Pacific Union Recorder—August 2023

Recorder

The Sign of Stewardship

Christian stewardship means to look beyond our own needs and consider how our wealth can be used to further God’s kingdom. No matter what form it takes, Christian giving should always be done with an open heart and mind—for when we give freely out of love for God and His people, the blessings will follow for both the giver and the receiver. The series of five articles on stewardship beginning on p. 8 was written by Charles Mills—a frequent contributor located in West Virginia—based on material provided by the Recorder staff.

So sorry your Recorder was late!

The mailing of the July and August issues of the Recorder experienced mailing delays related to U.S. Postal Service regulations. We have addressed the situation and trust that it will be resolved quickly. We appreciate the excellent work of our conference and editorial teams and the outstanding support from Pacific Press in the printing and circulation of the magazine.

August is our 122nd birthday! The first Pacific Union Recorder was released on August 1, 1901! Be assured that we are working on getting the postal issues settled so we can continue mailing our magazine to our members, as we have for more than a century. Thank you for your understanding.

Ray Tetz, Publisher

Recorder

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

Arizona 480-991-6777 ext 139

Jeff Rogers jrogers@azconference.org

Central California 559-347-3034

Justin Kim jkim@cccsda.org

Hawaii 808-595-7591

Miguel Manzo communications@hawaiisda.com

Holbrook Indian School (928) 524-6845 x143

Kimberly Cruz kcruz@hissda.org

La Sierra University 951-785-2000

Darla Tucker dmartint@lasierra.edu

Loma Linda 909-651-5925

Ansel Oliver anoliver@llu.edu

Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929

Michelle Ward mward@nevadautah.org

Northern California 916-886-5600

Laurie Trujillo

Laurie.Trujillo@nccsda.com

Pacific Union College 951-809-6777

Gene Edelbach gedelbach@puc.edu

Southeastern California 951-509-2256

Andrea King communications@seccsda.org

Southern California 818-546-8400

Lauren Lacson Llacson@sccsda.org

Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 123, Number 8, 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:

church members; $16

The Sign of

Stewardship

By Bradford C. Newton

Stewardship

When our son Tyler was 3 years old, he and his big sister were watching Sesame Street on the local PBS station. Suddenly Bert and Ernie cut away to a smiling man who obviously didn’t live on Sesame Street He reminded Tyler and Amanda that only through their generous financial support could fine children’s programming like Sesame Street remain on the air. It was pledge month for PBS, and this daily interruption was not “chasing the clouds away” for our two kids. Suddenly Tyler turned to his mother in exasperation, “Mommy, they’re going to be raising money until Jesus comes to take us home to heaven.”

“Stewardship equals money.” True or False? The typical Sabbath call for the offering references our tithes and the many needs for our offerings to support the school, pay the bills, and support the work of the local church. I’m certainly not opposed to collecting funds to maintain and grow the mission of the Seventhday Adventist Church. In the Pacific Union Conference, the financial faithfulness of our members continues to say, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.” Thank you for all you are doing to invest in the work of God here and in the global mission of this church. My family joins you in this giving.

But is it all about the money? Stewardship is defined as “the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care.” Christian

But is it all about the money?

stewardship takes this further by identifying God Himself as the owner and humanity as managers. But is there more that signifies our stewardship commitment to the Lord?

No doubt you’ve heard it said that stewardship is the commitment of your whole life—time, talent, and treasure—to God. Ellen White describes this quality of being: “Let a living faith run like threads of gold through the performance of even the smallest duties. Then all the daily work will promote Christian growth. There will be a continual looking unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital force to everything that is undertaken ” ( Christ’s Object Lessons , p. 360; emphasis added). She describes a wholistic picture of a grateful life of stewardship. Bursting forth from this heart of gratitude and joy comes financial resources for God’s work.

I believe that there exists an even more encompassing sign of our stewardship. It serves as the weekly reminder of the wholistic, lifealtering, transformative “vital force” that God provides to us. The most significant outward recognition of our stewardship relationship to God is not our money but the seventh-day Sabbath. How is the seventh-day Sabbath the profound sign of our stewardship relationship with Jesus?

The Sabbath is the sign of our completeness in God

Our culture chases the mirage of image and material success with unparalleled passion. The

focal point of life is self, personal control and preferences, and the fulfillment of one’s own dreams to the exclusion of the well-being of others.

The apostle Paul stood on Mars Hill in Athens to answer for his preaching of Jesus and the resurrection. Acts 17:28 records Paul’s counterbalance to our own cultural obsessions: “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” These few words point to our origin (Creation), God’s animating power in us today (Jesus’ saving grace), and our hopeful future with Him (Jesus’ second coming). Nowhere is the sign of all this

As I remember the Sabbath day weekly, it serves as the greatest sign that we are here to manage all He has given us. We are managers of every aspect of life for His glory and honor.

JACOB WACKERHAUSEN/ISTOCK GETTY IMAGES PLUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

more exemplified than the seventh-day Sabbath.

“Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made” (Genesis 2:3, NKJV). The crowning moment of the week was the creation of Adam and Eve. They awoke to a complete world in which their only work was to revel with joy and thanksgiving in what God has done already. They were complete because their Creator had made them so.

Not surprisingly, the final message to humanity in Revelation 14 is a call back to Creation: Worship Him who made the heaven and the earth—and who made YOU! When we choose the 24 hours of the Sabbath to rest, we can adopt by faith the same repose of completeness as our first parents.

All we are and all we have begins and ends with Him because we are created as daughters and sons of God. As I remember the Sabbath day weekly, it serves as the greatest sign that we are here to manage all He has given us. We are managers of every aspect of life for His glory and honor.

The Sabbath as a sign of our salvation by grace alone

Conduct an Amazon search for books on “sabbath” and you’ll find scores of results. In our strained and hectic society, the role of sabbath rest is practically relevant to our current pursuit of work/life balance. The Sabbath directs us to our completeness in God as our Creator. But beyond the physical, the Sabbath speaks to our spiritual completeness as well. Just as we cease our labors on the seventh day, we also relinquish our deficient and distorted efforts to earn spiritual rest that can only be imparted by faith in Jesus. Hebrews 4:10 says, “For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His” (NKJV). To the Romans, Paul writes that we are “being justified freely by His grace” (Romans 3:24, NKJV) and “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, KJV).

To remember the weekly Sabbath day, we embrace the great sign that we are saved through no works of our own but by grace alone. The Sabbath is the great outward sign of being a steward of the gift of salvation found in the death, resurrection, and intercessory work of Jesus Christ.

Each week on the Sabbath we proclaim that Jesus is the true source of our meaning, purpose, and future. Praise God! Ellen White summarizes it so beautifully, “To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour” ( The Desire of Ages , p. 289).

Bradford C. Newton is the president of the Pacific Union Conference.

The Sabbath is the sign of our completeness in God.

THE WIDOW'S MITE I HAVENLIGHT PUBLISHING

BY JAMES CHRISTENSEN

Am I?

You look in the mirror and wonder. Who am I? Why am I here? What am I supposed to do? Such philosophical questions have challenged members of the human race since Eden. How we answer those questions offers many practical implications for our daily lives.

The Gospel of Luke reveals the story of someone who was definitely identity-challenged. “When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs.... Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Legion,’ he replied, because many demons had gone into him” (Luke 8:27, 30).1 Internal voices often guide external actions.

Paul suggests a root cause for problems with identity. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Then he adds: “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised” (Romans 1:25). The denial of the identity of God can lead to a severe identity crisis within the human mind.

The God/man connection

If we want to move out of our own identity crisis, we need to rediscover who God actually is. The account of creation reveals five basic affiliations between God and humanity:

1. God is the CREATOR of humanity (Genesis

1:27). He literally formed us from mud and bone.

2. He’s the MODEL for humanity (Genesis 1:27). We were created in His image.

3. He’s the PROVIDER for humanity (Genesis 1:29). He designed and built our first home and organized the preferred menu for our meals.

4. He’s the MASTER of humanity (Genesis 1:28). He instructed Adam and Eve to make more people and tenderly care for every living thing.

5. He’s the COMPANION for humanity (Genesis 2:1-3). He set aside one day a week for fellowship and contemplation of His love.

Humans are created for connection and affiliation. Loneliness and solitude were not part of the master plan. We are all God’s creatures designed to be dependent on Him, to represent Him to others, to be inclusive socially, and to serve the needs of others. That’s who we are. That’s who we were designed to be. When we choose to live in sync with our core elements, God is pleased and so are we. Live out of sync, and we look in the mirror and wonder.

Hope restored

So, if we’ve lost our connection with whom God created us to be, is there hope? Oh yes! But it may take a little work.

What were some of the results of the demonpossessed man’s encounter with Jesus? In Luke

8:35 we find him sitting “at Jesus’ feet.” This action was a sign of acknowledging the sovereignty of Christ. For years the possessed man had wandered around without clothes. But verse 35 presents the transformed man as one who is dressed. He now

depends upon Jesus to address both his mental and physical needs.

The demon-possessed man was always in solitary places and in the tombs, hiding to prevent any interaction. Now, his social ability and desires were restored.

Many had tried to control him, to give him orders and instructions, all to no avail. But now, when he received an order—a mission—from Jesus, he complied without resistance: “‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told…how much Jesus had done for him” (Luke 8:39). In this action, he demonstrated a servant’s attitude.

Jesus could not stay in that area. He was forced to leave. But guess who remained behind and became His representative. “Though the Saviour Himself departed, the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to His power.… When Jesus returned to Decapolis, the people flocked about Him, and for three days, not merely the inhabitants of one town, but thousands from all the surrounding region, heard the message of salvation” (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 340).

If for some reason we’ve drifted away from our original God-created identity, our connection with Him and who we’re designed to be can be re-established. “And souls that have been degraded into instruments of Satan are still through the power of Christ transformed into messengers of righteousness” (Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 341).

1. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version.

We are all God’s creatures designed to be dependent on Him, to represent Him to others, to be inclusive socially, and to serve the needs of others.

Worship

The day after Adam was formed out of wet clay and became a living human being was unlike any other day of Creation week. On it, God did...nothing. Instead, it was time for Adam to do something. It was time for him to worship.

That’s what the Sabbath was designed to be: a day for worship.

The book of Exodus clearly outlines its importance. It speaks of the establishment of a place for worship, how to experience worship, and what to remember when you worship. Centuries later, when the Apostle Peter described God’s people, he used the term “royal priesthood,” reminiscent of that Old Testament desert tabernacle. The purpose of this “royal priesthood” was to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). That’s worship.

John the Revelator carried that theme forward when he provided a glimpse of heaven to come. The winged “living creatures” spend day and night saying: “‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8). Then, just a couple verses later: “The twentyfour elders fall down before him who sits on the

throne and worship him who lives forever and ever” (Revelation 4:10).

Yes, heaven is for worshippers. And the very best training ground for us to practice worshipping? Planet Earth.

Our mission

Let’s discover anew the mission that God has given His Church. That mission is clearly reflected in the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14:6-12. Spoiler alert: it’s all about worship.

Angel #1 invites us to worship the Creator (Revelation 14:7). Angel #2 decries the false worship reverberating throughout Babylon (Revelation 14:8). And Angel #3 warns of the terrible outcome waiting for those who worship the beast and his image (Revelation 14:9-11).

As a church, our mission is to lead people to live according to their core identity: creatures created by God to worship God. It’s also our responsibility to warn against the deception and consequences of the false worship that’s saturating our world and to share the good news concerning the unimaginable rewards awaiting worshippers of the One True God.

Which begs the question: are we happy and

satisfied with our private and family worship? How can we improve our participation in both? It all comes down to what instrument we’re playing.

How to worship

The Bible regularly presents our voices as instruments of worship. “Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious” (Psalm 66:1, 2). The Apostle Paul expands the list, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). Then, to the church in Philippi, he states: “I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18).

What is it that’s considered by Paul to be “a fragrant, acceptable sacrifice” and “pleasing to God?” The generous offerings of the Philippians.

It seems that the giving of money is an act of worship. But be warned. This same instrument has the capacity to compete with God and become the object of worship. “No one can serve [worship] two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to

the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Thankfully, when we use our resources to worship God, it provides the best way for us to not worship our resources.

Just ask the three wise men. “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him’” (Matthew 2:1-2, NKJV). In contrast, the priests and the leaders of God’s people did not consider it important to accompany the wise men to Bethlehem. They were too busy doing “God’s work.”

Ellen White uses the example of the three to make an appeal to believers today: “If we have given our hearts to Jesus, we also shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold and silver, our most precious earthly possessions, our highest mental and spiritual endowments, will be freely devoted to Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us” ( The Desire of Ages , p. 65).

To the true believer, worship is not a side element of life. It’s the purpose of life. Like the wise men of old, let’s decide today to live that essential part of total worship: giving to God our King.

A Relationship with a King T

he Creation account promotes the often elusive joining of human beings in mind, body, and spirit. Relationship, both earthly and divine, is the second perpetual monument established in Eden, right after the Sabbath.

God created Adam as a perfect being, placed him in a perfect setting, and gave him a perfect assignment—to care for the world and everything in

it. But something was missing. “It is not good for the man to be alone,” God decided. “I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). Humans, it seems, are social beings and cannot be fulfilled and satisfied without quality, person-to-person relationships. It’s part of who we are.

At the heart of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, we find an emphasis on the necessity of prioritizing another relationship. “But seek first his kingdom” (Matthew 6:33). Kingdoms have kings. The Gospels speak of “His kingdom,” “the kingdom of the Father,” “the kingdom of God.” And how do we seek that kingdom? By getting to know the Ruler who sits on its throne.

The Gospels reveal how Jesus prioritized His own relationship with His Father. One insightful incident took place in Capernaum. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). This special time of Jesus with His father was happening during the first hour of Sunday morning. The previous day had been the Sabbath— the time set apart for relationship building between humans and the divine. Yet, after one full day of such encounters, the first thing Jesus did when He woke up on Sunday morning was to seek again that sweet fellowship.

We can make two beautiful deductions here. First, maintaining a relationship with God is not confined

to the Sabbath, and second, the point of social saturation with the divine is never reached.

What was the result of this constant companionship with His Heavenly Father? “So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons” (Mark 1:39).

A relationship with God leads to a sustainable and effective outflowing of divine power. Weakness in one’s spiritual life and ministry may be an indicator of a lack of that vital, power-building interaction.

Top priority

The Gospel of Luke tells two stories of individuals who decided to make relationship their top priority.

Martha had a great sense of hospitality. She welcomed Jesus into her house and did everything to attend to His needs. However, her courtesy and good manners were preventing her from experiencing something even more essential.

Her sister Mary adopted a far different posture. She simply “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said” (Luke 10:39).

Martha wasn’t pleased, and she said so. Jesus settled the dispute between the two sisters with these revealing words: “But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41-42, ESV). The word

“necessary” is better translated as “primary.” Yes, it’s good to prepare food and care for visitors. However, our primary goal must be to cultivate a relationship with the Lord.

The second story is reported in Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus was a tax collector working for the despised Romans. He was hated by other Jews and excluded from their religious community. Zacchaeus convinced himself that his possessions could compensate for his lack of relationships. But, in time, he came to feel that something was missing in his life, and he wanted to see Jesus. So up a sycamore tree he climbed.

Suddenly he heard Jesus inviting Himself to his house for lunch. At that moment, something changed in that “wee little man.” He found himself reconnecting with his core identity as a social being. “So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly” (Luke 19:6).

Both Mary and Zacchaeus confirmed a permanent reversal of priority with their future

actions: Mary anointed Jesus’ feet (John 12:3) and Zacchaeus gave half his possessions to the poor (Luke 19:8).

The mission of Jesus is to lead people to put relationship first.

Feeling of emptiness

There’s an innate desire in all humans to improve the quality of their lives. The problem lies with the strategy that the world is suggesting we use to accomplish that: hard work and acquire as much as possible. But, after one has filled his or her belly, pockets, house, and bank account, it’s common for a feeling of emptiness to prevail.

In Eden, humanity was created to prioritize a relationship with God and others. The absence of this foundation cannot be compensated for by hard work or possessions. We must choose to live according to our core identity—in a deep and satisfying relationship with God and our fellow human beings.

In the Image of God

What does it mean to be created in the image of God? This idea of reflecting God’s personality and character—being a representative of the Almighty—is so crucial for the believer that Paul suggests that God Himself is leading the charge.

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29). Who are those brothers and sisters?

“Those who love him, who have been called” (verse 28). Consider God’s role in the process. To foreknow

is a capacity within God to know in advance, whereas “predestined” is an action verb. It’s a planned activity of God to lead people to a certain point: “to be conformed to the image of his Son.”

Ellen White underscores this message. “Though the moral image of God was almost obliterated by the sin of Adam, through the merits and power of Jesus it may be renewed. Man may stand with the moral image of God in his character; for Jesus will give it to him. Unless the moral image of God is seen in man, he can never enter the city of God as a conqueror” (“Conditions for Obtaining Eternal Riches,” Review and Herald, June 10, 1890).

Ambassadors for Christ

The word “ambassador” is also used by Paul to speak about our identity as representatives of God. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). At the time of the Apostle Paul, an ambassador was a respected official serving the Roman Empire. His responsibility was to represent the emperor in business transactions, negotiations for peace, and alliances and expressions of friendship to foreign countries.

It’s interesting to note that, in those days, the special function of ambassador could only be accomplished by someone who was a senator— someone who was born in the senator class. Birth was the foremost qualification for one to fulfil such a position in the Roman Empire. The function of representatives of God can be fully accomplished only by born-again Christians.

Our representation of Jesus is supposed to grow with time. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the

happen with “unveiled faces,” with sincerity and honesty of heart, and with a real desire to be transformed.

Reflecting God’s Son

How can we reflect the Son of God in a practical way? Jesus’ inaugural speech at the synagogue in Nazareth provides an interesting hint. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18, KJV). Jesus is publicly declaring that He has a special concern for the poor, the broken, the captives, the blind, and the prisoners.

There’s one story in the Gospel that clearly illustrates what it means to be a reflection of God’s love. Ellen White writes: “In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission” (The Desire of Ages, p. 503).

Consider these four striking similarities:

1. Both put aside prejudices. The Samaritan cared for a Jew who was full of hatred for his kind. To

love like Jesus is to cross social, intellectual, cultural, geographical, and linguistic barriers.

2. Both attended to immediate needs. “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness” (Matthew 9:35). The Samaritan “went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him” (Luke 10:34).

3. Both paid the cost for a deeper need. Jesus was “obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). Our good Samaritan gave more than bandages, oil, and wine. He paid two denarii

(Luke 10:35), the equivalent of two days’ pay for a skilled worker, to ensure shelter and healing, To love like Jesus is to use ourselves and our material blessings to bless others.

4. Both worked for full restoration. Jesus continues His ministry on our behalf in heaven, even after paying our debt at the cross. The good Samaritan demonstrates the same spirit, going the extra mile and promising to reimburse the expenses of the injured man (Luke 10:35). To love as Jesus loves is a constant and permanent investment in leading people to wholeness.

As images of Jesus, we’re active representatives of Him. Choose today to become His next masterpiece!

Depending on God

Studies show that the fear level in our present society is one of the highest that humanity has ever experienced. There are many causes behind this alarming situation: terrorism, criminality, economic depression, climate conditions. People feel that they can’t depend on government, police, and other institutions to protect them from threats. This incapacity to acknowledge the existence and presence of a dependable being or entity has led to the escalation of this culture of fear.

Such was also the state of mind of the 10 spies after their 40-day survey of the Promised Land.

Their report included these fear-filled words: “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.… The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.… We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them” (Numbers 13:31-33).

Then, surprisingly, one of the spies, the son of Jephunneh, demonstrated courage and boldness. “Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it’” (Numbers 13:30). Was he naïve? Was he trying to impress Moses? Not

at all! His courage sprung from a deep conviction. “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land…and will give it to us” (Numbers 14:7-8). Then he spelled out his antidote for fear: The Lord is with us and Lord will lead us. He was an inspiration for Joshua, their future leader. He can also be an inspiration for us today.

Destructive pride

Pride, which often serves as the foundation for fear, is disastrous for everyone it controls. Wise man Solomon wrote that it almost always precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

In the story of the king of Babylon—the symbol of human pride—we find the cure. Nebuchadnezzar, gazing out at his capital city, announced, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty” (Daniel 4:30)? He had reason to be proud of the city. The walls and buildings were massive, it’s reputation for learning and culture was impressive, and the Hanging Gardens were a wonder.

We read in Daniel 4:33 the consequence of Nebuchadnezzar’s pride, “He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.” It’s hard to put a name on the disease that affected the proud monarch. The least we can say is that he was suffering from an acute form of identity disorder.

Fortunately, the saga of Nebuchadnezzar ends with a report about his restoration. “At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes

toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever” (Daniel 4:34). He was healed from his pride—healed from his identity disorder—by accepting God as Provider and choosing to depend solely on Him.

Consequences of selfishness

Selfishness is another flaw of humanity’s fallen nature. The Apostle James writes about the consequences of such an emotional malady. “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Selfishness gives rise to objectionable and unfair actions. “But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger” (Romans 2:8). Selfishness is a serious problem. How can it be overcome?

King David shares a testimony about his capacity to live an unselfish, generous life. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?” In the very next sentence, he reveals the underlying factor. Speaking to God, he announces, “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14). Once David realized that God was the Provider of everything, he naturally became a channel to pass blessings to others.

Acknowledging God as the Provider moves us away from selfishness and leads to generosity. “Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness,” said Martin Luther King Jr.

What will be our decision going forward? How will we choose to live?

“Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand”

(1 Chronicles 29:14).

Adventist Pioneers in the West

By the Recorder editorial staff

James and

James and Ellen White and Family

Ellen G. White and Sarah McEnterfer ready for a buggy ride.

and Ellen White

Ellen White’s role in the West began before she ever visited! In 1868, before evangelists J.N. Loughborough and D.T. Bourdeau had even boarded their ship for San Francisco, Ellen White had a vision in Battle Creek as to how to work in California. In a letter that was received by Loughborough and Bourdeau soon after they arrived, she explained that methods used in the East would not be appropriate in the West. She urged a spirit of liberality, of being open and generous, telling them not to be penny-pinching.

Following this advice, they were successful, both in terms of converts and also in the sale of literature, with James White once commenting, “You are selling more books there than all our tent companies east of the Rockies.”1

In an example of “California liberality,” the new church at Santa Rosa, California, sent $2,000 to Battle Creek for a mutual obligation fund, along with an invitation for James and Ellen White to spend the winter of 187273 in California.

The Whites accepted the invitation and traveled to Oakland, California, arriving in September 1872. Then they moved on to meet with J.N. Loughborough in Santa Rosa. Ellen wrote, “We think we shall enjoy our visit to California.”2

James wrote, “We like the people of California, and

Ellen G. White with her family and helpers at Elmshaven, 1913

Closeup of Miller portrait of Ellen G. White.

James White

the country, and think it will be favorable to our health.... We now have strong hope of recovering health, strength, and courage in the Lord, such as enjoyed two years since.”3

After speaking at camp meetings and other events, and helping with the organization of the California Conference, they headed back to Battle Creek. However, the Whites liked California so much that they were back again in December of the following year. This time, however, they wanted something more permanent, and they sent helpers ahead to set up a home for them in Santa Rosa. They bought a team of horses and a carriage. They got busy with their writing. Ellen wrote, “I do not think we will attend the eastern camp meetings this coming season. It is of no use to make child’s play of coming to California and running back again.”4

James and Ellen were convinced to make Oakland the center for the work in California. The forerunner of the Pacific Press was set up there in 1874, and The Signs of the Times began publishing. In fact, the Whites sold everything they had in the East to make this investment possible. Ellen wrote, “We went over the same ground in California, selling all our goods to start a printing press on the Pacific Coast. We knew that every foot of ground over which we traveled to establish the work would be at great sacrifice to our own financial interests.”5

It’s almost as if the work needed to be reinvented in the West—with publishing being the first institution started. This meant another move

for the Whites to a new home, Fountain Farm. However due to the demands from the East, Ellen decided to go back. James’ health prevented him from accompanying her, though he joined her later. But they returned to their home in California for the winter, though they arrived late, on February 2. James wrote, “We have felt, and still feel, the deepest interest for the cause on the Pacific.… Failing health and discouragements had led us to withdraw from the general cause to confine our labors to the Pacific Coast.”6

They clearly felt torn about responsibilities “back East,” and they both did what they could, including participating in the Michigan camp meeting. But their hearts and home were in California.

This pattern was repeated frequently in the following years—camp meetings back East, and then supporting the growing work in California during the winter months. Tragedy struck in August 1881 with the death of James in Battle Creek. Soon afterward, Ellen left for Colorado and then for Oakland to participate in the camp meeting there. At first she stayed in Oakland, but

James and Ellen White

Ellen White in middle age and in her 80s.

in 1882 she bought a new home in Healdsburg. In 1885 she moved to Europe for two years. In 1891 she sold her Healdsburg home after accepting the brethren’s request that she go to Australia, though she commented that she saw “no light” in this.

There was no question in her mind that California would be her home when she returned from Australia in August 1900. She purchased her last home, Elmshaven, in St Helena, where she would live for 15 years. She wrote: “It is just the place I need…. This place was none of my seeking. It has come to me without a thought or purpose of mine. The Lord is so kind and gracious to me. I can trust my interests with Him who is too wise to err and too good to do me harm.” 7

Ellen was coming home to the West. It seems that this was the place she wanted to be. Of course there were issues of climate and her health. Yes, there were the benefits of good fruit and vegetables, as she makes clear. But most of all it seems her heart was here, even though she had the whole work on her mind. In fact, she had to face many of the issues of the East directly. She had to write strong letters to the brethren,

opposing their mindset. She cautioned them against interfering in the West. She told them “hands off” the Pacific Press. She complained about the rise of “kingly power” in Battle Creek. She warned about the policies being adopted by the institutions there—the Sanitarium and the Review and Herald press. It must have been heartbreaking for her to hear that the Sanitarium was lost to the church and then that both institutions were destroyed by fire in 1902.

Perhaps in reaction to this, she urgently supported the purchase of Loma Linda in 1905 and fought for the independence of the Pacific Press. She was much involved in the purchase of Pacific Union College in 1909. She saw the church making great progress in the West, and she gave her wholehearted support.

1J.N. Loughborough, Miracles in My Life (Payson, AZ: Leaves-of-Autumn Books, 1987 reprint), p. 72.

2Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876, vol. 2 (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1981), p. 357.

3Arthur White, The Progressive Years, p. 359.

4Arthur White, The Progressive Years, p. 404.

5Ellen G. White, The Publishing Ministry (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1983), p. 28.

6Arthur White, The Progressive Years, p. 448.

7Ellen G. White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 127.

Ellen G. White in a group at Reno, Nevada, camp meeting in 1888.

The Power of Preaching the Gospel Through the Written Word

Tulio Peverini reflects on 44 years of service as a pastor, educator, and in publishing.

By Cynthia Mendoza

Even before becoming Seventh-day Adventists, Pietro and Cecilia Peverini began keeping the Sabbath after reading Les Signes des Temps (The Sign of the Times in French) in 1885. Little did they know that their act of faith would be multiplied exponentially through the lives of their grandchildren, including Tulio Peverini, a now-retired pastor and communicator who, among many other callings within the church throughout his life, served as editor of El Centinela for more than 25 years.

Originally from Paysandú, Uruguay, Tulio and his twin brother Milton (former speaker/director for La Voz de La Esperanza, the Spanish language edition of the Voice of Prophecy) became grounded in the faith early in their lives as they saw it modeled in their father Hector, who served the church as a pastor for 46 years.

“The pious life of my father, a self-sacrificing pastor for 46 years, and the call of the Holy Spirit and the Bible, inspired me to become a pastor,” said Peverini, who graduated with a Bachelor of Theology degree at the age of 20 in 1952 from Colegio Adventista del Plata. “I thought that eventually one day I too will be a pastor like my father was.”

On January 23, 1958, Tulio married Lilia Eleonora Wensell, the daughter of missionaries, a primary school teacher, and designer of books and magazines at Pacific Press. She has been his teammate in ministry and life since. For

many years, Lilia dedicated her talents to teaching in the children's divisions of the Sabbath School.

“God favored Lilia with a beautiful presence, unusual artistic talent, and total loyalty to Christ and His mission,” Peverini said of his wife of 64 years.

Peverini went on to serve the church in various roles in Argentina. One of the highlights of his ministry was his ordination in 1972 at Soquel Camp Meeting. The service was officiated by Pastor H.M.S. Richards, founder of the Voice of Prophecy.

Peverini received a call from the General Conference to serve at Pacific Press as editor of El Centinela, the Spanish language counterpart to The Sign of The Times, which he gladly did, from 1970 until 1997, completing 45 years of service to the church. In his lifetime, Peverini has authored 225 articles, written 10 books, and published a four-volume series of 136 sermons called Preaching the Word.

“The certainty that written communication is more powerful and permanent than spoken communication is what drew me to the area of publications,” he said regarding his 27 years of

service at Pacific Press. He quotes Ellen G. White on the role and importance of the written word as a form of sharing the gospel: “The publications sent forth from our printing houses are to prepare a people to meet God. Throughout the world they are to do the same work that was done by John the Baptist.… As John prepared the way for the first, so we are to prepare the way for the second, advent of the Saviour” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 139).

“The many letters from readers of El Centinela asking for advice, help, and prayer transformed my budding vocation for the printed page into an irrepressible passion,” he said. “Writing lasts forever. People remember writing from years ago.”

Throughout his 45 years of formal ministry, Peverini also experienced impactful situations that further strengthened him in his passion for sharing the gospel. One of the most sobering experiences was in Mexico.

After a service Peverini, along with four other pastors and leaders, traveled two and a half hours to pay homage to Fortino Sánchez, a colporteur

martyred along the city's railroad tracks in the 1940s. Even after receiving death threats, Sánchez continued in his work as a colporteur. One day his enemies made good on their threats; four men dragged Sánchez to the railroad tracks and told him point blank one last time to stop or else. Sánchez’s pleadings for mercy went unheeded. Peverini and fellow pastors soberly laid a wreath of flowers next to the spot where Sánchez died. They prayed and reconsecrated themselves to the Lord, asking God for the same courage in sharing the gospel that Sánchez had.

On a much happier note, but equally impactful and noteworthy, Peverini recalls the 12 years of what he describes as “incessant, demanding, and complex” work required to produce the seventh volume of the Adventist Bible Commentary in Spanish, thus completing the set.

“All those years there was a united effort by administrators, translators, editors, proofreaders, and workers in the different workshops of the publishing house,” he said. “But the joy and gratitude to the Lord were immense. The work and efforts had been worth it. The Lord's church would be better prepared to receive the Lord when He came to look for His people.”

Early in his ministry, Peverini also realized the importance of a good education, going on to earn a doctorate and teaching.

“I felt the desire to pursue higher education to face a more intellectually demanding world,” he said. “By God's providence, out of my 45 years as a worker in the Adventist Church, I spent 35

in publishing work as an editor and the rest in teaching at three of our educational institutions.”

It could be said then, that Tulio Peverini, by the grace of God alone, is something of a “triple blessing” for the kingdom of God, having preached the gospel through education, pastoral ministry, and writing.

He continues to do so in retirement. He is an active and involved member of the Yucaipa Spanish church in the Southeastern California Conference, continues to share the gospel through his own personal writing projects, and has a passion for encouraging young people to be the best they can be in every area of their lives, including academically and professionally, for the glory of God.

But none of his numerous titles or professional accomplishments, noteworthy as they may be, mean a thing without the one single most important driving force behind them: his deep love for Christ and His church.

“The most important thing I would want people to know is Jesus, my precious Savior,” Peverini says as his eyes fill with tears and his voice abruptly breaks into a deeply heartfelt quiver, so that those listening to him are overcome with emotion too. “He is so patient with me, and His love is so immense. I love His church and I have preached His gospel for 45 years. He is the mighty Captain of the church.”

Cynthia Mendoza is a freelance writer from Southern California.

“But the joy and gratitude to the Lord were immense. The work and efforts had been worth it. The Lord's church would be better prepared to receive the Lord when He came to look for His people.”

Next Step Scholarships

Assisting families as they make educational decisions at key progression points in their student’s life

To apply, scan the QR code.

Elder Jackson Michael Doggette Sr.

Passes to His Rest

Jackson Michael Doggette Sr. was born on Dec. 11, 1930, in Chase City, Virginia. The second child born to Herbert Richard Doggette Sr. and Sally Blanche Robertson Doggette, he was brother to Al Lee, Edward, Herbert Jr., and Gereal. After the family moved to the BedfordStuyvesant area of Brooklyn, New York, as a teen, he won a bet that he could not pass the entrance examination to the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School. Determined and resolute, he passed the test and chose to concentrate on architecture.

After graduating in 1948, Jack worked as a bicycle messenger, riding through the streets of Brooklyn. He intended to live in Brooklyn forever—however, the Lord had different plans for him. Members at his home church, Bethel, took up a collection and sent him to Oakwood College to study pastoral ministry.

While at Oakwood, Jack was smitten with the lovely Edythe Marie Young, an elementary education student from Los Angeles, Calif. After Edythe’s graduation, the couple married and began their ministerial life together. Five children were born to their union: Linda, Jackson Jr., James, Joy, and Sylvia. Jack and Edythe were married for nearly 61 years at the time of Edythe’s death on April 26, 2015.

Jack’s hobbies included golf and eating sweets, which he called “health food.” During one of his early morning golf rounds, he achieved a hole in one. He was also very proud to have played in a foursome with Elgin Baylor, Bill Russell, and Maury Wills.

He served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 56 years, pastoring a total of 21 churches, including

13 districts, in four conferences. His first ministerial assignment was pastoring a three-church district that spanned 400 miles in the Southwest Region Conference (1954-1957). He also pastored in the Southern California Conference (19581965 and 1970-1985), the South Central Conference (1965-1970 and post-retirement), and the Southeastern Conference (19851998), where he served as president from 1988 to 1994.

In 1965, he accepted a call to pastor the Memphis, Eads, and Clarksdale district. The Memphis congregation was worshipping at a church building on Mississippi Boulevard that housed a two-room church school. Seeing the need for expansion, he led the congregation to purchase a larger property on Alcy Boulevard for the church and school.

During the time the congregation was at Alcy Boulevard, the civil rights movement was in full swing. The 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike was impacting the whole city, and Elder Doggette was fully engaged. During the volatile marches, he could be seen in the crowd with his camera around his neck as he helped injured protestors to the South Central Conference Community Service van for medical treatment. On April 4, 1968, while he was attending a joint pastors’ meeting between the South

Central Conference and the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, it was announced that Dr. King had been shot. Shockingly, the pastors from the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference celebrated the news, but Doggette felt an overwhelming sense of sadness as he navigated his way back home to avoid the riots and the National Guard.

Little did the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference pastors know, but Doggette had persuaded the Black Panthers not to burn down their school in retaliation for the murder of Dr. King and their racially insensitive practices. Doggette had influence with the Black Panthers (and the Invaders) because he worked with them to support their nutrition and clothing drives to make life better for the Black citizens of Memphis.

Doggette’s example had a profound impact on his children, particularly his two sons, both Adventist pastors. They carry on the tradition of being committed to social justice initiatives in line with Christ’s method of winning people for God’s kingdom: “The Saviour mingled with men as one who

desired their good. He showed sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them ‘Follow Me’” (Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 363).

In 1969, Doggette and Elder Calvin B. Rock conducted an evangelistic tent meeting that led to 200 baptisms and the need for the congregation to move to a larger facility. That year, the Longview Heights property was purchased, and the church and school continued to grow.

In 1985, Doggette accepted a call to the Bethany church in Miami, Florida. Three years later, he was elected president of the Southeastern Conference and served until 1994. After his time as president, he pastored in the central Florida area until his retirement in September 1998.

In retirement, he continued to work, returning to Memphis to pastor the Word of Life church for nearly 11 years. After a brief hiatus, he served one final time as the interim pastor of the New Covenant church in Memphis. In full retirement, Edythe and Jack settled in Memphis to be in close proximity to

Little did the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference pastors know, but Doggette had persuaded the Black Panthers not to burn down their school in retaliation for the murder of Dr. King and their racially insensitive practices.

their progeny. After the death of his dear wife in 2015, he made his final move to Orlando, Florida. After a prolonged illness, Elder Doggette took his final rest on April 17, 2023, in Apopka, Florida. A wise, kind, humble man of integrity, he was a shepherd, spiritual father, and mentor.

Doggette leaves to anticipate his resurrection two siblings, Herbert Doggette Jr. (Betty), and Gereal McCray (Bill); five children, Linda Doggette Anderson, Jackson Doggette Jr. (Celia), James Doggette Sr. (Erin), Joy Doggette Peifer, Sylvia Darville (Gregory); 18 grandchildren; 12 greatgrandchildren; extended family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, parishioners, colleagues, and friends who expect that at Christ’s return, Jackson Michael Doggette Sr. will hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant:…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21, KJV).

By Debbe Millet, Managing Editor, Oakwood Magazine and InsideOakwood

Supreme Court Delivers Unanimous Landmark Victory for Postal Carrier

Decision means fewer religious employees will have to choose between their faith and their job.

In a unanimous decision announced on Thursday, June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States granted a victory to former postal carrier Gerald Groff after Groff lost his job for observing the Sunday Sabbath. The decision strengthens legal protections for employees seeking religious accommodations, such as schedule changes to observe holy days, by requiring employers to provide accommodations unless doing so would result in substantial and burdensome costs in light of the size of the employer.

In its holding, the Supreme Court held that lower courts have been getting it wrong for the past 50 years in interpreting a past precedent to impose

only a minimal burden on employers, although stopping short of outright reversing the prior precedent, TWA v. Hardison

The decision means more employers will be required to take seriously their employees’ religious accommodation requests. Employees of faith often seek religious accommodations to honor their holy days, to take prayer breaks during the day, to dress according to their religious beliefs, or to otherwise not be forced to violate their religious beliefs on the job.

Mr. Groff was represented, in part, by Alan Reinach, executive director of the Church State Counsel. “The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision

is a resounding victory for religious freedom. No longer will employers be able to dismiss religious accommodation requests as they have been doing all too often, assuming such discrimination comes with little legal risk,” said Reinach. “Instead, workers of all faiths will no longer have to leave their faith at home when they go to work.”

In response to the decision, Gerald Groff said, “I am grateful to have had my case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court and that they have decided to uphold religious liberty. I hope this decision allows others to be able to maintain their convictions without living in fear of losing their jobs because of what they believe.”

The Church State Council is the oldest public policy organization in the western United States devoted to religious freedom and the separation of church and state. It is a Seventh-day Adventist

organization, the public affairs and religious liberty ministry of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The Council’s legal services ministry focuses on serving those who need religious accommodation in the workplace or suffer discrimination.

Learn more about the work of the Church State Council and the implications of the Groff case at https://www.churchstate.org.

“The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision is a resounding victory for religious freedom. No longer will employers be able to dismiss religious accommodation requests as they have been doing all too often, assuming such discrimination comes with little legal risk.” Alan Reinach

Walking Through the Valley: Cosas Chaplain Ordination

My work as a chaplain is a constant reminder that Jesus walks with us in the green pastures as well as in the darkest valleys,” Chaplain Javi Casas said, reflecting on Psalm 23:4, which serves as the base for his ministry. “I get to join Jesus in the sacred work of making sure that families don’t walk alone in their valleys.”

In reflecting on his ministry, Chaplain Javi Casas gives a lot of credit to his wife. “I would not be here without the support of my wife, Monique,” he said. “She has been by my side from the beginning and has gone on this journey with me through the ups and downs. We have prayed together over many life-changing decisions.”

Casas also credits his parents for placing him on a path for success. “My parents sacrificed so much so that I could go to an Adventist school,” he said. “I thank God that He gave me to God-fearing parents.”

Graduating from Pacific Union College with a theology degree, he began serving as a pastor in the Southern California Conference for several years. Chaplain Casas then attended Andrews University and

obtained his Master of Divinity, returning to California in 2019. But a pull toward chaplaincy has always been present in his ministry.

“God opened the doors for me to come to Phoenix and serve as a chaplain at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 2021,” he said. He was recently promoted to be the Spiritual Care Program Coordinator for the hospital.

On May 31, Chaplain Casas was ordained in a special ceremony in the Arizona Conference atrium.

By Jeff Rogers

Commission and Ordain: Celebrating Sacred Callings

On Sabbath, June 17, Pastors Melanie Cruz and Mike Soto were officially welcomed into ministry for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Taking place on the main stage at the Arizona Conference Camp Meeting at Camp Yavapines in Prescott, Arizona, the two pastors were surrounded by family and colleagues as they received their charge from Arizona Conference administrators.

Pastor Melanie Cruz has lived a life of ministry. She has spent many years as pastor’s wife and children’s ministries coordinator at both the conference and division level. Beginning a life of ministry alongside her husband, Pastor Manny Cruz, she has worked with and for young people for 29 years. In 2017, she was called into pastoral ministry as the children and youth associate pastor at Phoenix Camelback church in Scottsdale, Arizona. After much prayer and

consideration, she saw how God opened door after door, which removed any doubt from her mind that this was the direction He wanted for her life.

Although it began as support for her husband in his ministry, her ministry journey took its own path in children’s ministry—first for the Texico Conference and then for the North American Division. When she accepted the call to the Camelback church, her journey took another turn. Now the two Pastor Cruzes work together in ministry in the Arizona Conference.

“I greatly appreciate working with loving

members and with our pastoral teams,” she said.

“Although I was assigned to mentor Melanie as a new pastor, she has ministered to me,” said John Stanton, senior pastor of the Phoenix Camelback church. “My own ministry at Camelback has been richer and more rewarding because of her amazing ability to bless people around her with her wisdom and discernment, both in spiritual things and in life as a whole.”

“The foundation of my ministry is Christ,” Pastor Melanie Cruz said. “He is my Good Shepherd. I look to Him for companionship, guidance, and direction. In Him I live, move, and have my being.”

Pastor Mike Soto was a pastor’s kid growing up. His earliest memories are of his father, Joel, pastoring in the Los Angeles area while his mother was the business manager for Loma Linda Academy. Being a pastor’s kid, Soto moved several times throughout his childhood, exposing him to many facets of Adventist

ministry across the United States. Education played a pivotal role in his life. A graduate of Blue Mountain Academy and Washington Adventist University, he obtained his master’s from La Sierra University in the fall of 2022. He was able to celebrate receiving his master’s degree along with his wife, Areille, who received her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Called to the Tempe church in the fall of 2022, Pastor Soto has used the church’s proximity to Arizona State University to begin an Adventist Student Club.

Rosemary Abrahams serves as the Tempe church clerk and sees firsthand the impact Pastor Soto has made on the church. “He is a visionary and a planner and has built bridges to our community with his new evangelistic ideas for today’s church,” she said. “He is also servant leader and ministers the love of God not only with his words but with his life.”

By Jeff Rogers

Synergy of Evangelism

On Sabbath, June 24, a large crowd gathered at the Salt River. With hundreds of people looking on as they floated by, 15 people were baptized by Pastors Ed Anderson and Don Bishop. The baptisms represent a synergy of efforts by both Arizona Conference administration and sister churches. The 15 people being baptized were the result of seeds planted during an evangelistic series in December 2022 by Arizona Conference President Ed Keyes. That evangelistic effort yielded one baptism and set the stage for hearts to be impacted through the subsequent work of lay people and visiting pastors from sister churches.

“The Casa Grande church had no pastor, was renting a small storefront while their church was being built, and was trying to reach the community with health seminars,” said Pastor Anderson. “The obstacles were many.”

After the evangelistic series by Elder Keyes, Pastor Anderson visited the church over the course of three months and held four revival services. During the final service in May, he made an appeal for baptism, and nine people raised their hands. But the church has no baptistry. “These people wanted to give their life to Jesus now! So, I told them that we’ll go to the Salt River about 45 miles away,” Pastor Anderson said.

Between the time of the altar call and the baptism, Pastor Don Bishop was called to the ministry of the Casa Grande church. “It was important to have Pastor Bishop there to participate in the baptism as a great way to start his ministry in Casa Grande,” Pastor Anderson said.

When Pastor Anderson made a shoreline appeal on the day of the baptism, five more people stepped forward, resulting in 14 total baptisms that Pastors Anderson and Bishop conducted. “This is a direct result of what Elder Keyes started in December,” Pastor Anderson said.

While Anderson was walking back to his car, two random people came up to ask about the baptism. “They start Bible studies next week!” he exclaimed.

The synergy of evangelism is producing results in the Arizona Conference.

By Jeff Rogers

Three Million GLOW Tracts Distributed in Bolivia

Each year a GLOW mission trip takes place in a different country, but the goal is the same: to spread God’s message to the people living there. This year’s GLOW mission trip took place in Bolivia on March 17-25. These mission trips, which began in 2015, focus on handing out GLOW tracts; normally about one million tracts are given out each year. This trip was the largest ever, with a total of three million tracts distributed throughout Bolivia.

The team consisted of 33 missionaries, mostly from the U.S. but also from a number of different South American countries, including Chile, Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay. They stayed at Bolivia Adventist University in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where the Bolivian Union is also located.

“Our missionary team focused on giving out 250,000 tracts while we were there, and we did it in Cochabamba,” explained Nelson Ernst, director of GLOW ministries for the Central California Conference. “The other 2.75 million tracts were given out at the same time by the rest of the church members who were dispersed throughout Bolivia.” The tracts given out focused on topics such as the Sabbath, what happens when you die, and how the Virgin Mary points to Jesus.

“We had a lot of great testimonies from this,” added Ernst. One of the most exciting of these was a group of men who began an altercation in one of the markets where the team was working. The team was moved out of the area for safety reasons. “But one of our team, who is in his fifties and is very outgoing, felt like he needed to go to those people and give them tracts.” At first the group was hostile, but when they realized what he was trying to do they changed their tone and were receptive, even asking for more literature.

Bolivia was one of the most responsive countries visited so far. People often read the GLOW tracts on the streets, and even asked for more. There was also a strong emphasis on prayer during this trip. Pastor Jerry Page, who was conference president when GLOW was started, gave devotional talks on prayer and encouraged prayer walking.

This mission trip is an annual event that moves to different locations each year. The next mission trip is planned for Japan from March 22-30 of next year.

By Brennan Hallock

Ireland Mission Trip Brings Healing to the Community

The Central California Conference has become more connected with Ireland and the Adventist churches located there in a few different ways. One of these was a mission trip that took place April 12-22. This mission trip, which had a profound impact on the Irish communities in several cities, was led by Pastor Carlos Garcia.

Pastor Garcia was put in contact with the pastors in the cities where they were scheduled to visit. These cities included Tralee, Cork, Limerick, and Galway, all in the southwestern part of Ireland.

“I asked them the basic question on a Zoom meeting,” said Pastor Garcia. “I asked, ‘What is it you folks are needing and wanting as we go preach?’ To our surprise, they requested that we come and help them with the topics of spiritual healing, emotional healing, and mental healing because of all the post-pandemic situations they’ve been having there in their country.” This caught his attention and was a challenge because the churches were not looking for someone to teach about doctrines.

A group was put together to address this need. This group included Robert Wilcox, Kelly Wilcox, Lisa Placensia, Norma Villareal, Kay Pavdin, and Carlos Garcia. This team of six shared the pulpits in the Irish churches.

The response was positive, and the attendance was amazing. This was partly due to the Irish churches implementing an impact mission project prior to the team arriving. The Irish churches spent the Sunday before the meetings distributing clothes and books to

the local community, inviting them to the meetings.

“We met several people attending the meetings just by doing the initial contact,” said Pastor Garcia. “Never minimize or take for granted the distribution of literature. There were immediate results. In fact, we met a pastor’s wife who’d left the church and came back because of this.”

Pastor Garcia said he learned a lot through this mission trip. He added that the need to pray for all the displaced families in Ireland has made it a big mission field. Those who are stuck there include many refugees from African countries and Ukraine. “They might have to make it their permanent home,” he said. “Those people from around the world need our prayers.”

By Brennan Hallock

Freedom Week

In a display of shared purpose, two local churches—Kailua Adventist church and New Hope Kailua—partnered together in May for a transformative event known as Freedom Week. This weeklong celebration brought people together to worship, share and enjoy testimonies, and foster a deeper understanding of freedom in Jesus Christ.

For many years, the two congregations have met in the same building—one on Saturday and one on Sunday. New Hope rents from Kailua Adventist church, yet such a collaborative effort is unprecedented. As one elder of Kailua Adventist observed, “I’ve been here a long time. First time I’ve seen this kind of collaboration. Turnout and cohesion have been amazing.” The event developed out of ministry passions shared by Pastor Jonathan Leonardo of Kailua Adventist and Pastor Mark Stinton of New Hope Kailua. According to Pastor Jonathan, “We have differences theologically, but we can agree that it is Jesus who gave us life. And while we have different perspectives on doctrine, we are united in our testimony: We are new creations in Jesus, and we want to share that with whoever is willing to listen.”

Each night of Freedom Week, participants came to enjoy dinner and worship together. An uplifting period of praise and worship marked the start of each service, but testimony was the heartbeat of the week. There were stories of overcoming guilt and shame, finding beauty and rest as a child of God, and marriage restored. Newlyweds Christian and Angie Aparicio of Dallas, Texas, gave a two-part testimony on waiting on God to secure their identities in Him and their relationship with each other. Fale, a local elder of the New Hope congregation, described being called out of the gangs of Kalihi and into life in Christ. Joyce Murphy of Orlando, Florida, shared her journey of discovering

her worth as revealed through the love of Jesus. A New Hope leader was inspired by “the testimonies that were spoken, the vulnerability to share—not just the bad stuff, but also the overcoming of that—the pivotal point, the changing point of turning from death to life. It truly brings God’s Word to life.” Each program was concluded with a gospel presentation and a call to action by both Pastor Jonathan and Pastor Mark.

After a week of the two churches mingling, there were no longer strangers in the building. A member of Kailua Adventist recalled that, before Freedom Week, when he entered the church on Sunday morning to retrieve an item, he would think, “This is our property. They are borrowing it for now. I don’t want to interfere.” Now, if he were to stop by on a Sunday morning, he would want to look in to see who he recognized. More generally, he observed that we “share beliefs and values. We should get together.”

Freedom Week shows that there exist rich opportunities for partnership within the body of Christ. Reflecting on the week, Pastor Mark said, “I’ve grown in my understanding and appreciation of Seventh-day Adventists. I feel a closer kinship and appreciation. It's great to be able to minister together. We want more!” Pastor Jonathan agreed. His belief is that “our communities share deep commitments. We are passionate about sharing the simple gospel of Jesus, and in particular sharing testimonies of how He changed our lives.” Moreover, he said, “We [as Adventists] have a message we believe is vital to the world. In order to get a fair hearing, we have to mingle together, agree where we can.” To this end, we expect to hear more from Kailua and from our sister churches in the near future.

By Scott Kabel

Three Angels’ Messages Emphasized on Big Island

The book of Revelation announces a blessing in its opening verses: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3, NKJV). With this statement before us, it is important to remember that teaching, reviewing, and learning for the first time the messages of Revelation come with a divine pronouncement of favor. In January and May, the Hilo and Puna churches on the Big Island of Hawaii received that blessing.

The two churches applied for and received a grant of $9,000 from Three Angels Global Networking, Inc., an Adventist lay ministry. The grant was intended to emphasize the three angels’ messages internally to the membership and externally to the community. The church shared the message of truth in two phases: a January lay-led revival based on Mark Finley’s Three Cosmic Messages materials, and a community seminar titled “Revelation Reveals Jesus,” led by evangelist Jay Warren of the Hawaii Conference.

The promise of Revelation 1:3 proved true. The emphasis on the three angels’ messages inspired two donors to make sizable donations to each church’s evangelism fund. The sharing of Revelation 14 is something God wants to fund.

A major takeaway for the churches was a reminder that Revelation is not a scary book that cannot be understood. In the lay-led series, regular church members mightily presented the teachings of Daniel

and Revelation with conviction and clarity. This helped ready the churches to share with the community. Using technology, mass mailing, and personal invitations, both churches worked to build internal enthusiasm and create interest among their neighbors to attend the seminar. A crucial component in all of this was prayer. From start to finish every presentation of God’s truth was bathed in intentional prayer.

When May arrived, the Holy Spirit was appealing to hearts. During eight nights of teaching and vegetarian fellowship meals provided by cook Mario Bravo of the Hawaii Conference, Pastor Jay Warren pointed members and community visitors to Christ’s last-day invitation for them. Three community friends made decisions for baptism, one community friend decided to start studying the Bible to learn more, and one church member was convicted for re-baptism. She was re-baptized three weeks after the series alongside her husband, who got baptized for the first time. One hundred and nineteen copies of Finley’s book Three Cosmic Messages: Earth’s Final Conflict were handed out. Pastor Andre Weston is still in connection with the community friends who visited the series and looks forward to supporting them as they walk in their decisions in the second half of this year.

Pastor Andre believes the three angels’ messages comprise the gospel in its final form, and when we share that gospel, God will bless our efforts. He is grateful for all the volunteers who preached, shared music, set up and cleaned, prayed, and participated in evangelism.

By Andre Weston

Where Are They Now?

Have you ever wondered what happens to our students after they graduate and leave Holbrook Indian School (HIS)? For many, getting a higher education or attending trade school isn’t always at the forefront of their minds. It might be due to a lack of resources to pay for college or trade school or the fact that no other member of their family has attended college. Maybe it’s for other reasons. However, there are those who desire to discover what they are capable of and who want to give back to their community.

We had the blessing and privilege of catching up with three of our HIS alumni, Shawnewa, Adrienna, and Israel, to ask, “Where are they now?” Continue reading to learn more about the impact their time at HIS had on their lives.

Adrienna (Class of 2019)

Adrienna is originally from Chinle and attended the Chinle Adventist Elementary School on the Navajo reservation there. After elementary school, she followed in her siblings’ and cousins’ footsteps to attend HIS.

Adrienna

Upon completion of high school, Adrienna joined the U.S. Army. When asked why she chose this route, she replied, “From early

childhood, I was a supporter of the military. I worked at home after school, babysitting my niece. I wanted to do more. I wanted to be a firefighter in the Army.” She spoke with a recruiter and learned about the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. The recruiter explained the job that Adrienna qualified for, and she was interested. Her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was 14 Echo, which is PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator Maintainer (missile systems maintenance and operation). Adrienna’s Expiration Term of Service (ETS) was June 6, 2023.

Now that she has completed her military contract, Adrienna plans to attend Northern Arizona University (NAU) Police Academy. She has a sponsoring agency while completing the program; however, she is still deciding which city she would like to work for. Adrienna said that one of the greatest impacts on her life from her time at HIS was the staff, who still keep in contact with her. “It helped me a lot during my time in the military.”

Shawnewa (Class of 2020)

Shawnewa is originally from Low Mountain and is of the Navajo and Hopi tribes. She mostly attended public schools before considering HIS. During her eighth-grade year, she was asked where she would attend high school. The idea of HIS came up, but she wasn’t interested. However, her grandfather wanted her to attend, and after he died, as a way of honoring his memory, she decided to enroll.

Post-graduation, she went straight into college and

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

- HIS Alumni

(2019): U.S. Army, ETS

June 2023

moved in with a host family who has supported her through college up to this point. She is currently studying human health services with the goal of becoming a doctor. She also competes in Western riding.

When asked about the impact HIS had on her, she stated, “HIS really prepared me for a lot. It served as a basis for my horse riding, helped me get where I am now, and taught me to be independent. Time management overall has helped. How things were structured at HIS prepared me for college because there are certain times to study and certain times to sleep. It helped me know how to manage my time throughout my day.”

Shawnewa’s plans for the future include continuing with horse competitions as well as competing in the next Miss Navajo Nation Pageant. She is pursuing a second degree at Diné College in Native American Studies, which is helping her prepare for the pageant.

Israel (Class of 2021)

Israel is originally from the Navajo Reservation of Big Mountain. He learned of HIS because one of his sisters attended school here. He completed all four years of high school at HIS. After graduation, he stayed on campus to work for our accountant (Ms. Newhart) and business manager (Ms. Burns). He also participated in the College Transition program that we offer. After taking four classes at Northern Pioneer College (NPC), he decided that traditional college wasn’t for him.

Israel’s whole family cooks. Both of his sisters were in culinary arts; they competed on a national level and won. “The one thing they always did that really intrigued me was pastry,” he explained. “The details and intricacy always intrigued me.” Initially, he was considering becoming an accountant, like Ms. Newhart. Then he talked with the Director of Food

Services, Mrs. Espinal, who told him about culinary school. He prayed about it and said, “God, if you want me to do this, I’m gonna let you take the reins. I know you have a plan for me, and I don’t want to ruin anything.” In early spring, he started at Aguste Escoffier Culinary School. “I always knew God was there, but I never really got to know Him until I was on my own. I told Him, ‘Let’s do this,’ and that was sort of the beginning of my relationship with Him. I didn’t know how this life was going to work, this pastry chef life. You have to be perfect, on point. You have to have an ‘I don't care mentality.’ How do I bring [God] into this when that’s the mentality? When I moved here [Colorado], I told Him, ‘I want you to watch over me. Guide me through this. Guide my choices.’ And that’s when our relationship started to get more and more involved.”

Israel says that what impacted him the most at HIS was “the care that staff had for the students. Students weren’t just a ‘paycheck’ to staff. They got to know you, whether it was schoolwork or personal. They showed that they cared.”

Although we don’t always get to catch up with our students once they graduate and go out into the world to make their mark, we take advantage of whatever opportunities we are afforded to learn about their lives after Holbrook Indian School. We are grateful to the many generous friends of HIS that help us to keep our doors open to Native American children and give them the opportunity to realize their full potential as God created them to be and do. To learn more about our school, visit: HolbrookIndianSchool.org.

By Kimberly Cruz

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

Shawnewa - HIS Alumni (2020): Studying human health services; Western riding competitor

Israel - HIS Alumni (2021): Pastry Chef at Broadmoor Resort

What Adventist Health Is Doing to Increase Opioid Safety

In the last decade, health systems across the country have become increasingly aware of the need to manage pain without relying solely on opioids. At Adventist Health, we’ve made concerted efforts to shift to a more wholistic approach to pain management.

Over the last several years, our Opioid Stewardship Committee has assessed best practices, guidelines, national trends, and opioid prescribing at Adventist Health. In response, we’ve developed programs that support opioid safety and a more comprehensive approach to pain management. In 2018, we adopted an Opioid Care Transformation Project that used data to analyze our prescribing patterns and monitor quality measures.

This year, we’ve partnered with CO*RE REMS, a national grant-funded program that brings opioid education and training to our medical providers. This partnership builds upon our goals to keep patients as safe as possible while providing the pain management they need.

Training safe prescribers

CO*RE was founded by ten professional healthcare organizations, including the California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP). The organization provides continuing education to physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals across the country.

Through our partnership with CO*RE REMS, Adventist Health has identified opioid steward champions throughout our system. These professionals have undergone certification to train other clinicians in the CO*RE REMS safe prescribing curriculum. These champions will deliver trainings in person and through recorded sessions that all clinicians across the organization will attend.

“Not only will this training help clinicians with best practices in pain management, but it will also help us maintain compliance with our medical boards,” said Raul Ayala, MD, family medicine physician and current president of CAFP. “Every clinician is expected to have eight hours of opioid training on safe prescribing. After

training, all Adventist Health medical providers will be certified as safe prescribers.”

Wholistic pain management

The CO*RE REMS curriculum helps clinicians understand the physiology of pain and offers multiple pain management methods, including both medication-based and non-medication-based strategies. The comprehensive program also helps providers understand how to recognize substance use disorders and how to help patients.

“When patients think about pain, they often only think about pain medication,” said Dr. Ayala. “But making a proper assessment and a wholistic treatment plan opens up a range of other options. Strategies like physical therapy, occupational therapy, strength training, optimizing your nutrition, massage, or even water therapy can all be effective.” Properly diagnosing and managing other underlying health conditions, including mental health disorders, is also important.

If you deal with chronic pain or have been prescribed an opioid, talk with your provider about other treatment options. There may be alternatives that can bring effective pain relief.

By Kalyn Long

La Sierra to Launch 10 New Academic Programs This Fall

Moving forward into the next school year, La Sierra University will add at least 10 new academic degree programs to its offerings, three of them in the burgeoning sustainability arena.

This fall, La Sierra will roll out Bachelor of Science degrees in urban plant agriculture and sustainable agriculture entrepreneurship; Bachelor of Arts degrees in sustainability and society, political science, theology, and in four STEM education programs; and a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Toward moving the university into the expanding sustainability field, La Sierra in 2022 began developing a sustainability park—complete with an off-grid experimental geodesic dome, greenhouse, and two environmentally controlled and technologically outfitted shipping containers for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) developed by Freight Farms urban farming company.

The park’s operations and environmental goals will be supported by the installation this summer of an off-grid solar power system that will be used to power the temperature control in the experimental geodesic dome. The $3,000 system was jointly gifted to the university by the senior classes of 2022 and 2023.

The expansion into the environmental sustainability arena “blends so well with our mission to be stewards of the gifts God has given us while meeting the needs of employers and of students

in establishing career pathways,” said La Sierra University Provost April Summitt.

The university will also add four Bachelor of Arts degree programs in STEM education with concentrations in biology, chemistry, physics, and health science. The programs are designed for students who seek to teach in grades 6-12 in California or at a Seventh-day Adventist school.

The new Bachelor of Arts in political science degree will be offered through the university’s Department of History, Politics & Sociology. It is designed for students interested in law, government, politics, and journalism.

The H.M.S. Richards Divinity School will also offer a new Bachelor of Arts in theology degree.

Meanwhile, La Sierra’s School of Education is expanding its behavior analyst offerings with a master’s degree program that is fully accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International for a Board Certified Behavior Analyst license.

“It is designed to train behavioral analysts who will work with children and people with spectrum disorders, severe emotional disorders, and other behavioral disorders,” said school dean Chang-ho Ji. “We have been running a fully accredited ABA program for about six or seven years, but it was repackaged into an M.A. in ABA based on the new ABA standards. It is one of few face-to-face ABA programs in California.”

By Darla Martin Tucker

La Sierra University Provost April Summitt, center, poses with senior class president Kaitlyn Mamora, front right, and other leaders of the Class of 2023 with solar panels that they and the Class of 2022 gifted to the university.

Board Appoints New Deans at Two Schools

Loma Linda University Health’s Board of Trustees this year appointed Shawn B. Collins, Ph.D., DNP, as dean of the School of Nursing and Adam L. Aréchiga, PsyD, DrPH, to serve as dean of the School of Public Health.

Collins has been serving as associate dean for academic affairs and graduate programs since 2019.He is a nurse anesthetist and a veteran nursing education leader, having served in leadership roles at various universities. He has published widely and spoken on emotional intelligence of leadership and nurse anesthetist training throughout the United States and internationally.

He previously served as a professor of nursing and held numerous leadership roles at Western Carolina University over 12 years, including director of the Nurse Anesthesia program. There, he was the recipient of several awards for teaching and mentoring. Collins has also served as an adjunct professor at Andrews University in Michigan and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He joined Loma Linda School of Nursing in 2019.

Collins holds a Ph.D. in leadership from Andrews University in Michigan, a Doctor of Nursing Practice in healthcare administration from Rush University in Chicago, a Master of Science in Nursing—Nurse Anesthetist from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee.

Aréchiga's work has spanned over 15 years at Loma Linda University (LLU), formerly serving as the associate dean for academic and student affairs at the School of Behavioral Health.

He has extensive experience in psychology and public health for over a decade, working as a psychologist and director of clinical training for the Department of Psychology.

Aréchiga has a longstanding history with LLU and is an alumnus of the School of Public Health. He began his studies for his Doctorate in Preventive Care in 1999 and graduated in 2006.

The school, founded in 1964, offers 12 public health programs at the master’s degree and doctorate level.

U.S. News & World Report this year ranked the school #55 in the discipline of public health in its annual ranking of top graduate schools.

By Ansel Oliver & Summer Clark

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

Adam L. Aréchiga

Shawn B. Collins

Fiji Mission Trip: Building Relationships Through Love and Service

In March, over spring vacation, a group of students and faculty from Pacific Union College traveled to Mana Island, Fiji, for a 10-day mission trip.

It’s been nearly a decade since the first PUC trip to this remote location. Mana is very small, with a population of about 500 people. Each mission trip has focused on meeting their needs in a variety of areas. A deep connection between PUC and the community has developed with every return trip to the island.

Under the leadership of former Missions Director Fabio Maia and two co-leaders, Biology Professor Floyd Hayes and Nursing Professor Sandra Ringer, this year’s mission trip included 12 nursing students and three non-nursing students. Nicolette Piaubert, a nursing professor at PUC, also went on the trip and helped lead healthcare services.

“This year, we focused mostly on providing medical and dental care for the island’s residents, working as a team with American and Brazilian healthcare professionals,” Hayes said. “We also provided laptop computers, snorkeling gear, solar power systems, Vacation Bible School, and trash removal.”

PUC student Jan Jernigan just finished the ASN program and is now working on her Bachelor of Science in nursing. She was excited about the Fiji mission trip and the chance to gain medical experience and help minister to the people. When she learned that she could also earn academic credit for her clinical hours, she said it was a “win-win.”

Jernigan said once the group arrived and set up the clinic, she went to work helping with triage. She took patients’ vitals and gathered information about why they came to the clinic. Then she directed them to

the appropriate or specialized medical professional. Jernigan and other students visited homes and helped survey the village for potential health risks. They also handed out clothing and soap.

On the last day of the trip, the group gathered with the people of the village. As the sun set amid glorious colors in the sky, they joined hands and sang, “We Shall Overcome.”

Hayes wants PUC to continue to return annually for medical and dental clinics and to provide more science equipment and supplies for the school.

Maia, PUC’s former service and missions coordinator, is the one who pioneered this annual mission trip to Mana Island, Fiji. It was his plan from the start to create connections and trust.

This year marks Hayes’ fourth trip to Fiji, including three mission trips. He said PUC and the people of Mana Island “owe a huge debt of gratitude” to Maia. “Our work could not be accomplished without his outstanding organization and leadership skills,” he said.

Jernigan said she would absolutely encourage others to serve on a short-term mission trip. “Going on a mission trip is life-changing,” she said. “We can go in there with all these plans thinking we're going to make all these changes in the people we visit, but I think I learned it's really a partnership between them and us. They teach us about life, worship, and health just as much as we teach them.”

Every year, PUC students have opportunities to serve with love in other countries on mission trips. To learn more, please visit puc.edu/missions.

By Laura Gang

TOP RIGHT: Susanville Fireproof Pathfinder club enjoying caving during a campout at Lava Beds National Monument.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Susanville Pathfinders preparing for baptism in Antelope Lake.

FAR RIGHT: Fireproof Pathfinders compete at the Pathfinder Bible Experience.

Small Decision, Big Impact

Emigdio Gamez wanted to start a Pathfinder Club. He had loved being a Pathfinder in Nicaragua when he was growing up, and he wanted the same experience for his kids. Although he had the desire, he didn’t know where to start. That changed in the summer of 2022 when the Nevada-Utah Conference held a training session for those interested in starting a Pathfinder Club.

Emigdio decided to go, along with another parent, Dionna Etuati, and their pastor, Emmanuel LaPorte. With the support of Pastor LaPorte, they excitedly shared the idea with other families in the church. Following several planning sessions, the Susanville Fireproof Pathfinder Club began with eight Pathfinders and seven leaders.

With inexperienced leadership, there was a lot of trial and error. However, the kids were excited and prepared for the Pathfinder induction. Most of the Pathfinders took a role in the presentation. They were nervous! Many of them had never done anything like that in front of church before.

On the day of the induction ceremony, the Pathfinders walked into the sanctuary dressed in their Class A uniforms. The congregation lit up seeing them. Even though they were nervous, the kids played their parts wonderfully. Even when there was a mishap, the church members displayed grace and support. The service was a success! When the Pathfinders left the church that day, they were greeted with hugs, handshakes, and love from their church family.

After that, a change was noted within the club.

Although most of the Pathfinders had grown up together and attended Susanville Adventist Christian School together, the club brought them closer and gave them more confidence. Bobi Tucker, one of the leaders, said, “As a teacher at the school where most of our group attends, I was surprised to see that Pathfinders has created a sense of unity for our kids that I haven't seen before. They function more like a cohesive group, whether at Pathfinder meetings or at school. It's a beautiful thing to see.”

Over the next few months, the group worked on honors, classwork, and outreach while learning more about God. Not only were they growing closer to God at Pathfinders, they were also taking Bible studies with Pastor LaPorte at home and at school. In March, all eight Pathfinders decided to be baptized. Finally, on June 3, in Antelope Lake, surrounded by loved ones and the church family that had supported them, they were baptized.

Although the decision to start the club seemed like a small thing at the time, none of the families who stepped up in leadership roles could have predicted the effect Pathfinders would have on those kids, themselves, and the church. Elioenai Gamez, one of the members of the club, said, “Pathfinders has made my friendships stronger. It has made my faith in God stronger.” Myli Tucker, another member, added, “I enjoy Pathfinders. I’ve learned a lot and made good friends. I’m so glad I got to be baptized with some of my best friends.”

By Karri Gamez

Pathfinder and Adventurer Camporee 2023

From June 22 to June 25, the Nevada-Utah Conference witnessed an extraordinary event that brought together young Pathfinders and Adventurers from across the region. The Pathfinder and Adventurer Camporee held in Grantsville, Utah, marked a significant milestone in the conference's history, attracting an impressive number of attendees.

Young people from different backgrounds, cultures, and communities converged at the event, creating an atmosphere of unity and camaraderie. It provided an excellent opportunity for participants to learn from one another, forge new friendships, and celebrate their shared commitment to the Pathfinder and Adventurer Club ministries.

The Camporee opened with an energetic display of discipline and teamwork as the participants showcased their drill and marching skills. Before each club displayed their well-rehearsed drill, they were put in a new group with Pathfinders from other churches.

“We intentionally put them in a position where they will have to learn how to work with young people they are not used to working with, or playing with, in order to foster interpersonal relationship growth and leadership skills,” shared Marcos Sanchez, one of the event’s staff.

Apart from the military-inspired drills, the Camporee also offered an array of engaging games that tested participants' agility, strategy, and problem-solving abilities. From the potato sack race to the water bucket challenge, the event had something for everyone.

Additionally, as part of their community service initiative, the Pathfinders dedicated their time and effort to assist at Our House Assisted Living in Ogden. They eagerly engaged in various tasks, such as cleaning windows, vacuuming, and dusting, ensuring that the residents had a clean and comfortable environment.

Through their service, the

Pathfinders demonstrated compassion and a willingness to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Here is how Debbie Blair, the super assistant executive director of Our House, showed her appreciation to the young people: “When you do good, good returns to you. By doing good and giving service, I know that the good will return back to them 10-fold for what they’ve done today.”

At the heart of the Camporee was a series of uplifting worship experiences that allowed Pathfinders and Adventurers to deepen their faith and connection with God. Inspirational sermons, interactive discussions focused on discipleship, and devotional sessions fostered an atmosphere of reflection, spiritual growth, and revival. Pastor Zeek Nichols used the theme of the event, “Worthy,” to remind the young people that all of them are valuable in God’s eyes. “My grandma used to say: ‘Without a penny, a dollar is not complete,’” Nichols told them. “You are that penny; without you, God’s family is not complete.”

This remarkable event will be cherished as a significant milestone in the lives of Pathfinders and Adventurers in the Nevada-Utah Conference, who returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a network of lasting friendships. Pastor Rudy Alvir, the youth department director, expressed his takeaways from the event: “I was impressed! With all the activities we had, we were able to see a spirit of cooperation over a spirit of competition. The young people are ready to lead right now. And it’s only the beginning.”

By Neat Randriamialison

Pathfinders from the West Jordan church jump high during the potato sack race.

One of the newly formed Pathfinder teams practices their marching drill.

Garrison Chaffee Installed at PUC Church

The PUC church welcomed Garrison Chaffee as their new youth and associate pastor in April.

Chaffee, an alumnus of PUC, was most recently the associate pastor at the Napa church and said about his new posting, “Coming back to campus has a special meaning for me. PUC provided my first ministry job at a time when I was headed in a different career direction. I fell in love with youth ministry during a summer internship program, and it’s a beautiful full circle moment to be back sharing Jesus on the same campus where I felt God calling me into ministry.”

Chaffee joins Nate Furness, senior pastor of the PUC church, and Lem Garcia, associate pastor. They are passionate, hard workers excited to create a dynamic, community-relevant ministry. The reunited pastors make a complete ministry team.

Furness stated, “Garrison is passionate about connecting young people to Jesus. That passion fits our mission of demonstrating Jesus and preparing young people to serve God.”

Chaffee shares his life with Merilyn, his wife of

22 years. They have three children: Lilliana, a PUC freshman; Makayla, a junior at PUC Prep; and Grayson, a freshman at PUC Prep.

By Communication Staff

Here a Pear, There a Plum, Everywhere a Yum Yum

Auburn church members have a unique way of being community relevant, which takes much passionate, hard work.

The church has been maintaining a small farm for several years now. The farm boasts an orchard with fruit trees like pear, cherry, apple, peach, and plum. In addition to the fruit trees, the farm has a garden that grows different vegetables, including squash, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and this year's new test crop—potatoes.

The Adventist Community Services program involves church gardeners and members of the community planting, growing, and harvesting large quantities of fresh produce. This food is primarily distributed to families in the community who struggle with food insecurity. Pam Haddad, community service director, stated, “Often during peak harvest, there is so much produce that we can offer it to other resource centers in the area, of which they are always appreciative.”

Haddad continued, “Each Monday, member Heidi

Magorian provides a wonderful hot and well-rounded lunch for our unhoused brothers and sisters. As part of the ministry, guests are provided clean clothes, hot showers, and weekly supplies.”

Adam Weeks, associate pastor, stated, “The church highly supports this program with many volunteers, and

many recipients of the food have come back and told of the blessings they received while unhoused. Several even come back and work in the garden today; it’s a ministry that yields results.”

By Ken Miller

A Church Rises from the Ashes

On May 2, Paradise church held a groundbreaking ceremony for their sanctuary, which was lost in the massive Camp Fire of 2018.

Over 150 people, including church members, the mayor, city council members, NCC administrators, and builders, gathered to hear a few words of remembrance, purpose, and inspiration.

Maureen Wisener, communication chair, remarked, “We are thrilled that we have commenced construction. The members of this church have waited a long time for this moment—waiting patiently and turning the focus from themselves to meeting the needs of our community.”

Steve Hamilton, head pastor, stated, “Losing the church brought a clarity to our lives—that it was not about a building but about people. Its loss accelerated the gospel in our lives.”

Joelle Chinnock, director of disaster recovery,

concluded, “We are so delighted that this project is finally underway. It will be a great resource for connecting with our community and sharing the love of Jesus for generations to come.”

By Ken Miller

Breaking Bread at Breakfast

Oakland’s Market Street church recently added a delectable incentive to its list of communityrelevant ministries: breakfast.

Following the “Each One, Reach One” mission statement, they began distributing flyers and word-of-

mouth invitations throughout their neighborhood for a complimentary breakfast every first Sabbath of the month.

Stephanie Jolliff, ministry leader, stated, “Through canvassing the neighborhood and passing out invitations for this outreach and our church services, our members get a chance to actively engage people and share the Word and bounty of God.”

The first Sabbath of May was a trial run with a small turnout, but the breakfast staff got good practice on all the work involved. Jolliff concluded, “Our efforts were not in vain as one breakfaster came to Sabbath School and stayed for church! We have high hopes for this ministry and the spirit of service by everybody involved.”

By Ken Miller

Escondido Church Hosts Easter for the Community

On Easter Sabbath, the Escondido church hosted an event dedicated to connecting with their community. Planning for this event began in November of 2022. Pastor Laffit Cortes, who started as lead pastor just a month prior, said the committee leaders expressed their sincere desire for the church to continue effectively investing in the local community. Escondido church previously hosted block parties on their campus, so Cortes felt that developing a similar event but hosting it in a public space would increase the number of people with access to it. "We could bring church to the community," said Cortes. And so, planning for the Easter celebration began.

The planning team began by securing a location. They contacted City Hall to inquire about Grape Day Park. This park was ideal as it is in the city's center and across from a children's museum. Initially, the City Council declined the request, but with the help of Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia, a fellow local Adventist pastor, the team was eventually able to secure the location. Along with choosing an easily accessible site, the team wanted to offer food to everyone who attended the event. They

were able to utilize contacts from their previous block parties and provide a food and ice cream truck. They also offered exciting activities such as face painting, inflatables, balloon animals, and games for the attendees.

Perhaps the most impactful part of the day came from the intentional spiritual aspects of the event. The children's director and team organized children's programs. They wrote and performed a skit, and a special message was curated for the attendees.

In total, there were 600 meals served. "Some of the people that ate likely didn't have anything else to eat that day," said Cortes. The team collected 40 Bible study interests, and some youth attendees exchanged contacts. During subsequent weeks, different visitors to Escondido church expressed that the event led them to know about the church. "That was the purpose," said Cortes. "The community doesn't know us, and we intend to change that." He aims to do this every Easter and Christmas to foster trust and a consistent connection with the community.

By Ezrica Bennett

Children enjoy Easter celebration skit.

Children admire their balloon animals.

A volunteer finishes a face painting.

My job is to hook kids on music so they don’t lose that vital part of the human soul that is fed when they make music together,” said Michael Spencer, vice principal and performing arts teacher at Escondido Adventist Academy. Spencer brought students to all four of the music festivals sponsored by the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Office of Education in February and March: choir, band, intermediate handbells, and advanced handbells.

“These events were designed specifically with junior high students in mind,” explained Datha Tickner, SECC education superintendent. Around 450 students from 13 schools attended the annual festivals.

Each daylong intensive ends with a performance. Students work on the music ahead of time, but the festival is where the magic happens.

Most pre-college bands are instrumentally incomplete,” Spencer said. “At a festival, you get to hear all the pieces and parts come together. We bring out the best in each other.”

Clinicians spend the day working with ensembles, offering tips and strengthening technique before directing the final performance. Students present a variety of music—everything from scripture songs

to civil rights anthems, from film pieces to original compositions, and more.

“I’m really glad I attended,” commented Liana Leukert of Loma Linda Academy. “It gave me a chance to do what music does best: connect with people, express my creativity and talent, and show God’s love.”

Spencer added that keeping kids engaged in music supports the church’s future.

“The purpose of music in church has always been to strengthen the faithful,” he said. “Music gives us hope, and that’s why we come to church on Sabbath morning.”

Tickner agreed, saying often she leaves a church service moved more by the music than the spoken word.

“Music is powerful,” she concluded. “Music feeds your soul and being part of it is an emotional, spiritual experience. Ensembles build confidence and motivates them to be part of praise bands, play instruments with the hymns, lead the singing, or present special music. Music is a unique ministry, and it is vital that we continue to provide that for our schools, our churches, and our communities.”

By Becky St. Clair

“We Bring Out the Best in Each Other”: SECC’s 2023 Music Festivals

Byron Graves conducts the joint band.

LEFT: Alex Guebert leads advanced handbell rehearsals. RIGHT: Gary Wilcox directs the Junior High Mass Choir.

“It gave me a chance to do what music does best: connect with people, express my creativity and talent, and show God’s love.”

Liana Leukert

Whittier Church Serves Community With New ACS Food Pantry

Helping your community happens one step at a time, and the Whittier church has taken their first big step. Last November marked the grand opening of Whittier Adventist Community Services (ACS) food pantry. With support from the Southern California Conference (SCC) ACS department, Whittier now distributes free food provided by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

Present at the grand opening were City of Whittier Councilmember Octavio Cesar Martinez, SCC Executive Vice President James G. Lee, and several community members, volunteers, and supporters. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, and Whittier church presented a gift of gratitude to both Lee and Martinez.

Helping improve and provide for the community is the purpose of Whittier’s food pantry program. “Our goal is to get as many churches involved in the community as possible,” said Lee. ACS aims to improve every community through local church involvement. It takes one church at a time, and Whittier has made ACS’s goal one step closer.

Whittier ACS food pantry is happy to have support from both ACS and the City of Whittier. Martinez pledged his support on behalf of the city. “Whatever influence I have as a city councilman, please let me know,” Martinez said. “I will find out what I can and will do.”

Whittier church not only helps improve the lives of those who visit the food pantry physically but also spiritually. Since its grand opening last year, the food pantry is open every second and fourth Sabbath and serves about 800 families per month. By offering food, clothing, cleaning products, Bible study materials, support groups for individuals and families in need, and more, the church has demonstrated their love and

kindness toward the community.

Taking action, as Whittier church has done, is the first step to improve and help the community. The youth, under the leadership of youth leader Lewston Morris, have been active in this food pantry ministry. “I want to make sure I am a part of the push and show as an example not by just my words but by my actions,” Morris said.

“Transferring your message doesn’t have to be only through words,” added Gabriel Lopez II, youth food pantry volunteer, “but through your actions or through food because food is like a love language actually.”

By Bella Jarquin, Whittier church youth

Visitors choose from a variety of items in the food pantry located in Whittier church gym.

Volunteers pose for a photo before the food pantry opens.

PHOTOS: MICHAEL HERNANDEZ

Lancaster Celebrates More Than 100 Years of Ministry in the Desert

‘‘

September 30, 1916, a dozen members and the pastor made the commitment that they were going to take God’s word seriously,” said Ed Sammons, Lancaster church pastor. “And look what we have here today. What a tremendous thing it is that that little group of people achieved through the presence, power, leading, and guidance of God.”

Sammons’ comments highlighted Lancaster church’s unique centennial celebration this summer—one that recognized the church’s existence for 100-plus years.

The pandemic was partly to blame for a delayed celebration, but the occasion was as joyous as ever. The celebration began Friday evening and concluded with a fellowship lunch on Sabbath afternoon.

While renting a church facility in its early years, the church’s first building was constructed in 1951, which included a church school, known today as Antelope Valley Adventist School. The church building where the congregation worships today was completed in 1970— the only building in the surrounding desert at the time, aside from Antelope Valley College.

The population of the city of Lancaster has grown exponentially since its incorporation in 1977. Within an ever-changing community, the church has remained steadfast toward its mission of sharing the gospel and has seen God’s faithfulness to His promises.

During the celebration service, several previous pastors shared greetings and memories. “I regard my time here at Lancaster church as the high point of my ministry of nearly, at this point, over 50 years,” said Rockne Dahl, senior pastor from 2002-2010.

Sarah Grover, associate pastor from 2016-2021; David Hudgens, family life and young adult pastor from 1995-2002; and Chad Washburn, youth pastor and young adult pastor from 2010-2014, also shared their remarks.

Southern California Conference (SCC) leadership commemorated the occasion with flowers and a certificate of recognition. “We wish that this church continues being a lighthouse in this community,” said SCC President Velino A. Salazar. “Praise God for what He has done.”

As SCC Executive Secretary John H. Cress presented the certificate, he read: “Given on Sabbath, June 24, 2023, in recognition of more than 100 years of faithful ministry impacting the community for Christ. May this church be like a tree planted by living waters that bears much fruit and may the love of Jesus which binds you together be strengthened. Congratulations from the Southern California Conference.”

SCC Treasurer/CFO Kathleen V. Diaz presented a check for $10,000 to the church to expand the church’s evangelistic vision. “Congratulations on keeping the flame alive,” she said. Greg Hoenes, SCC West Region director, shared that evangelistic funds would also be offered on behalf of the West Region soon. “It’s been a pleasure to journey with this church,” Hoenes said.

As Salazar said, “This church belongs to Jesus Christ.”

You can watch the livestream of the service at https://scc.adventist.org/lancaster-100.

By Lauren Lacson and Araya Moss

LEFT: From left to right: Ed Sammons, pastor; Keith Harrison, head elder; John H. Cress, SCC executive secretary; Velino A. Salazar, SCC president; Kathleen V. Diaz, SCC treasurer/CFO; and Greg Hoenes, SCC West Region director. Cress presents Harrison with a plaque commemorating Lancaster church’s 100th anniversary. RIGHT: Visitors receive small jars of honey after the worship service as reminders that “God’s promises are sweet as honey.”

PHOTOS: ARAYA MOSS

Calendar La Sierra University

Fall Classes. La Sierra University’s 2023-24 school year begins Monday, Sept. 26, with the start of classes.

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. September: August 7 • October: September 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.

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.

For information, visit https://admissions.lasierra.edu, email info@lasierra.edu or call 1-800-874-5587.

Freshman IGNITE orientation is Sept. 21-23. For information and registration, visit https://lasierra. edu/ignite/.

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

Northern California Conference

Adventurer/Pathfinder Leadership Retreat , Sept. 8-10, Leoni Meadows. For more information, contact: barry.vaniderstein@nccsda.com.

Northern California Conference Women's Ministries is hosting a Prayer Rally and Luncheon event, Sunday, Sept. 10, from 8-11:30 a.m. at the State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden, 1317 15th Street Sacramento, CA 95814. A prayer luncheon and reception to follow. For more information: https:// nccsda.com/womensministries/.

NCC African American Ministries Department 46th Annual Convocation , Oct. 13-14, 2023. “Reaffirming the Hope” will be presented in two locations: Friday, Oct. 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Oakland Market Street church, 900 34th Street; and Sabbath, Oct. 14, 9:00 a.m. at the Oakland Inter-Stake Center, 4780 Lincoln Ave, Oakland. For more information, see https:// nccsda.com/african-american-ministries/.

Pacific Union College

Publication Workshop , Sunday, Sept. 10 to Tuesday, Sept. 12. Pacific Union College is hosting their 33rd Annual Publication Workshop on their campus for those who want to get practical and useful tips for jump-starting their school’s yearbook, newspaper, or video yearbook. For more information, visit pubworkshop.puc.edu.

Pacific Union College Fusion Orientation , Sept. 20 to Sept. 23. New first-year students attending Pacific Union College this fall will begin Fusion Orientation starting on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Fall Quarter Begins at Pacific Union College , Monday, Sept. 25. Faculty and staff are looking forward to welcoming new faces and seeing returning students this fall. For those interested in attending PUC, there is still time to register for fall quarter. Contact PUC Admissions, admissions@puc.edu.

Subscribe to PUC Now Newsletter. Stay up to date with Pacific Union College by subscribing to their monthly newsletter at puc.edu/subscribe. From

campus stories and alumni features to student interviews, you’ll be in the know with PUC Now.

Classified Employment

The Southeastern California Conference is seeking a full-time Early Childhood Center Director for the Mesa Grande Children’s Center (MGACC). The director is responsible for the overall operation of the center, which includes finances/budget, supervision of staff, compliance with conference and state regulations, and teaching. MGACC is licensed for up to 60 full-time students ages 2-5. Their website is https://mgachildrenscenter.org/. For a full job description or more information, contact Monique Trevino at the SECC Office of Education. Please send résumé, references, and cover letter to Monique. Trevino@seccsda.org by June 30, 2023.

Holbrook Indian School is currently in need of a Food Service Director, Cafeteria Assistant, Maintenance Assistant, Grounds/Maintenance Assistant, and a Horsemanship Assistant/Grounds Assistant. These are paid positions. In addition, there is an opening for a volunteer married couple to fill the role of House Deans in an off-campus housing capacity at the Eagle's Nest. 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.

Elmshaven Historian/Caretaker. The Pacific Union Conference is looking for two part-time Historians in Residence/Caretakers for Elmshaven, the Ellen G. White home in Napa Valley, California. Positions require a strong understanding of Ellen G. White's life and writings and the history of the Seventhday Adventist Church. Individuals must have good communication skills (Spanish speakers preferred) for guided tours and the ability to climb stairs and assist with grounds/maintenance. Work schedule: one week on/off alternating with second team. Modest hourly pay with on-premises residence and utilities provided. Start date October 2023. E-mail résumé and cover letter to stephen.mayer@adventistfaith.com; call 805413-7218.

Pacific Union College is seeking faculty positions for the 2023-2024 academic year in the areas of History and Music. Major duties include the responsibilities of assessment, planning, development, and implementation of classroom experiences and course objectives. We desire those who will be committed to a collaborative working environment, as well as those who possess dedication in furthering the goals of excellence in student

JEWISH MINISTRIES

TRAINING For Pastors

October 1-4, 2023

Sunday 3 p.m.-Wednesday 3 p.m. GLENDALE, CA

Sponsored by the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Presented by Hebrew Bible Institute • shalomlc.org

Reinaldo Siqueira, PhD General Conference Director Jewish Ministries Dean, Theological Seminary

Alexander "Sasha" Bolotnikov, PhD Director, Hebrew Bible Institute Professor, Rabbinic Literature Only Costs: Hotel & Travel

Presentation topics: Preaching From the Torah; Messianic Judaism; History of Judaism; How to Witness to Jews

Bolotnikov Siqueira

The First-Ever Biography of Hiram Edson

n the 140 years since Hiram Edson died, no one has written a book about his life. Why not? One reason is the paucity of primary sources. Edson kept no diaries, wrote no books, and sent few articles, letters, or reports to the Advent Review. A second reason is that when he died, Edson was out of favor with church leaders due to his uncooperative spirit and his unorthodox interpretations of biblical prophecies and symbols. This created a third problem: How to write an honest biography of a man whom many distrusted and one even called a “confirmed crank” and “a trial to the

In this path-breaking scholarly biography, Brian Strayer explores the religious, social, cultural, and political milieu of upstate New York that shaped Edson’s life. Based on detailed research from over 300 primary and secondary sources, Strayer shares Edson’s genealogical roots, describes his charismatic “presentments,” analyzes his post-Millerite experiences, examines his tableau of friends and enemies, explores his relationships with his ministerial partners, explicates his numerological and symbolic prose, highlights both his triumphs and the tragedies of his final days, and provides reasons why Edson’s legacy today remains so

success and critical thinking skills. Most importantly, we desire those interested in bringing students closer to Christ by nurturing the whole person and embracing concepts for lifelong learning. If you are interested, please contact Human Resources at HR@ puc.edu or call 707-965-6231.

Room/Work Exchange offer in SoCal rm for female. Busy professional needs your help with 15 hours of housekeeping/week in exchange for rent. Located 2 hrs drive from LLU. Must be able-bodied, English speaking, SDA, and not allergic to my cat. Background check and interview. More info: www.room. theexceptionalprofessionalyou.com

Real Estate

PUC Commercial Space for Rent. Pacific Union College has commercial real estate space available for lease. The spaces are in various sizes and functionality and are available for inquiries. For additional information, please email Sam Heier at sheier@puc.edu.

August 2023 Sunset Calendar

For Sale

Retiring SDA optometrist in NW Calif. selling a very profitable practice. There are no other optometry, ophthalmology, or optician practices in this city or county. Local Adventist church and K-8 school. The office is 5 blocks from an amazing coastline with surrounding beautiful forests, beaches, and rivers. 1250 sq. ft. office with a wonderful staff. If interested, please contact sinouye7@gmail.com.

Thirty-eight beautiful acres for sale next to forestry land in Forbestown, CA. Elevation 2800’, two small streams, views, beautiful timber, divided into four parcels. Many building sites with water and power next door—or be off the grid. Paved to property with small roads throughout. Quiet endof-road paradise. 40 minutes to Oroville; 55 to Sacramento. $6,500/acre for entire property. Call/text Byron 423-987-3935.

Vacation Opportunities

Travel on a faith-based tour to Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Rome, or Vietnam on a special cultural discovery tour with Dr. Carl Cosaert, New Testament Professor at Walla Walla University. To learn more about these inspirational tours that renew your faith, visit www. adventtours.org or email info@adventtours.org.

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- 2799553, or email: schultz@crestviewcable.com

Save the Date

Sunnydale Adventist Academy Alumni Weekend , Oct. 6-7, 2023. All alumni, former faculty and staff are invited to attend "Let's Gather Together" Alumni Weekend. Sunnydale Adventist Academy, 6818 Audrain Rd 9139, Centralia, MO 65240 For more information, please contact alumni@sunnydale.org or 573-682-2164 x200.

Missing Members

Pomona Valley Spanish company , 402 E 6th St., Pomona, CA 91766. Contact: Cesar Guillen, clerk, 909-910-4342. Nevit Arias, Eneyda Arreoloa, Raquel Roxana Ayon, Luz Beltran, Antonea Corona, Beatrice Cruz, Mendoza Yosi Cuesta, Margarita Cuevas, Kevin Rafael Dimas, Recinos Yolanda Dimas, Alba Donado, Astrid Duran, Andrew Elizarraras, Alex Escalante, Juan Garces, Guillermo Garcia, Rosa Gomez, Humberto Gusman, Catalina De Jesus Henriquez, Guadalupe Heredia, Darrin Mateo Hernandez, Sandra Hernandez, Saul Hernandez, Jennifer Herrera, Jonathan Ledesma, Juan Ledesma, Mauricio Lopez,

Miguel Lorenzo, Nicolas Lorenzo, Ruth Lorenzo, Juan Maldonado, William Mancilla, Ivan Marin, Ana Maria Marroquin, Reyna Moreno, Karina Nolasco, Blanca Ojeda, Tomasa Guadalupe Oliveros, Karen Partoja, Isabel Patino, Margarita Rodriguez, Omar Rodriguez, Jose Guadalupe Sapien, Sarah Jane Sapien, Angel Solorzano, Brenda Solorzano, Jair Solorzano, Miriam Solorzano, Reyna Solorzano, Angel Tenorio, Leonardo Antonia Avila Trejo, Silvia Inez Vargas, Ana Gloria Vega, Benjamin Verduzco, Paul Xique.

At Rest

Celaya, Elvia – b. April 22, 1942, Bernalillo, N.M.; d. March 4, 2023, Bernalillo, N.M.; Survivors: husband, Guillermo; sons, Chris, Gabriel, Andrew; daughters, Valerie, Barbara, Cynthia, Amy, Robin; 26 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. Elvia was the kindergarten Sabbath School teacher at San Jose Central church for many years before she moved to New Mexico.

Cowper, Donald – b. June 17, 1939, Johannesburg, South Africa; d. June 18, 2023, Turlock, Calif.; Survivors:

wife, Starrlene; daughter, Denene. A member of the Ceres church, he helped established KADV radio station and was a producer and recording engineer there.

Cox, Doris – b. Feb. 12, 1926, San Diego, Calif.; d. May 30, 2023, Citrus Heights, Calif. Survivors: son, Gordon Cox; daughter, Diane Alberts; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Calistoga church and looked forward to seeing her Jesus when He comes back to bring her home.

Marxmiller, Norma – b. March 22, 1931, Oakdale, Calif.; d. April 28, 2023, Sonora, Calif. Survivors: son, Jim; daughters, Jane Bork, Julie Lewis; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Discover Life church.

The ongoing economic crisis is making attaining a quality Adventist higher education a much more daunting and difficult experience. To help students reach their goals during these challenging months, La Sierra University is offering a one-time additional scholarship to most new freshmen and transfer students for the 2023-24 school year.

We are honored to assist our union's church members in changing their worlds. All dreams need opportunities, especially when times are tough.

Recorder