Recorder
123 YEARS OF MINISTRY
Talented teachers make the world a better place.
La Sierra University's accomplished faculty members teach and mentor their students while serving as impactful change agents in our world. Dr. Lloyd Trueblood, marine biologist and National Science Foundation-funded research scientist studies, the ocean's “squishy” creatures, such as the multi-armed, intelligent, color-changing octopus. His work, often done from research ships at sea, helps shed light on how the ocean's increasing acidity affects life in the sea and on land.
From time to time, for years in the past, God has been pleased to give me special light on these points. I was shown that the small periodicals as well as the larger ones are to come forth from the publishing houses, and be scattered like the leaves of autumn, to answer the wants of the cause in its growth and extension.
—Ellen G. White, Letter 71, 1894
The press is a powerful means to move the minds and hearts of the people.... The press is a powerful instrumentality which God has ordained to be combined with the energies of the living preacher to bring the truth before all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples. Many minds can be reached in no other way.
— Ellen G. White, Colporteur Ministry, p. 148
With grace in their hearts, believers are to work the works of Christ, placing themselves, soul, body, and spirit on His side, as His human hand, to impart His love to those who are out of the fold. Believers are to associate together in Christian fellowship, regarding one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord. They are to love one another as Christ loved them. They are to be lights for God, shining in the church and in the world, receiving grace for grace, as they impart to others. Thus they are constantly kept in spiritual nearness to God. They reflect the image of Christ.
— Ellen G. White, Pacific Union Recorder, Aug. 1, 1901
Recorder
What’s inside
4 “He Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You”
8 How to Remember
12 Fundamental Belief Number 7: The Nature of Humanity
14 The Pacific Union Recorder: Some Historical Highlights
19 The Pacific Union Recorder: A Vital Communication Hub
23 Newsdesk
30 Arizona Conference
32 Central California Conference
36 Hawaii Conference
38 Holbrook Indian School
40 Adventist Health
41 La Sierra University
42 Loma Linda University Health
43 Pacific Union College
44 Nevada-Utah Conference
46 Northern California Conference
50 Southeastern California Conference
54 Southern California Conference
58 Community & Marketplace
63 Sunset Calendar
Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry.
Publisher Ray Tetz
Editor Alberto Valenzuela
Assistant Editor Connie Jeffery
Design/Layout
Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela
Printing
Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com
Adventist Health 916-742-0429
Kim Strobel strobeka@ah.org
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 communicationsdept@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
Editorial Correspondents
Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Volume 124, Number 9, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is published monthly. Editorial office is at 2686 Townsgate Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361: 805-497-9457. Periodical postage paid at Thousand Oaks, CA, and additional mailing offices. Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $16 per year in U.S.; $20 foreign (U.S. funds); single copy, $2. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359. Info@adventistfaith.com.
By Leon Brown
“He Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You”
Irecall a time in my ministry when the congregation and I encountered a challenge. As their leader, I was troubled and needed to make a decision about how this particular situation should be handled.
Although I don’t remember all the particulars of this specific situation, I do remember that at one point during that particularly challenging time I had to take a trip.
The travel arrangements were made, I made my way to the airport, and I boarded the plane. And it just so happened that I got a window seat.
As the plane took off and began to soar, all the while I was having a conversation with God. I was extremely troubled. I was not looking for a simple answer or quick solution— something that I could accomplish without much effort. I wanted to hear from God. I wanted to be in alignment with God’s perfect will, not His permissive will.
Let me pause and confess to you that one of the joys of being a pastor is that you have a wonderful boss. God is my boss; the conference office signs my paycheck.
When I became a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, it was with the knowledge that God had promised that He would never leave me nor forsake me. I have a sign hanging behind my desk in my office at home. It reads, “The Will of God will not take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.” And I believe that.
When I looked out the window that day as I flew over thousands of homes, a thought hit me. From the vantage point of passengers in a plane, we can observe homes and the persons in these homes from a vastly different perspective. When we look at our problems from above, they appear smaller and less significant than they do from the ground. I thought to myself, This is the view God has! From 35 or 45 thousand feet, our problems look a lot different.
Look at how vast the world is! The problem that seems to be so gigantic to me is very small in the grand scheme of things.
Every one of these homes has people living in them. And they all have their own individual lives and families. Each of these homes that I was observing from the sky contains their joys, troubles, difficulties, and challenges.
And I imagine that in each one of these homes, their particular problems appear to be all-
When we look at our problems from above, they appear smaller and less significant than they do from the ground.
consuming. That’s how life is. When you are in a boat and it’s taking on water, all you can think about is your boat and not the hundreds of other vessels that are in the water around you.
As I continued to look out the window into the horizon, I began to look at that problem from a completely different vantage point. I realized that God was handling the challenges in all those homes, in all those lives, all around the globe. Of course He could handle my challenges, my problems.
Needless to say, I came home with a different outlook on the problem. God showed us how to solve it, and it was resolved—or at least the problem was mitigated. And, most importantly, today I don’t carry it around with me. God took care of it. You know, from that day forward, I began to look at problems differently.
I am human, so I still get stressed and sometimes overwhelmed. However, when I have a challenge that overwhelms me, I love to get on a plane and look out the window and remember what God has
done for me in the past and what He is doing in billions of lives around the globe.
When I can’t fly, I can accomplish the same feat by driving the car to a vantage point overlooking the city or by sitting on the beach and looking out at the vastness of God’s wonderful creation. I love to take a walk or a hike in the woods, looking at a beautiful lake or waterfall or observing the great expanse and grandeur of a mountain. All these are reminders of how truly great and mighty God really is.
It all reminds me that God’s got me. He’s got us. He always has, and He always will keep His promise to us. Thus we can claim the promise He made to Joshua: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV).
He will never leave us. He will not forsake us.
Leon B. Brown Sr. is the executive vice president of the Pacific Union Conference.
All these are reminders of how truly great and mighty God really is.
How to Remember
By Mathilde Frey
Iremember that little girl, eight years old, trembling before a towering, grayhaired teacher. To the left of her outstretched arms, 24 fellow students held their breath.
“One, two, three…” the man’s voice thundered in cadence with a thin rod striking the girl’s open palms, “…eight, nine, ten.” It happened every Monday morning.
The girl swallowed her tears and walked back to her seat in the third row. With fingers sore and throbbing, she picked up her pencil and continued her writing assignment. Each letter had to be neat and on the line. Her numbers had to fit perfectly inside the small, square boxes arranged on the paper before her. Sabbath! she thought silently to herself. It’s because of Sabbath.
The teacher was furious. Why? Because the little girl lived in a different world—a world designed by the Ten Commandments and the spiritual guidance handed down from the God her family worshiped. Her crime? Keeping the Sabbath holy. That’s what sparked the outrage and punishment she received each and every week.
At home, her mother’s eyes would fill with tears. Her father would take her aching hands in his and hold them tightly against his cheek. It was all she had to fortify herself until the next Monday; until the next time she faced the furious teacher and his stinging rod.
Sabbath is a remarkable thing. It comes from a place no human can command or conquer. My teacher in 1970s Romania never embraced it. But, perhaps, neither have I. Whenever I write and speak about it, I fear I may bring insult on what God made holy—for I have no command over it and surely haven’t conquered it. Nevertheless, I’ve always desired to understand it far beyond the pain it caused me.
Sabbath has built its own memorial, constructed with self-effacing principles, merging the past with the future in a committed, all-embracing pledge to the present world, urging us all toward a grander reality than anyone can imagine.
How do we begin to understand it? Listening to its story in the ancient language of biblical times should be more than an act of acquiring accurate information. Its goal should be the gathering of insights and visions that transform our fears into joy and our apprehensions into resilience. Is it possible to hear such a voice when we read our Bibles? How would we recognize the true Sabbath in a world much more alienated than ever, headed with giant leaps toward an unsustainable future?
The Sabbath story
Sabbath has no record of origin other than the Hebrew Bible. Biblical scholars and experts examining the literature and history of the ancient Near East have long recognized this special day’s vital place in the biblical text and have produced comprehensive research in the areas of literary and comparative studies.
But, despite these noble efforts, a “believable” story of Sabbath has remained a mystery. It’s considered an unresolved item, rather ineffective for the serious scholar.
But alternative explorations have opened up a more beneficial treatment of Sabbath texts and allowed for the voice of age-old Jewish scholarship to be heard. The result is a wealth of literature uncovering the Sabbath’s many and varied treasures.
In my own faith tradition, I contend that Sabbath suffers greatly. It has become nothing more than a carefully guarded and defended fundamental belief. I say this with great sorrow because of the many requests I receive to support the correctness of a certain day or to discuss what one is allowed to do— and not do—on it.
I believe that the Sabbath—in a confined space, tucked snugly inside of a dogma, and held captive within church walls—is suffering. But, like everything else God created, freedom is its essence. It needs to escape humankind’s forced captivity and enjoy God’s original intent. We just need to know where to look for it.
Exodus 5
Only someone who has not ceased to be human in spite of dehumanizing conditions can carry forth the vision of freedom in an enslaved world. The Hebrew Bible suggests that Moses was just such an individual.
Right in the midst of slavery, he sets the markers for Israel’s freedom trail. “Moses, why are you freeing the people?” a bewildered Egyptian monarch questions. “You even made them rest [shabat] from their labors!” (See Exodus 5:4-5.)
I believe that the Sabbath—in a confined space, tucked snugly inside of a dogma, and held captive within church walls—is suffering.
Slaves who are free? For Pharaoh, this is an incomprehensible thought.
But Moses knows no limits. For him, Sabbath is the divine badge of freedom founded in creation and reinforced in the redemptive events of the exodus. To cease from work on the seventh day means to choose freedom over slavery—to exchange working time for divine time.
Pharaoh, on the other hand, realizing that he had lost control over his enslaved subjects, responded to the situation by ordering an additional workload to their list of labors.
However, there was a secret about to be revealed. According to Exodus 5:5, the despot is credited with using Sabbath language when he charged Moses for having authorized the Israelite slaves to “cease/stop/rest”—shabat—from their work. Could it be that the word shabat sounding from the tyrant’s mouth carried a meaning that goes far beyond the mere cessation of weekly labor?
I don’t hold that shabat rest in Exodus 5 confirms an established weekly Sabbath institution recognized by the Israelites in Egypt. The Sabbath rest in Exodus 5 is about the destabilizing of an autocratic power system. Its story is told by voiceless slaves building cities destined for ruin.
That encounter between Moses and Pharaoh begins to stir up visions of a transient empire in the minds of the workers, while overflowing the land under the scorching Egyptian sun to fetch stubble that is blown away by the wind. The oppressor’s use of the word shabat portrays him as a defeated tyrant even within his own powerful and still functioning regime. This is the moment when Sabbath rest begins to disclose its transcendent and permanent quality. To master time is to be truly free.
Exodus 23
The rarely used verb “breathe, refresh” (nafash) in the Hebrew Bible sets this Sabbath commandment apart from the Decalogue versions in Exodus 20:811 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. This verb designates the catching of one’s breath during a time of pause.
In 2 Samuel 16:14, that verb is used to describe King David and his people recovering from fatigue during their flight from Absalom. In Exodus 31:17, God tells of being refreshed after the work of creation. Scholars suggest that the language employed to describe God’s refreshment on the seventh day is used as an example for human Sabbath rest and refreshment.
The context of Exodus 23 has done diligent preparation work to sensitize the Hebrew audience in recognizing what God expects of them. “You shall not oppress a stranger nor torment him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 22:21).1 Also, “You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of the stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Exodus 23:9).
A few verses later, in Exodus 23:12, the Sabbath code calls for compassionate concern toward the oppressed, whose social and legal status make them potential victims of injustice: the poor, the widow, the orphan, the resident alien, and the slave. As stated above, the law provides an echo to God’s empathetic listening to the people’s cries during their sufferings in Egypt.
The cry and compassion motif is fundamental to the entire book of Exodus, functioning similar to a triggering device, “The Lord said, ‘I have certainly seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their outcry” (Exodus 3:7).
In the Sabbath commandment as presented in Exodus 23:12, God’s involvement in human affairs is a matter of truly recognizing the human condition and acting on it, not enhancing a body of doctrines or set by hard-and-fast rules demanded by closeminded institutions. Listen to what the verse says: “Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease [shabat] for the sake of your ox and your donkey that they may rest, and the son of your slave woman be refreshed, as well as the stranger” (my translation).
Sabbath was designed to disrupt the patriarchal, dehumanizing power structures of this world. Sabbath urges the redeemed to receive the stranger, the immigrant, the refugee, the discarded as their own. In so doing, the Sabbath keeper will bring release to the captives and good news and regeneration to the afflicted mother and her child (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18).
I like the way author Sigve K. Tonstad introduces his detailed study of the Sabbath. He writes: “The seventh day is like a jar buried deep in the sands of time, preserving a treasure long lost and forgotten.”2 That jar holds some of the most amazing mysteries waiting to be re-discovered by each one of us.
Today, the “stranger” has become many, arriving on our borders, depleted, weeping, and calling for help. Who will hear her child’s silent cries? Who will remember that we’re all strangers in a strange land in need of someone to save us?
Sabbath thrives among people in desperate need of a vision, who dream of a different world, who feel the strikes and the beatings, and whose souls are frightened. Sabbath invites all to enter in and sit at the table together.
Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel spoke of such a world to a classroom filled with college students at Boston University, “I believe in wounded faith,” he told them. “Only a wounded faith can exist after those events.”3
Remembering
I still remember the eight-year-old girl standing before her enraged teacher. I still feel the sting of the rod, the cold gaze of the gray-haired man, and the tears of my parents. I still hear those voices from long ago. They have accompanied me across the continents, from Europe to Asia to North America.
That little girl patiently waited as I researched countless books about the Sabbath. She’s still standing nearby, reminding me of my own Sabbath story of how faith began to form inside the wounded palms of a young Romanian student. Sabbath, it seems, is far more than inflicted pain. It represents present hope and future joy.
Because of what the Bible reveals concerning that special day for which I suffered, I know that my journey will continue, someday carrying me all the way to the gates of glory. But, until that day, God, in His infinite love, is continually teaching me how to remember.
Mathilde Frey is professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at Walla Walla University. This article was adapted from a chapter in Remembering: It Matters How We Tell the Sabbath Story (Westlake Village, CA: Oak & Acorn Publishing, 2023), pp. 193-224.
1Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible.
2Sigve K. Tonstad, The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2009), p. 2.
3Ariel Burger, Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel’s Classroom (New York: Houghton Mifflin Hartcourt, 2018), p. 82.
So when God comes in the flesh as Jesus, the Son of man, what does He do? He spends His time presenting His mission as one of healing.
Fundamental Belief Number 7:
The Nature of Humanity
By Jorge Soria
Sadly, I must say that this fundamental fails the “Jesus test.” There’s no mention of Jesus, even as we discuss the nature of humanity and the God who took on our nature (John 1).
The official statement takes in the creation of Adam and Eve in the image of God, the Fall, and the consequences of sin and evil in this world. It talks about God reconciling the world to Himself and the restoration of the image of God. We are to love Him and one another and care for the environment.
All well and good. But the whole demonstration of God coming to be with us, to live in this world, to “pitch His tent among us” (that’s what John 1:14 says in the original Greek) is surely an essential part of examining our nature and how God saves. The essential question is: What went wrong with humanity? How did we end up with our nature and its predisposition to sin? And then, how does God deal with all of this?
As someone once observed, was it a question of eating the wrong fruit? Was it Adam and Eve’s deliberate act of disobedience? Was it the breaking of rules?
Or was it the far more deep-seated problem of believing the serpent and distrusting God? The result was not so much a problem of being in legal trouble with God but needing to be healed from the destructive results of sin.
So when God comes in the flesh as Jesus, the Son
of man, what does He do? He spends His time presenting His mission as one of healing. Even back in the Old Testament, God identifies Himself as the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26). God is the only one who can change our broken, sinful nature and remake us into what we were meant to be.
As human beings after the Fall, we are born in sin (Psalm 51:5). We cannot save ourselves; we cannot heal ourselves from the damage of sin. “In Adam all die,” since “death came through a man.” But through God’s amazing, transforming grace, “in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).1
Without divine intervention, the fatal disease of sin will kill us. “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). This fact is at the heart of our human nature. The solution therefore is intricately joined to Jesus’ mission to save and heal us.
It’s significant that the Greek word for “salvation,” sozo (σῴζω), is the same as that for “healing.” Take one example:
In his Gospel, Dr. Luke shows a progression of concepts of healing in the story of the woman who suffered from bleeding. Luke 8:43 says that no one had been able to heal her. The word used for “heal” is therapeuo (θεραπεύω), from which we get “therapeutic.” She had not been able to get any therapeutic healing.
In verse 47, the woman explains that as soon as she touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak, she had been healed. This time the word Luke uses for “healed” is iaomai (ἰάομαι), meaning “to be cured of an illness.” She had been totally cured of her sickness, a complete healing.
But when Jesus speaks to her in verse 48, Luke again uses a different word for “healing,” sozo. As mentioned above, this is the same word meaning “salvation.” So, in essence, Jesus is saying that she has been “salvation-healed” (in other words, she experienced salvation as she was healed). In this case, the NIV translates it as “your faith has healed you.”
Even more significantly, the Greek phrase used for “your faith has healed you” is identical to Jesus’ words to the woman who anointed Him in the previous chapter. However, here the word sozo is translated “save”: “your faith has saved you” (Luke 7:50).
Coincidence? Hardly. Not only in this illustrative story from Luke, a physician, but in the whole ministry of Jesus, we see God dealing with the problem of our fallen human nature. Salvation is healing.
In Matthew 1:21 the angel tells Joseph that Jesus will save people from their sins. Once again, the word for save is sozo, so the phrase can also be translated “Jesus will heal people from their sins.”
When in Luke 5 the paralyzed man is lowered down through the roof, Jesus doesn’t say “be healed.” Instead, He says, “Friend, your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20). For the religious teachers and Pharisees, preoccupied, worried, and obsessed with their legal system of salvation, this was outrageous. So Jesus tells the sick man to get up and walk, to prove that healing and forgiveness go hand in hand.
While we do need to recognize our human nature, what is more important is the cure—the One who came here as one of us, who died at our hands to change us and to transform our nature into one like His. Although each one of us was born into this sinful world, Jesus has a plan and purpose for all of us, no matter the sin and sickness in our lives. Jesus, our Savior and our Healer, will continue to love us and be with us because we were created for His glory. Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). He wants us—you and me—to come to Him so our human nature can be completely healed.
Jorge Soria, retired, was executive vice president of the Pacific Union Conference. He currently pastors the Riverside Spanish church.
1Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New International Version.
The Pacific Union Recorder: Some Historical Highlights
By Recorder Editorial Staff
The Pacific Union Recorder first saw the light of day on August 1, 1901. In the many years since then, it has reported on a myriad of church activities, faithful members, and significant events, often of global significance. This short article attempts to capture some of the history and flavor of what has become essential reading for many in the Pacific Union and beyond.
That first issue saw two major articles by Ellen White (“True Missionary Work”) and John Loughborough (“The Church”), followed by an explanation of the formation of the new Pacific Union Conference by its first president, W.T. Knox. He told readers that the development of church work required the establishment of new organizations. “In order to meet the present conditions, and also to relieve the officers of the General Conference, the United States has been organized into six union conferences, of which the Pacific Union is one.” He added, “All questions of general interest in this field, the exchange of laborers, mission work within our own borders, etc., will be questions for the Pacific Union Conference to handle instead of referring them to Battle Creek.”1 This meant the development of a new constitution for the Pacific Union, which interestingly did not even contain any reference to the General Conference!
The editors of the new Recorder explained that “when the organization of the Pacific Union Conference was completed, it was thought it would be a help to the union, as well as to the state,
conference work in this district if a paper was published to represent all parts of the work which is being carried on.”2 Consequently, the Recorder replaced the various local conference papers that had been operating up to that time. It was to be produced every two weeks, and the cost was 50 cents a year.
In that first issue, one major development was announced—that of the first Adventist missionaries being sent to Alaska. This was to be a continuing theme for the Recorder—reporting on advances in new areas, and not only in the local region but far overseas. The Recorder for Nov. 20, 1902, carried
a report by Alonzo Jones, then president of the California Conference, that missionaries from that conference were being sent to England, Ireland, Italy, Georgia, France, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Canada, and China. He commented, “Nearly all of these are still California workers, to be paid from the California treasury after they reach their foreign fields.”3 Reporting to the General Conference, Jones stated, “The amount of tithe now going to foreign fields from the California Conference is practically half the amount raised in the Conference.”4 This local initiative for mission work reported by the Recorder demonstrated tremendous commitment by
the members in the union who knew these workers and kept in regular contact.
After the purchase of Loma Linda in 1906, the Recorder carried a long report of recommendations for the running of the new College of Medical Evangelists, even down to including details of the proposed syllabus!5 Such reporting regarding this flagship institution has continued over the years. For example, in 1910 there was a long article detailing the plans for Loma Linda voted by the fifth session of the Pacific Union Conference.6 In 1937, the Recorder reported the building of the chapel and the library at Loma Linda.7 Plans for a
new Dental School were detailed in the Recorder in 1952.8 The College of Medical Evangelists became Loma Linda University in 1961, and the Recorder published the official announcement.9 In January 2011, the Recorder published details of the Proton Treatment Center’s 20th anniversary.10 A global search of the Recorder’s archives reveals 3,210 references to Loma Linda.
Similarly Pacific Union College was frequently featured in the Recorder. For example, B.M. Shull ended his article on the college by asking: “Why should we not as one man take hold and push our educational work, and make Angwin a great college, the Harvard of Seventh-day Adventists?”11
But the Recorder did not carry only church-related news. It also reacted to significant world events such as World War I. In August 1914, the president of the Pacific Union, E.E. Andross, addressed the membership with an article entitled “The Great Crisis Upon Us,” while in the same issue writer Ernest Lloyd contributed a piece called “All Europe Plunges into War.”12
The Great Depression also called for comment, such as, “Then came the great depression and property values and earnings tumbled till many lost
Connecting the Pacific Union Adventist Family mily January 2011
From Sikh to Seeker
not only all their gains, but their former holdings as well. Then many lamented that they had not been more liberal, and that they had not sold and placed their money in the cause.” 13 At the heart of the depression, the church produced a brochure promoted by the Recorder entitled “Welfare Work by Seventh-day Adventists” giving practical recommendations for helping the needy. 14
The Recorder also noted many of the welfare contributions of the church’s Dorcas Societies during this time.
Anticipating the beginning of World War II, the Recorder published a warning from the Pacific Union committee three days before war was declared. 15 The Recorder also published requests that came into the Voice of Prophecy asking for materials related to the war. 16
The Recorder has seen many changes in format and presentation. It began as a 16page broadsheet in Times Roman font with no illustrations. Over the years this has changed, until today it is presented as a monthly full-color magazine of some 60 to 80 pages. But its primary
purpose has not changed since 1901: “a paper… published to represent all parts of the work which is being carried on.”
1W.T. Knox, “Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists,” Pacific Union Recorder (Aug. 1, 1901), pp. 3-4.
2“Pacific Union Recorder,” Pacific Union Recorder (Aug. 1, 1901), p. 16.
3A.T. Jones, “To the People of the California Seventh-Day Adventist Conference,” Pacific Union Recorder (Nov. 20, 1902), p. 2.
4“Minority Meeting of General Conference Committee,” p. 121, https:// documents.adventistarchives.org/Minutes/GCC/GCC1902.pdf.
5“The Council of the Medical Department of the Pacific Union Conference,” Pacific Union Recorder (Nov. 14, 1907), pp. 2-4.
6“College of Medical Evangelists,” Pacific Union Recorder (Feb. 3, 1910), pp. 1-7.
7“Our Institutions,” Pacific Union Recorder (Feb. 10, 1937), p. 3.
8M. Webster Prince, “Plans for the New Dental School at Loma Linda,” Pacific Union Recorder (July 21, 1952), pp. 1, 8.
9“Loma Linda University: School of Graduate Studies,” Pacific Union Recorder (June 5, 1961), p. 1.
10James Ponder, “Festivities Mark 20th Anniversary of Proton Treatment Center,” Pacific Union Recorder (Jan. 2011), p. 24.
11B.M. Shull, “A Patron’s View-point,” Pacific Union Recorder (Feb. 17, 1910), p. 7.
12Pacific Union Recorder (Aug. 6, 1914), pp. 1-2.
13G.A. Roberts, “At the Island of Speculation,” Pacific Union Recorder (Nov. 20, 1924), p. 2.
14“Welfare Work,” Pacific Union Recorder (July 21, 1932), p. 2.
15“An Appeal from the Pacific Union Conference Committee,” Pacific Union Recorder (Sept. 6, 1939), p. 1.
16“Voice of Prophecy,” Pacific Union Recorder (Sept. 27, 1939), p. 3.
The Pacific Union Recorder: A Vital Communication Hub
By Alberto Valenzuela
The Pacific Union Recorder stands as a cornerstone in the landscape of Adventist media, serving the vibrant and diverse community within the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Covering the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii, the Recorder has been a trusted source of news, inspiration, and connection for Adventist members and institutions for over a century.
Founded in 1901, the Recorder has evolved alongside the Adventist Church, adapting to the changing times while staying true to its mission of fostering spiritual growth and community cohesion. Initially a simple newsletter, it has grown into a sophisticated publication with a wide readership. The Recorder’s dedication to quality journalism and its commitment
Founded in 1901, the Recorder has evolved alongside the Adventist Church, adapting to the changing times while staying true to its mission of fostering spiritual growth and community cohesion.
Poniendo fin a las cadenas
El símbolo de la mayordomía
Un recorrido hacia la excelencia
The Recorder en español is the only publication of its kind in the North American Division, although other union papers may include a few pages in Spanish.
to addressing the spiritual and practical needs of its readers have cemented its role as an indispensable resource within the Adventist community.
At its core, the Recorder is dedicated to spiritual nourishment. Each issue features a variety of articles aimed at deepening the faith and understanding of its readers. These include Bible studies, devotionals, and theological reflections authored by respected church leaders and scholars. The publication also highlights testimonies and personal stories of faith, offering readers tangible examples of God’s work in the lives of fellow Adventists.
Helping members stay informed about the latest developments within the church and the broader Adventist community is a key function of the Recorder. The publication covers a broad spectrum of news, from local church and conference activities to international events and initiatives. By providing timely and accurate reporting, the Recorder helps its readers stay connected with the wider church
community and informed about important issues and trends.
The Pacific Union Conference is home to numerous educational institutions and healthcare facilities, and the Recorder regularly features news and updates from these sectors. Articles on educational achievements, new programs, and health initiatives underscore the Adventist commitment to wholistic development—spiritually, mentally, and physically. These sections not only inform but also inspire readers to engage with and support Adventist education and healthcare ministries.
Recognizing the diversity within the Pacific Union Conference, the Recorder celebrates the unique cultural contributions of its members. Stories and features on cultural events, heritage celebrations, and community outreach programs highlight the rich tapestry of the Adventist community in the Pacific Union. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and unity among
Tras los pasos de Cristo en la ciudad
práctica de la justicia
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readers from different backgrounds and regions.
In recent years, the Recorder has embraced digital transformation to meet the evolving needs of its audience. While the print edition remains popular, the Recorder’s online presence has expanded significantly. The digital version offers enhanced accessibility, allowing readers to engage with content on various devices and platforms. Interactive features, multimedia content, and social media integration have further enriched the reader experience, making the Recorder more dynamic and engaging than ever before.
In consideration of the large Spanish-speaking membership of the Pacific Union, beginning in 2018, the Recorder began to be published quarterly in Spanish and was drop-shipped directly to the Spanish churches of the seven conferences in the union’s territory. From its first publication, this quarterly Recorder en español has aimed to cover stories and articles of particular interest to its Spanish-speaking readers.
While the English-language Recorder has appeared online for some time, January of 2023 saw the online appearance of the Recorder en español on a monthly basis. The monthly online version of the
Recorder en español includes every article and news story that appears in the English-language Recorder. The Recorder en español is the only publication of its kind in the North American Division, although other union papers may include a few pages in Spanish.
Beginning in 2023, every article and news story that appears in the Recorder automatically appears on the websites of Pacific Union churches that take advantage of the web services of Adventist Church Connect. Three new stories—in English and in Spanish—from the Recorder appear every day, Monday through Friday. The stories are placed automatically on the websites of the local churches, bringing them readily to most of the churches throughout our territory.
The influence of the Recorder extends beyond its role as a news source. It acts as a unifying force, bringing together a geographically dispersed and culturally diverse community. By sharing stories of faith, reports on church activities, and articles on relevant issues, the Recorder fosters a sense of shared identity and purpose among its readers. An example of this has been the production of the April education issue of the Recorder, which has appeared since 2018. This issue has served to
El hijo de José Cavilación en el Areópago I Comienzos: Elmshaven
Creencia fundamental #4: el Hijo I Una idea a la que le había llegado
El legado de Ellen G. White
promote Adventist education as well as to inspire support for the church’s educational entities. Articles about former and current students, teachers, and personnel, as well as photos of students from the many diverse schools—from a two-room elementary school to a college or university—have been the standard of every special education issue.
Furthermore, the Recorder’s commitment to highquality journalism and ethical reporting strengthens the credibility of the Adventist Church within and beyond its own community. It serves as a model for other church publications, demonstrating the power of thoughtful, well-crafted communication in advancing the mission of the church.
The Pacific Union Recorder is more than just a publication; it is a vital lifeline that connects, informs, and inspires the Adventist community in the Pacific
Covering the states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii, the Recorder has been a trusted source of news, inspiration, and connection for Adventist members and institutions for over a century.
Union Conference. As it continues to adapt and grow, the Recorder remains steadfast in its mission to support the spiritual, educational, and communal needs of its readers. For Adventists in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii, the Recorder is an indispensable resource that enriches their faith journey and strengthens their connection to the broader Adventist family.
Alberto Valenzuela is associate director of communication and community engagement of the Pacific Union Conference and the Recorder editor.
The Mission in Mind: Elwyn Platner
On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, in Walla Walla, Washington, Elwyn Platner took his last earthly breath. Elwyn was well-known as a dedicated communicator for the church. His most notable professional accomplishment was working on the Recorder for 18 years.
He was called to the Pacific Union Conference in 1985 and agreed to go—on the condition that he could change the format of the Recorder from a black-andwhite tabloid to a magazine format with limited color. He moved the magazine into the computer age and was open to change and willing to learn— lo, even unto converting from Mac to PC.
“Dad was well-known as a hard worker,” said Chris Platner, Elwyn’s son. “He not only wrote articles and took photographs, but he took the time to teach others how to write well, too.”
Even Ricardo Graham, former president of the Pacific Union Conference, recalled learning from Elwyn.
“He hosted a two-day writing seminar at Pacific Union College back when I was a pastor,” Graham said. “Several well-known Adventist authors were there doing workshops. It was very informative, and I enjoyed it very much.”
Elwyn was born in Spokane, Washington, in 1934, the second of four children. He grew up on acreage in the country and had a horse named Peaches. He attended Spokane Junior Academy and then Upper Columbia Academy before continuing to Walla Walla University, where he earned a degree in English.
In June 1957, the same month he graduated, Elwyn married Patsy Gerhardt—the love of his
life, whom he had met in the Collegian office at Walla Walla University. Together, they relocated to Kingsway College in Ontario, Canada, where Elwyn taught English for a year before deciding teaching full time wasn’t for him.
What he did love was photography and writing. He enjoyed journalism—interviewing people, visiting churches, and attending events, then sharing those experiences with others.
He worked for a while for newspapers in Idaho and Spokane, Washington, before landing a public relations job for Georgia-Cumberland Conference.
“He was a sanguine person,” commented Maria Platner, Elwyn’s daughter. “He loved other people and got along with them well. He was a good listener and he liked to hear other people’s opinions—what they thought and what their ideas were.”
Over the years, Elwyn did communications work for Hinsdale Hospital near Chicago, Southeastern California Conference, Voice of Prophecy, Walla Walla University, and Oregon Conference before settling long term in Simi Valley, California, while editing the Recorder
The Recorder had begun as a magazine and then, around 1920, it became a tabloid. Elwyn changed the format of the Recorder to the magazine that it has been to this day. One of the things Elwyn was most known for was publishing “Letters to the Editor.” In an era when many editors were unwilling to acknowledge negative comments, Elwyn was adamant that honesty and open communication were key to positive relationships.
Though he was a dedicated church employee, there was more to Elwyn’s life than work. When he wasn’t at the office, he could most often be found outside, working in the yard, building things, or camping. Having gained an appreciation for the land in his childhood, Elwyn embraced a fondness for gardening even into his later years.
When they lived in Simi Valley, he maintained citrus trees and coaxed his tomato plants to produce fruit year-round. Elwyn was especially fond of his Washington navel orange tree, from which he made fresh-squeezed orange juice regularly.
“Dad loved nature,” Maria said. “A lot of our Platner family reunions were camping trips at the Oregon Coast, sand dunes, and other natural areas.
Dad even went on a rafting trip on the Snake River in Idaho once.”
Elwyn also harbored a passion for service. He regularly participated in project trips with Maranatha Volunteers International (he also served on the board), supported Holbrook Indian School and Global Outreach Missions, went on Canvasback trips (medical mission trips based on a catamaran), did photography for Pathfinder camporees and church directories, and helped out at Voice of Prophecy— even after he was no longer employed there.
“I remember once Dad was setting up a booth at a fair and he dropped a panel on his foot,” Maria recalled. “He broke his foot, but he refused to see a doctor until the fair was over and the booth had been torn down and put away. That was my dad. He was always focused on making sure everyone around him had what they needed before paying attention to himself.”
Ask anyone who engaged with Elwyn over the years what kind of person he was, and you’ll get a smile and easy response that
“That was my dad. He was always focused on making sure everyone around him had what they needed before paying attention to himself.”
he was kind, positive, and respectful; that he was good with words and enjoyed a good pun.
“Elwyn was a thoughtful guy—a broad thinker,” commented Graham. “He was quiet; not necessarily introverted, just focused on his craft.”
Maria said her dad was a “jack of all trades” and that he “didn’t sit down much,” finding even offhours joy and relaxation in active pursuits such as photography and golf. He also enjoyed reading and baking, and was known for his pumpkin spice bread, which he baked often for others. “Dad always had a purpose,” she said. “He always had a mission in mind.”
His life of service to the church and community, both through career and volunteer hours, would suggest that, in fact, Elwyn always had the mission in mind.
Maria said two scriptures, Ephesians 6:11 and Matthew 28:19-20, sum up her dad’s personal and professional mission: Put on the full armor of God and spread the love of Jesus.
By Becky St. Clair
Church Provides Land for Life-Changing Affordable Housing in Riverside
This spring, 80 brand new apartments became available to Riverside, California, residents making 30-60% of the area median income.
Built on land provided by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in partnership with National CORE, Vista de La Sierra provides not only homes but also opportunity for recreation and community through a pool, BBQ space, outdoor play area, and a community center. The units are also within walking distance of grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and public transportation.
This project has already benefited individuals and families alike, providing privacy, living space, and security for locals who had none of the above.
Ashley, a single mother, experienced renewed hope through Vista de La Sierra when she found herself without a home, newly pregnant, and with three children under the age of nine. Assuming she would quickly find housing, Ashley moved her family into a local shelter—but skyrocketing housing costs made that a mere dream.
A press release dated May 30, 2024, states that
in Riverside County, the median price for a home rose 34% in two years. Rent in Riverside and San Bernardino jumped by 41.4% in the last four years, while wage increases rose 23.3 percent.
"I didn't realize how long it would take to get housing," Ashley said. "Our living situation was really difficult. A lot of people at the shelters aren't mentally stable or don't have boundaries, so being in a place like that is scary."
In her efforts to improve life for her children, Ashley was not only working but also attending nursing school full time. Amidst all this, she was caring for two children with sickle cell anemia.
Eventually, increasingly anxious about their living situation, Ashley sent her two oldest children, ages 4 and 8, to live with her grandmother, keeping her 2-year-old with her at the shelter. At night, Ashley
studied in her car—one of the only quiet places she could find.
In February 2024, after nearly a year living separately, Ashley and her children were reunited in their new apartment in Vista de La Sierra.
“The property management team went out of their way to help me get my paperwork in order,” Ashley recalled. She added that the apartment gives her and her family a sense of relief, allowing her to focus on getting her degree. “We don’t have to worry about people taking our things or that someone will be in our space. It’s a great feeling to say that this is mine.”
This partnership between the Adventist Church and National CORE is the first of its kind, and includes efforts through Mercy House, Riverside University Health System—Behavioral Health, and Hope Through Housing Foundation. The program offers “wraparound care” to ensure residents have all the tools they need to remain healthy and housed. This includes behavioral health and substance use programs, programs and events focused on employment and social connectedness, and connections to outside resources to break the cycle of generational poverty.
Vista de La Sierra also sets the bar high for affordable housing; the complex was designed with the latest in sustainability features, limiting its carbon footprint through extensive use of solar power, high-efficiency appliances, all-electric heat pumps, and energy-efficient building envelope, helping the building approach zero net energy.
Stephen Mayer, treasurer and CFO for Pacific Union Conference, said the church is excited to have had a key role in making this project a reality. “This is one small way the church can have an impact on the people of Riverside and meet a need within this community.”
By Becky St. Clair
Remembering Larry Unterseher
Elder Larry Unterseher, former president of the Nevada-Utah Conference (2008–2014) and beloved small school pastor for the Northern California Conference, passed away suddenly on July 22, 2024, while attending the Redwood Area Camp Meeting near Eureka, California.
Unterseher had been serving as a pastor for small schools across Northern California for the last decade. He was deeply committed to his role, providing spiritual guidance and support to 16 schools within the conference. His efforts focused on connecting each child to Christ by highlighting the fundamental teachings of Jesus’ love and grace.
Larry was born on May 25, 1951, and led a life full of energy, love, and joy that will be remembered by all who knew him.
Larry's vivacious and quirky (in the best way) personality was infectious. He was outgoing and always willing to strike up a conversation—a friend to all who met him. His door was always open, and he made everyone he talked to feel welcome and loved.
Larry believed in the power of understanding, the strength of patience, and the importance of sharing God’s grace with everyone with whom he came in contact. Through his actions and words, he instilled these values into not only his family but also his wider circle of friends and acquaintances.
During his career, he worked in the Upper Columbia Conference as a pastor and elementary teacher, in the Dakota Conference as a principal, in the Montana Conference as a director, and in the Nevada-Utah Conference as president. He joined the Northern California Conference in 2014 as the pastor of small schools.
Larry was deeply committed to supporting small schools in the Northern California Conference.
He was a strong believer in nurturing young minds and championed the cause of offering highquality Christian education to all who would seek it. His life's work was to inspire others, especially students, to embrace the transformative power of grace in their lives.
An article in the July 2021 Recorder noted that Unterseher would drive “many thousands of miles to present worship talks, weeks of prayer, lessons on endangered species, and fun activities designed to help him engage with the students. Known for loudly and enthusiastically celebrating birthdays, he also sends each student a $2 bill enclosed in a birthday card, reminding the recipient that he or she is special to Jesus.”
A Facebook post from the Northern California Conference celebrated his passion and dedication: “When he passed, he was doing what he loved: sharing God’s love. We honor Larry’s unwavering dedication and compassion.”
Larry left behind an enduring legacy of kindness and friendship, and his legacy is celebrated by many who knew him or were touched by his ministry. His love for life, passion for helping others, and joyful spirit made him not only a great man but also the best dad and grandpa anyone could ask for.
He is survived by his wife, Rhonda; daughter, Kim Espinoza and her husband, Alex; son, Mike Unterseher and his wife, Emily; grandsons, Austin
and Aaron Espinoza, Jake and Ben Unterseher; and sister, Jeanie Rindahl. His love, wisdom, and kindness will be deeply missed, but his memory will continue to shine brightly in the lives of his loved ones. There is comfort in knowing that Larry's spirit will live on through the many hearts he touched.
“Our NCC family is devastated by the loss of Larry Unterseher. Pastor Larry was passionate about connecting young people to Jesus Christ and preparing them for His soon return. He was so gifted in ministry and had a wonderful and creative way of sharing the gospel with those he met, especially the children he served. Many times, Larry would drop by my office to encourage me as a spiritual leader. I know that he did the same with many other leaders as well. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife, Rhonda, his children, and the entire Unterseher family. We long for the day Christ shall return and we will be reunited with those loved ones we lost along the way. May Jesus soon come!”
— Marc Woodson, NCC President
“Larry was a man who loved Jesus and kids, and it showed in everything he did. He took his ministry to the students and staff of our small schools seriously and invested an enormous amount of time and energy to ensure they knew about his friend Jesus! Larry is already greatly missed.” — Albert Miller, NCC superintendent of schools
“With deep sorrow yet steadfast hope, we acknowledge the sudden passing of our dear
brother, Larry Unterseher, former president of the Nevada-Utah Conference from 2008 to 2014. Larry's leadership and vision were always anchored in faith and service to our Lord. His passion for education has touched countless lives. We are immensely grateful for his commitment and the legacy of faith he leaves behind. My family and I are personally indebted to Larry as he was the president who hired me in 2013; it was both a joy and a privilege to serve alongside him. We extend our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to Rhonda and the rest of the family. May God's comforting presence surround them during this difficult time and provide peace that surpasses all understanding. As we mourn Larry's passing, we find solace in the promise of the resurrection morning when we will be reunited with our loved ones who have fallen asleep in Jesus.”— Carlos Camacho, Nevada-Utah Conference president
“Elder Larry Unterseher was a dedicated servant of the Lord who left his mark on thousands of souls during his ministry. He always added value wherever he and Rhonda served. We will miss him, but we have the promise of Jesus to sustain us in this loss until He comes and awakens His sleeping saints.”
— Elder Ricardo Graham, former Pacific Union Conference president
“Elder Larry Unterseher was a man who expressed in his life of service for God the genuine joy of being a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. His diligent work ethic in the cause of our Lord sprang from his personal calling to help others know his Heavenly Friend Jesus. This was manifested in each area of ministry where he served over many years. I found that his easy sense of humor, creative mind for solving problems, and inquisitive nature were gifts that blessed me and all those who knew him. The Christ-centered influence and legacy of Elder Unterseher’s well-lived life will continue to be felt by all those who knew and loved him.”
— Elder Bradford Newton, Pacific Union Conference president
FAR RIGHT: VBS programs could not run without volunteers who help with crafts, programming, and decorating.
A Summer of Transformative VBS Programs
In a world filled with 15-second reels, fast-paced glitzy storytelling, and character-driven multiplayer gaming platforms, traditional Vacation Bible School (VBS) might seem like an outdated format. But this past summer, many churches around Arizona seem to prove that idea wrong. If you stepped into the Adventist churches that transformed their lobbies and meeting rooms into beaches, underwater biomes, or Bible lands, you could feel the energy and passion of the members who volunteered long hours to make the transformations.
For many churches with young families, Vacation
Bible School is a natural extension of their children’s ministry. However, for churches that have few or no children regularly attending, VBS becomes an important evangelistic outreach to their local community.
“We had a family of five come to our VBS; the husband was raised Adventist but hasn’t been to church in 15 years,” said Cathy Fields of the Desert Cove church in the West Valley region of the Phoenix metropolitan area. “He brought his wife and kids, and they said they really enjoyed it and would be back next week.”
Across town at the Mesa Palms church, the church leadership team decided to reboot the Heroes VBS program. “It proved to be a good decision,” Pastor Vince Woolsey said. “The turnout was nearly double last year’s attendance, and seven kids made decisions to be baptized.” Church members are following up with parents who are interested in Bible studies.
Preliminary surveys from the churches state that over 40 percent of children who attended the VBS programs came from families that did not attend an Adventist church. Over a quarter of the volunteers for the programs were teenagers who were actively engaging in the ministry of their local church.
While not every program resulted in baptisms like those that took place at the Desert Cove church, the long-term impact on the children and parents who attended the meetings cannot be overstated. The commitment by members to transform their church spaces into another world is also transforming their churches in other ways.
By Jeff Rogers
RIGHT: The Desert Cove church transformed their sanctuary into Thunder Island for their VBS program.
LEFT: Pastor Randy Fields introduces two candidates for baptism who were part of the Desert Cove VBS program.
RIGHT: Pastor Vince Woolsey baptizes a young person who attended the Hero’s VBS program at Mesa Palms.
Neighborhood Evangelism Creates Friendships
The church in San Luis, Arizona, chose the nearby Bienestar Apartments to make friends and gain the trust of the local community.
“Our goal was for them to know who we are and that we love them because they are our neighbors,” said Pastor Antulio Espinoza.
Since San Luis is a border town on the outskirts of Yuma, Arizona, the church decided to start with activities relating to Mexican culture. The first event was to celebrate Dia del Niño on April 30 and El Dia de la Madre on May 10. The members organized themselves and assigned different tasks: purchasing gifts, getting permission from the complex to use the event space, organizing games for children and mothers, and preparing pupusas for dinner.
“It was amazing how the community accepted us,” said Espinoza. More than 40 children and 30 mothers participated in the events, playing games and enjoying the food. “The program was more social, with games and gifts, but we also prayed with them and introduced
ourselves as their neighbors,” he continued.
Following the two festivals, they invited their neighbors to participate in a health seminar with Dr. Andres Ramirez. The health seminar received a lot of interest and provided the foundation for an eight-week program entitled "I Want to Live Healthy” that included the church’s new mobile kitchen. The mobile kitchen was purchased as part of a grant from the Pacific Union for creative evangelism. The purpose of the mobile kitchen is to teach people how to cook healthfully and to connect them with the San Luis church.
The church is following a three-step process of evangelism they have identified in Acts 2:47. Step one: the people in town love them. Step two: the Lord works on receptive hearts and many believe and are saved. Step three: the group of followers grows bigger and bigger.
“We are in the first step because the community loves us,” said Espinoza. “They have given us their friendship and opened their doors to us. We hope to soon reach the second and third step with God’s help.”
By Jeff Rogers, with Pastor Antulio Espinoza
TOP: Neighborhood kids get their faces painted during the Dia del Niño party. ABOVE: Pastor Antulio Espinoza hands out prizes during the Dia del Niño festival.
TOP: Members of the San Luis church prepare pupusas for the Beinestar Apartments community. ABOVE: Dr. Andres Ramirez leads out in a health seminar for the neighborhood.
The Journey Continues at the 10-day Soquel Camp Meeting
The 2024 Soquel Camp Meeting, which took place July 11-20, had a powerful spiritual impact on those who attended. It was a place where people’s lives were being changed by God—through the messages given as well as through the impact of the people attending. Those attending were encouraged to reach out to their community and allow God to use them for His purpose, and this was seen during the 10-day event.
Soquel Camp Meeting takes place every summer at the Soquel Campground. This year’s theme, “Arise & Go: The Journey Continues,” was shared powerfully through the speakers at the camp meeting. These included Justin Kim, editor of Adventist Review; Calvin Rock, former vice president of the General Conference; Roger Hernandez, ministerial and evangelism director for the Southern Union; and Gary Blanchard, president of the Northern New England Conference. The speakers delved into ideas of how to start and grow in a spiritual journey together.
This was only the second time since the coronavirus that the conference has held a 10-day camp meeting. Most conference camp meetings throughout the North American Division are threeto five-day events, and for many of them attendance has continued to decrease. The Central California Conference is one of only a few conferences still holding a camp meeting for a full 10 days. Dan Serns, conference president, explained, “Ten-day camp meetings— and even the seven-day camp meetings—in North America have mostly shut down, and one reason why is they just didn't have things for the younger kids to really learn about Jesus. That's unique about this camp meeting.”
A major emphasis of the Soquel Camp Meeting is the youth and young adults. The youth and young adult leaders have invested their time and energy to make sure God’s message is being shared with this group in meaningful ways, and the impact has been significant. “The young adult group keeps growing, so we had to get them a bigger location this year,” said Serns. “That tells us that there is a new generation growing up not just looking for programs but looking for authentic relationship opportunities to serve and opportunities to share. That's some good news!”
Through acts of service and the messages given by the speakers, people are being reached through the camp meeting. Those who attended the Soquel Camp Meeting came from all over the conference and gave of themselves to be part of the event. Some of those who attended are truly in need of food and other basics, yet they go out of their way to attend the event because of its powerful impact on their spiritual lives.
“Some come to camp meeting who have very real needs in terms of housing or food,” continued Serns. “When our leaders saw that, they bought food and 60 blankets from Costco and spread the word.” The young people helped deliver these items to the people in the campground who were in need. “Some people really don't have much, but they didn’t want to miss the camp
meeting. So they came here and they got blankets and food. We're ministering to our own people right here as well as in the community.”
Another unique part of this year’s camp meeting was the shofar, or ram’s horn. Three times a day the shofar horn sounded—early in the morning, early afternoon, and in the evening—and when it was heard, everyone was encouraged to stop and pray, acknowledging God. This tradition originates from the Old Testament Israelites, who used the shofar horn for many religious ceremonies, including announcing a prayer time.
“People all across the campground would stop whatever they were doing and have a prayer,” said Serns. “We had our leadership team that met in the morning during that time, and while we were discussing things, we would hear the shofar. Whoever was talking would just stop and lead us in prayer.”
By Brennan Hallock
Learn more about the 2024 Soquel Camp Meeting as well as plans for the 2025 camp meeting at www.cccadventist.org/campmeeting. The Soquel Camp Meeting is also live streamed each year so that more than just the attendees can receive the impact of the messages. You can watch the live streams at the CCCAdventist YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@CCCAdventist.
Hope Now Q&A with Dan Serns
Central California Conference: Tell us about the upcoming Hope Now evangelistic seminar.
Dan Serns: Every spring and fall we have some type of reaping throughout our conference. This fall, we encouraged every church to do a reaping event and, if possible, do it Sept. 6-14. September 14 will be one of our Fill Every Baptistry services that we encourage twice a year.
This one developed in a very interesting way. We have a pastor in our San Francisco Central church who thought, What if for our reaping we invited the General Conference president, Ted Wilson? He said, “Let's go ahead and try,” and before we knew it, Elder Ted Wilson said yes, he'd preach in San Francisco Sept. 6-14.
When we shared that with the pastors in San Francisco, it lit a fire. And other people started picking up on the idea across the conference. They said, “Why don't we all just do something that week?” We put it out to the evangelism team and to the pastors and across the field. In January, we shared the idea with the pastors and elders, and the result is about 80 percent of our churches are doing something major to win souls for the Lord this fall.
Then we began wondering, If Pastor Wilson is coming, what if we invited other people? We sent out invitations, and we have wound up with more speakers. Pastor Ted Wilson will be preaching in San Francisco. The president of the Hope Channel—who speaks Russian and Ukrainian—will be speaking in San Francisco. Pastor Alex Bryant will be speaking in Silicon Valley. A missionary who works secretly in a closed country is speaking in one of our churches. The General Conference treasurer, Paul Douglas, is speaking in Bakersfield. The new president of the Atlantic Union Conference, Abraham Jewel, is speaking in Visalia. Kyle Allen, the vice president of Adventist World Radio, is speaking in Modesto. And the list goes on.
CCC: Is there a theme for this event?
DS: The theme for this event is “Hope Now. In Jesus Christ we have hope for today. Come learn how to grow your relationship with Him!”
CCC: Why should someone go out of their way to attend this event?
DS: We encourage all who attend to participate. Participate by being a preacher or helping with music or helping as a greeter or helping in another way. We encourage you to pray for people who you want to see make a decision for Jesus. Pray for people by name, and reach out to them, befriend them, minister to their needs, help them and invite them to your home.
In our camp meeting, we invited everybody to be a neighborhood pastor where they live. We said, “God's placed you there strategically. Go pray for the people, even if you don't know them. Look for ways to reach out to the people in your neighborhood.” We had hundreds who came forward to say they will accept that challenge to be a neighborhood pastor.
God is also opening the way for people struggling personally, maybe going through depression or anxiety or difficult times in their life but who are committed believers. Come to the meetings just as an attendee and find hope. Find hope to lift that depression and reconnect with people. You'll be reminded once again of why God raised up the Seventh-day Adventist movement in the last days and the hope we have in Jesus and the Bible prophecies. There is hope for the future.
CCC: What have been some of the milestones in setting up this event?
DS: The fact that we have 80 percent of our churches participating is very encouraging. Another thing that's exciting is we have so many volunteer evangelists— lay people who are rising up to speak and to preach and share. It’s been thrilling to see that happen. Another wonderful thing is that the churches participating are seeing that this can result in more souls for the kingdom.
Some of the challenges have been finances. We have been praying for finances. We try to be very conscientious. We wish we could give more to each site to help them with the meetings. Another challenge is the logistical coordination, but we've seen God open the way for that to happen, and that's encouraging.
CCC: What should an attendee expect at this event?
DS: On Sept. 14, we're having a soulwinning festival on Sabbath afternoon in seven different locations throughout the conference where churches will get together, share testimonies, and introduce new members. Ted Wilson will be speaking when the church is gathered in San Francisco, and Alex Bryant will be speaking with the churches gathered in Silicon Valley.
Another thing that's amazing is next year the North American Division is doing something similar division wide. It's called Pentecost 2025 ( pentecost2025. com ). What we are doing as a conference, the North American Division is planning to do next year. This will help us build momentum into next year.
Learn more at www.hope-now.us.
By Brennan Hallock
Notice: The Central California Conference 35th Constituency Meeting is called to convene as follows
Date: November 24, 2024
Location: Fresno Adventist Academy 5397 E. Olive Avenue I Fresno, CA 93727
Time: Registration: 8:00 a.m. Meeting begins: 10:00 a.m.
The purpose of the meeting is to receive reports; to elect a president, an executive secretary, a treasurer, a vice president for ministries, an associate executive secretary, and any other such officers as deemed necessary by the delegates; to elect such director(s) for ethnic ministries as deemed necessary by the delegates; to elect members of the Executive Committee and the Bylaws Committee; and to transact such other business as may come before the meeting.
Daniel Serns, President Ronald Rasmussen, Executive Secretary
Camp Waianae Celebrates Another Successful Summer
We live in a world where everyone and everything tries to tell us who we are. Amidst this noise, finding a space that nurtures your true identity becomes invaluable. For me, that place has been Camp Waianae, where I have had the privilege of working for four years now. Each year, the experience becomes richer and more fulfilling, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the staff.
Camp Waianae offers staff members the chance to share the love of Jesus with our campers in fun and creative ways throughout the summer. Our theme for this year's camp was "The Kingdom," inspired by Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (NKJV). Through this theme, we hoped to convey to our campers that seeking the kingdom of God is a transformative journey that shapes our lives and our interactions with one another.
This summer, we emphasized to our campers that the kingdom of God is present both now and forever. It has been our privilege to witness the growth and transformation in their lives as they embraced this truth. Each day at camp was filled with moments of joy, learning, and spiritual enrichment, and we were blessed to see the impact it had on everyone involved.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have been a part of our camp ministry this summer. Your support and involvement have been instrumental in making this experience possible. We look forward to continuing this journey together, sharing the love of Jesus, and nurturing the faith of our campers in the years to come.
With gratitude and anticipation for the future, we’ll see you next summer!
By Steve Mota
The Nature of Humanity and Horses
Did you know that horses have twice as many mirror neurons as we do? This explains why they are capable of picking up on our emotions and why they respond in like manner. Horses have the ability to sense our energy and mood—be it anger, fear, sadness, pain, or depression. Horses are fight-or-flight animals, which causes them to be hyper aware of their surroundings. This is what makes horses an incredible therapeutic resource for hurting souls.
During my time in graduate school, I pursued a master’s degree in social work. As I sought topics for my research papers, I discovered how horses are used in equineassisted psychotherapy (EAP) to help combat veterans recognize and process the trauma they have experienced during war. More often
than not, veterans are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their engagement in war. However, a more accurate term is “moral injury.” That is to say, at some point they were required to carry out an order or orders that went against their personal moral code. This causes deep emotional and mental pain to our servicemen and women. Often, after they leave the physical battlefield, they return home with an
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
internal war zone full of hidden psychological enemies they can’t yet see.
In a similar way, many of our students at Holbrook Indian School (HIS) have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that affect their ability to think clearly, process correctly, and retain information they learn in the classroom. Unless they have a safe space in which to open up and share about the trauma they have experienced, they end up struggling in school. Our counseling department is a vital resource for that reason. A good number of our students respond well to therapy and are accepting of the help that is offered. However, a few prefer a less conventional approach. While we don’t have an official equine-assisted psychotherapy program on campus, just being around our horses and having the option to come down to the barn and love on a horse is incredibly healing for students who struggle to open up or self-regulate.
We are grateful for the opportunity to teach our
Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfth-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. HIS also manages a firstthrough 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.
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 910 • Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) • Development@hissda.org HolbrookIndianSchool.org
students that horses can be a healing presence and that horses are great listeners when a student is afraid to share their deepest secrets with anyone else. The nature of humanity is learned from those around us, and it is a good thing that we are not doomed to stay stuck in the learned patterns of our life. God, from our inception at Creation, gave us the freedom to choose which path we will take in this life. That includes whether we will choose to stay in the dysfunctional and painful patterns passed down to us or choose to live the abundant life of freedom that Jesus came to give each one of us. In His wisdom, God gave us the horse as another source of comfort to remind us that He is here, He listens without judgment, and He heals us—if we let Him.
By Kimberly Cruz
Adventist Health Volunteers Conduct RHD Screenings in Micronesia
Ateam of 11 Adventist Health volunteers spent six days in June on a Global Mission trip to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) conducting childhood screening for rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The team screened 765 children with a 12.7% positive rate for RHD.
RHD is caused by rheumatic fever, an autoimmune inflammatory reaction to group A streptococcal infection (strep throat), which can lead to inflammation and scarring of the heart valves. More than 90% of cases identified during the trip to the FSM will be treated with prophylactic antibiotics to keep in check further strep infection.
“We also found some very advanced RHD in children who will need surgery on their heart valves immediately,” said John Schroer, Adventist Health Global Mission system lead. “We often don’t think about rheumatic fever and RHD because in the U.S. we just treat strep when it comes up, but other locations in the world don’t always have this opportunity.”
The Adventist Health team partnered with Dr. Payne Perman, a local physician who started the screening program more than 10 years ago. His goal is to screen every child in the FSM every year. After screenings take place, Dr. Perman partners with local public health officials to begin treatment and ongoing care.
“I’ve never seen more tears shed on a mission trip than this one,” said Schroer. “Our team experienced so much joy and purpose from being able to change the direction of these kid’s lives. One of our providers said this trip brought them back to the reason they wanted to be in healthcare in the first place.”
The FSM is a federation of four states—Yap, Chuuk,
Pohnpei, and Kosrae—comprised of 607 islands. After screening 25% of the children on three islands in Chuuk, the Adventist Health team found 97 cases of RHD. There are 29 more islands in Chuuk alone yet to hold screenings. More than 52% of the population on each of the 607 islands is under the age of 18 and in need of screening. The majority of screenings, roughly 98%, will identify infection in time for effective treatment without surgery.
“We didn’t see enough people,” Schroer said. “We need echo-techs, cardiologists, and nurses for our next trip. Taking a team of eight to 10 providers each month would change the direction of countless lives in Micronesia.”
Schroer said the physical hardship of traveling to screening locations and conducting the screenings is intense in terms of logistics, but trip participants consistently report the physical hardships don’t compare to the joy of the work.
You can support this work in the FSM. Contact John Schroer at schroejh@ah.org to learn more.
By Kim Strobel
Volunteers use a local water taxi to travel to a screening site. From left: Bridget Haydu, registered nurse, Adventist Health Rideout; Jackie Fox, director of Emergency Services, Adventist Health Tillamook; Dr. Peter Kim, cardiologist; and Dr. Payne Perman, internist in the FSM.
Dr. Peter Kim uses a portable cardiac ultrasound machine to screen a young patient in Chuuk.
Digital Media Grad Fiona Lin Finds God’s Provision in Loss, Joins VOP
Aweek before her June 16 graduation from La Sierra University, Fiona Lin was in Loveland, Colorado, building IKEA furniture for her new residence, shopping at Target, and registering her car in preparation for her new job at the Voice of Prophecy. It was a time of varied emotions—excitement, anticipation, sadness, fond memories, and much gratitude as she recalled her difficult journey leading to this milestone and God’s lifechanging provision during her darkest moments.
Several years ago, Lin, now age 21, and her brother, Gared, five years her junior, suffered the devastating loss of both of their parents within a short period. Their father, Ping-Herng “Denny” Lin, a La Sierra alumnus and a former assistant professor of computer science and senior programmer analyst, passed away in 2016 at the age of 49 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Within three years the siblings also unexpectedly lost their mother, Eunice Lin, a longtime teacher at the Loma Linda Children’s Center, who passed away suddenly in 2019 due to a cancerous condition. Fiona and Gared, while confronted with shock and grief following their mother’s death and still reeling from the recent loss of their father, soon faced the anxiety-inducing challenge of securing a long-term home.
Behind the scenes, however, God’s plans were taking shape.
Aimee Leukert, a La Sierra University associate education professor, her husband, Kristian Leukert, Loma Linda Academy’s choral director, and their daughters, Liana and Kayleigh, had been family acquaintances of the Lins. After the Lin children lost their mother, Aimee felt a soul urge to take a significant step in an unfamiliar direction. Following a discussion, the Leukerts decided to offer their home and guardianship to Fiona and Gared, who moved in several months later. (See related article in the March 7, 2023, Recorder.)
On Father’s Day, June 16, 2024, Fiona, whose given Chinese name is Yung Chia, crossed the graduation stage on La Sierra’s Founders’ Green to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media-Design and Communication, graduating with cum laude honors. She traveled the following week to start a position as a producer and supervising editor for the Voice of Prophecy, an international Seventh-day Adventist Christian media ministry. She serves as a producer for Discovery Mountain, a podcast where young listeners experience adventure and mystery and, most importantly, deepen their relationship with Jesus.
“When they [my parents] passed away, I was really doubting God. I was in such a dark place. Like, why would He do this? Why? Why was this happening to me at such a young age?” Fiona said. “But I think over time it strengthens my relationship with God. You can see through other people how God loves you. And that really made my relationship stronger.”
By Darla Martin Tucker
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity Receives $500,000 Grant
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity (RICA) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the state of California to develop a model for addressing childhood adversity and improving long-term health outcomes.
This funding, part of the UCLA-UCSF ACEs Aware initiative, will be utilized over 18 months in partnership with Inland Empire Health Plan. The initiative is in collaboration with the California Surgeon General and the Department of Health Care Services.
The grant will support the creation and implementation of a model that can be replicated statewide to enhance services for foster youth and children who have experienced violence. RICA's approach integrates trauma-informed medical and mental health care, offering extended appointment times and developing collaboration among doctors, mental health providers, and social workers. Providers can identify, report, and mitigate trauma and toxic stress in children.
"Our goal is to create a community of support, so when a child or caregiver faces a challenging situation, they know they can turn to us for help," said Amy Young, MD, director of RICA. "We want them to think of their doctor's office as a place where they can receive medical care and the support and resources they need to navigate their challenges."
The grant will also help implement an Enhanced Care Management team for foster youth and expand the Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce, providing certified patient navigators to assist at-risk children in accessing medical and mental health care.
Since opening in 2021, RICA has served more than 3,500 children across the Inland Empire, including San Bernardino and Riverside counties, with patients traveling from as far as Coachella and Victorville.
By Linda Ha
PUC Welcomes Back Nathan Tasker as Aviation Director
After an 18-year journey, Nathan Tasker returns to Pacific Union College (PUC) to once again lead the aviation program as Flight Center Director. From 2001-2006, he enthusiastically directed the program, and the college is delighted to welcome Tasker back to campus.
A mission pilot friend of Tasker alerted him to the desperate need for Christ-centered pilots in the field. This factored into his decision to accept this position at PUC. Tasker saw new opportunities within the Adventist church to revisit some aviation policies, which would improve the ability to serve in many countries. Although the domestic aviation industry has challenges, he believes in trying new things to revolutionize technical and spiritual approaches to excellence.
“I can only say that God placed it on my heart to return to PUC to try to make a difference,” said Tasker. “It’s not a logical career progression—but I am sure God is leading us.”
Tasker grew up as a missionary kid in the Solomon Islands and witnessed firsthand how a professional humanitarian airplane service on a schedule could transform an entire country. Before the plane began to serve their island, it took days in boats or canoes to get there. It was difficult to get supplies and medical care. The inhabitants had no telephone or radio and only occasionally had electricity. Having an airplane changed everything.
“Suddenly, we could break down barriers and cross boundaries—political and social as well as physical,” shared Tasker. “We communicated with the outside world. When the national hero (aka the mission pilot) let me hold the controls of his Piper Aztec at the age of six,
I was hooked! I, too, wanted to be a hero.”
These experiences made Tasker interested in aviation. In 2000, he graduated with a B.T. in Aviation Flight and Maintenance from Andrews University, and he received an M.A. in Christian Apologetics in 2016 from Biola University.
He spent ten years teaching and working administrative duties in aviation, had a rewarding 11year career as an aeromedical pilot, and was an airline pilot and simulator instructor on the Airbus 320/231 series. Tasker found these jobs fulfilling while also giving him the chance to be a youth pastor.
As he starts leading PUC’s aviation program, he continues the purpose of preparing Christ-centered pilots for lives of service. “My view of the geographical coordinates of the mission has expanded in the last 18 years since our first term at PUC,” said Tasker. “I know the domestic industry well enough to know we have a bigger job than I first realized. I want to see our aviation majors develop resilience, which, in my experience, is only ever possible in the context of a growing relationship with Jesus.”
Tasker believes the program will grow with the help of the PUC community by finding opportunities, coaches, and support for their program. He also asks for help in spreading the word about PUC’s aviation program by getting involved in community events and encouraging others to take an introductory flight in an aircraft or try out their simulator. “We believe intercessory prayer is powerful,” said Tasker. “Please join us in prayer as we make some exciting changes to the program.”
By Ally Romanes
Navigating Emotional Boundaries and Relationships at the Couples Retreat in Las Vegas
From May 31 to June 1, 2024, couples from across Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) gathered in Las Vegas for a transformative retreat focused on strengthening relationships through understanding boundaries, emotional health, and conflict resolution. This event offered those who attended valuable insights into navigating personal, couple, and familial challenges.
Understanding boundaries
One of the key topics discussed was the difference between a threat and a boundary. Threat is often used as a defensive mechanism during arguments. Healthy boundaries, on the other hand, are essential for personal well-being and are built on trust and respect.
Bryan Cafferky, associate professor of counseling and family science at Loma Linda University, submitted that unlike threats, which create fear and division, healthy boundaries protect our emotional space and ensure mutual respect in relationships.
Navigating conflicts
The family dynamics in the Book of Genesis show the importance of navigating through conflicts.
Cafferky, who was the keynote speaker at the retreat, used the biblical narrative of Abraham and his
This couple traveled all the way from Salt Lake City to attend the first NUC couples retreat in the last decade.
descendants to illustrate the importance of finding emotional healing in relationships. The emotional health of a family can have an impact on future generations. In a couple’s context, participants learned that while it is important to be aware of their partner’s emotions, they are not responsible for managing them. This distinction helps in fostering a supportive rather than controlling environment.
Family dynamics and personal growth
Cafferky then highlighted how siblings raised in the same environment can have vastly different experiences. This understanding is crucial for recognizing the unique perspectives and emotional responses each partner brings into the relationship. Joseph’s example in Genesis was particularly poignant, illustrating how distancing oneself from a toxic family environment can be necessary for personal well-being.
Summary
This retreat marked the first couples retreat hosted by NUC in the past decade. Manny LaPorte, the family ministries director, emphasized that this event is just the beginning. The department has plans for additional retreats for different groups, showing a commitment to supporting families in their journey together.
The couples retreat in Las Vegas provided a supportive environment for couples to explore these complex issues, fostering stronger, more resilient relationships. By understanding boundaries, addressing emotional cut-offs, and navigating conflicts effectively, participants left the retreat equipped with the tools needed to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling, and Christcentered relationships.
By Neat Randriamialison
LEFT: Manny LaPorte, NUC family ministries director, translates the presentations for the Spanish-speaking attendees. RIGHT: Bryan Cafferky, associate professor of counseling and family science at Loma Linda University, talks about the importance of emotional health from individual, couple, and family perspectives.
From Pits to Peaks: A Message of Hope and Healing at Boulder City Church Youth Weekend
Boulder City church recently held its inaugural Youth and Young Adults Weekend, a significant event dedicated to addressing the vital topics of mental health and spirituality. The theme of the weekend was "Rise," inspired by three Bible stories about characters who found themselves in a pit, a furnace, and a cave. This inspirational theme was chosen to encourage the young people and those who attended to learn to depend on God to overcome life's challenges.
Neat Randriamialison, the weekend’s keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing the reality of mental health issues in youth and young adults. He suggested that mental health is deeply tied to a person’s identity and that returning to the Creator is the only way to rediscover one's true identity. “We need to rely on God to lift us out of the pit of peer pressure, depression, and
Neat Randriamialison, Nevada-Utah Conference communications director, and Seth Gray go through the statue in Daniel
anxiety,” Neat stated. “It's crucial that we understand the deep connection between our mental well-being and our spiritual health. By fostering a supportive community, we can help each other navigate the challenges we face, regardless of age.”
Led by Rodolfo Paredes, lead pastor, and Elijah Gray, youth director, the event included activities that helped the participants fellowship—such as fun Bible games, upbeat songs, and delicious food.
Boulder City church's first Youth and Young Adults Weekend was a resounding success, setting a precedent for future events focused on wholistic well-being and spiritual growth. The church looks forward to continuing this important conversation and providing ongoing support to youth and young adults through other relationship-building events.
By Neat Randriamialison
One of the young adults reacts after being picked to represent her team during a Bible game.
The Brooks family leads a praise session. RIGHT: Rodolfo Paredes, pastor of Boulder City church, leads Sabbath School.
2 together.
“I Will Pour Out My Spirit”
It is a privilege to share the stories of our churches, ministries, and schools. In June, a trend emerged in the reported stories, reminding me of the promises in Acts 1:8 and Joel 2:28-29, highlighting the Holy Spirit's transformative work among all believers.
As we do with most of our Northern California Conference stories, we shared these missionin-action stories in our weekly e-newsletter and the official conference news source, “Northern Lights.” The stories highlight three beautiful events where the Holy Spirit's presence was felt: a Women’s Ministries event at the Arcata-McKinleyville and Eureka churches, a wave of spontaneous baptisms at Capital City church in Sacramento, and the Youth Ministries’ Summer on the Run event in Stockton.
By Laurie Trujillo
A Celebration in Heaven
“Today is my day, and this is my time.”
Jeremiah Douglas
That Sabbath began like any other at Capital City church, but it would turn into a day etched in the memories of many. Before Pastor Damian Chandler took to the pulpit, the congregation witnessed the joyful baptism of four individuals. As the special moment concluded, while still in the baptistry, Chandler asked, “Are there people in the audience wondering if the pool is still warm? There is still time! There is still time!” Little did anyone know what God had in store. The Holy Spirit moved powerfully over a man who had decided to attend the worship service that day. After witnessing the baptisms, Jeremiah Douglas stood up and proclaimed, “Today is my day, and this is my time.” With tears of joy, he accepted his Lord and Savior and was baptized. As Jeremiah shared his testimony, people could be seen walking up the aisle, ready to make their commitments.
The pastoral team, Damian Chandler and Jason Bulgin, overwhelmed with emotion, watched as person after person stood up and walked to the front to be baptized. Chandler exclaimed, “I'm a witness today that it’s never too late. Three more baptisms to go. The Holy Spirit is stirring the water.”
But the Holy Spirit was far from finished. Salem, a soccer player, shared his heartfelt journey, explaining how he had to “tiptoe through Adventism” to minister to his family and team members. After his friends were baptized, he joyfully declared, “Give your gift to the Lord, and He will use it to His glory. I was afraid until I saw my children get up and not be afraid. I felt the Lord convict me to be baptized today.”
Chandler, moved by the Spirit, said, “Get out of your seat and re-commit your life to Jesus. You know who you are. I'm going to keep this robe on.” A young girl responded, walking up and saying, “I want to get baptized now. God has called me to an amazing life.”
More people followed her into the baptismal pool, giving their lives to God. One man, tears streaming down his face and mingling with the water from the pool, proclaimed, “I am finally saved; thank you, Lord! I had no faith, but you found me! I was dead, and you found me! And Lord, you brought me back!”
Three siblings committed their lives to the Lord and were baptized. A married couple celebrating
“Give your gift to the Lord, and He will use it to His glory. I was afraid until I saw my children get up and not be afraid. I felt the Lord convict me to be baptized today.”
their anniversary that day also chose to be baptized. Associate Pastor Jason Bulgin tearfully baptized his adult daughter. A woman named Kimberly, who had been watching the service online, felt the Spirit move her so strongly that she got dressed and then drove to the church to be baptized.
Ricardo Graham, retired Pacific Union president, attended with Audrey, his wife. “We were sitting there preparing to hear Pastor Chandler’s final sermon. After the call, so many people lined up for baptism—many teens and young adults. We had never seen anything like that in our 47 years of ministry!”
By the end of this extraordinary day, after spending two hours in the baptismal pool, 30 people had given their lives to the Lord through baptism and the profession of faith.
Raven, a church attendee, summarized the day perfectly: “It was a spirit-filled day. I didn't realize at the time that my friend had gone up for baptism to re-commit herself—it was a joyful surprise to me and others because she hadn't planned it. Watching my friend open up about her journey and boldly speak about the life with Christ she desires is inspiring, and it encourages us to continue uplifting those around us in prayer.”
By Laurie Trujillo
A Glimpse of the Kingdom of God
June 13 was a Sabbath to remember, echoing the sentiments of everyone involved in its organization. It was designated as Women’s Ministries Emphasis Sabbath.
The day began with Juanita Baker, the Women’s Ministries regional facilitator, unveiling a spectacular program featuring three speakers. Juanita herself preached about the woman at the well, followed by a captivating first-person narrative performance by Janice Nelson, which was both historical and biblical.
Simultaneously, at the Eureka church, Kate Edwards presented a message entitled “Higher Ground,” garnering positive feedback from members and visitors alike.
After the Arcata-McKinleyville service and a fellowship meal, Niki Eby shared a powerful testimony of healing in Jesus after her sister’s tragic death. This testimony inspired attendee Holly Klopfenstein to share, “It was amazing to hear Nicole Eby's testimony, because only God can give the spirit of forgiveness that she exhibits. She showed what the Spirit can do in our
lives if we let Him.” Brad Nelson, a volunteer, stated, “The Women’s Ministries weekend was very inspiring. Listening to the testimony on the loss of a sister by murder had a large impact on me. It showed me what God’s tremendous love can do for us by turning ashes into beauty.” A grief recovery session followed, offering practical advice on how to recover from tragic events.
As the day seemed to wind down, conversations and expressions of appreciation continued, fostering unity and a sense of shared experience. The final concert in the sanctuary by the Adoration Choir, led by Jim Tayag from Sacramento, felt like a glimpse of the kingdom of God, leaving everyone uplifted and united. Indeed, it was a busy day, but undeniably, it was a Sabbath to remember!
By Matthew Baker
The Power of Faith: Summer on the Run Brings Hope and Transformation
Stories about Summer on the Run are filled with the Holy Spirit’s touch, creating a space for service and building trust in a community. This year was no exception. The unique outreach program, in partnership with Stockton Central church, welcomed 105 community youth, offering them an unforgettable experience.
The program’s impact was evident when a neighborhood youth chose to attend church instead of going on a planned boat trip, sharing, “I had such a great time with the kids and staff that I wanted to be around them more.”
David Peckham, the church pastor, joyfully shared, “Our church team, comprised of passionate adults and spirited youth, eagerly prepared for this traveling summer program. Our volunteers went door to door, inviting children to join us for an extraordinary week of activities. The team also spread the word through flyers in our neighborhood and bulletin inserts in other churches. They even reached out to a non-
denominational school next door.”
Due to the dedication of over 30 volunteers, nearly 500 lunches were served during the week as children participated in games, challenges, and worship activities. Peckham added, “The Holy Spirit was undeniably present and moving hearts. Two volunteers, who had only planned to help for one day, were so moved that they committed to baptism.”
Eddie Heinrich, NCC youth director, explained the challenges faced: “The city park officials where we host the event told us that we could not host the event at all. After much prayer and a second request, we received great news—the city officials reconsidered and allowed us to host the event. The Holy Spirit moved their hearts, and it was a true miracle that inspired further action.”
Peckham continued, “Many of our guests eagerly asked about other church events, and we will continue to maintain our connection with this young community.”
By Laurie Trujillo
SECC Youth Launches New “Dear Church” Podcast
On July 1, the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Youth Department launched the "Dear Church" podcast, a heartfelt initiative to amplify the oftenunheard voices of young adults within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Aren Rennacker, SECC youth and young adult director and podcast host, is dedicated to creating a platform where young Adventists can share their personal stories and reflections. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and the SECC Youth homepage, this 10-part limited series aims to bridge generational gaps and foster deeper understanding within the broader church community.
"We need to find ways to make sure we're listening better to our young people. All of us are keenly aware of the statistics that tell us our young adults are deciding every day whether to stay in the church,” Rennacker explained. “Rather than simply asking ‘why,’ we thought we could instead ask, 'Can you share your story with us?'"
The podcast's format includes interviewing Adventist young adults about their experiences in the church and culminates with the guest reading a handwritten letter to the church.
"After spending 25 minutes hearing about who they are and what they've experienced, I think that helps our ears be much more open to what they have to say," Rennacker noted.
In the inaugural episode, Rennacker interviews Allan Martin, a key figure in young adult ministry, to discuss the challenges facing the church and the critical need for effective communication.
"My plea of pastors is for us to make endeavors for our churches to be rich soil, a place where young adults can get a sense of purpose and identity and belonging,” said Martin. “If we aren’t intentional, we’ll miss the opportunity of capturing the vision, the imagination, and the hopes of next generations."
Each episode dives into the personal narratives of young Adventists, exploring their experiences, trials, and triumphs. From navigating relationships and faith questions to overcoming challenges and traumas and discovering passions, these stories are raw and genuine.
"Dear Church" is more than just a podcast; it's an intentional effort toward a more inclusive and understanding church community. By sharing these powerful stories, the “Dear Church” podcast invites all listeners to engage with the heartfelt experiences of young Adventists.
One listener praised the podcast, calling it "Fresh! Engaging! Necessary!" and expressed gratitude for the platform that taps into the voices of young adults.
Dive into these stories, learn more, and listen now at https://seccyouth.com/dearchurch/.
By Danni Thaw
Aren Rennacker (left) smiles with podcast guest Ezrica Bennett.
Discipleship: Biblical Model for Hispanic Evangelism
The Hispanic Ministries department of Southeastern California Conference (SECC) has begun implementing an evangelism initiative that was drafted by the Hispanic Advisory Committee for Evangelism. The plan consists of five phases: discipleship, training, empowering, mobilizing, and multiplying.
The intention of this new outlook on expanding God’s kingdom is to transition from the linear model to a more cyclical model of mission. The foundation of this cyclical method of discipleship is found in the heart of the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples.” In partnership with the Hispanic Ministries department of the Pacific Union, the program has launched its first three activities: GrowRetain - Reclaim.
dependent on who commands it. We must remember that God does not have a mission for His church; rather, God has a church for His mission. Recognizing this helps move our focus from anthropocentric mission activities to theocentric.
In the five counties of SECC, Yohalmo Saravia, vice president of Hispanic Ministries, facilitated discipleship seminars in which he was able to meet with pastors, local church leaders, and church members to present a step-by-step strategy on how to grow the mission.
Stephen Neal, an expert in the field of mission, once said, “If everything is mission, nothing is mission.” The seminars strive to establish a missional hermeneutic that can facilitate and motivate. In Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission, it is clear that the command is
The seminars motivated church members to become involved in the mission. Pastors have transformed the local churches into training centers for discipleship. One church recently had a graduation with over 60 students who earned a certification in discipleship. Other churches are doing the same.
After each seminar, a special invitation was made. Those who accepted the call to use the tools they had learned and committed to become involved in sharing the gospel were equipped with a kit that contained a Bible, missionary books, Bible study guides, and additional resources. Over 300 packages have been distributed. Our challenge to attendees resonates with the Latin phrase res, non verba, which translates to “actions not words.”
By Yohalmo Saravia
Participants enjoy beautiful praise music during the seminars.
SECC Celebrates Juneteenth
This year, Southeastern California Conference (SECC) observed Juneteenth, giving its employees the day off. Juneteenth has grown out of the celebrations that began on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, when some of the last enslaved people learned that the Civil War was over and they were free.
The Black Ministries department decided to host a celebration at Mt. Rubidoux church for its congregations and their communities. Thus, the Juneteenth Family Festival was born, providing an opportunity for churches, families, and communities to come together to celebrate freedom in this nation and in Christ.
Alfonzo Greene, III, senior pastor at Mt. Rubidoux and one of the coordinators, remarked, “Whenever we have events like Juneteenth happening in the culture, it is important for the church to find ways to intersect with our neighbors. I am passionate about making those connections.”
The day included live entertainment from recording artists Nicholas Miller and Amoré the Songstress. Members from several churches modeled in a fashion show that showcased African clothing. Mr. Ant Davis, a comedian, helped attendees laugh at themselves and the world around them.
The joint Inland Empire Drum Corp, which consists of the Kansas Avenue, Mt. Rubidoux, and San Bernardino Sixteenth Street drum corps, performed. Pathfinder clubs who were planning to go to the International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, were also given booths to help them raise money for their trip.
The Black Business Expo showcased many Blackowned businesses with books, music, art, clothing, and more. There was soul food and vegan cuisine. During a cultural dance, it was amazing to see people from all generations and walks of life participate together.
One of the highlights of the festival was that there were more people from the community than from SECC churches, with most coming from communities all over the Inland Empire. The event sold out of its 700 free tickets, and many without tickets also attended. It was an amazing time to just connect with the culture and the community.
By Andrea King
LEFT: Attendees shop at a booth selling African clothing. RIGHT: A food vendor smiles as he dishes up another order.
Amoré the Songstress performs a powerful song.
Service and Love Together: Transforming Lives with Dignity and Hope in San Diego
Imagine the simple act of transforming lives through providing a safe, private place to take a hot shower.
That's the power behind San Diego’s SALT (Service and Love Together) Shower Trailer Outreach, a beacon of hope launched in February 2024 by the San Diego Clairemont church. This innovative mobile shower unit, equipped with three private bathrooms and showers, addresses a critical need: providing hygiene services to those experiencing homelessness in Metropolitan San Diego.
The impact of SALT’s Shower Trailer extends far beyond basic hygiene. Luis and Natacha were asylum seekers with two young daughters who found solace and support through SALT's weekly outreach. Their story exemplifies the transformative power of the SALT Outreach. The warm showers provided a much-needed sense of dignity, while volunteers offered a listening ear and prayer. With SALT's dedicated help, Luis and Natacha secured stable housing and employment, a crucial step toward rebuilding their lives.
But the impact goes deeper. Luis and Natacha, along with their daughters, felt welcomed at the San Diego Clairemont church, finding not just practical support but spiritual guidance from Pastor London Lee. Pastor Lee had the privilege of marrying them in a small private ceremony at the church, and they are now preparing for baptism, a powerful symbol of their
newfound faith and hope. SALT's impact on Luis and Natacha's family is a testament to the ministry's wholistic approach. It addresses immediate needs while nurturing the spirit, creating a path toward a brighter future.
The SALT Outreach of San Diego emphasizes the immeasurable power of community. Through the dedication of the Clairemont church and partners (31st Street church, Bonita Fil-Am church, La Mesa church, and Paradise Valley church), the generosity of supporters, and the fervent prayers of volunteers, this innovative ministry is making a tangible difference in San Diego. It's a reminder that even the smallest acts of compassion can lead to a lasting, positive, life-changing impact. Luis and Natacha's journey is an inspiration, a beacon of hope for others struggling on the streets, and a reminder of the profound difference a simple act of kindness can make.
By Reeni Tib
London Lee (left) smiles happily with Luis and Natacha (center) and their children on their wedding day.
Pastors and lay members gather for a weekend of evangelism training at Camp Cedar Falls.
Weekend of Evangelism Training Equips Hispanic Region for Mission
This June, 240 lay members and pastors met at Camp Cedar Falls for the second cycle of the Hispanic region’s 2024 evangelism campaign. Plans for the first cycle were presented in January. The second cycle will be a collaboration between Hispanic region churches and participating academies: San Fernando Valley Academy, Glendale Adventist Academy, San Gabriel Academy, and Los Angeles Adventist Academy.
The year of evangelism focuses on three
NOTICE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE
REGULAR CONSTITUENCY SESSION
Please take notice that the 66th regular Constituency Session of the Southern California Conference of Seventhday Adventists is called to convene as follows:
Place: White Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church 401 North State Street, Los Angeles, California
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Time: 7:55 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., or until business is completed
The purpose of this session is to receive reports; to elect conference officers, the Vice President for Education, the Executive Committee, and the Bylaws Committee; and to transact any other business that may properly come before the delegates in session.
Delegates are invited to join with the SCC Prayer Team for prayer from 7:00 – 7:50 a.m.
Velino A. Salazar, President • John H. Cress, Executive Secretary
principles—grow, retain, and rescue—and is divided into two cycles. The first cycle was carried out in March and April. The second is set for October and November.
“The main goal is to foster the missionary spirit in our region to disciple, equip, empower, mobilize, and multiply,” said Juan Osorio, Hispanic region director. “The second cycle will develop in different zones of Los Angeles, where various churches will unite for metropolitan campaigns titled ‘Angels for Christ.’”
Guest speakers were Robert Costa, associate ministerial secretary and General Conference evangelist, and Elvis Diaz, director of sales and marketing for El Centinela magazine. Both speakers challenged the lay members to plant seeds of Christ’s message in the heart of every Los Angeles resident within reach. On Saturday afternoon, five training seminars were presented in the areas of church growth, discipleship, retention, evangelistic campaign preparation, and rescue.
United under the motto “Together We Will Go” (“Juntos Iremos” in Spanish), Osorio hopes to “complete the mission of bringing others to the feet of Christ, following the biblical advice of Acts 1:8: ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’” (NIV).
By Araya Moss
116 Baptisms and a New Church in Pasuquin
As Michael Johnson was talking with some of his members at the Pasadena church where he is the pastor, the topic of mission trips came up. He was sharing about when he and his wife participated in a mission trip to El Salvador. One member asked if he had ever been to the Philippines. Johnson said he hadn’t, and the member asked if he would be interested in conducting an evangelistic series there.
“I said yes, and they became excited, and we began to plan right away,” Johnson recalled. “Sery Vingua, a member of my church, stated that her nephew, Pastor Marvin Diaz, was an evangelism coordinator in the Philippines, and the rest is history!”
That exchange led the church to Pasuquin Ilocos Norte this June. During the six-day mission trip, 14 missionaries from the Pasadena church brought messages of hope as well as free medical services to the community. At the end of the trip, 116 people were baptized in the hotel pool.
While many powerful testimonies resulted from the trip, Johnson shared one such experience that would
have lasting impact. “We had an unexpected encounter that was very exciting,” he shared. “There was a group of about 30 to 50 people who had been meeting in a home that had a small amount of space in a country area of Pasuquin. This group had been praying for a church to be built in their area. We had placed in our budget for a church to be built in that area, but it did not include the property on which it would be built. To our surprise, someone heard about the need and donated property in the same area where the group was meeting. Therefore, before we finished the evangelistic meeting, we held a groundbreaking ceremony where many who were baptized will become members of that church. To our surprise and excitement, the group voted to name the new church Pasadena Pasuquin Seventh-day Adventist Church.”
“My wife and I and our mission trip team members, many of whom had never gone on a mission trip, are now excited even more to do the work of soul winning in the community around our church,” Johnson said. “We look forward to returning to the Philippines to cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Pasadena Pasuquin Adventist Church.”
Watch the video at https://scc.adventist.org/ pasadena-pasuquin-2024.
By Lauren Lacson
LEFT ABOVE: Johnson makes an appeal for those who desire to be baptized. LEFT BELOW: 116 people are baptized in the hotel pool.
Volunteers help people register for the health fair.
Children learn about the armor of God, using shields, belts, and swords made of cardboard, during a children’s Sabbath program in June.
Children at Lancaster Spanish Church Are Growing in Jesus
It’s been on my heart for a few years to start a children’s ministry for the kids in our church,” said Leticia Cruz, children’s ministries director at Lancaster Spanish church, “because I see that it’s very important, especially with the times that we are in now, to teach our kids more about God.”
Before launching the ministry at the church in March, Cruz, who previously served as Adventurer director, attended a training hosted by the Southern California Conference Children’s Ministries department last year. She was particularly inspired by a session on children’s Sabbath, and she brought all that she learned to her local church.
Since launching the ministry this year, Cruz has organized several children’s Sabbaths, taking a handson, interactive approach to help them remember the lessons from Jesus’ resurrection, Noah’s ark, Jericho, and more. She’s also led vespers and Bible studies. In April, Cruz presented a nightly Zoom class teaching the
Noah is baptized at the end of Vacation Bible School.
28 fundamentals of the Adventist Church, and 15 kids faithfully joined each night. To ensure that her teaching of the beliefs would be appropriate for younger minds, she researched and found video resources featuring kids teaching kids about the beliefs, which included an activity and a science experiment to further explain each belief.
“I’ve been an Adventist all my life, and I would learn about the 28 fundamentals here and there,” Cruz said, “but I don’t remember having someone teach them to me. I think it’s important for kids to know about the fundamentals, too.”
The kids were so engaged that on the last day, they didn’t want to disconnect from Zoom. “They wanted to keep going, and one of the kids even said, ‘Can’t you add a 29th fundamental belief?’” Cruz said. “That made me happy because I knew they were excited to keep learning.”
In fact, after the classes finished, Lancaster Spanish church pastor Emil Cabrera made an appeal for baptism one Sabbath, and several kids from the 28 fundamentals class stood up, declaring their desire.
Families have been so appreciative of the ministry.
“I’ve had a lot of parents come up to me and tell me, ‘Thank you so much for what you’re doing. We’ve seen the difference with our kids,’” Cruz said. A grandparent shared with Cruz that her grandson previously hadn’t shown interest in God or church. He was baptized in July after Vacation Bible School.
“I just hope their love for God grows,” Cruz said, reflecting on the ministry so far, “and that they know they’re important to our church—because they are.”
By Araya Moss
Teen Challenge Week Builds Up Young People at North Hills Church
When North Hills church pastors Angel Smith and Tim Cress realized the opportunity before them when it came to youth ministry, they jumped at the challenge. Smith had directed a canvassing program and Cress had hosted three teen challenge weeks when he was a next gen pastor in Colorado, so they were well equipped to create something great.
“Teen challenge week is a chance for teens to spend a week growing in their faith by having worship together, studying the Bible, and also participating in different challenging activities,” shared Smith, associate pastor at North Hills church. “The idea is that the teenagers who attend will bond, connect, make friends, and grow in their faith.”
While local Vacation Bible School programs often aren’t hard to find, this event is meeting a need in the community for summer activities for middle school and high school students.
Last summer was the first teen challenge week at North Hills. Every day has a theme, a devotional time, and an accompanying challenge. This summer, 16 teens participated, more than half of whom were not members of the church.
“I love seeing the kids connect, and by the end of the week, they’re not in silos anymore—they’re not a ‘me,’ they’re an ‘us,’” Cress, senior pastor at North Hills church, noticed. “There’s just so much camaraderie, teamwork, and willingness to be yourself amongst peers, which isn’t always easy if you’re a high school or middle school student.”
One teen was visiting from Paris when her host family found teen challenge week while searching for teen day camps. She was set to fly in the night before teen challenge week started, and her host family signed her up right away.
“For her, it was huge,” Smith recalled. “How does she connect, practice her English, and make friends in the short period of two weeks that she is here? She came to our church that weekend after the program and all the teens went to her after the program. It was nice to see that she was able to connect. I’m grateful that we were able to provide for her in that way.”
“I think every church should do a teen challenge week,” Cress said. “It’s going to cost some money. It’s going to take some time. But it’s all worth the work.”
Learn more at https://nhillschurch.org/events/tcw and watch the summary video at https://scc.adventist.org/tcw2024.
By Lauren Lacson
MONDAY
Nothing helps teamwork quite like a ropes course! Today, teens learned to work together and maximize one another’s strengths with opportunities to grow safely in both low and high ropes.
TUESDAY
On Tuesday, students worked together as a team on a special escape room experience. Then, they headed out to the field for some fun with Bubble Soccer games!
WEDNESDAY
There is no better way to show others God’s love than by serving them in areas of great need! Today, teens worked with Foothill Family Shelter and Hope for Housing to make a difference in our community!
THURSDAY
Hiking is an amazing way to remember that God is in ultimate control. Sin has been defeated and death has been overcome. Today, teens took a hike, noticing all sorts of creatures and learning as they had fun together.
FRIDAY
A day out at the beach learning some new skills is a great place to reflect on God and what God has given each of us. Today, teens were encouraged to use their talents for God’s kingdom! They ended the week with a special service around the bonfire.
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Calendar
La Sierra University
STEAM Bridge for incoming freshmen will be offered Sept. 3-13. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Details at www. lasierra.edu/stem-bridge.
LA Opera’s Russell Thomas. The Anna H. Wang Presidential Concert Series and La Sierra University Music will present renowned tenor and Los Angeles Opera Artist-in Residence Russell Thomas with pianist Lucas Nogara, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m., Hole Memorial Auditorium. Tickets $20 - $150, students with ID free. Tickets and info: ahwconcerts.org, music@lasierra.edu, 951-785-2036.
Archaeology Discovery Weekend: Petra (Nov. 1617). The Center for Near Eastern Archaeology will present its annual Archaeology Discovery Weekend featuring “Petra: Ancient World of Wonder.” Illustrated presentations by international scholars, family activities, and a kids’ dig. Info: lasierra.edu/cnea/, archaeology@lasierra.edu, 951-785-2632.
Back to school. La Sierra University’s fall quarter for the 2024-25 school year begins Monday, Sept. 23. For information on college programs and admissions, visit https://admissions.lasierra.edu.
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.
Pacific Union College
Academy Women’s Volleyball Tournament (Oct. 3-5). PUC will host several academies for their women’s volleyball teams to enjoy games starting on Thursday through the championship on Saturday night. Academy students will also get the chance to meet players from other schools and get a glimpse of the PUC experience.
National Association of Teachers of Singing Concert (Oct. 13). The Redwood Empire Chapter of NATS presents their annual All-Stars concert on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. Local and regional competition winners, including some PUC alumni, will join together in an exciting collection of genres, styles, languages, and sounds. Admission, as always, is free. Concert takes place in Paulin Recital Hall on the campus of Pacific Union College. Questions: music@puc.edu or 707-965-6201.
PUC College Days (Nov. 1-3). PUC is looking forward to welcoming academies to their campus for their fall College Days. Academy students will have the
opportunity to experience PUC from attending events and sitting in college classes to having a meal in the PUC cafe. For more information, email visit@puc.edu.
Connect Ministries is a group of Pacific Union College students passionate about Jesus and sharing through music and worship. The bilingual team leads worship services, retreats, youth events, and any programs where they can inspire other young people to become worship leaders. Any school or church interested in having them visit, please email connectmnistries@puc.edu
Add PUC news in your church bulletin and support Adventist education. With many updates to share at Pacific Union College, we designed a printable bulletin insert for churches to use. Just print the PDF double sided and cut in half, then include as a bulletin insert. Download at puc.edu/bulletin.
Subscribe to the 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 now with PUC.
Classified Employment
Full-time church administrator: Discover Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sonora, CA, seeks a people-skilled, task-oriented church administrator. Responsibilities include working with pastors, overseeing communication, facilities, scheduling, and special projects. Full-time with health, PTO, retirement benefits. Must be an SDA member with strong organizational and communication skills.
Wanted: part time housekeeper and home manager for senior single female owner who travels a lot. Live in South Shores Country Club, Henderson Nevada, in guard-gated community, private suite. Take care of house, some cooking, some dog care in exchange for living very well. Perfect for the semiretired person who wants a great lifestyle and a great place to live. Some compensation. Must have a car and pass background checks. Email curtismyrna@verizon. net and tell me about yourself or call Myrna at 310613-9549.
Holbrook Indian School is currently in need of an Assistant Girls' Dean and an Industrial/Vocational Arts Teacher. These are paid positions. In addition, there is an opening for a volunteer married couple with mental health training and experience 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.
Pacific Union College is seeking faculty positions in the area of History. 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 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 707965-6231.
Located in the Napa Valley, Pacific Union College is one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States, with views of mountains, vast forests, sunshine, and temperate summers and winters. The college's mission is to learn with purpose, rise in faith, and serve with love. Employees work in a tight-knit and faithcentered community that supports and encourages one another. If you enjoy working in a collaborative and caring atmosphere, you belong at PUC. We offer generous employee benefits, including tuition subsidies, housing assistance, medical, dental, vision, moving expenses, and retirement contributions.
Evangelism Projects Coordinator needed at Quiet Hour Ministries to assist in developing and implementing and reporting for various mission projects. This is a full-time (32 hours per week) in-office position located in Redlands, CA, with potential for international travel. For more info or to apply, visit: qhministries.org/jobs.
Marketing Director needed at Quiet Hour Ministries to plan and direct successful fundraising and marketing through a variety of methods. This is a full-time (38 hours per week) in-office position located in Redlands, CA, and includes some national and international travel. For more info or to apply, visit: qhministries.org/jobs.
Andrews University seeks candidates for a full-time, tenure-track Ph.D. biochemistry faculty position for our ACS-approved program, starting July 2024. Duties: mentor undergraduate students to excellence in faithreflective professionalism; teach biochemistry and chemistry courses and labs; champion undergraduate research; promote an all-inclusive, equitable learning environment. For more information, email: chemistry@ andrews.edu.
Jesus 101 is looking for a Production Department Assistant to assist with editing, production, and media department needs. This is a full-time (38 hours per week), in-office position located in Riverside, CA.
Position includes generous employee benefits. For more information or to apply, visit: https://www. adventistmediaministries.com/available-positions/.
Retired couple seeking an estate management/ care-taking opportunity. He: 30 years attorney/ commercial real estate trust manager, Navy veteran, and California Highway Patrol. She: 37 years pediatric registered nurse (current licenses in Indiana and California). Oversight of estate and related vendors, plant-based chef, driver, care for homebound person, child, pet, or plants, etc. Looking for longterm situation (greater than 1 year) and separate housing onsite. Compensation based on duties assigned. References available. Bondable. email: williamtsohara@aol.com.
The Miranda Seventh-day Adventist Church is looking for a missionary-minded couple to care for its church. The couple will rent the church trailer home and be responsible for maintaining the church grounds. For more information, please call Mike Michelli at 707-296-5518.
Looking for a single male between the age of 58 and 70 years old to come live and help me on 9.2 acres in Northern Arizona. Must have own RV and know about gardening and country living. Rent is $500 a month, which pays for electricity and water. We have four seasons and hospital nearby. Close to the Grand Canyon. Must be a committed, church-going Seventh-
day Adventist. There are several churches in the area to choose from. References required. Call Lisa at 317459-1060 or email at lisasummerstinsley@gmail.com.
Real Estate
Off-Grid Living. Solar with propane generator and well. Rural but close to SDA churches, hospital, and Pacific Union College. 4B/4B, 4,036 sf, 20 acres. New barn, garden area with raised beds, peaceful view. Great mountain biking and hiking area. Interested, email bhelmer@puc.edu for more information.
SDA country school shopping. K-8, near Cookeville, TN, with Forest School, stream, and cave on 30 acres, music program, friendly church, Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs, jobs, colleges, low taxes. 931-8540259 or 423-240-1832, www.algoodchristian.org
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.
Tennessee country living. Private 3/2, 2330+sf, large master bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet, additional gaming/family room, currently being remodeled. Almost 5 acres, paths through woods, around pond, 2 small streams, 2 outbuildings, 20x20 workshop, on city water, has additional well. Located outside of Dunlap, 56 min. from Southern. Active churches in the area, ptnbear@gmail.com.
Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1519-sq-ft home. Marble fireplace, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and refrigerator. Select furniture included. Convenient location near Walla Walla University. Beautifully landscaped with private backyard and covered patio and deck, security lights, garage, and much more! Please contact 951232-9814 for more information.
Dream 5.69-acre ranch-style home in Northern California foothills. This fully fenced property features a 4-bedroom house with an open floor plan, walkout basement, and wooden overlook deck. Woodstove and central heat. Enjoy an orchard of 35+ mature fruit trees, 34 heavily bearing concord, muscat, and several other varieties of grapevines, and a deerfenced garden. Breathtaking views of Lake Oroville from a serene, circle drive location—ideal for a young family or a lifestyle center. Discover your slice of paradise. Call 231-735-6078.
For Sale
Retiring SDA optometrist in NW CA 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.
Outpatient Physical Therapy and Aquatic Therapy in the foothills above Sacramento, CA. Turn-key practice, in business for over 30 years. Great referral base and solid practice. Lots of potential for growth. Great opportunity for someone wanting to establish a medical mission outpost or wellness center as well. 5400-sq-ft facility. $450,000. Flexible options to the right party. Contact levi2000@sbcglobal.net or leave message at 209-304-7455.
Dental practice for sale in Siskiyou County, CA. Profitable practice, 4 ops, practice refers out ortho, endo, and some oral surgery. Great study club and specialists to refer to. Get out of the city and come to God's country, a 4-season area filled with hiking, mt. biking, skiing, and water sports. If interested, please contact blaster42@hotmail.com.
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.
Explore Armenia and Georgia this September with Dr. Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology at Walla Walla University. Discover enchanting towns, historic churches, and breathtaking views in countries boasting a profound Christian legacy of nearly two millennia. Visit www.adventtours.org or email info@ adventtours.org for more information.
Sunriver, Central Oregon. Four-bedroom vacation home on the North Woodlands golf course. Two master king suites, two queens, one bunk set, hot tub, loft, Jacuzzi bath, gas log fireplace, BBQ, W/D, bikes, all resort amenities, sleeps 10, no smoking, no pets. For rates, photos, and reservations, call: 541-279-9553, or email: schultz@crestviewcable.com.
Angwin home. Five-bedroom, three-bathroom vacation home 2 miles from PUC. Fully furnished, large kitchen, dining room, living room, family room, piano, highspeed internet, vineyard views, WiFi, washer and dryer, BBQ, sleeps 10. Call for rates, photos, and reservations: 415-539-7980 or email nroger1965@gmail.com.
Footsteps of Paul in Greece! Begin your biblical journey in the north where Paul landed and travel south to Athens, visiting countless spots throughout. Cruise to four Greek islands and Ephesus. Info at www. biblicaltouring.com or George Dialectakis,
Bulletin Board
Free App – Discover faith-building, Bible-based and Christ-centered radio programs for all ages. LifeTalk Radio streams all music at LifeTalkMusic.net and awesome kids’ programs at LifeTalkKids.net or listen to talk radio at: LifeTalk.net. Download our APP at: LifeTalk. net.
Are you part of the church and have family members who are LGBTIAQ+? Do you feel alone in this part of life’s journey? Would you like to connect with other people who are navigating this path of loving both God and family? We would love to hear from you and offer peer support and listening ears. Contact us at grace.and.peace789@ gmail.com.
At Rest
Bork, Norma Koester – b. March 6, 1930, Sandusky, OH; d. June 29, 2024, Loma Linda, CA.
Survivors: son, Terry A. Bork; two grandchildren.
Channer, Jacqueline – b. March 28, 1934, Detroit, MI; d. June 30, 2024, Riverside, CA.
Survivors: son, David Channer; daughter, Jeniffer Cruz; 10 grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren.
860-402-2247.
Dayes, Thelma – b. Jan. 29, 1937, Jamaica; d. May 2, 2024, Redlands, CA. Survivors: son, Albert; daughters, Darlene, Michelle; siblings, Joan, Heather, John; two grandchildren.
Etling, Don – b. Nov. 2, 1939, Brady Lake, OH; d. June 20, 2024, Fair Oaks, CA. Survivors: wife, Linda; son, Jonathan; 2 granddaughters. Member of the Orangevale SDA church for over 50 years.
Federson, Claremore Junior – b. May 13, 1930, Arlington, CA; d. Oct. 28, 2023, Chico, CA. Survivors: son, Keith; daughter, Joanne Cochrane; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Claremore was active in the Shafter church for many years, including as choir director and head elder. He had a passion for missions and was a board member of Maranatha Volunteers International, volunteering on 38 Maranatha projects.
Perry, Abraham – b. March 6, 1931, North Dartmouth, MA; d. May 14, 2024, Sonora, CA. Survivors: wife, Hilda; sons, Dan, Ron; daughters, Rhonda Vague, Jayne Young, Kathy Mathews, Patti Thompson; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. A master carpenter who used his talents for his church.
September 2024 Sunset Calendar
City/Location SEPT 6 SEPT 13 SEPT 20 SEPT 27
Alturas (Modoc Cty.) 7:26 7:14 7:02 6:50
Angwin 7:31 7:20 7:08 6:57
Bakersfield 8:14 8:11 8:08 8:03
Calexico 6:59 6:49 6:40 6:31
Chico 7:29 7:18 7:06 6:55
Death Valley (Furnace Ck) 7:07 6:56 6:46 6:35
Eureka 7:39 7:27 7:15 7:04
Four Corners [E] 7:36 7:25 7:15 7:04
Fresno 7:19 7:08 6:57 6:47
Grand Canyon (South Rim) 6:48 6:37 6:27 6:17
Half Dome 7:18 7:08 6:57 6:46
Hilo 6:30 6:23 6:17 6:11
Holbrook (Joseph City) 6:40 6:30 6:20 6:09
Honolulu 6:42 6:35 6:28 6:22
Joshua Tree 7:03 6:53 6:43 6:34
Lake Tahoe 7:21 7:10 6:59 6:47
Las Vegas 7:00 6:49 6:39 6:29
Lodi-Stockton 7:26 7:15 7:04 6:53
Loma Linda 7:07 6:57 6:47 6:37
Los Angeles 7:11 7:01 6:51 6:41
McDermitt [N] 7:14 7:02 6:50 6:38
Moab 7:39 7:28 7:17 7:06
Monterey Bay 7:27 7:16 7:06 6:55
Mt. Whitney 7:06 6:56 6:47 6:37
Napa 7:30 7:19 7:08 6:57
Nogales (Santa Cruz Cty.) 6:39 6:30 6:21 6:12
Oakland 7:29 7:18 7:08 6:57
Paradise, CA 7:28 7:17 7:05 6:54
Phoenix 6:46 6:36 6:26 6:17
Pu‘uwaiau, Ni’ihau [W] 6:33 6:27 6:20 6:14
Reno 7:21 7:09 6:58 6:47
Riverside 7:07 6:57 6:48 6:38
Sacramento 7:27 7:16 7:05 6:53
Salt Lake City 7:50 7:38 7:26 7:15
San Diego 7:05 6:56 6:47 6:37
San Francisco 7:30 7:19 7:08 6:57
San Jose 7:27 7:17 7:06 6:55
Santa Rosa 7:31 7:21 7:09 6:58
Sunset Beach 7:27 7:16 7:06 6:55
Thousand Oaks 7:13 7:03 6:53 6:44
Tucson 6:40 6:31 6:22 6:12 [N]=Northernmost [S]=Southernmost [E]=Easternmost [W]=Westernmost point in the Pacific Union
“So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9
Raae-Nielsen, Leander Manitoba, Canada; d. July 12, 2024, Perris, CA. Survivors: wife, Evelyn; sons, Robert Raae-Nielsen, Cameron Rhea grandchildren.
Wymer, Carleen Chalmers NE; d. July 10, 2024, Calimesa, CA. Survivors: son, Moses Chalmers; sibling, Marcia Chalmers; nieces, Ellen Rood, Linda Chalmers.
Short-Term Medical and Evangelistic Mission Trips
October 2024 Sunset Calendar
Alturas (Modoc Cty.) 6:38 6:26 6:16 6:05 Angwin 6:46 6:36
“So
Individuality, Power to Think and to Do
Jack W. Provonsha
Like a composer who turns a simple tune into a majestic symphony, Jack W. Provonsha transformed a familiar theme in Seventh-day Adventist circles —individuality, power to think and to do—into a powerful philosophical orientation about human personhood and agency that those with other backgrounds and points of view can evaluate from their own standpoints. His views were particular in their origin, but universal in their destination and public in their desired evaluation.
A City of Two Tales
Warren Trenchard
World Disrupted, World Revealed
Melissa
J. Brotton, editor
These essays were presented at the Adventist Society for Religious Studies (ASRS) conference held November 18-20, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. With few exceptions, the conference papers have been revised and edited for a broad audience though they retain their original content for the most part. Our hope in publishing this volume is that it will raise concern and promote conversation about our care of God’s world.
Warren Trenchard, professor emeritus at La Sierra University, has written this series of essays on Ellen White, one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and widely acknowledged to have been its principal spiritual and strategic guide, especially through her prolific writings.
The Struggle for the Prophetic Heritage
Gilbert Valentine
In this book Dr. Valentine—a recently retired professor at La Sierra University and author of several books, including Ostriches and Canaries—relates the intriguing story of the conflict and maturing theological awareness that led gradually to the development of new structural arrangements for the White Estate, ensuring that the writings of Ellen White continued to be a blessing to the church.
Remembering Mathilde Frey, editor
The divine gift of the seventhday Sabbath offers hope and remedy for the needs of our world. In response to the despair of climate change and the tragedy of unjust economics, Sabbath as a shared day of rest embraces care for the earth, rest for the land, reprieve for the destitute, and a stop to ruthless acquisition. Remembering and sharing the story of the Sabbath in a fresh way holds transformative power.
