: President, Elder Erik VanDenburgh; Executive Secretary, Elder Jay Warren; and Treasurer, Benjamin Supit. ____________________ By Jay Warren
Hawaii Conference
June 2022 29
A Wonderful People
I
f you have been keeping up with Holbrook Indian School (HIS), then you know a good bit about the culture at this unique Adventist school. To go a little deeper into learning about the background of the Native students that are served, specifically those of the Navajo Nation, we would like to introduce you to one of the teachers who is Navajo. To understand a little more of the Navajo culture, we present to you Navajo language and Navajo The "Original Red Tape" is said to government teacher Sam Hubbard. be the origin of the phrase "cutting Mr. Hubbard was first introduced to HIS in the same way many through the red tape." From the Navajos are introduced to the school—through word of mouth on Navajo Museum. the reservation. Back in the 1970s, Mr. Hubbard and his family were exposed to HIS through a former Navajo Code Talker with the U.S. military. “Teddy Draper had told my mom there was a school in Holbrook,” Mr. Hubbard recalled. “‘You should take your kids there.’ That was the first time my mom heard about the school. So my mom sent my oldest brother, Walter, and our four sisters to Holbrook.” Although he never attended the school, Mr. Hubbard would come to know the little school in the desert for himself later as a Bible worker. It was several decades later, after becoming an Adventist, when he felt Sam inspired to become a full-time missionary in 2001. Hubbard Fast forward 21 years. He is now working at HIS in multiple roles. “When I first came, I was the boys' dean,” Mr. Hubbard said. “At the same time, I was a Bible teacher for ninth grade.” Then, after the math teacher moved on to another job, Mr. Hubbard moved into that position, at which time
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Holbrook Indian School
he was also asked to teach Navajo government. In April 2022, Mr. Hubbard took students on a special trip to the Navajo Museum and Navajo Nation Capital as part of his Navajo language class. “Part of the Kymberly and Mr. Hubbard look at photos of Navajo Code Talkers. Navajo language class is to learn about our culture and also to compare our culture to other tribes interview with Mr. Hubbard, in which he shares a and languages,” Mr. Hubbard said. short testimonial on why he became an Adventist, the “The tour guide told our students about our cultural similarities in the Bible and Navajo beliefs, and the significance and stories from the past. He talked about significance of Navajo culture for his students. Visit the Code Talkers and the historical Long Walk. He also HolbrookIndianSchool.org/hisnation/culture to read more. talked about the treaties between the United States and ____________________ Navajos.” By Chevon Petgrave and Sam Hubbard After the museum visit, the class went to the Window BELOW RIGHT: Students making fry bread at Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park and Veterans Memorial to Rock Navajo Tribal Park & Veterans Memorial. prepare a favorite Navajo delicacy—fry bread. “I think [the origins and culture of fry bread] goes back to The Long Walk in 1864-1868,” Mr. Hubbard said. “The U.S. government gave us flour, and we had to do something with it. As a people, I don't think we made bread before that. I tell my students we are always creating new traditions, and fry bread is part of that.” ABOVE LEFT: Nathaniel stands next to a photo The Navajo fry bread Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfthof his grandfather (left) is a little fluffier than grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union who was a Navajo Code that of other tribes. It’s Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. HIS also Talker. manages a first- through eighth-grade day school on the essentially a wheat dough Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty-seven percent mix made into a flattened, round bread. This is eaten of funding comes from individuals who have a desire to with meat and potatoes or sometimes with just honey support Native American ministries and Christian education. as a sweet snack. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our As part of the Navajo government class, HIS students students, their families, and the communities they serve. go inside the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Thank you for your support. Window Rock. They learn firsthand about how its threebranch system of government operates. “The Navajo DEVELOPMENT Nation has four sessions throughout the year where DEPARTMENT they pass laws,” Mr. Hubbard said. “They do that in the P.O. Box 910 • Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 Nation’s capitol at Window Rock. We usually go there to (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) • Development@hissda.org watch them give their speeches and see the procedure.” HolbrookIndianSchool.org You can read more about Navajo culture and the school’s incorporation of it in the full HIS Nation blog
Holbrook Indian School
June 2022 31
To read more, go to lasierra.edu/news
I
La Sierra 3rd in Nation for Entrepreneurial Outreach
La Sierra University Enactus and mentors (left to right, front to back) Lovelyn Razzouk, Natasha Thomas, Megan Eisele, Cathlyn Sumampouw, Aaron Desjardins, Chris Bauman, Abigail Ramos, Sophia Adeogun, Kenton Brandmeyer, Samuel Nikuze.
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La Sierra University
onto flash drives for use by vulnerable populations; and the new Freight2Table shipping container-based hydroponics agriculture project, which began in March 2021 and which, along with STEM educational opportunities, provides a weekly yield of 990 heads of lettuce grown with highly efficient water utilization. “It's hard to know how large of an impact other teams have had and how we compare,” said La Sierra team president Megan Eisele. “But we continued working hard to help others, which is our goal anyway, and it has paid off.” Backing from friends and supporters has been crucial to La Sierra Enactus's success, most notably that of entrepreneurs Tom and Vi Zapara, namesakes of the university’s business school where the Enactus team is based. They have believed in and financially contributed to the team for 25 years. "We are so deeply grateful for the continual support of the Zaparas, without whom our team would have much greater difficulty reaching their goals," said Zapara School of Business Dean John Thomas. "They are steadfast friends of our school and Enactus team and firm believers in the benefits of a Seventh-day Adventist education." ____________________ By Darla Martin Tucker PHOTO: JULI AND MEL EISELE
t was a rollercoaster ride with an exhilarating ending that strengthened team bonds and proved a valuable learning experience. On April 22, La Sierra University Enactus placed third in the nation for their innovative education outreach and high-tech agriculture projects during the Enactus USA Exposition in New York. Enactus, a global nonprofit based in Springfield, Mo., encourages students at universities and colleges around the world to use entrepreneurial business principles in developing sustainable community impact projects that transform lives. The students give annual multimedia presentations in regional, national, and world cup Enactus events. Business executives serve as judges and rank the teams on project impact and innovation and on presentation quality. Semi-final and final four rounds of this year’s national exposition were held April 21 and 22 at Long Island University Post in New York, where the top 12 teams from around the United States competed. Opening rounds were held online in March. The team from Brigham Young University-Hawaii won the nationals and will represent the United States in October at the Enactus World Cup 2022 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. La Sierra University Enactus’s presentation focused on two projects, which involved nearly 2,000 hours of strategizing and activities: the ongoing eLibrary, which involves thousands of digital textbooks, videos, and other materials micro-compressed
To learn more, visit puc.edu.
PHOTO: KEREN CASTRO
Welcome Home! Alumni Return to Celebrate PUC’s 140 Years
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fter years apart, alumni, friends, and family gathered once again on the mountain. For the first time since 2019, Pacific Union College held its annual homecoming in person on Sabbath, April 16, 2022. More than 600 alumni attended and helped the college celebrate 140 years. “We will be eternally grateful for how the campus pulled together to help us create a meaningful homecoming weekend,” said Kellie Lind, PUC’s vice president for alumni and advancement. “Faculty, staff, and community volunteers worked together to generate a really special weekend.” The day included the inauguration of PUC’s new president, Dr. Ralph Trecartin, and the opening of the Walter C. Utt Center. Social events reconnected classmates and friends at their beloved alma mater. This year’s honored classes were ‘60-’62, ‘70-’72, ‘80-’82, ‘90-’92, ‘00-’02 and ‘10-’12. Honoring three classes from each decade was a hit, Lind said, and something many people have requested for next year’s reunion. Homecoming celebrations began on Sabbath morning as alumni gathered in the PUC church sanctuary for a program centered on the college’s 140-year history. The Honored Alumni Awards went to Ed and Barbara Holm (both ‘69) and Ray and Lynette Holm (‘71, ‘69) for their combined 67 years in the mission field. “These two couples,” Lind said, “have literally followed the command ‘go ye unto all the world.’” With PUC honoring its past as it looks forward, it was fitting that during homecoming the college dedicated the Walter C. Utt Center with a ribbon
cutting. The archival center, named after one of PUC’s most distinguished professors and historians, is all about mission. It includes priceless historical materials not just about PUC but also about St. Helena Hospital, local history, and worldwide missions. At the inauguration of PUC’s 24th president, Trecartin spoke of building on the college’s mission of faith, love, and service. “God has called us to this place for this time,” Trecartin said. “We have an exciting adventure before us. Join me in watching to see the amazing things that God will do, and jump in with me to join Him in any way we can to help.” His afternoon inauguration included songs from three accomplished PUC alumni sopranos: Marnie Breckenridge (’93), Deborah Morel Tonella (’77), and Kathryn Hopgood Sculatti (’04). Aside from formal programs, homecoming was a chance for alumni, friends, family, and current students to gather together in person—a chance to connect again face to face. Many shared meals together and reminisced during class parties. They told stories about campus life and their favorite professors. Most of all, many shared how PUC shaped their lives and how God has led them in the years since. “My 50th PUC reunion was a vivid reminder of the magnitude of blessing the school is to me,” said Pastor Les Jones (‘72), who traveled from Oregon to attend homecoming. “Memories abounded and friendships renewed. Thank you, Lord.” ____________________ By Laura Gang
Pacific Union College
June 2022 33
oma Linda University Health recently launched a tattoo removal program to help people efface visible gang-related or anti-social tattoos. The program is part of an endeavor to curb violence associated with gangs, for which the Inland Empire holds a reputation. Sigrid Burruss, MD, a trauma surgeon at Loma Linda University Health, has cared for more violently injured patients lately—especially from gang-affiliated altercations. She founded the tattoo removal program, with the support of Juan Carlos Belliard, Ph.D., and the Institute for Community Partnerships, to approach the issue from a specific angle—removing stigmatizing tattoos could help patients de-identify as gang members and avoid repeated assault. “Trauma teams don’t want to see our patients come back from reinjury,” she said. “In addition to fixing up patients in the hospital, we want to address why they were injured to begin with.” Burruss says tattoos are more than ink on skin; they have the power to signify identity, ideology, and affiliation. Removing visible gang-related or anti-social tattoos can help people protect themselves and embody the self-image they wish to project. The tattoo removal program aims to serve those with a history of involvement with gangs who are looking to remove tattooed markers of their past to move on, reintegrate into society, and find employment. Eligible patients must complete 10 hours of community service, which helps them connect with their community in a meaningful manner. The program has garnered an overwhelming response, generating more than 100 interests within the first few days. David Loya helps people transitioning out of prison to obtain jobs. He’s removing his face tattoos because they don’t represent who he is anymore and doing so will boost his ability to help his clients when speaking to business owners on their behalf.
“When I look into the mirror, my tattoos remind me of who I was,” Loya said. “When people see my face, they are stand-offish. Though they eventually warm up, I want to get the tattoos off my face so I don’t get misjudged.” Loya, who grew up in the Inland Empire, says in adolescence, he "got involved in the streets" and "hung around the wrong people,” leading a lifestyle that came with tattoos, specific dress codes, and substance abuse. He frequented juvenile halls and prisons for seven years, getting more and more tattoos to express his identity as a gangster. When Loya found himself facing a serious sentence at 27 years old, he experienced a change of heart: “I was sitting in the prison cell, and I was just tired. I thought, ‘This is not cool. I don’t want this life.’” Once released from prison, Loya attended a Christian men’s home, where he says he developed a strong calling. He now works as a leader in his church to help those out of prison transition back into society and obtain jobs. Getting his face tattoos removed was just another step toward being able to help others. “It feels like the right thing to do, like I’m forgetting the past and moving forward to a brighter future,” Loya said. “I’m thankful for this program because it’s helping me erase a mistake that I never See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories thought I could.” ____________________ from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu. By Lisa Aubry
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Loma Linda University Health
PHOTO: SHEANN BRANDON EDELBACH
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LLU’s New Tattoo Removal Program Helps Inland Empire Patients Reset
In Her Footsteps: Esther Ong and Her Five Children Provide Care for Their Community
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hen Esther Ong moved to Los Angeles from the Philippines and was seeking a nursing job, her brother gave her a tour of the Adventist Health hospital in Glendale. She knew almost right away it was the place for her. “When I had my tour, I felt the ambience,” Esther recalled. “I said, OK, I think I’ll be working at Glendale!” Esther achieved her goal and Karen Ong, left, and her mother, Esther Ong, right, after administering a started working there in 2003. COVID-19 vaccine. Throughout her 19 years with Adventist Health, Esther has worked as a staff nurse, that ‘The family that works together, stays together,’” preceptor, relief charge nurse, and now as a telemetry she said with a laugh. educator at White Memorial—and in the process, she Karla—the second oldest of Esther’s children—was started an unlikely family tradition. All five of her children first in line. After working in nursing for three years at now work as medical professionals at Adventist Health. Glendale, she’s now a nurse practitioner at Adventist “As soon as [my kids] reached high school, I enrolled Health Bakersfield. them in the White Memorial Foundation as hospital “As a nurse, you’re the one that’s most remembered volunteers,” Esther said. “The purpose of that was to by the patient,” Karla said. “I’ve been a patient myself, keep them busy with activities in the summertime so I kind of know how it is on the other end of things, instead of being in the house playing with gadgets all and I think that drives you to become better for your day long, and in addition to that, for them to see the patients.” bigger picture of the healthcare system.” Karla added that her mother has involved her Esther considers her children’s volunteer experiences family in medical mission trips throughout their life, to be at least one factor in their decisions to become which have also shaped their goals as a family and healthcare providers. “It’s like we’re following the saying as individuals. “I think that did influence a lot of our decisions, going into healthcare and becoming the professionals that we are,” she said. The eldest Ong sibling, Karen, is also a nurse by training and now serves as Employee Health Manager at Adventist Health White Memorial. She sees her professional mission as a family mission, as well. “Our mission is to get people better,” Karen said, “especially those who really are in need.” Karen said compassion, understanding, and patience were words and values she grew up with. “Not everybody is as lucky as we are,” she said. “I’m grateful to my mom for guiding us with the principles that she has taught us since we were small.” Esther Ong has been a nurse with Adventist Health for ____________________ nearly 20 years and has started an unlikely tradition: By Kirsten Cutler All five of her children also work at Adventist Health.
Adventist Health
June 2022 35
The K-4 students at Riverview Christian Academy are joined by Pastor Brian Bilbrey, their teacher, Mariann Beddoe, and others as they bag socks to donate to some of Reno’s homeless population.
Socks for the Homeless How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7, NKJV; emphasis added).
ABOVE: Eva Lujan, Ember Mellor, and Juniper Stewart have a good time bagging socks to give to the residents of the Reno Homeless Shelter. BELOW: Michael Langi and Welshdon Lolo work with other Riverview students to bag over 400 pairs of socks to help the homeless.
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Third-grader Lynn Goulard and secondgrader Leki Finau help each other package socks to share with the homeless population in Reno.
he Riverview Christian Academy students in grades K-4 decided to help bring good things to the less fortunate. The Reno homeless shelter can have anywhere between 200 to 400 homeless individuals residing in the facility at one time. Every third Sabbath, the Riverview church serves a hot meal at the shelter. In talking with the residents there, it was discovered that the greatest need reported appears to be the need for socks. In response to this need, church members contributed to the purchase of brand-new socks for the homeless, and the K-4 students joined together to bag up 470 pairs of socks to meet this need. The children were excited that they were able to do something small to make a great impact. ____________________ By Mariann Beddoe
Nevada-Utah Conference
Pastor Chanda Nunes Starts as Nevada-Utah Conference Executive Secretary
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n a historic vote on February 24, 2022, the Executive Committee of the Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) elected Pastor Chanda Nunes as executive secretary. Pastor Nunes is the first woman elected to this position in the NUC and the first Black female elected as executive secretary in a local conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Nunes is a trailblazer and has been a “first” in every church position she has held. She came to the NUC from the Pacific Union College church, where she served as senior pastor—the first person of color and the first woman to have served in this capacity. With compassionate care, dynamic preaching, and contagious joy, she shepherded the faculty, students, and community through a global pandemic and devastating wildfires. “I’m amazed by God’s love and how He leads,” shared Pastor Nunes. “I’m humbled by this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to being used by God in this new assignment.” As executive secretary, Elder Nunes is the conference officer responsible for developing, implementing, and interpreting church policies; addressing personnel and membership issues; documenting meetings; maintaining employee records and credentials; and compiling statistical reports. NUC President Carlos Camacho expressed his appreciation for Pastor Nunes: “God called Pastor Chanda Nunes for such a time as this. Let me say that again. God called Elder Chanda Nunes, and we were obedient to Him. Nevada-Utah is committed to reflecting and celebrating the diversity of our conference, our world, and the kingdom of God with gifted and faithful leaders of all races, male and female.” The NUC has one of the most diverse conference leadership teams in Adventist history. The administration includes Elder Camacho, a Hispanic man; Elder Nunes, a Black woman; and treasurer Karen Schneider, a Caucasian woman. Elder Nunes is no stranger to leadership and began serving God and the Adventist Church as a child. She was born to God-fearing Jamaican parents and raised in Toronto, Canada. Pastor Nunes recognized her call to
ministry at the age of 9 and credits many church leaders who acknowledged her gifts and calling by assigning her various leadership roles. Nunes nurtured these ministry gifts through education, earning a B.A. degree in religious studies with a minor in biblical languages from Burman University and a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University. She also received Associate degrees in private investigation and paralegal studies and is a certified life coach practitioner. The Alberta Conference called Pastor Nunes to ministry on the campus of Burman University in 2003. She was the first Black female pastor at the College Heights church and quickly became known as a powerful preacher, organized administrator, and spiritual caregiver to diverse populations of people. In 2008, Pastor Nunes was called to the KansasNebraska Conference to serve as associate pastor of the New Haven church. She was the first Black pastor in that conference as well as the first Black woman pastor in the Mid-America Union. She was commissioned in 2011, and she often preached, presented seminars, and conducted special services at churches in the neighboring Central States Conference. The Northern California Conference called Pastor Nunes in 2015. Once again, she was the first Black female to pastor in the conference. She served the Capitol City church in Sacramento and was ordained to the gospel ministry in 2018. Elder Nunes enjoys interior decorating and appreciates meeting new people and hearing their stories. She is a car enthusiast who relishes road trips. She loves spending time with her three brothers, sistersin-law, nieces, and nephews. Wherever God has led her, Pastor Chanda Nunes has served with excellence, bold vision, and faithfulness. Through her, God has opened the doors of ministry for other women and people of color and is changing our church’s culture for the better. ____________________ By Darriel Hoy
Nevada-Utah Conference
June 2022 37
Ken Miller: New Assistant to the Director of Communication and Development
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hat do yacht racing and church communication have in common? “Well, nothing comes to mind,” said Ken Miller, the new assistant to the director of communication and development in the Northern California Conference. Miller disarmingly continued, “However, I do have 25 years of experience working with avid sailing customers like America’s Cup as a private business owner, and during that time I have been honing my communication skills in this very secular sport.” When asked why he is making the switch to church work, Miller stated, “I was personally missing that key element that all good businesses have—a mission and a purpose. I started praying for a place where I could serve God more effectively with my talents. This opportunity
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Northern California Conference
at the NCC came out of nowhere, surprising me to the point of knowing this was His answer.” Ken enjoys working for the church. He served on the board at his home church, Discover Life in Sonora, California. He currently teaches Youth Sabbath School, and every Friday he teaches a woodshop class for seventh- to tenth-grade students at Mother Lode Adventist Jr. Academy (MLAJA). As a graduate of Pacific Union College, he still maintains strong ties to what he terms “his school.” During the pandemic, he started a Facebook page catering to his era at the college. “It exploded to 850 members in a couple of days,” Miller exclaimed. “I think COVID opened a hunger to connect! It’s like a moving yearbook of pictures and memories.” His wife of 22 years, Amy Chinnock-Miller, is the viceprincipal and ninth- and tenth-grade teacher at MLAJA, and they have two lovely daughters, Kaia and Darci. Kaia will be attending Rio Lindo Academy next year as a junior. “I am very excited to have Ken in the department,” said Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and development.” He brings a unique perspective and voice that will enhance the work of telling the story of how our churches, schools, and other ministries connect people to Christ. He also is a passionate, hard worker, is contagiously kind, and has a servant's heart—three character values that successful NCC employees share in common.” ____________________ By Communication and Development Department
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NCC Members and Employees Team with Maranatha International
eoni Meadows Camp and Retreat Center is closer to its goal of rebuilding the camp. From April 7-21, Maranatha Volunteers International and 141 of its volunteers, many from the Northern California Conference, helped with the cleanup and reconstruction efforts. Of the volunteers, there were several from other states as far away as Tennessee. Groups from the NCC included the Grass Valley, Redding, and Capitol City churches. Monterey Bay Academy also brought 54 students and staff to work during the project Craig Heinrich, executive director of Leoni Meadows reported, “It’s nuts. I made a list of 4,000 things for Maranatha volunteers to do.” The list included railroad track repair, amphitheater and deck reconstruction, lodge clean-up, gardening work, laundry, and other necessary projects. Heinrich continued, “Maranatha got here and in about one day, they wanted to know if there were more jobs to do—because they had completed the ones, I had given them.” Carol Herbert, the ministry coordinator at Capital City church, organized her church group. She explained, "God told us to go in Matthew 28:18-20. After the fire, it was heartbreaking to see the condition of the camp, but it was a joy to be a part of the project to rebuild." In the main lodge, which suffered smoke damage, all the rooms were repainted, and linens were washed—an estimated 130 loads. Yolanda Frazier, the administrative assistant of African American ministries, said, “I was inspired by the dedication and compassion of the workers I met at Leoni Meadows! Each of the six rooms my group finished was scrubbed from the ceiling to the floor before we painted. I felt muscles I didn’t know I had!” For volunteer Ron Gaudrealt, from the Grass Valley church, the work was personal. “My grandkids went to camp here. One of my daughters went to camp here.…
I’ve come to men’s retreats. It holds a very special place in my heart. When I heard that this project was happening, we signed up.” Raven Frazier, a human resource specialist at the conference office, joined the others over a weekend during the project. Giving up her traditional birthday celebration to attend, Raven said, “I went unsure of what to expect. But after the experience, I came home wanting to spend every birthday serving God like this." ____________________ By Ken Miller
Northern California Conference
June 2022 39
LEFT: Crumpacker, Ash, Satiya, and Munson participate in joyous baptism. RIGHT: Founders of the prayer group assemble to pray. Left to right, Dolly Moen, Dee Lee, Doreen Henry.
Divine Appointment in Desert Hot Springs
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iving back East with college degrees, Ash and Satiya never dreamed that they would one day be homeless in Desert Hot Springs. After an 8-mile walk from Morongo Valley, they were exhausted and dehydrated. With no place to go, they sat in front of a business complex. With his wife in the hospital, Russ Crumpacker decided to grab a bite to eat. When he got out of the car, he saw the two homeless people and invited Ash and Satiya to eat with him. They could not believe that Crumpacker would want to be seen with them, especially the way they looked. Expecting rain that night, he also took them to the store and bought them more blankets and a tarp to keep them dry. When he dropped them off in the Morongo Springs Nature Preserve, he gave Ash and Satiya his phone number. The next day, they made the decision to reach out to Crumpacker. He brought them to his home while praying all the way. Crumpacker had cracked ribs and his wife had undergone a hip replacement—both
And God continues to send new people from the community to fill those seats. It is clear the Holy Spirit is at work in Desert Hot Springs church. 40 Pacific Union Recorder
Southeastern California Conference
caused by recent falls—and he needed work done around his house. He invited them to stay and help, paying them for the projects that he would have paid other people. He brought them to church in Desert Hot Springs the next Sabbath. Ash and Satiya felt like they had found a home. In their first study with Cecelia St. Clair, the church’s Bible worker, Ash and Satiya accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. On Sabbath morning, April 16, the church held a very meaningful communion and Easter service. Crumpacker and Glenn Munson, Desert Hot Springs church pastor, baptized Ash and Satiya together, with strong support from their new church family. This support had begun before they’d even heard of the church. The Desert Hot Springs “Church on Fire” prayer group had been meeting every Friday evening in the sanctuary to pray for their church family, their community, and their leadership. Hands had been laid on the very pew where Ash and Satiya sat on their first visit, and they were prayed for in this way even before they met Crumpacker. Led by Dee Lee, prayer ministry leader, “Church on Fire” is a group that comes together every Friday evening to pray. They close the evening by physically placing their hands on the pews and praying for the person who will be sitting in that seat. And God continues to send new people from the community to fill those seats. It is clear the Holy Spirit is at work in Desert Hot Springs church. ____________________ By Dolly Moen
Valley Fellowship Holds Lifesaving Blood Drive
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n the weekend that most Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ, Baron Sovory, pastor of the Valley Fellowship church, used the message of Christ’s lifesaving blood to urge church and community members to give as Christ gave. The congregation responded to the national blood crisis—a critical shortage of blood due to the coronavirus pandemic—by partnering with the American Red Cross to host a community blood drive. Held on Sabbath, April 16, 2022, the Valley Fellowship blood drive was organized by leader Deborah Enix Williams with team members Ruth Grando, Melinda Ancrum, and Al Fairley. “Hosting a blood drive coincides with Valley Fellowship’s core values of loving our neighbors through relevant, life-transforming ministry,” shared Sovory. “With a simple blood donation—about 30 minutes of our time—we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one, or neighbor. I thank Valley Fellowship for answering the urgent call for more blood donors. Every person who participated is a life saver!” Valley Fellowship’s blood drive attracted almost as many first-time blood donors as long-term blood donors, and most of the participants were invited by a family member. Donna Belvedere, a seasoned donor who has given blood for over 46 years, arrived with her daughter Shelby, who started donating blood at the age of 16 and has given blood for 20 years. Sonjanetha Scott, the community services leader of the Sixteenth Street church and a regular blood donor,
ORCM Communications Director Darriel Hoy (far right) and Baron Sovory (second from left) serve with the Red Cross team.
Larry Scott, Valley Fellowship elder, gives blood for the first time. was persuaded to give blood by her brother-in-law, Larry Scott, a Valley Fellowship elder and a first-time blood donor. Laura Ulibarri, a medical scribe, coached her mother Donna Ulibarri through her first blood donation, and Sovory’s mother, Rosalyn Sovory, as well as his daughter, Joelle Sovory, joined him in donating blood. By the end of the blood drive, 30 church and community members donated one pint of blood each, surpassing the goal of 20 donors set by the American Red Cross. Because each blood donation can be separated into multiple components—packed red blood cells, plasma, or platelets—one donation could potentially save up to three lives. The Valley Fellowship church blood drive is one of hundreds of Regional Blood Drives scheduled across the country throughout the year. Coordinated by the Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM) in partnership with the American Red Cross, the Regional Blood Drives recruit African American and Hispanic American blood donors to meet the needs of sickle cell patients; however, all races and ethnicities are encouraged and invited to give blood. To host a Regional Blood Drive at your church, register at https://rebrand.ly/rblood. ____________________ By Darriel Hoy
Southeastern California Conference
June 2022 41
n June 30, 2022, Harold A. Crook, Ed.D., will retire after 45 years of service in Christian education. “My emphasis in my career has been promoting Jesus to my students and hopefully creating a spiritual environment where Jesus was mentored to the students,” Crook shared, “making them feel loved and accepted, even in times where maybe that was difficult.” Crook began his career in Christian education in 1977 at Lodi Academy in the Northern California Conference, spending seven years there teaching Bible and PE as well as being the chaplain. From there, he moved on to SCC Office of Education holiday photo 2019 Newbury Park Adventist Academy, where he served as chairman of the religion department and the department of education,” Crook expressed, and Bible teacher. One year later, he became the vice “and I will always be thankful that I was able to work principal, before eventually becoming the principal. In with leaders like Elder Velino Salazar and Elder Larry 2011, he came to the Southern California Conference Caviness, who both made Adventist education a top office as the Superintendent for Education, a title that priority.” later changed to Vice President for Education. A major takeaway of Crook’s career will be “As a conference superintendent, I felt my major role relationships. “The most difficult part for me as I’m was supporting principals so they could be the CEOs of leaving the superintendent position is leaving an amazing their schools and effectively and spiritually develop an team of leaders and teachers in SCC that I’ve had the environment where Jesus could be mentored to their honor to be a part of,” he noted. students,” he noted. When asked about his greatest joy in this position, Crook’s time in education was marked with passion Crook didn’t hesitate: “The lifelong relationships that for his work. “My philosophy was—and is—no student have been built by those that I’ve had the privilege of has ever been denied a Christian education because of having as either students, teachers, or associates,” he finances,” he shared. “I have never in 45 years turned a shared. “I have found it a privilege to work with my student away because of finances.” superintendents. All of them have been focused, well Crook pioneered multiple programs during his trained, and committed to Christian education.” time as superintendent. “I’m excited that I was able to In retirement, Crook looks forward to spending quality develop a principal retention program,” he said, “which time with his family, including his two grandchildren, essentially rewards principals for continuing to work in “and reconnecting and having the time to enjoy all of the the SCC as leaders at their schools and continuing to relationships that were cultivated as a result of working improve as leaders in their schools.” in Christian education for the last 45 years.” “I felt it a privilege to work under a president who ___________________ was so dedicated and supportive of Adventist education By Lauren Lacson
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Southern California Conference
PHOTOS: LAUREN LACSON
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Harold Crook Retires After 45 Years of Service in Christian Education
PHOTO: LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY DIGITAL ARCHIVES
PHOTO: YARA ENAMORADO
PHOTO: ARAYA MOSS
PHOTO: YARA ENAMORADO
PHOTO: GOOGLE MAPS
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: The anniversary celebration welcomed many former members and pastors who share history with the church. Attendees are pictured examining photos highlighting the church’s history. The anniversary included many special music performances by a children’s group, a youth praise team, soloists, and more. Garcia’s daughters, Emily and Cecia, are pictured singing during the divine service. During the divine service, Trujillo shares a message on righteousness by faith. Photo of Paulson Hall at 1825 Michigan Avenue, Los Angeles, taken in the 1940s. The Spanish-American church today.
The Miracle Church: Spanish-American Church Celebrates 40th Anniversary
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n April 9, Spanish-American church celebrated 40 years since the Paulson Hall building was amazingly relocated from 1825 Michigan Avenue in Los Angeles to 1815 Bridge Street a few blocks away, the current location for SpanishAmerican church. “To speak of the Spanish-American church is to remember the work of Hispanic evangelism in Southern California and specifically in the city of Los Angeles,” said Jose M. Gonzales, head deacon, who put together a comprehensive booklet of the church’s history for the occasion. “East Los Angeles is where Hispanic evangelism first took place. A church emerged in the 1900s, Hispanic company, which would later be named Spanish-American church.” The Paulson Hall building, named after David Paulson, a prominent Adventist surgeon and a respected pastor and philanthropist, was owned by White Memorial Hospital, now Adventist Health White Memorial. In 1978, Arnold Trujillo joined SpanishAmerican church as its pastor. Around that time, White Memorial planned to demolish the building to make space for a parking structure. Trujillo had the idea to relocate the building, which was in good condition. He approached hospital administration with a request to donate the building and the money it would have cost to demolish the structure to offset the moving cost, and they agreed. The hospital also donated an apartment complex that was moved with Paulson Hall. Engineers at the time were uncertain that this
relocation could happen due to the building’s size, claiming it would take a miracle. The 200-ton building was divided into three sections, each transported separately on 18-wheeler trucks that took up the entire street, in May and June 1981. The anniversary commemorated this miraculous relocation project that gave the church its nickname: the miracle church. “The greatest miracle of ‘the miracle church’ will be to see all the redeemed souls that by God´s grace will be in His kingdom as a result of the faithful testimony of this vibrant church,” said Jaime Heras, Southern California Conference Hispanic region director. Special invited guests were pastors Trujillo and Raul Ernesto Castillo, who both were instrumental in the completion of the building project. The church was in full attendance with current and former members for a day filled with joyous music, storytelling, reunion, and reflection of the century-old history. "I’m glad I was young when this happened, because who in his right mind would embark in a project like this,” shared Trujillo. “Yet God was with us, and to His honor and glory we are here." “This celebration is important to remember how the Lord has been faithful to His people in the SpanishAmerican church,” added Guillermo Garcia, senior pastor. “That day was also an opportunity to connect the old generation with the new generation.” ___________________ By Araya Moss
Southern California Conference
June 2022 43
Calendar Central California Conference
session begins June 20, 2022, with classes held in person. For further information, visit https://lasierra. edu/summer-program/.
Check the Events page online at cccadventist.org for all event updates.
Classified
La Sierra University
At Your Service
La Sierra University’s graduation events will be held Friday, June 17, and Sabbath, June 18, with the Conferring of Degrees ceremony on Sunday, June 19. For further information, visit https://lasierra.edu/ graduation. Summer Class Registration. Registration is open for classes this summer at La Sierra University. Summer
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. July: June 9 • August: July 7 Contributions The Recorder pages are assigned to the local conferences, colleges, and health care institutions, and all content comes through the communication departments in those organizations. If you have a news story/idea, calendar announcement, etc., please contact your local communication department. See the masthead for contact information. Want tips for writing for us? See www.dailywritingtips.com/the-art-of-writing-news.
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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 423-9870831 (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.
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/. 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 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 909-844-5728 for more information.
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Clinical Nurses at Loma Linda University Health – Hiring on all units for all shifts—20k sign-on bonus with 2 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 Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) at Loma Linda University Health – Also called a Patient Care Assistant (PCA). Hiring on all units for all shifts. Performs designated direct and indirect age-specific and developmentally appropriate patient care under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN). Utilizes interpersonal skills to maximize customer service in a manner that supports excellence in safe patient care and professionalism. Contributes to a work environment of caring and cooperation among a culturally diverse workforce and patient population. Requires a high school diploma or GED, successful completion of an approved Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program or completion of School of Nursing Fundamentals, and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from American Heart Association. Assistant Professor Nurse Practitioner at Loma Linda University School of Nursing – Responsibility encompasses education, research, and/or service. Demonstrates loyalty to the mission, policies, standards, and regulations of his/her department, school, and the University, and follows the administrative policies set up by the University and the individual school. Requires a Nurse Practitioner degree from an accredited institution, two years post-master’s teaching experience or closely related professional experience and a Nationally certified Acute Care Pediatric NP. Central California Conference is seeking a fulltime Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. The Administrative Assistant/front desk provides the first impression of the Conference to the constituency and the public who visit and call the Conference
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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office. This position requires excellent interpersonal communication skills. The Conference’s vision priorities expect that the Administrative Assistant/ front desk maintain a spiritual environment and contribute in loving fellowship and unity not only with co-workers but also with constituents and/or visitors. The Administrative Assistant/front desk must be able to work under pressure, with interruptions, meet deadlines, and maintain a positive and cheerful demeanor (regardless of circumstances) and confidentiality. The Administrative Assistant/ front desk will need to be calm, firm, and assertive in a crisis situation. The Administrative Assistant/ front desk will direct people and calls efficiently and with friendliness and kindness. Benefits include healthcare, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and sick, vacation, and holiday pay, 403b. Schedule Mon.–Thur., 7:30–5:30 (38 hours). To apply, please send cover letter, application, and résumé to Human Resources. Link for application: https://www. cccadventist.org/hrforms. By email: lbarron@cccsda. org, fax 559-347-3062, or mail 2820 Willow Ave., Clovis, CA 93612. Open until filled. 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/human-resources/. 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 Collegemanaged 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.PUC.edu/campus-services/ human-resources/current-job-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-job-postings. 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 operations of a mission-driven nonprofit that supports refugee youth in Rwanda. Email liz@impacthope.org. Impact-hope.org Caregiver needed as soon as possible. We are asking the Lord to send us a kind, healthy, strong woman, with a good sense of humor, who has experience caregiving for the very feeble elderly requiring 24/7 care; who knows proper body mechanics to prevent self-injury; who is looking for a place to live out of the city; who is interested in working for room and board plus $2,500 a month, with 10 days off a month; who feels called to provide spiritual care along with caregiving for an elderly Adventist couple so they may have their wish to die in their own home. If this is you, please call Lalita Brinckhaus at 707-671-5086 or email: amanecer.rl@ gmail.com. The General Conference of SDA is looking for individuals with work experience at all levels in Human Resources, software development and technology, and TV and social media. Must be an SDA church member in good standing. For additional information on current openings go to https://tinyurl. com/gcjobpostings or contact Johanna PrestolDominguez at prestoljd@gc.adventist.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. 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.
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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
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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. For Sale 2 plots at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Skyrose Terrace Lawn, Whittier, CA. $15,000 for each. Contact 559-347-3129.
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 2431; 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 423-2982169. “The best trip I’ve ever had! Nothing comes close.” “Fabulous!” “The Bible comes alive.” “An awesome experience!” Steps of Paul and Egypt Bible Tours with Dr. Carl Cosaert, New Testament Professor at Walla Walla University. Follow Paul’s journey in beautiful Malta, Sicily, and Rome, Aug. 29-Sept. 9, 2022, or to Greece and Turkey, April 18-May 5, 2023, or experience an Egypt Bible Tour, Dec. 11-23, 2022. For more information, email Carl at info@adventtours.org or visit www. adventtours.org
At Rest Condon, Stanley – b. Feb. 1, 1931, Glendale, Calif.; d. March 10, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Vaneta; sons, Brian, David; daughter, Lori Wormhood; three grandchildren. Cummings, Calvin Kenneth – b. Feb. 2, 1927, Boise, Idaho; d. March 21, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Doris; sons, Richard, Leonard; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Eick, Kelly – b. March 7, 1952, Valparaiso, Ind.; d. April 7, 2022, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: wife, Donna; son, Benjamin; daughter, Heather Vindel; one grandchild. Kelly worked at LLU Health for 39 years. Gultom-Rajagukguk, Tiakun – b. Dec. 7, 1927, Indonesia; d. March 23, 2022, Highland, Calif. Survivors: sons, Abdul, Jonson, Henri; daughters, Dorialom, Esther, Dewi, Novembrin; 23 grandchildren; 25 greatgrandchildren. Klotz, Evelyn Rockwell – b. June 17, 1926; d. April 17, 2022. Survivors: children, Gerald, Rosalyn; stepchildren, Dwayne, Vonnett, Darryl, Myron; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Evelyn was a nurse for over 35 years in California (National City, Sonora, Magalia, Paradise) and in Provo, Utah. Kromminga, Alfred G. – b. Feb. 22, 1932, Hubbard, Iowa; d. Jan. 15, 2022, Tucson, Ariz. Survivors: wife, Betty; son, David; five grandchildren; one greatgranddaughter; one brother. He was an ordained
minister and served churches in Indiana, Idaho, and SECC. He retired as the stewardship director and trust officer for SECC after over 40 years of service to the church. Lewis, Richard Dale – b. Dec. 18, 1942, Hinsdale, Ill.; d. Sept. 29, 2021, Scottsdale, Ariz. Survivors: wife, Karen; daughter, Jill. Served in the Army in Operation Whitecoat, 1965-1966. Was an active church elder from the age of 27. Long, Harold Edwin – b. Feb. 28, 1942, Jamesport, Mo.; d. April 16, 2022, Stockton, Calif. Survivors: sister, Shirley Brown; brother, Randy Long; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. 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 was a member of the Modesto Central church, Oakland Grand Advent church, and Lodi English Oaks church. She and her late husband, Leland, sang in the church choirs for many years. Ormerod, Frank – b. Nov. 12, 1925, Fall River, Mass.; d. March 12, 1922, Auburn, Calif. Survivors: sons, Keith, David, Scott Ormerod; stepsons, Fred and Ed Paul; daughter, Sharon Ormerod; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Frank was a Navy veteran of WWII and worked as a vehicle and equipment mechanic all his life.
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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once is being replacedPeople with one thatsecular is angrier, moreknew cynical and partisan. (both and more cynical and partisan. People (both secular and religious) are worried and depressed. religious) are worried and depressed. Hard questions Survivors: about work, andMark, ultimate Vang, Jow – b. July 4, 1948, Laos; d. Feb. 28, 2022, wife, money, Peggy; sons, Michael; daughter, Fresno, Calif. Katherine Peterson-Acosta; 10 grandchildren; Hard questions about money, and ultimate meaning captivate ourwork, waking thoughts. Questions 15 greatgrandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. captivate waking about security and our truth jump thoughts. out of the Questions recesses of Weir, Bernadine – b. Oct. 9, 1932, Como,meaning Miss.; d. March 28, 2022, Oakland, Calif. Survivors:about daughters, Correction: Wright, Patricia June 8, 1933, securityonto and truth stage. jump out of the– b.recesses of Rome, our thinking center Audrey Weir-Graham, Marcea Weir, Paula Weir Scott; N.Y.; d. Jan. 15, 2022, Temecula, Calif. Survivors: ourBernadine thinking onto centerCathy stage. Skeoch; son-in-law, Gordon sister, Geraldine Beckley; two grandchildren. daughter, In response to the above, TheWright Invitation invites was a member of the Oakland Market St. church for 55 V. Skeoch, M.D.; son-in-law, David Rosique; two In response to the above, The Invitation invites readers to embrace life’s enduring ideals–which years. grandchildren. Longtime nurse and retired in 1991, devoted dedicated mom,plan doting readers to embrace life’swife, enduring ideals–which interestingly, undergird God’s ultimate forgrandma, and Correction: Peterson, Ormond, E. – b. August 24, avid scrapbooker. She passed away peacefully in her interestingly, undergird God’s ultimate plan for 1932, Minneapolis, Minn.; d. July 25, 2021,humanity. Whittier, Calif. daughter’s home in Temecula. humanity. Share this book non-Christian and Christian Normalcy seems to have flown thewith coop. The world we onceShare knew is being replaced withwith one that non-Christian is angrier, this book Christian family members (especiallyand those who have morefriends, cynical and partisan. People (both secular and religious) are worried and depressed. friends, family members (especially those who have become disenchanted with church), and neighbors Hard questions about work, money, and ultimate become disenchanted church), whocaptivate are our searching forQuestions awith better way. and neighbors meaning waking thoughts. about security and searching truth jump out of the of who are forrecesses a better way. our thinking onto center stage.
Available online at Available online at ChurchSupportServices.org/the-invitation Share this book with non-Christian and Christian ChurchSupportServices.org/the-invitation friends, family members (especiallyUnion those who have Produced by Pacific Conference Church Support Services In response to the above, The Invitation invites readers to embrace life’s enduring ideals–which interestingly, undergird God’s ultimate plan for humanity.
become disenchanted with church), and neighbors bya better Pacific whoProduced are searching for way. Union Conference
Available online at June 2022 Sunset Calendar
JULY 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
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
ChurchSupportServices.org/the-invitation JUNE 17 JUNE 24 City/Location Produced by Pacific9:23 Union Conference Church Support Services 9:21 Alturas 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
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
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City/Location
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Church Support Services
JULY 1 JULY 8 JULY 15 JULY 22 JULY 29 8:41 8:38 8:15 7:53 8:39 8:09 8:51 8:39 8:23 7:50 8:25 7:04 7:39 7:18 8:02 8:31 8:03 8:33 8:05 8:09 9:31 8:48 8:28 8:17 8:38 8:04 8:36 8:40 7:43 7:06 8:32 8:00 8:35 9:04 8:02 8:37 8:24 8:40 8:08 8:12 7:35
8:39 8:36 8:13 7:52 8:37 8:08 8:50 8:38 8:21 7:49 8:24 7:04 7:38 7:18 8:01 8:30 8:02 8:31 8:04 8:08 9:29 8:46 8:27 8:15 8:36 8:03 8:35 8:38 7:42 7:06 8:30 7:59 8:34 9:02 8:01 8:35 8:28 8:38 8:07 8:11 7:35
8:36 8:33 8:11 7:50 8:34 8:05 8:46 8:35 8:19 7:47 8:21 7:03 7:36 7:17 7:58 8:27 7:59 8:28 8:02 8:06 9:25 8:43 8:24 8:13 8:33 8:00 8:32 8:35 7:40 7:05 8:27 7:56 8:31 8:59 7:58 8:32 8:31 8:35 8:04 8:09 7:32
8:31 8:28 8:07 7:47 8:29 8:01 8:41 8:31 8:14 7:42 8:16 7:02 7:32 7:15 7:55 8:22 7:55 8:24 7:58 8:02 9:20 8:39 8:20 8:08 8:29 7:57 8:27 8:30 7:36 7:03 8:22 7:53 8:26 8:54 7:55 8:28 8:33 8:31 8:01 8:05 7:29
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[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
Community & Marketplace
I June 2022
51
PACIFIC UNION
P.0. Box 5005 Westlake Village CA 91359-5005
A N
P E R I O D I CA LS
Recorder
E X T E N S I V E
T R E A T M E N T
O F
Adventism’s intellectual struggles in the 1960s and 1970s “In Ostriches and Canaries, Coping with Change in Adventism 1966-1979, Gilbert Valentine turns his spotlight on the Pierson presidency of the Adventist church. The years 1966-1978 were tumultuous in American society and also for the church, as ingrained fundamentalism faced the progressive ideas that came with the recently established universities in Loma Linda and Berrien Springs. Pierson could only react to the changes all around by attempting to return to a comfortable past. Suspicion and witch hunts became the order of the day; many of Adventism’s finest minds were purged. It was not the church’s finest hour. I highly recommend this book: in important respects the struggles of the Pierson years are still with us.” AVAILABLE THROUGH AMAZON
—William G. Johnsson, Editor, Adventist Review (1982-2006)
OAK & ACORN IS A PUBLISHING MINISTRY OF THE PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE
