Pacific Union Recorder April 2018 - Part 2 - Pgs 72 - 124

A D V E N T I S T E D U C AT I O N

EXCELLENCE FOR ETERNITY

With 235 educators, 2529 students, 36 schools, and five early childhood centers in the Northern California Conference, we are proud to be part of a worldwide Adventist educational system that demonstrates academic excellence in teaching and learning, preparing students for Christian service in this world and for heaven.

SCHOOLS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Adventist Christian Elementary School of Red Bluff

Humboldt Bay Christian School

Redwood Adventist Academy

Adventist Christian School of Willits

Lodi Academy

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy

Lodi SDA Elementary School

Sacramento Adventist Academy

Adventist Christian School of Yuba City

Magalia Adventist School

Tracy SDA Christian Elementary School

Manteca Adventist School

Ukiah Junior Academy

Middletown Seventh-day Adventist School

Vacaville Adventist Christian School

Crescent City Seventh-day Adventist School

Napa Christian Campus of Education

Yreka Adventist Christian School

Echo Ridge Christian School

Pacific Union College Elementary School

Bayside SDA Christian School Chico Oaks Adventist School Clearlake SDA Christian School

El Dorado Adventist School

Orangevale SDA School

Westlake SDA School

Early Childhood Education Centers

Feather River Adventist School

Pacific Union College Preparatory School

Foothills Christian Preschool

Foothills Adventist Elementary School

Paradise Adventist Academy

Hilltop Christian Preschool

Fortuna Junior Academy

Pine Hills Adventist Academy

Kingdom Kids Christian Preschool

Galt Adventist Christian School

Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy

Discoveryland Preschool

Hilltop Christian School

Redding Adventist Academy

Sacramento Adventist Academy ECEC

A JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE

(925) 685-4300 I www.ncceducation.org

Northern California Conference

El Dorado Adventist School El Dorado Adventist School ‌ a place where students meet Jesus. We believe that we are one of the richest schools in the world because we love Jesus, we love children, we love learning, and we love helping others.

Parents appreciate our Christian atmosphere and education. Not only do our students grow academically, 90 percent of them go on to college.

And due to our location, we have enriched experiential learning opportunities, such as agricultural programs, Mt. Lassen science trip, Fresno mission trip, history trips, and music trips.

1900 Broadway, Placerville, CA 95667 530-622-3560 eldoradoadventistschool.com

H e l p i n g e v e r y s t u d e n t d i s c o v e r G o d ’s i d e a l

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Napa Christian Campus of Education “Our children have changed. It has become necessary to change our teaching method and school environment in order to meet them where they are.”

J U S T I N E L E O N I E , P R I N C I PA L

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerers through Him who loved us.”

ROMANS 8:37

O

ur curriculum is dynamic and diversified, offering humanities, mathematics, science, language, and the arts. Mastery of the traditional academic disciplines is interwoven with artistic and practical activities to provide a dynamic and engaging educational experience for every student.

Central to our educational program is a recognition of and a respect for the child’s unfolding God-given individuality.

Our education values difference, and strives to support children in such a way that each child’s unique gifts are utilized and challenges are faced.

As a small private school, we see each of our kids as a part of our own family. We know their names, their faces, and their individual needs. That means, no child falls through the cracks.

Come for a tour and consider joining us!

We’ll be so pleased to have you at our table.

Adventist Education

R E AC H I N G B E YO N D T H E C L A S S R O O M

www.napachristian.com 707-255-5233

Growing the Whole Person Embracing a tradition of building relationships.

Engaging mind and body. Seeking to serve God and humankind. www.pucprep.org 74

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Northern California Conference

Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy

Paradise Kindergarten AdventistthruAcademy High School Our Mission:

“Develop well-educated citizens who do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”

Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy, a fully WASC accredited school, is located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, serving preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students since 1952. Our dedicated school family comes from all parts of the Bay Area, including Contra Costa, Solano, Alameda, and Napa counties.

The combination of the surrounding city and an 18-acre, peaceful campus makes our school ideal for all levels of education.

We are a school that offers a quality, Christ-centered education, preparing students not only for college but for eternity. We promote service to others, Christian values, and participation and involvement in and out of the classroom.

Our mission: We desire the students at PHAA to connect with God through an interactive learning process as modeled

by Christ who inspires, transforms, and serves.

530-877-6540

5699 Academy Drive P.O. Box 2169 • Paradise • CA 95967

www.mypaa.net

Quality of the academic program Our academic program is focused on college readiness, and our seniors consistently test above the 90th percentile on national tests. All high school classes meet the A-G requirements for the University of California and California State University systems, with PHAA graduates attending Stanford, UC Berkeley, Pacific Union College, La Sierra University, and numerous other in and out-of-state colleges and universities.

Preschool-12 Christian Education 796 Grayson Road • Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 • (925) 934-9261 office@myphaa.com • www.myphaa.com www.facebook.com/PleasantHillAdventistAcademy

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Northern California Conference

A PINE HILLS ACADEMY GRADUATE WILL BE PREPARED FOR FOUR CS

LIFE WITH

Christ

College

LIFE IN A

Career

Community

Pine Hills Adventist Academy is a K-12 school located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills, easy access from Highway 80, but secluded and private—surrounded by oak and pine trees. Our students have several acres of playground where they can just be kids!

We believe the basis of all true education is to know and experience God on a daily basis. We have a full-time chaplain who directs our spiritual life on campus. In addition, we have five constituent churches that give pastoral support.

Our school is staffed with excellent teachers who provide a rigorous academic program in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. We offer excellent opportunities for students to explore their potential.

Pine Hills is large enough to provide drama, sports, music, art, and other academic enhancements, yet small enough to allow students leading roles in these activities.

Please contact us: 13500 Richards Lane Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 885-9447 office@phaschool.org www.phaaonline.com

Thank you

for your cards, notes of encouragement, posts, caring, school supplies, donations, prayers, love, and support.

Even though we lost our school campus in the Northern California fires of October 2017‌ we will rebuild.

F O R

U P D AT E S

A N D

I N F O R M AT I O N

707-545-1697 WeLoveRedwood.com www.facebook.com/redwoodadventistacademy

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“As hard as it was to leave my son and drive 5 hours home, I knew he was where he needs to be. The faculty and staff are all amazing and I know they have the best interests of my son in their hearts. God’s love shines through them all and His presence is felt all over the campus.”

Shelby Neal, Parent

Class Electives: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Woodshop Graphic Design Handbells Ceramics Video Production Photoshop Choir Orchestra Auto Body Metals Creative Art Outdoor Education Fitness for Life

Advanced Classes: • • • • •

Honors English Honors US History Statistics Calculus Anatomy & Physiology

Now accepting applications for 2018-2019.

9-12th Grades | Boarding/Day Academy

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy is unique. Our co-ed boarding academy offers a commitment to excellence in its quiet, safe and picturesque location.

Rio’s greatest asset is the school family that you join when you attend. Our culturally diverse student body creates an opportunity to interact globally while fostering a close-knit community together with caring and committed staff.

Over 95% of our graduates pursue higher education after graduating and are not only prepared academically for college, but have acquired the independence and problem solving skills to function as responsible adults.

At Rio, our highest goal is to introduce students to God and empower them to develop a relationship with Jesus. Our mission is to maximize every student’s potential; to make student thinkers and not mere reflectors of others.

We commit to reflect Christ, cultivate the relevancy and excitement of learning and impact the world through service.

3200 Rio Lindo Ave. Healdsburg, CA 95448 (707) 431-5100

Find out more by visiting our campus or calling today for more information. www.RioLindo.org

“As hard as it was to leave my son and drive home, I knew he was where he needs to be. The faculty and staff are all amazing and I know they have the best interests of my son in their hearts. God’s love shines through them all and His presence is felt all over the campus.” -Shelby Neal, Parent

RioLindo.org

Northern California Conference & Nevada-Utah Conference

Sacramento Adventist Academy is a Preschool-12th grade school located on 37 acres of parklike beauty. We offer an environment rich with opportunities for students to grow in their relationships with Christ, to build positive relationships with one another,

and to serve their communities.

For more information please visit our website at www.sacaa.org or contact us by calling 916-481-2300 or emailing us at info@sacaa.org

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Southern California Conference

GLENDALE ADVENTIST ACADEMY

Academics • AP, Honors Music • Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Chorale Art • Drawing, Painting, Ceramics Drama • Small and Large Productions Sports • Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football

A TK-12 Christian College Preparatory School Creating a refuge for students where God’s love and grace are experienced on a daily basis and where students are mentored to Christ. In this atmosphere of support, students are empowered to achieve.

Elementary 818-246-4867 www.glendaleacademy.org Academy 818-244-8671

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Southern California Conference & Sunset Calendar

Sunset Calendar SPECIAL AC ADEMY EDITION April 2018

Hebrews 4:9

Armona Bakersfield Calexico Central Valley (Modesto, CA) El Dorado (Placerville, CA) Escondido Fresno Glendale Hawaii Mission (Honolulu) Holbrook Indian School La Sierra (Riverside, CA) Lodi Loma Linda Los Angeles Mesa Grande (Calimesa, CA) Monterey Bay (Watsonville, CA) Mountain View Napa Christian Campus Newbury Park Orangewood (Garden Grove) PUC Prep (Angwin, CA) Paradise Pine Hills (Auburn, CA) Pleasant Hill Redlands Redwood (Santa Rosa, CA) Rio Lindo Sacramento San Diego San Fernando San Gabriel Thunderbird (Scottsdale, AZ)

7:25 7:31 7:37 7:43 7:49 7:55 7:06 7:11 7:16 7:32 7:38 7:44 7:32 7:38 7:45 7:12 7:17 7:23 7:26 7:32 7:38 7:18 7:23 7:29 6:48 6:50 6:52 6:46 6:52 6:57 7:14 7:20 7:25 7:33 7:40 7:46 7:14 7:19 7:24 7:18 7:23 7:28 7:13 7:18 7:24 7:34 7:40 7:47 7:36 7:42 7:48 7:37 7:44 7:50 7:20 7:26 7:31 7:16 7:21 7:27 7:38 7:45 7:51 7:36 7:43 7:50 7:33 7:40 7:46 7:36 7:43 7:49 7:13 7:19 7:24 7:39 7:46 7:53 7:34 7:41 7:48 7:34 7:41 7:48 7:12 7:17 7:22 7:19 7:24 7:29 7:17 7:22 7:28 6:52 6:57 7:03

7:43 8:01 7:21 7:51 7:52 7:28 7:44 7:34 6:55 7:03 7:30 7:53 7:30 7:34 7:29 7:53 7:55 7:57 7:37 7:32 7:58 7:57 7:53 7:56 7:30 7:59 7:54 7:54 7:27 7:35 7:33 7:08

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“So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”

Academy/Location 4/6 4/13 4/20 4/27

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Community & Marketplace

CALENDAR La Sierra University

La Sierra University Homecoming 2018, “Portraits of Change” will be held April 20-22.

The Recognition Banquet on Fri., April 20 will feature Honored Alumni and Rising Stars, with the Alumnus of the Year presented to Walter S. Hamerslough, Class of 1958. For registration and information visit https:// lasierra.edu/homecoming/ homecoming-2018/.

La Sierra University’s 60th Annual Concerto Concert will be held Sun., April 22 at 7 p.m., at the La Sierra University Church, 4937 Sierra Vista Ave., Riverside.

General admission, $15. For further information call 951-7852036 or email music@lasierra. edu.

Brandstater Gallery will present the exhibit “Nemesis”

featuring works by senior Bachelor of Fine Arts student Randy Lauw, April 2-12. Artist’s reception, April 8, 6-8 p.m.

Gallery hours, Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Located at the Visual Arts Center, Middle Campus Drive. For further information call 951-785-2170.

Registration for summer sessions at La Sierra University begins Mon., April 16, running through the beginning of summer session classes on June 18. For further information call 951-785-2006 or email registrar@lasierra. edu.

Nevada-Utah

Lake Tahoe Camp Meeting (July 30–Aug. 4) Tahoe Valley Campground, 1175 Melba Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Info: Darlene Spratt, 775-786-5725, or Virginia Rose, 916-967-5932. Event website: tahoecampmeeting.com.

Welcome Home to...

Silverado Orchards

Retirement Community Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons • Three Nutritious Meals Every Day • Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar • Vegetarian or Clean Meat Options • Activities & Excursions • Housekeeping • Transportation • Health & Wellness Program • Hope Channel, LLBN and 3ABN • Beauty Salon • Guest Rooms • And Much More...

“We’re all about Family!”

Family Owned Since 1978

(707) 963-3688

www.SilveradoOrchards.com

601 Pope Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

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Reno Young Adult Vespers (Bi-monthly). Join us for fellowship, music, and Bible study, ages 16+. Riverview Church “Stonehouse,” 7125 W 4th St., Reno, NV 89523. Info: Becca Singleton, 775-7203687.

Sparks Church 40th Anniversary Celebration & Mortgage Burning Service (April 27–28). Guests: Elder Dan Jackson, NAD president; Dr. Mario Ceballos, GC Chaplaincy Ministries director; Union, Conference, former pastors, charter members, and civic officials. 2990 N Rock Blvd. Sparks, NV 89431, Info: Pastor O. Palmer, 775331-4332, Website: www. sparkssdachurch.com.

Northern California

VBX Training (April 7) 3-6 p.m. Orangevale church, 5810 Pecan Avenue, Orangevale.

Training for the Vacation Bible Experience program “Sea of Miracles,” including décor, crafts, and snacks. You’ll have the chance to win door prizes, including VBX kits. Info: www. nccsda.com/VBXTraining, or NCC Children’s Ministries Department, 925-603-5082.

Pathfinder Bike-athon (April 8) Metro Air Park, Sacramento.

Info: NCC Youth Department, 925-603-5080.

Caravana de Evangelismo (April 11-14) Various Spanish churches. Info: NCC Hispanic Ministries Department, 925603-5092.

Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy Family, Friends, and Alumni Weekend (April 13-15) PHAA, 796 Grayson Road, Pleasant Hill. Honored classes: ‘03, ‘08, ‘13 with attendee recognition from the ‘40s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Info: office@myphaa.com or 925-934-9261.

Church Treasurer Training (April 15) 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

NCC Office, 401 Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Bring your laptop computer. Lunch provided. RSVP. Info: NCC Treasurer’s Office, 888-4344622, ext. 209.

NCC Adventist Community Services Retreat (April 2225) Leoni Meadows. Theme “Elder Care.” Info: NCC ACS Department, 925-603-5072.

Elders Training (April 29) 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Fairfield Community church, 1101 East Tabor Avenue, Fairfield. “The Elder as a Spiritual Leader.”

Speaker: Dr. Del Dunavant.

Bring your Bible, notepad, pen. Lunch provided for those who register by calling the NCC Church Growth Department 925-603-5089 or emailing EldersTraining@ nccsda.com. Info: www. nccsda.com/EldersTraining.

Pathfinder Fair (May 6) Napa Christian Campus of Education, 2201 Pine St, Napa.

Info: NCC Youth Department, 925-603-5080.

Fortuna Church 60th Anniversary Celebration (May 19). All former/current members and pastors invited!

Bring your favorite memories and stories. Worship service at 11:15 a.m. followed by a luncheon. Spread the word to family and friends. Watch for details at www.fortunaca. adventistchurch.org, click “Coming Events.” Info: Fortuna church office, 707-725-6164, fsdaoffice@suddenlinkmail. com.

Instituto Laico Adventista de California (ILAC) (May 27) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pacific Union College. Training for Spanishspeaking laypeople. “Christian Persuasion.” Speaker: Ezequiel Osorio, pastor San Anselmo Spanish/Santa Rosa Spanish district. This class is the last of the current cycle. Info: NCC Hispanic Ministries Department, 925-603-5092.

Community & Marketplace

Pacific Union College

Spring Quarter Begins (April 2). Students begin new academic term. Info: www.puc. edu/admissions.

College Days (April 8-10).

Prospective students are invited to experience life at PUC. Come enjoy springtime in the Napa Valley. Registration required. Info: 707-965-6336 or www.puc.edu/admissions.

Homecoming Weekend (April 20-22). PUC alumni are invited to a special weekend beginning with the inauguration of the 23rd Pacific Union College President on April 20. Honored classes: ‘40s, ‘58, ‘68, ‘78, ‘88, ‘93, ‘98, and ‘08. Info: 707-965-7500, www.puc.edu/alumni.

PacificQuest 2018: Do you know a junior high student who loves to learn? Pacific Union College’s week-long summer camp for top students is a great way to have fun and earn college credit! This year, students will be introduced to the world of anatomy. Learn more about this year’s camp, running June 24-29, at puc. edu/pacificquest. Application deadline is Friday, May 18.

College Early: Summer in Residence (June 24-July 20).

High school juniors and seniors are invited to experience PUC’s rigorous academic environment while earning college credit in popular general education courses. Info: academicadministration@puc. edu or 707-965-7103.

Southeastern California

Adventist WestPoint: Sowing for the Kingdom (April 1-4) Long Beach Renaissance Hotel, 111 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Adventist WestPoint is the premier ministry training event for pastors and local leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastors, departmental leaders and

administrators, students, and all church members are invited.

Info and registration: www. adventistwestpoint.org.

Hispanic Ministries Women’s Retreat (April 6-8), Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center. Info and registration: Magbis Leonora, 951-509-2333.

RAA Free Children’s Event (April 8) 10-11 a.m., Redlands Adventist Academy, 130 Tennessee St., Redlands. This free event is geared towards children ages 4-6. Participate in crafts, enjoy story time, and experience a little of what TK and kindergarten are like at RAA. Info: Chaltu Sandiford, 909-793-100 ext. 155, csandiford@redlandsacademy. org.

40 Days of Life-Changing Family Worship (April 8-14) Mt. Rubidoux church, 5320 Victoria Ave., Riverside. What percentage of your families have family worship? This Net Family Week of Prayer will encourage, challenge, and help families develop a rhythm of family worship. Info: Manny Vitug, 951-509-2269. Streaming live at www.seccyouth.com/ wop.

Hispanic Ministries Men’s Retreat (April 20-22), Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center.

Info and registration: Magbis Leonora, 951-509-2333.

La Sierra Academy Alumni Weekend (April 27-28) La Sierra Academy, 4900 Golden Ave., Riverside. Honor classes 3s and 8s. There will be a welcome reception on Friday. Sabbath will have a homecoming service, potluck, campus tours, reunion meetings, and a varsity basketball game. Info: alumni office, 951-351-1445 ext. 244.

Hispanic Sabbath School Workshop (April 28, 3-7 p.m.; April 29, 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m.) San

Bernardino Spanish church, 918 N. Mountain View Ave., San Bernardino. Receive your Spanish Sabbath school certification on “How to Engage Kids in Sabbath School.” Fee: $15. Info: Liz Adams, 951-5092260.

Bible Quiz-A-Rama (April 28) 4:30-7:30 p.m., Mt. Rubidoux church, 5320 Victoria Ave., Riverside. This event is a fullscale production Bible quiz designed to stimulate the minds of the youth and young adults of the church. Teams can have up to 10 members ages 25 and younger. Info and registration: www.seccyouth. com.

Loma Linda University Church Prayer Conference (May 3-5) May 3 and 4, 7 p.m.; May 5, 11:45 a.m.; Sabbath school, 10:30 a.m.; afternoon 4:30 p.m. Loma Linda University church, 11125 Campus St., Loma Linda. This year’s prayer conference is titled, “Father, Hear Your Children” with speaker Derek Morris. Info: 909558-4570, www.lluc.org.

SECC Retirees Retreat 2018 (May 14-16) Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center. Speakers include Roger Seheult, Elden Ramirez, and Peter Seheult covering topics such as the sanctuary, the power of prayer, and sleep apnea and insomnia.

Application deadline is May 1. Info and registration: www. seccretiree.adventistfaith.org.

Southern California

16-Day Health Challenge (April 2-May 24), Mondays & Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Delicious, plant-based meals provided. “The McDougall Program” textbook and workbook provided. $199/ person. South Bay church, 401 S. Prospect Ave., Redondo Beach 90277. Info: 310-2143123, www.southbaychurch. net.

Bite Size Talks (April 8). Where faith and food meet. Save the date! Temple City church, 9664 Broadway, Temple City 91780.

Info: www.bitesizetalks.com.

Second Saturday Series Concert (April 14) 5 p.m.

Featuring the Delirium Musicum Chamber Orchestra.

Admission is by free-will offering, a reception follows.

This exceptional group of 10 musicians will be a highlight of this year’s series. Glendale City church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale 91206. Info: 818-2447241.

Jaime Jorge Benefit Concert for San Gabriel Academy (April 28) This is a benefit concert fundraiser for SGA Elementary division to upgrade the playground. 6 p.m. White Memorial church, 401 N State St., Los Angeles.

Info: 626-286-6170, dpowell@ sangabrielacademy.org.

Homeless Outreach (April 22) 3 p.m. Los Angeles Skid Row. Info: 818-549-4147.

CYC Youth Week Revival (April 28-May 5). Presenters: SCC young adults. Begins at 11 a.m. on April 28 and ends at 8 p.m. on May 5. Berean church, 4211 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles 90018. Info: 818-5494147.

NHS Worthy Student Fund Concert (May 4) 7 p.m.

Glendale Adventist Academy, 700 Kimlin Dr., Glendale 91206.

Concert will take place in the auditorium. Info: 818-2448671.

GAA Alumni Reunion (May 5) 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Lunch provided 12-2 p.m. All classes welcome.

Honor classes: 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988, 1993, 1998, and 2008. Glendale Adventist Academy, 700 Kimlin Dr., Glendale 91206. Event will be in the auditorium. Info: 818244-8671.

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Community & Marketplace ONE House Gathering (May 5).Save the date! Details, time, and location TBA. Info: www. onehousesocal.com, 818546-8437 or on Facebook @ onehousesocal.

May Festival (May 6) 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Come for a day of games, food, prizes, and fun! Glendale Adventist Academy, 700 Kimlin Dr., Glendale 91206. Info: 818244-8671.

Second Saturday Series Concert (May 12) 5 p.m. Featuring Emily Iliev, organ. Admission is by freewill offering, a reception follows.

Glendale City church, 610 E. California Ave., Glendale 91206.

Info: 818-244-7241.

Can U Hear Me Now Youth Conference (May 25-28). Camp Cedar Falls, 39850 CA-38, Angelus Oaks 92305. Registration: canuhearmenowconference. org, 818-549-4147.

CLASSIFIED At Your Service

Relocating? Apex Moving & Storage has a National Account Contract with the GC for your moving needs. Take advantage of a volume-rated discount. Be assured you are moving with one of the best!

Call Marcy at 800-766-1902.

Visit us at www.apexmoving. com/adventist.

California Adventist Federal Credit Union, your “One Stop Finance Shop.” Serving our Adventist Community for over 65 years with financial products and services, along with wealth-building education.

Please visit our website at www.SdacreditUnion.com for updates on all that CAFCU has to offer. Call our office to speak to our friendly staff or manager for additional information: 818246-7241.

The Clergy Move Center™ at Stevens Worldwide Van Lines is The Way to Move from state to state. Through our national contract with the General Conference, we extend our moving services to all Adventist families. Contact our dedicated Move Counselors for a no-cost/ no-obligation estimate at 800248-8313. Learn more at www. stevensworldwide.com/sda.

WEB DESIGN! Skyrocket your business with an exceptional modern website. Our Oregon Adventist agency specializes in giving you instant credibility using our strong internet marketing background and conversion-friendly design skills. View our work at DiscoverPeppermint.com.

Serving clients worldwide. Call Kama: 541-903-1180.

Bulletin Board

Adventist Books: Looking for NEW Adventist titles to encourage and grow your daily walk? Visit us at www.

TEACHServices.com. For USED Adventist books visit www.

LNFBooks.com. AUTHORS: If you’re interested in having your book published, call 800-3671844 for a free evaluation.

Adventist Holistic Practitioner. Looking to buy a few acres in the county of Santa Barbara or Central California by owner at a reasonable price or lease/rent a space for a new mobile home and an organic garden to establish a lifestyle center. Call Irene 805-206-1603 or email edenrejuvcenter@ comcast.net.

Canvasback Missions needs three vehicles to transport volunteers and supplies as well as pull a food trailer delivering healthy produce and meals on the island of Majuro. Your tax-deductible donation of a running or non-running vehicle can help us share the love of God through health and healing. 800-793-7245, info@ canvasback.org.

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Employment

Adventist University of Health Sciences in Orlando, Fla., seeks candidates for a Department Chair, beginning summer of 2018. Applicant must possess an academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, or equivalent). Candidates need leadership, teaching and research experience in higher education with six years full-time higher education experience, three years in a physical therapy program, and eligibility for licensure as a physical therapist in Florida.

Send CV to don.williams@adu. edu.

Nurse Anesthesia Faculty: Adventist University of Health Sciences seeks Faculty for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Program, to be responsible for classroom, simulation, and clinical instruction of students.

Qualified candidates must be CRNAs with an appropriate Doctoral degree and have three years of recent clinical practice as a CRNA with current NBCRNA Recertification and eligibility to obtain Florida ARNP licensure.

The ideal candidate would also have experience in nurse anesthesia education. Send resumes to alescia.devasher@ adu.edu.

OB-GYN, Pediatrician, Psychiatrist, and Psychologist needed for Adventist owned/ operated Rural Health Clinic on the campus of Weimar Institute at Weimar, Calif. Competitive pay. Call Dr. Randall Steffens at: 615-604-0142.

Pacific Press Publishing in Nampa, Idaho, is seeking an Associate Editor to join our Product Development team.

Successful candidates will be creative, detail-oriented, and self-directed, with the ability to work independently and exercise excellent judgment.

Educational requirements are a graduate degree in Religion or Theology. Course work in

Community & Marketplace Communication, English, or Journalism preferred. To submit an application or for more information, contact Michelle Sinigaglio, Human Resources Director at 208-465-2568 or michelle.sinigaglio@pacificpress. com.

Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist, PhD needed for Rural Health Clinic on the campus of Weimar Institute at Weimar, California. Competitive pay and benefits. Call Dr. Randall Steffens at: 615-604-0142.

Southern Adventist University seeks professor for History/ Political Studies teaching American History, developing courses/advising students.

Must be able to teach Atlantic history, African history/AfricanAmerican /Latin American pop culture. PhD in History preferred.

Two openings for this position (one part-time and one full-time professor). When applying, please indicate preference.

Send cover letter, CV, statement of teaching philosophy, and references to Dr. Mark Peach, peach@southern.edu, and Dr. Robert Young, ryoung@ southern.edu, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315. www. southern.edu/jobs.

Southern Adventist University seeks full-time faculty for Fall 2018. Prefer a biology PhD who will teach upper/lower division courses and coordinate all Anatomy and Physiology courses/labs in the department. Desire Adventist biologist holding a short-term interpretation of creation and committed to involvement with undergraduate students in the classroom as well as guiding independent student research projects. Send CV, statement of teaching philosophy, and 3 references to Keith Snyder, kasnyder@southern.edu, Biology Search Committee Chair, PO Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315. www.southern.edu/ jobs.

The Education and Psychology Department at Southwestern Adventist University invites applications for a full-time faculty position.

Preferred candidates will hold a doctorate in Educational Psychology or Secondary Education and have university teaching experience. Master’s degree considered. Must have or be able to obtain a Texas teaching credential. Send CV and cover letter to Dr. Donna Berkner (dberkner@swau.edu).

Southwestern Adventist University’s Nursing Department seeks a full-time nurse educator. Doctorate desired; MSN considered.

Experience in medical/surgical or critical care nursing required.

Must enjoy working with young people who are excited about service. Must have, or be able to obtain, an unencumbered Texas nursing license. Send CV and cover letter to Dr. Amy Rosenthal, arosenthal@swau. edu.

Union College seeks an Adventist OTA Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. This faculty position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining students’ fieldwork education, and includes teaching responsibilities. An OTA degree with a minimum of three years of clinical experience required.

Send CV and references to Cami Hollins, cami.hollins@ucollege. edu. Further information, www. ucollege.edu/faculty-openings.

For Sale

Health Ministry Coordinators and Personal Ministry Directors – Beautiful, inexpensive witnessing supplies: magazines, brochures, tracts, and books. Free catalog and sample. Call 800-7772848 or visit us at www. familyheritagebooks.com.

Missing Members

Valley Crossroads Church, ATTN: Church Clerk, Valley

Crossroads Church Secretary, vccsecty@yahoo.com; 11350 Glenoaks Blvd., Pacoima, Calif.

Garcia, Carlos; Garcia, Dulce; Garcia, Frank; Garcia, Michael; Garrett, Sr., Mitchell; Garrett, Simone; Gill, Michael; Grant, Grace; Green, Nathan; Gustin, Kelsea; Gustin, LueRay; Hansen, Jason; Hollis, Eric; Hopson, Marcus; Howard, Kristen; Jagan, Joel; Jiminez, Alyssa; Johnson, Audra; Johnson, Donald; Jones, James Henry; Jones, Micah; Jones, Nelson; Joyner, Wanda; Kaia, Yvonne; Kibble, Rachel; King, Rose Lee; Kinlock, Elaine; Lefleur, Patricia; Lincoln, April; Lindsay, Gloria; Lopez, Jazmine; Marabel, Eleanor; Martinez, Bernardino; Martinez, Bernice; McCloud, Harold; McDaniels, Christopher; McDaniels, Todd; McDonald, Edwin; McGlory, Joseph; McKeever, Michael; McDowell, Nina; McDuffieWilliams, Yvonne; Mejia, Maria; Mendinghall, Ezra; Meza, Gloria; Michell, Nicole; Miles, Lucinda; Miles, Rodney; Miliner, David; Minor, Deborah; Minor, Ingrid; Minor, Tanisha; Mitchell, Ashley;

Monroe, Michelle; Monroe, Troy; Moore, Steven; Moore, Treana; Muchamp, Leslie; Muchamp, Patricia; Muchamp, Peggy; Munoz, Anthony; Nava, Rudy; Nelson, Sylvia; Nelson, Wayman; Nembhard, Guy.

Real Estate

80 serene acres near La Sierra University. Peaceful country living, yet quick deeded access to Cajalco Expressway. City water, two wells, electricity, phone landline, strong cell phone reception, and excellent solar potential. Older mobile and storage on foundation.

Owner of 40 years used as main home and tree nursery.

Can be split and rezoned.

Invest in your safeguard for the future. $2,500,000. Please call Martin: 623-759-1738 or email: stronik@aol.com.

Land in the country where you can grow a garden and build a home. Two very usable acres in the beautiful country near Kamiah, Idaho. Friendly church and a homeschool-friendly A P R I L 2018

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Community & Marketplace area. This parcel and others available starting at $19,500.

Call Victor 541-450-5918, vicarrow49@yahoo.com.

thunderbirdacademy.org, visit www.thunderbirdacademy. org/alumni, or call 480-9483300.

Out of the Cities secluded 20 acres west of Redding, Calif., modest 2 bdrm 1 bath home w/ laundry room, 2 outbuildings, established fenced garden, ideal second building spot affords 2 family dwelling or rental opportunity. 5 SDA churches & 2 schools within 1 hr. $180,000. Call, 530-3962389.

Central Valley Christian Academy invites all former MUA/MAA/CVCA students and staff to Alumni Homecoming (April 14).

Honor classes are ‘43, ‘48, ‘58, ‘68, ‘78, ‘88, ‘93, ’98, and ‘08.

Registration 9 a.m., Sabbath school 10 a.m., Worship 11 a.m.; Sun., all day golf tournament at Creekside Golf Course. To register call CVA, 209-538-0706.

Plan Your Getaway! Small custom cottage nestled in pine grove in peaceful rural setting.

Mountain views. Southern Klamath County, Oregon. 39 acres of open, gently rolling land. Off grid, wired for generator. Power close by.

New, stick frame construction. $194,900. Phone: 541-783-3788.

Private Country Home. Bird tweet quiet with expansive mountain, lake views in Kettle Falls, Wash. Well maintained, 2,785 sq. ft. home, spacious rooms, 2-BDRM, 3-BATH, food storage, 20 acres, extensive fenced organic garden, orchard, 900 sq. ft. furnished cabin, and more. $425,000. www. westergardrealestate.com, MLS No. 33802. Call 509-675-4447.

Sale by Owner: Large brick 4-bedroom Collegedale, Tenn., home with mountain views.

SECLUDED, private-gate; 6000+ sq. ft.; rental apartment w/ outside entrance. Surrounded

by SAU wooded property. 5 1/2-baths; 18’ vaulted ceiling/ sunken living room; 2 BIG rock fireplaces; Large recreation room. (Was listed: $545,000); QUICK SALE: $395,000. 423400-6369.

Reunions

Arizona Academy/ Thunderbird Adventist Academy Alumni Weekend (April 6-8). Honor classes ‘48, ‘58, ‘68, ‘78, ‘88, ‘93, ‘98, and ‘08. Info: tallison@

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PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R

Fresno Academy Homecoming (April 27-28).

Friday, golf tournament.

Sabbath, Registration 9:30 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., Ricchiuti Auditorium. Honor classes: ‘58, ‘68, ‘78, ‘88, ‘93, ‘98, and ‘08.

Speaker, Phil Vecchiarelli, class of ‘98. Potluck following; bring your favorite dish. Saturday, 8:30 p.m., alumni basketball game. More info: www.faa.org; 559-251-5548.

Lodi Academy Alumni Weekend (April 13-15).

Honored Classes: ‘03 and ’08.

Friday, 6-8:30 p.m., Special vespers in Loewen Chapel, followed by hospitality activities. Golf tournament.

Info: visit website lodiacademy. net, Lodi Academy Facebook or 209-368-2781.

Rogue Valley Adventist Academy Alumni Weekend (April 27-28). We invite any students who attended and/ or graduated from Rogue River Academy, Rogue River Jr. Academy, and Rogue Valley Adventist School to our beautiful campus at 3675 S. Stage Road, Medford, Ore. for a Friday evening vespers, Sabbath service, potluck lunch, and Sabbath evening vespers, followed by an alumni basketball game. Contact the school at 541-773-2988 or email us at cward@rvas.org.

Vacations

Israel Tour with Pastor Jim Gilley, 3ABN’s Pastor C.A. Murray, and friends. Two trips this fall (Nov. 11–19) $3,095 and (Nov. 18-27) $3,395. Includes all tips, taxes, air, and breakfast and dinner buffets daily. From New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles; other departure cities available. Call Jennifer, 602-7888864.

Maui Vacation Condo in Kihei.

Relaxing & affordable. Only a 3-minute walk to the beach!

1-bdrm w/king bed. Clean, comfortable, well-maintained.

Sleeps 4. Fully-furnished kitchen, washer/dryer & more!

FREE parking, Wi-Fi, & calls to U.S./Canada. Friendly Kihei SDA church nearby. Visit us at: <http://www.vrbo.com/62799> Email: mauivista1125@gmail. com or call Mark 909-800-9841.

Sunriver, Central Oregon.

Four-bedroom vacation home on the North Woodlands golf course. Two master king suites, two queens, one bunk set, hot tub, loft, Jacuzzi bath, gas log fireplace, BBQ, W/D, bikes, all resort amenities, sleeps 10, no smoking, no pets. For rates, photos, and reservations call 541-279-9553, or email schultz@crestviewcable.com.

Degeraty, Willfred Lee – b.

Dec. 24, 1938, Englewood, Colo.; d. July 2, 2017, Prescott, Ariz. Survivors: wife, Diane; son, Michael; daughters, Michelle Ritzer, Rhonda Morgan; four grandchildren; one greatgrandchild.

Dice, Annelies Rachel (Brunner) – b. Dec. 31, 1944, Schwanden, Switzerland; d.

Nov. 22, 2017, Lakehead, Calif.

Survivors: sons, Austin, Adrian; seven grandchildren; brother, Alex; sisters, Mirjam, Priska.

Goldman, Norma – b. Nov. 4, 1930, Peoria, Ill.; d.

Jan. 13, 2018, Redding, Calif.

Survivors: husband, Walter; son, Gerry; daughters, Doris Cashbaugh, Dena Badger; five grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; sister, Evelyn Sosong.

Garcia, Maria M. (Noriega) – b. Feb. 18, 1971, Mexicali, Mexico; d. Feb. 17, 2018, La Mesa, Calif. Survivors: husband, Jose; son, Joseph; daughters, Heather, Rebekah. Was a teacher’s aide for several years at Calexico Mission School.

AT REST

Gryte, Lucille (Johnson) – b. June 20, 1927, Hinsdale, Ill.; d. Feb. 21, 2018, Portland, Ore. Survivors: sons, Ken, Don, Jim; four grandchildren; one greatgrandchild.

Cafferky-Will, Grace Estelle (Burke) – b. Dec. 4, 1921, Timberlake, S.D.; d. Jan. 16, 2018, College Place, Wash. Survivors: sons, Ron, Bob; daughter, Carmen; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. Served as a music teacher and mentor to many students.

Heiser, Nola (Schlenker) – b. Aug. 8, 1931, Lodi, Calif.; d.

Dec. 9, 2017, Calistoga, Calif.

Survivors: daughters, Pamela Greek, Debra Murphy; son, Scott; stepson, Greg; eleven grandchildren; one greatgranddaughter; sisters, Marilyn Colbert, Delores Berendes.

Cochran, Geraldine A. (Baumbach) – b. Dec. 5, 1923, Spokane, Wash.; d. Nov. 30, 2017, Concord, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Peggy CochranVoegele; three grandsons; one great-grandchild; sister, Genevieve Tonge-Keszler.

Holm, Ruth Sanders – b.

March 11, 1916, Unknown; d.

March 12, 2017, Modesto, Calif.

Survivors: husband, Vernon Holm; sons, Don, John; eight grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; sister, Mary Schander.

Community & Marketplace Kaiser, Winona Dawn (Ackley) – b. July 5, 1928, St. Helena, Calif.; d. Nov. 29, 2017, American Canyon, Calif. Survivors: sons, Len, James Jr., Alan; daughter, Donna; two grandchildren; many great-grandchildren. Served as a teacher in Southern California and worked for the US Navy at Mare Island, Panama Canal Zone, and Subic Bay Naval Base, Philippines.

Moores, Verna – b. April 5, 1923, Beiseker, Alberta, Canada; d. Jan. 2, 2018, Paradise, Calif.

Survivors: sons, Bob, Don; five grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren.

eight grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren; brother, Richard Nelson. Served as missionary in the Middle East with husband and taught at Weimar.

Perez, Carolyn C. – b. May 12, 1930, Twin Buttes, Ariz.; d. Dec. 28, 2017, Las Vegas, Nev. Survivors: husband, Roland (Ronnie); daughters, Norma, Carolyn Ryder; four grandchildren; five greatgrandchildren; one great-great grandchild.

Roeske, Siegfried “Sigi” – b. Nov. 4, 1939, Germany; d.

Dec. 11, 2017, Loma Linda, Calif.

Survivors: wife, Carol; sons, Morales, Ralph – b. Sept. 5, Reiner, Richmond; daughters, 1940, Los Angeles, Calif.; d. Jan. Lana Cusick; five grandchildren.

11, 2018, Isabela, Puerto Rico.

Former pastor and professor Survivors: wife, Elsa Iris Cruz; at Union College, La Sierra adopted sons, Stacey, Abner; University, and Loma Linda brothers, Tito, Raul; sister, Lourdes University.

E. Morales-Gudmundsson.

Served as professor (emeritus) of Ross, Miriam (Moore) – Nutrition and Dietetics in various b. Dec. 5, 1923, National City, state universities in the U.S. and Calif.; d. Feb. 1, 2018, Calistoga, Puerto Rico.

Calif. Survivors: husband, Orville; five stepchildren; many Oster, Dorothy, G. (Nelson) grandchildren and great– b. Nov. 1, 1922, Tokyo, Japan; grandchildren; brothers, A. Leroy d. Jan. 11, 2018, Kalamazoo, Moore, Paul Moore; sisters, Milli Mich. Survivors: sons, Donald, Westmorland, Marcia Spencer.

Cyrus; daughter, Ellowyn; Served as a registered nurse and

Advertising Advertising is accepted as a service to Seventhday Adventist Church members in the Pacific Union. The Recorder management reserves the right to refuse any advertisement, especially ads not related to the needs and practices of the Church membership. Acceptance of any advertising shall be considered a matter of accommodation and not a matter of right, nor shall it be construed to constitute approval of the product or service advertised.

was a missionary in Ethiopia teaching nursing; taught at Pacific Union College in the Nursing Dept.

Rueb, Delores A. – b: March 31, 1926, Rothsay, Minn.; d: Feb. 14, 2018, Fargo, N.D. Survivors: husband, Ernie; stepdaughter, Marj Baumann. Worked in the Southern California Conference office in Glendale, Calif., as a legal secretary for 36 years, retiring in 1993.

Shin, Eul Kyung – b. March 19, 1915, Kyoung-Sang-Buk Do, Korea; d. Jan. 22, 2018, Oroville, Calif. Survivors: daughter, Denise Lee; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

Stanley, Kathleen (Adams) – b. April 22, 1942, Oakland, Calif.; d. March 12, 2017, Modesto, Calif. Survivors: husband, Robert; son, Robert; daughter, Nicole Leach; four grandchildren.

Wein, John Clarence – b. July 28, 1924, Chicago Heights, Ill.; d. Jan. 2017, Modesto, Calif.

Survivors: wife, Berniece; son, Daryl; daughters, Pati Tresenriter, Jan Moorehouse; seven grandchildren.

Woodruff, Marjorie J. (Dawson) – b. Sept. 27, 1926, Peekskill, N.Y.; d. Jan. 11, 2017, Grass Valley, Calif. Survivors: son David; daughters Nancy Cross, Barbara Forss, Joanne Pierson; seven grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Dan Dawson; sister Shirley Reading. Served at Review & Herald, Pennsylvania ABC, New Jersey Conference, Amazing Facts, and as a missionary with her husband in Sierra Leone, West Africa and Guam.

Villania, Nena – b. April 25, 1941, San Jacinto, Philippines; d. Dec. 15, 2017, Riverside, Calif. Survivors: husband, Rey; son, Robert; daughters, Sharon Couture, Amber Bernard; two grandchildren.

Zimmerman, Esther Jeanette (Hofstar) – b. March 28, 1926, Lumpkin County, Ga.; d.

Feb. 19, 2018, Antioch, Calif.

Survivors: husband, Gene; sons, David, Edward, Daniel; daughter, Ellen Amador; 14 grandchildren; 18 greatgrandchildren; sisters, Joyce Gray Pihl, Betty Lou Miller, Lois Funk. Served as a missionary in Ethiopia.

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P.0. Box 5005 Westlake Village, CA 91359-5005

P E R I O D I CA LS

recorder PACIFIC UNION

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ArizonaNEWS FR OM THE P RESIDENT… “

Ed Keyes President

H

e who cooperates with the divine purpose in imparting to the youth a knowledge of God, and molding the character into harmony with His, does a high and noble work. As he awakens a desire to reach God’s ideal, he presents an education that is as high as heaven and as broad as the universe; an education that cannot be completed in this life, but that will continued in the life to come; an education that secures to the successful student his passport from the preparatory school of earth to the higher grade, the school above” (Education, p. 19).

What a powerful statement from God’s prophet concerning those who educate and those who are being educated! God has been teaching his subjects from the very beginning and wants us to continue that same teaching ministry even now in this day and age.

This newsletter is stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Arizona Conference members.

Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a newsletter such as this in the Recorder every other month.

Arizona

NEWS

I was looking out the front window of my house one morning in my crowded Phoenix neighborhood and saw a school bus stopped to pick up a group of children. I couldn’t help but wonder what those kids would be taught that day. Since they were headed to a public school, I knew they might receive a subpar education compared to what they would get at an Adventist school.

Statistics clearly show our students do much better in all areas of learning than those attending public schools.

But that wasn’t what made me wonder.

What really got me thinking was, “Are these wonderful young minds going to have an opportunity to experience God in any way in their classroom or school?”

That same day as I was driving to an appointment, I saw one of the Thunderbird Adventist Academy vans traveling down the road, filled with students on their way to school. And I asked myself the same question. “Will these young people have an experience with God today?”

And somewhere from the back of my mind I heard a resounding “Yes indeed!” That’s what our Adventist school system is set up to do—to teach our youth about a God who loves them and is willing to save them.

May God bless our schools and use them to teach the wonderful message of Jesus until He comes again.

Miracles at

By Al Chatman

Maricopa Village

S

even-year-old twins Roen and Rydan Sundust are two fun-loving little boys who enjoy playing soccer and learning to play the ukulele. Academically they excel at reading, math, conducting science investigations, and being word detectives.

In just five months these kindergartners learned their alphabet, animals, and foods in sign language, how to count money, tell time, and do simple algebraic equations and algorithms.

Impressively, they are reading on grade level and writing in complete sentences.

Most importantly, they learned how to talk to Jesus in prayer, and they know that God loves them.

The Sundust twins attend Maricopa Village Christian School (MVCS), a unique, intimate, private school serving Native American children and their families in the Gila River Indian Community in

Laveen, Arizona. The school provides transportation, breakfast, lunch, supplies, instruction, tutoring, and family support in an atmosphere of excellence. MVCS is an entity of the Maricopa Village Seventh-day Adventist Church and Arizona Conference and has served this community for over seven decades. Currently eight students are enrolled, most from non-Adventist homes.

Last year was one of tremendous blessings and accomplishment for MVCS, a 501(c) (3),100% donorsupported accredited K-8 school. Through much prayer, fasting, sacrifice, and generosity, the Lord worked many miracles at the school.

In addition to working miracles with and in the students themselves, the Lord blessed MVCS with abundant financial MVCS now has a new cafeteria/multipurpose facility for meals, meetings, and special events.

Arizona

NEWS

MVCS is so grateful for its donors, volunteers, supporters, and church family.

Seven-year-old twins Roen and Rydan Sundust enjoy kindergarten.

and in-kind contributions of time, talent, and treasure from generous donors who truly have a heart for the children and for Christian education.

Leveraging a $25K grant from Versafund, $60K in-kind contributions from the Gila River Indian Community, $30K in-kind support from many skilled craftsmen/professionals, and $45K from individual donors, a total investment of $160K was made in support of a MVCS capital improvement project to replace its dilapidated cafeteria. MVCS now has a new, paid-in-full cafeteria/ multipurpose facility for their meals, meetings, and special events as well as new infrastructure and site improvements.

MVCS is so grateful for the increased giving and support from local and out-ofstate donors and volunteers. Out-of-state support included volunteers from Mesa

Grande Academy who donated their fall break to do roofing, painting, sidewalks, cleanup, and replacement doors on various campus buildings, while bearing all cost for materials.

The women’s Sabbath school class at Mosaic SDA church in Fairview, Texas, adopted the school for two quarters, supplying thousands of dollars for

A New Beginning for

the operating budget. This generosity fostered another miracle—a fully funded, balanced operating budget of $90k.

MVCS is so grateful to the Lord for His faithfulness and to all of its donors, volunteers, supporters, and its church family. The school is looking forward to another year of miracles to ensure that it provides education for now and eternity.

In May 2017, MCVS graduated eighthgrader Nahzoni Haycock, who is now an honor student attending Thunderbird Adventist Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Her teachers, Larisa Quijano and Patrice Laura, are very proud of Nahzoni and all their students.

Desert Valley Christian School

By Susan Hutzler and Starr Schwinn

T

Hutzler, jumped to their he traditional feet and said they would business model for small volunteer full-time to one- or two-teacher support the school. schools is to hire a multiskilled, ever energetic, With only eight super teaching principal enrollees for 2016, the who can recruit, promote, school needed a teacher. administrate, and teach Starr Schwinn, a former multiple grades. Teachers teacher at DVCS, and in this position often her husband were being work 50-60 hours a week transferred back to Tucson. but soon burn out without Schwinn, however, was a strong support system. not interested in being a principal and the only However, Desert teacher, even if the school Valley Christian School Kent Kristensen enjoys teaching grades four and five at DVCS. had only eight students.

(DVCS) in Tucson, Ariz., She knew she needed found that asking a supportive staff assistance. She didn’t teaching principal to be responsible for all The church board chairman and the know at the time that God had already administration duties and teach full time pastor presented the issue before a answered her prayer. was just not working. church business meeting. The school’s affairs were described to the many church Schwinn accepted the position of The school was in debt, operating members in attendance. A vote was taken teaching principal after assurances from in the red every month. Enrollment for to decide whether DVCS should close or the school board and the Hutzlers that August 2016 was expected to be just remain open. The vote was a tie. they would be at the school every day eight students—too few to support the to do anything she needed. She knew operating expenses of the original two Pastor Jim Brauer stated, “If the the volunteers did not have a teaching classroom school and the necessary church body wanted DVCS to remain background, but their willing attitudes teacher. So in June 2016 the school board open, volunteers would be needed!” A gave her courage. voted to close the school. retired husband and wife, John and Susan Cont. on next page

Arizona

NEWS

Cont. from previous page

In August of 2016 eight students eagerly registered. Before the school year was over, eight more students were recruited by the volunteer administrators, giving DVCS’s closing report an enrollment of 16. With the volunteer administrators being on campus every day, they were able to answer the phone and spend unlimited time discussing the virtues of Adventist education.

They warmly greeted potential parents during the school day and spent hours giving tours of the school and listening to parents’ concerns about their child’s education and poor situations in public school. This is nearly an impossible task for a full-time teaching principal to do during school hours.

Because of the volunteer administrators full-time presence, they are able to complete administrative tasks (including helping parents with extensive application processes for tax credit scholarships) and recruit new students. The Hutzlers help handle all technology issues, marketing, cash and check receipts, record keeping, etc. They continue to work tirelessly to make sure every student’s account is funded by a scholarship. They also provide grandparent nurturing to any child who needs it. Regularly they encourage the older boys and girls to set their eyes on Thunderbird Adventist Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz., for high school.

Because of the volunteer administrators continued recruiting efforts throughout the summer, DVCS’s enrollment increased to 39 students for the 2017-2018 school year. Many of these students need before and after

Arizona

NEWS

school care and transportation.

All of this resulted in an increase of staff of two more full-time teachers, two parttime teachers for music and PE, a van and a driver, and a before and after school care facilitator.

All three of its classrooms were cleaned up in preparation for students, thus leaving the campus with no office space. A mobile mini building was brought in to be used as administrative storage and office.

The volunteer administrators inspired many more church members to step up and give support to DVCS by way of physical labor and finances.

Desert Valley Church agreed to share the services of this year’s Bible worker to cover the before and after school care position. With increased financial support through donations and tax credit scholarships, DVCS paid off the debt owed to the Conference and hired the necessary teaching staff for 2017-2018. Three full-time teachers are currently employed at DVCS. The full-time volunteers are still in place and planning on returning for the 2018-2019 school year.

You may be asking what has made the difference, so that a school under the cloud of closure could grow to the point that it is operating at capacity. First, John and Susan Hutzler are fulltime volunteer administrators.

Principal Starr Schwinn teaches K through third grade at DVCS.

the committed faithful daily presence of the Hutzlers as volunteer administrators has blessed this school and inspired many others to join whole-heartedly in support. Second, Principal Schwinn, who teaches K through 3rd grade; the 4th- and 5th-grade teacher, Kent Kristensen; and the 6th-, 7th, and 8th-grade teacher, Ana Lopez, commit themselves first thing in the morning to the missionary work they do at the school. With prayer and surrender to Christ they perform their teaching duties willingly.

Third, the DVCS school board is for the school. Their attitude when approached with a request or a difficult situation is to listen carefully and consider prayerfully.

This approach has unified the DVCS board and the school staff members.

Be a volunteer for our amazing and wonderful God and see where He leads you. Our schools need you!

CENTRAL

Acts

N E W S L E T T E R F O R C E N T R A L C A L I F O R N I A C O N F E R E N C E O F S E V E N T H - DAY A D V E N T I S T S April 2018

Upcoming Events

San Jose Spanish Concert Engages Community and Ignites Inactive Members

By Gerson R. Perla

APRIL 6-8 | Pathfinder Bike-a-thon 20-22 | NAD Pathfinder Experience 28-29 | Life Hope Centers at Soquel

MAY 6-9 | Work Bee at Soquel 18-20 | Pathfinder Fair

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San Jose Spanish Concert...

2

President's Message Holy War

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Life Hope Centers

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T

he Christmas season is an extremely hectic time in people’s lives, and it is intensified by the commercial aspect the holidays bring—advertisers bombard potential shoppers with sales in stores and online many weeks in advance. People rush to get the best Christmas tree, decorate their homes, plan Christmas parties, and visit friends and family. Unfortunately, the remembrance of Jesus, born in a stable in Bethlehem to save a world headed toward eternal death, can be lost amidst the frenzy during this time of year.

We know that Jesus was not born in December and we realize that many of the Christmas origins have secular roots; nonetheless, the Christmas season is an opportunity to redirect all that commercial energy and refocus it on something spiritual and God-based. San Jose Spanish church has done just that. They have hosted an annual Christmas concert with a primary goal of reaching out to the

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

community of non-believers and igniting those members who have been absent from church for awhile.

We have a duty to share the beauty of God’s love and His plan of salvation to every human on earth. Our Christmas concert targets nonbelievers and aims to introduce them to the wonder of the birth of Christ. We also seek to re-engage those members who have been inactive or absent. Every year, many are introduced to Christ or re-activated into the church fellowship as a result of the Christmas concert.

Non-believers are not always willing to attend a traditional church service, nor do they always have the patience to sit through a long sermon. It can be difficult to get them to visit church despite the many invitations members make. A Christmas concert filled with beautiful music is seen by many as a more neutral and less threatening space. And continued on page 4 >

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Visit us online at CentralCaliforniaAdventist.org.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Holy War Ramiro Cano president, Central California Conference

LET ME BEGIN by expressing my deep appreciation for the ministry of our Adventist Christian education. It is a vital arm of our church to train the tender and impressionable minds of our children. Of course, this ministry joins hands with the home and the church. This providential triad was established by God in order to provide for the education of His children.

The apostle Paul established, very strongly, that in this world we are involved in a spiritual conflict, a Holy War as it were. In 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 it says: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

Notice the language Paul uses: In verse 3 we have the word “war;” in verse 4 the words “weapons, warfare, strong holds;” in verse 5 the words “casting down" and "captivity” are used.

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“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God …”

He will war with spiritual weapons, not carnal ones.

That is a principle that we should not lose sight of in our schools. Wherever we go and whatever we do, we are involved in this Holy War, a great spiritual conflict of the ages, the cause of God over the powers of darkness.

When it comes to the education of our children, this is exactly the battle we are in. This is the reason for our Seventh-day Adventist Christian schools. However, we may fall into the false trap of thinking that because we are already insulated from the public school system of the world, that we are also insulated from the warfare that Satan wages upon humanity. No brothers and sisters, it is especially the ones that are trying to escape the claws of Satan that Satan will focus on with greater zeal.

The Christian not only walks in this world, he wars in it.

This life is a life of conflict, of warfare, of battling enemies. The Christian not only walks in this world, he wars in it. This warfare applies to every sphere of our life, especially, in the matter of our children and their education.

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Paul says that he will engage himself in the fight spiritually, not after the flesh.

The battle is a battle for the hearts and minds of our children. It is a battle for the truth of God against the lies of Satan.

It is definitely a Holy War!

Visit us online at CentralCaliforniaAdventist.org.

In the midst of this spiritual conflict we must carry on a mighty campaign.

We cannot sit back and observe the conflict from a distance and refuse to get involved, especially in the training of our children.

War means to make a military expedition, to lead soldiers to battle, to do military duty, to be a soldier. Paul was not about to sit back and let the enemy attack his ministry or the truth of Christ who he so dearly loved.

As a brave soldier, he got up and entered the fight for truth. He did not shrink or cower from carrying out a campaign against the foe. The same must be true in our schools and in those who work there.

There are strongholds of ideas, influential teachings, worldly traditions, and popular imaginations that are opposed to Truth, which constantly compete for acceptance in our homes, our churches, and our schools.

Parents, church leaders, and teachers must be the soldiers, under heaven’s orders and guidance, to carry on a mighty campaign against everything that opposes the light of heaven.

Our text gives clear military direction, but the weapons to be used must not

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be carnal. They must not be weapons designed by our own human wisdom; they must be the instruments of God’s spiritual arsenal.

In Ephesians 6:11–17, Paul describes the whole armor of God, the spiritual weapons of war: The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. These weapons make you mighty to pull down these strongholds.

You are to cast down the enemy’s imaginations, his reasonings, his arguments, his proud theories and teachings, which oppose the knowledge of God. Every parent, every pastor, and every teacher must be armed with these tools and use them in the campaign against the devil and his spiritual wickedness, against the imaginations and pressures of culture and tradition that push to undermine the work of God in our children.

To our teachers, it is easy to think of your vocation as simply a job. It is not simply a job. According to Scripture, you are ministers entrusted with a sacred office. You are teachers who use the filters of science, math, and language to teach truth to tender

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minds.

Let me share an illustration: A sign over the machines in a factory admonished the employees: “When the threads get tangled, send for the foreman.”

But one occasion a workman tried desperately to untangle the threads on his machine. When the foreman finally came, he asked, “Didn’t you read the sign?”

“Yes, but I was doing my best to take care of it myself.”

“Doing the best you can,” said the foreman, “always means sending for the foreman.”

It is Satan’s objective to entangle our lives, to entangle our understanding of truth, to entangle our application of truth. It is wise, then, to always call for the heavenly Foreman to untangle the mess.

This school year, you may come to the place when the battle may seem hopeless, the enemy will seem great and powerful. Your mind, your personal life, your classroom may get all tangled up—call for the heavenly Foreman. He will put it all back in order.

Then stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. ■

Visit us online at CentralCaliforniaAdventist.org.

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must recognize that absent members are simply going through some difficult times in their lives, but they still have a deep desire to serve our Lord and are eager to minister to others, despite their own imperfect lives. God needs ALL of us to do His work and ALL of us are called to service.

in that space a church can plant the seed of God’s unending love toward humanity and of how Baby Jesus was born to bring salvation to all in the hearts and minds of those who would otherwise be dashing into a shopping mall.

At San Jose Spanish, previously inactive members flocked to join the church choir. It isn’t just the fact that they learn and perform poignant sacred music. It isn’t just that they are challenged to become musicians of excellence for Christ.

Oftentimes it is the fact that they find purpose and can minister to others in a non-traditional way, by using their God-given musical gifts. We

From Cradle Roll to teenagers, from Sabbath school to the Divine Worship, from greeters, deacons, and elders to the pastoral staff, San Jose Spanish’s Christmas Concert planners believe the holiday season is an opportunity to have the name of Jesus Christ emerge amongst the noise and distraction of a commercial, secular world. It is also a time to reach out to its absentee members and reinvigorate them as they share the beauty of God’s love for humanity—and in the process re-discover the healing power of God’s love for themselves. ■

EDITOR Cindy Chamberlin COPY EDITOR Sue Schramm DESIGN Sergio Cano Valerie Thomas Rachel Ortiz

CONTACT US Central California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 2820 Willow Ave. Clovis, CA 93612 559.347.3000 VISIT US ONLINE AT CentralCaliforniaAdventist.org

See what your Conference is doing, get Bible inspiration, and hear from key leaders at the Central California Conference Facebook page.

Like us at www.facebook.com/CentralCaliforniaConference.

Life Hope Centers Return to Soquel Due to popular demand, Life Hope Centers will be hosting another health clinic for the Soquel-Santa Cruz Community April 28 and 29, 2018, at the Soquel Conference Center campgrounds. General dental services will be provided. These will include fillings, extractions, and dental cleanings.

Vision services will include refractory vision exams with prescription glasses where indicated and medical screenings. Additionally, nutritional counseling, cooking demonstrations, a back-pain clinic, foot therapy, massage, and more will be part of the lineup.

All services are free of charge. Housing and food (including breakfast and lunch) will be provided for volunteers each day. Dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, optometrists, opticians, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, podiatrists, foot therapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians, greeters, and various other support volunteers are needed for registering, escorting guests, and helping with set up and clean up. If you want to experience the joy of Christian service in a real and relevant way, you are encouraged to join us by registering at the Life Hope Centers website: www.lifehopecenterscentral.com.

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by Ralph Watts III President

HAWAII CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

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“Read one of the stories of Jesus in your Bible and then linger, listen, learn it, love it and live it. “

P A R A D I S E

April 2018 NEWS AND INSPIRATION FOR SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS IN THE HAWAII CONFERENCE

Missile Alert

here are moments in history that you just never forget. In fact, they are so momentous you can recall exactly where you were when you first heard the news.

For example, do you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news that JFK had been shot (November 22, 1963)? Or that the space shuttle Challenger had exploded (January 28, 1986)? Or that a plane had crashed into the Twin Towers (September 11, 2001)? With the exception of JFK (I was a bit too young), I can describe with detail where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news of these historical events.

For those of us living in Hawaii, January 13, 2018, will go down as another unforgettable event in history. This was the day we received the missile alert that North Korea had launched a nuclear weapon and we had 15 minutes until impact. I can assure you, it’s something we will never forget and never want to go through again.

I was at the Honolulu airport standing in line to board a flight to Hilo on the Big Island. When the missile alert hit our phones, there was an immediate reaction of chaos and panic in the airport. Planes were grounded, flight attendants and pilots were removed from the aircraft,

and those of us waiting to board were left to figure out what to do with the last 15 minutes of life before impact. I will never forget what I witnessed.

Several people who were waiting in line to board the plane jumped out of line and started running in sheer panic. Where they were running to I’m not sure, but I’m pretty sure you can’t get too far in 15 minutes. Several others were crying while frantically trying to make phone calls. One person slumped to the floor, leaned against the wall, and started weeping.

So, what do you do if you know you only have 15 minutes of life left? Do the people who are closest to you and the ones you love the most know how much you love them and how much they mean to you? Fifteen minutes is just not enough time to call each one and express your love. What about those with whom you have a bruised or broken relationship? Fifteen minutes isn’t enough time to call each one to reconcile and repair that relationship.

I would suggest to you that instead of thinking about the last 15 minutes of life (and the fact is that, short of the second coming of Christ, we will all face that reality), we should think about the first 15 minutes of every day.

I’m talking about spending the first 15 minutes of each new day with Jesus in the Word. Read one of the stories of Jesus in your Bible and then linger, listen, learn it, love it and live it.

The reality is that in the end it will be a relationship with Jesus that determines your ending and mine. When those last 15 minutes come to your life, you can have confidence that you won’t be filled with panic but rather you will have peace because of the One you know and love: Jesus.

The Immovable

by Gerald D. Christman

Executive Secretary

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HAWAII CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

y wife and I had the privilege of touring Israel last year. We visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre while in Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a shrine located in the Christian quarter of old Jerusalem. It claims two of the holiest sites in Christianity: the place where Jesus was crucified, known as Calvary or Golgotha, as well as the Empty Tomb, His burial place.

Six Christian denominations share control of this coveted church; this has contributed to two sad ironies. One is the Immovable Ladder.

Territorial divisions among the various religious communities created significant rancor and infighting over maintenance and renovations.

Conflict and discord rose to such levels in 1757 that Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid I purportedly decreed a status quo: Nothing could be changed, not even minor changes to the church building. All maintenance and renovation projects, in other words, were frozen. That included an exterior ladder that was located under one of the windows.

This ladder is now called the Immovable Ladder, and it remains to this day. It was, in fact, what my wife and I saw first before we entered the building.

The ladder is “immovable” because each religious community jealously guards its rights.

No cleric of the six Christian denominations may move or rearrange any property without the consent of the other five. The Immovable Ladder, I understand, has been replaced throughout the centuries due to the elements of nature. This ladder has become a symbol of arguing, infighting, and disunity. Clashes would

now arise if the ladder were moved!

There is a second irony in the church that claims to house the location of Christ’s death and His empty tomb; it revolves around a key. Muslims have been holding the key to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the last 700 to 800 years. One Muslim family protects the key while a second Muslim family has the responsibility of daily opening and closing the church doors. These two Muslim families have shared this responsibility for centuries.

Why are Muslims responsible for opening and closing a Christian church? Because the Christians fight with one another; they seemingly cannot agree to anything. Keyholding Muslims help to prevent violence and discord in this venerated Christian church. Six Christian denominations are able to worship God more peacefully by surrendering their controls.

All churches, perhaps to lesser degrees, are like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. They represent the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus, in fact, even gave to His followers the keys to His kingdom.

So what about your church and mine? Can one sense brotherly and sisterly love—even, perhaps, before one enters the building? Does conflict surround those who hold the church “keys”? Or are there truces that have led to status quos due to unresolved divisions and strife?

Immovable Ladders should have no place in God’s churches; neither do I want Jesus to withdraw from you and me the keys to His kingdom.

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n February 4, 2018, excited swarms of Pathfinders and Adventures gathered at Kaiser High School to participate in Presidential Fitness Day. The day started off with an entertaining skit, worship, and warmup exercises directed by volunteer youth pastor interns. After everyone was thoroughly stretched, the activities began.

Presidential Fitness Day has many components, including running, push-ups, curl-ups, the shuttle run, and the all-time favorite: V-sit and reach.

These different exercises help keep the participants in shape and test their physical abilities. While most people may want to win first place or have the highest score, that’s not how this event works. Grading is not based on first, second, or third place; rather, each person’s performance is compared to the national average. This allows

everyone the opportunity to achieve first place.

More important than receiving a high score is realizing that a positive attitude and a good team spirit are priorities. Every person is created in a different shape and size and needs to understand that God made them special. It was thrilling to see the Pathfinders and Adventurers encouraging their friends and cheering them on as they pushed through to the end.

The next Pathfinder event is the Pathfinder Fair, scheduled for April 8th at Camp Waianae. Clubs will be demonstrating what they have learned throughout the year with display booths, drilling and marching, and relay activities. The theme will be centered around camping skills. This is a very fun and exciting event you won’t want to miss. We hope to see you there!

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Pathfinders Participate in Presidential Fitness Day

by Erik VanDenburgh Youth Director

HAWAII CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

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Adventurers I N

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by Madonna Taueu

Children’s Ministries Director

HAWAII CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

he Hawaii Conference held its second Adventurer Family Retreat on February 16-18, 2018, at Camp Waianae. Despite weather reports predicting heavy rain and even thunderstorms for the weekend, Adventurer directors decided to go forward with the event. The theme of the weekend was And He Grew, with the goal of helping children to see that our Lord and Savior was once a child just like them.

Adventurer directors, puppet ministry leaders, youth pastor interns, Camp Waianae personnel, and parents worked together to ensure a successful weekend.

Adventurer supporters Rudy Botardo, Frank Cruz, Tusitala Taumua, Laureen Irvine, and Marilou Pasion put forth extra effort to make the weekend a success for all 180 people who attended.

Throughout the weekend, keiki (the Hawaiian word for children) learned what the Torah looked like, how a feather pen and inkwell were used, and what Hebrew letters looked like. They also studied what Jesus and the Hebrews wore long ago and what their diet must have looked like. Keiki learned about the temple: where people sat, what it looked like, and what it may have sounded like with crowds. There was non-stop activity throughout each experience.

Praise the Lord for the 77 precious Adventurers who participated. It was a blessed weekend, and we look forward to planning the next event.

Adventurers gather at the end of a fun-filled weekend.

Hawaii Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 2 7 2 8 PA L I H W Y. , H O N O LU LU, H I 9 6 8 1 7 808-595-7591 • frontdesk@hawaiisda.com • www.hawaiisda.com

Kingdom

MATTERS

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE NEWSLE T TER

Adventist Education Makes a Difference

by Jim Pedersen

President Northern California Conference

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y educational years—from first grade through graduate school —were spent entirely within the Seventh-day Adventist school system. I feel blessed to have had that opportunity. Each of my teachers had a clear spiritual focus and showed individual interest in every student, including me. That meant a lot!

I remember being taught in a multi-grade classroom for three of my first eight years in school. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the experience.

It seemed to me that somehow I was being shortchanged by having to share a teacher with another grade level. I didn’t realize that I was learning life lessons about flexibility, independent study, mentoring, and more. Having successfully made the journey through all the various levels of my education, I believe that there was a solid foundation in those early classrooms.

As I’ve been visiting each of our Northern California Conference schools this school year, I’ve seen quality education taking

Special Education Edition Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

401 Taylor Boulevard • P.O. Box 23165 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 685-4300 • Fax (888) 635-6934 www.nccsda.com • info@nccsda.com www.facebook.com/NorCalAdventistsinAction President, Jim Pedersen Executive Secretary, Marc Woodson Treasurer, John Rasmussen VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2 April 2018

place, no matter how large or small the classroom size. I have observed dedicated teachers giving of themselves to make a difference in the lives of their students. I have watched these educators pouring out their hearts to teach their students about the great love of Jesus. And I’ve seen the young people responding in many positive ways. Our educational system is making a real difference!

Education is part of our faith system’s DNA. In one-room schools and large universities, close to home and around the world—as well as through lessons in Sabbath Schools each week—Seventhday Adventists have been providing quality education and a Christian foundation for generations. I continue to pray for the success of this life-changing work.

Whether or not we attended an Adventist school, we can be part of a learning process that goes beyond the basics of a typical classroom. The learning to which I refer is found in the words of the Apostle Paul: “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him” (Colossians 3:10, New Living Translation).

This is the goal of Christian education, and it’s the basic goal of a Christian life: to become like Jesus. May that be your experience and mine, today and always.

Peace.

NCC President Jim Pedersen is enjoying his trips to all the Adventist schools in Northern California this winter and spring, including visits with students at Ukiah Junior Academy (top left), Fortuna Junior Academy (top right), and Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy (bottom).

The Kingdom Matters newsletter is stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Northern California Conference members. Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a newsletter for its constituents in the Recorder every other month. photoquest7/iStock/Thinkstock

Kingdom Matters Newsletter • Page 1

LODI PHOTOS: LISA H. ZIEGELE

Adventis Education

IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

For this special April education-themed edition of the Recorder, we bring you stories from three of Northern California Conference’s 41 schools. From offering service opportunities to teaching new skills, Adventist education continues to make a difference in students’ lives.

(Above) Each school year, the Lodi Academy Schools (Lodi Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School and Lodi Academy) hold a fun run to raise awareness and funds for local charities. (Botton Left) The Fun Run for Literacy raised $12,500 for the Lodi Public Library.

(Bottom Right) Students check out the study room named in honor of the Adventist schools in Lodi.

Lodi Students Impact their Community

By Karen Kanas

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ach year students from Lodi Academy and Lodi Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School join together to raise awareness and funds for local charities. This school year, the students held a Fun Run for Literacy and raised $12,500 for the Lodi Public Library.

Hundreds of students, families, and community members gathered to cheer on the 275 runners completing the

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course. Families with young children in strollers were joined by grandparents running and walking alongside students, all showing their support for their community.

“In the last few years this event has raised more than $63,000 for local support organizations,” said Ross Sakata, a volunteer organizer of the run. “We consider it a privilege to be a part of this community, and this is a way for our students to learn to give back.”

Lodi Academy teens sat on the steering committee for the project. Student Association

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As the schools celebrate 110 years of Adventist education in Lodi, the students continue to put their motto, “The School that Trains for Service,” into practice.

Colton Fleming, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy class of 2017, works on the engine of his rebuilt SUV.

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Senior Rebuilds an SUV

By Hannah Barnhart (Class of 2019) and Rika Meyer

officers were present at a surprise reveal at the Lodi Public Library, where they discovered a permanent study room named in the schools’ honor.

The schools have made a positive impact on their city. “As I have told many leaders in our community, the Academy Schools Fun Run was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had as a fundraiser,” said Kelly Nimtz, Lodi Public Library Foundation board member. “The strong faith-based community spirit you folks have there is something that really impressed me.”

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ast school year, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy senior Colton Fleming turned two crashed vehicles into one SUV, which he drove home a few days after graduation.

Industrial arts teacher Ryan Renslow received a donated 2008 Toyota RAV4 that had suffered a front-end collision. After hearing about this car, Fleming joined Renslow at a nearby auto auction and found another RAV4 with rear damage.

Throughout his last semester of high school, Fleming spent countless hours in the shop with teachers and volunteers, replacing the engine and transmission, as well as repairing the body work of his new car. Because he had already taken the

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One Gift Helps 23 Students and More!

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his school year, 23 students are attending Foothills Adventist Elementary School because of Syl Benson. Syl was a regular guy. He worked hard, he saved, and he had an estate plan. His plan stated that, when he passed away, he wanted to leave most of his earthly goods to family. But he also wanted to leave a gift for something else that was dear to his heart: Adventist education.

When the time came, Syl’s estate provided a gift of $64,000 to Foothills, specifically aimed at helping students whose families can’t afford Adventist education.

“For many years Foothills has pledged scholarship funds (that had not been realized yet) to make Adventist education possible for those unable to attend without additional support,” said Principal Katie Richmond. With this gift of $64,000, “we’ve been able to cover our pledges and start an endowment for student scholarships, upon which we’ll be able to draw down the interest for years to come.”

In other words, this gift will continue making a difference for students at Foothills indefinitely! It’s all because ONE man, Syl Benson, had a passion for Adventist education.

What is YOUR passion? Maybe NCC Planned Giving & Trust can help you fulfill that passion.

N O R T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A CO N F E R E N C E PLANNED GIVING AND TRUST SERVICES www.SDALegacy.org • (888) 434-4622

Kingdom Matters Newsletter • Page 3

Auto Tech and Auto Body classes at Rio, Fleming had a foundational knowledge of automotive repair.

He researched the variety of small jobs within the scope of the project, but he still ran into snags. “I had to look up information online and usually get help from Mr. Renslow,” he said.

Renslow was impressed with his initiative.

“Colton wasn’t afraid to get in there and do this major project,” he said. “He is one of those students who isn’t afraid to learn even if he makes mistakes along the way.”

By disassembling and selling off the excess parts that he didn’t use, Fleming’s total cost for the car was $1,400, compared with the $7,000 Kelley Blue Book value.

Students who take Rio’s industrial arts classes gain practical knowledge, such as changing the oil or brakes in their cars. More importantly, they learn problem-solving skills and gain the ability to investigate challenges before calling for help.

Napa Christian Campus of Education Implements CONQUESTS

By Julie Lorenz

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eachers at Napa Christian Campus of Education are using a new program called CONQUESTS to teach their elementary school students. The curriculum, created by Principal Justine Leonie, emphasizes projectbased learning and interdisciplinary teaching. “We are focused on educating the whole child, based firmly in Spirit of Prophecy teachings,” she said.

Leonie worked with Pacific Union College professors and the NCC Education Department to ensure that the curriculum meets the academic standards of the North American Division.

CONQUESTS has received a positive reception from those it impacts the most. “The children cannot wait to come to school,” said Leonie. “The parents love it.”

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Some highlights: • The curriculum includes a time for structured play, such as carpentry, playing in tree houses, and outdoor painting.

• Students learn about responsibility and stewardship by working in the garden and tending to the school’s farm, which includes a miniature cow, goats, ponies, and chickens.

• All elementary core subjects are taught during the same time period. So if a fifth grader has advanced past her grade level in math, she can go into the sixth grade math Elementary school class while her peers students at Napa study fifth-grade math.

Christian Campus of • Last Christmas, Education learn through the children built the hands-on activities, town of Bethlehem in a including caring for cross-curricular learning animals, weeding the campaign. They made school’s garden, building their own clay ovens, catapults, and painting bread, perfume, pottery, creatively. candles, and pewter shekels.

Leonie gives her teachers high praise for their willingness to try something new. “The way we prep and the way we teach is team-based,” she said. “We ensure that each student is flourishing in an environment best suited to their learning needs.”

MARIUSZBLACH/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

Nevada-Utah Views April 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

Something Better

Cedar City Dedicates Church

The NEVADA-UTAH VIEWS is a newsletter stitched into the Recorder and is only available to Nevada-Utah Conference members. Each conference within the Pacific Union provides a newsletter such as this in the Recorder every other month.

FOCUSED ON JESUS, WE WITNESS TO THE WORLD!

The Value of a Christian Education

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ast summer, my wife and I had the privilege of attending the wedding of our sons’ friend from academy. When we arrived at the church, we were surrounded by a group of young adults. Soon after arriving, we began to hear the stories of their academic and professional lives. As I listened to what they shared, I was impressed by their success.

These amazing young Seventh-day Adventists were medical, technology, law, and business professionals. They were engineers, social workers, pastors, musicians, scientists, educators, and much more. During our conversations, I discovered that those who had not completed their education had a plan for finishing their degree. Some have been accepted into prestigious schools from around the country. I am proud of each and every one of them.

I share this story with you because I believe in Christian education. I believe in it because of what I have experienced personally, and I know so many who have been blessed because of it. I attended and graduated from Pine Forge Academy in Pennsylvania. It was an unforgettable experience, and when my sons were ready to attend high school, I wanted the same rich memories for them.

As I listened to the stories at the wedding, I was aware of the sacrifices these young people and their families made to put them through Christian education. Their journey may have been difficult, and financially challenging at times, but the choice paid off for each one.

When it comes to Christian education, we need a change in mental perspective.

Funding the cost of Christian education should be considered an investment that provides real dividends. It is not just another bill. Our educators understand the importance of this investment, and take seriously the duty to “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6).

To those who are on the fence: Please accept the call of God to make this investment in your child. It is going to take commitment and faith, but your blessing will be that you have placed your children into a nurturing environment where they can excel both academically and spiritually. Your children will receive “an education that is as high as heaven…that secures to the successful student his [her] passport…to the higher grade, the school above” (E. G. White, Education, p. 19).

Nevada-Utah Views www.NUCadventist.com

by Elder Leon Brown, NUC President

Something Better

BY EILEEN WHITE

“Building the habit of service at a young age alters attitudes and expectations, resulting in a life-long practice of helping others.”

LUCKY-PHOTOGRAPHER/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

Eileen White, Nevada-Utah Conference Superintendent of Schools

Recently I was asked for my thoughts about Adventist education: “Why is it important and what is its impact?” After reflecting on these questions, my initial response developed: Adventist Christian education shapes the lives of students for the here and now and for eternity. As one begins to unpack what that means, thoughts of purpose and expectation arise.

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n her book Education, Ellen White states that the primary purpose of true education is to restore man (students) back to the image of Christ.

This can only be achieved in an educational system that accepts and believes in God. Adventist education is one part of the three-pronged strategic ministry (home, church, and school) to nurture the spiritual development of real life-long followers of Jesus Christ.

When it comes to spiritual development, the earlier a child is placed in an environment that nurtures that part of their growth, the better. George Barna studies show that the age range of 5 to 12 years (grades K to 8) is a vitally important time in which development occurs. “If you want to shape a person’s life—whether you are most concerned about his or her moral, spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional or economic development—it is during these crucial eight years that life-long habits, values, beliefs and attitudes are formed.” He continues, saying that “every dimension of a person’s experience hinges on his or her moral and spiritual condition.” During these formative years children develop their decision-making perspectives and patterns. These critical years are when Adventist education plays the most vital role in assisting parents, because of its approach to the whole-person education (spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially) of every student.

In addition to a holistic educational approach, Adventist education provides a Christcentered worldview that allows students to NUC schools provide evaluate the knowledge acquired and the world an environment where students can around them, assisting them in positive decision learn and understand making. The daily lessons students receive God’s will for their integrate faith and learning in all subjects that lives.

“Adventist education is the most important evangelistic work of the church.” relate to their personal lives. They learn how to use that knowledge throughout their lives, having a positive impact on the world around them.

A major goal of Adventist education focuses on character development, helping children become capable adults. George Knight, in his book Educating for Eternity, states that “One’s character determines destiny for both this life and the one to come.” Ellen White advocates that character building is the most important work entrusted to us. George Barna, in his book Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions, reminds us that “We can strive to give our youngsters all the advantages the world has to offer, and motivate them to make the most of available opportunities and resources; but unless their spiritual life is prioritized and nurtured, they will miss out on much of the meaning, purpose and joy of life.”

The schools in the Nevada-Utah Conference

provide environments where students can learn positive decision making, develop strong characters, and learn to understand God’s will for their lives. Students are encouraged to commit their lives to Jesus and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior, and they are given the opportunity to connect with their faith and their church through Bible study and baptism.

It is opportunities like these that make Adventist education the most important evangelistic work of the church. Leadership and members need to understand the incredible importance of developing strong spiritual foundations early, and reinforcing those foundations as the student ages. Our schools are something better—they are the best environment for students to learn, grow and reach their highest potential.

Cedar City

Dedicates Church

T

Believing in the education of all students in Seventhday Adventist schools, we exist to inspire the continual improvement of students and educators to become ‘something better.’

BY FAITH HOYT

he Cedar City congregation in Enoch, Utah, hosted a church dedication ceremony on the last Sabbath of February after paying off the mortgage on their building. The church extended the celebration invitation to their community, and the sanctuary filled to capacity for the service. Those in attendance included members of the InterFaith Alliance, Just over 10 an organization of clergymen and years after purchasing church leaders in the Cedar City area. their church Both Daniel Walter, head elder of the building, the church, and NevadaCedar City Continued on congregation the next page Utah Conference celebrated paying off the mortgage.

Continued from the previous page

President Leon Brown spoke for the dedication ceremony, reflecting upon the journey of the congregation to purchase their church.

“Our loan was a 20-year loan, but with God’s special blessing and friends and relatives also contributing, the loan was completely paid off in slightly over 10 years, including the cost of some remodeling,” Walter said.

Brown encouraged the congregation to stay ChristDan Walter gives the Scripture reading during the church dedication program. centered and spread the gospel to Standing behind him from left to right: Dean Lifshay, Leon Brown, Wayne the community in order to hasten O’Bannan, Helen Myres, and Gustavo Ontiveros.

Christ’s coming.

Cedar City Church purchased their building in May of 2007 and began remodeling shortly after.

“Our small, loyal church did some sacrificing to do all of this,” said Helen Myres, head deaconess and church treasurer. The congregation plans to continue improvements to their church, and to serve as God’s hands and feet in their community.

2018

Tahoe Camp Meeting J U L Y

3 0 - A U G U S T

4

Theme: Building on the Rock Tahoe Valley RV Park • South Lake Tahoe, CA

Plus

Main Speakers

✔ Uplifting seminars ✔ Children and youth programs ✔ Outdoor nature program ✔ Vegetarian food service available three meals daily

Dr. Greg King Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies, Southern Adventist University

Brian Bilbrey Pastor of the Riverview Adventist Church Reno, Nevada

✔ Sabbath afternoon concert ✔ ABC bookmobile ✔ Used book sales ✔ Ideal location for families

Reservations: 877-717-8737 www.tahoecampmeeting.com

Conference

Priorities Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

I

dream of Adventist schools in the conference that are too small to hold the number of students wanting to be educated by God-led teachers. What a great problem to have!

2 Kings 6:1-7 is the story of Elisha who is working through a problem — the school was too small. The schools of the prophets were established by Samuel to train people who “were divinely called to instruct the people in the works and ways of God” (Education, p. 46). This particular school had become too small for the students who wanted to learn the “works and ways of God.” The solution was for each person to go to the Jordan River and to cut down a tree to bring back for the building project. One of the community members asked another for an ax.

Generosity led a donor to allow this man to borrow his ax so he could also contribute to the school. A mishap of the ax-head coming off the handle and flying into the river was handled by God with a miracle of a reversal of nature. A piece of wood became the magnet that made the iron ax-head float to the surface so it could be retrieved and returned to the rightful owner.

This story has always inspired me to remember

seccadventist.org • April 2018

that it takes the community working together to keep our schools growing.

It takes everyone’s generosity, creative solutions, and willingness to bring the needed resources. It takes praying for miracles from God. As we continue to reimagine education in our conference so that it can be affordable and accessible, I invite you to prayerfully identify what resource you have to contribute to the solution. What is your “ax-head”?

I have been cleaning out some bookcases and came across a copy of the book Education that has been in my family for three generations.

In the flyleaf, in my grandfather’s handwriting, is the address of the home in Pennsylvania where my father was born to immigrant parents who made sure their children attended Adventist schools. Below that address, is the signature of my father,

Dean Roberts, who served our education system as a men’s dean.

My parents sacrificially supported me and my sisters so we could attend Adventist schools.

My father passed the book on to me, and now I cherish it. On one of the pages that have been dog-eared for decades, are these words: “Since God is the source of all true knowledge, it is, as we have seen, the first object of education to direct our minds to His own revelation of Himself” (Education, p. 16).

This is the mission of our schools.

It takes the entire community working together to give this to our children. Please dream and pray with me for bigger schools. Let’s imagine together how each of us can contribute a tree.

By Sandra Roberts, SECC President

First-graders pray for other students as part of the Jabez Project at Calexico Mission School.

SECC Strategic Initiative

C

hurches and schools in SECC have already started the four strategic initiatives in “Growing Young” that were introduced last year. Now in 2018, schools are increasing their focus on one part: prayer. Below are just a couple of examples of how students and faculty are embracing prayer on their campuses.

OSCAR OLIVARRIA

NORMA HOWARD

Calexico Mission School Calexico Mission School adopted the Jabez Project for this school year. The idea came from Oscar

seccadventist.org • April 2018

Focuses on Prayer in Schools Olivarria, principal, during his time at Glendale Adventist Academy, where they adopted the same project. It is based on Jabez’s prayer, found in 1 Chronicles 4:10, in which he pleas for God to bless and protect him.

“So, in the same way, we are praying for these same things for every single one of our students,” Olivarria said.

Every week, six to eight students are selected to be lifted in prayer by the entire school family. Faculty members pray for them during their morning worship before the start of the school day.

Sydnee, the The list of students school’s service dog, is announced on the “prays” with PA system on Monday the students during mornings so the classes their group can pray for them prayer time at Needles throughout the rest of Adventist the week. The prayer list Christian School. is also posted on the school’s website every week so parents can join in. The strategy has allowed everyone to be very intentional about prayer and be more in tune with the students’ needs.

“What really makes this special is the fact that the great majority of our students are Catholic, which means that they have a different view and practice of prayer,” Olivarria said. “They are used to reciting a

memorized prayer, but this prayer initiative has given us an opportunity to teach our students not only about depending and trusting in God, but also the benefits of intercessory prayer.”

Needles Adventist Christian School When students at Needles Adventist Christian School discussed the idea of increasing prayer in the classroom, they agreed to pray for other schools in their conference territory. Each student took one or more schools and committed to praying for them every day. Norma Howard, teaching principal, also prays with her students for San Antonio Christian School, which is their special focus for the year.

“Prayer is power,” Howard said.

“Not because God doesn’t know, or care, or hear—but because He wants to see His love, compassion, and energy put into the work through us.

When we pray, we enter into the Most Holy Place. We come boldly to the throne of grace, and as we go there, where He is, we are changed too, and brought into a close connection with the King of the universe. And as we discussed in the classroom, as we pray, God will send that much more power to the aide of whoever is being prayed for.”

Howard knows that even though she has a small school, she has students who love to pray for everyone they meet.

“We have a wonderful group of kids that love Jesus with their whole hearts!” Howard said.

By Jessica Anzai Permaul

Ninth-graders at Calexico Mission School pray for the students of the week during their worship service on Feb. 27.

Orangewood Basketball Clinic Reaches Out to Girls with Disabilities

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Hispanic Ministries Women’s Retreat (April 6-8) Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center. Info and registration: Magbis Leonora, 951-509-2333.

RAA Free Children’s Event (April 8) 10-11 a.m., Redlands Adventist Academy, 130 Tennessee St., Redlands. This event is for children ages 4-6 to experience a little of what TK and kindergarten are like. Info: Chaltu Sandiford, 909-793-100 ext. 155.

OA’s Lady Spartans run dribbling practice in the gym during the two-hour basketball clinic for girls with disabilities on Dec. 17.

Not only was the clinic beneficial to the girls attending, it was an important event for the players as well. “This type of ministry helps students be more gracious, more appreciative, and more aware of those around them,” Aragon said.

“There was this moment when my teammate and I were sitting with one of the girls, Lucy, because she was tired and cried a little,” Hannah Monty, a Lady Spartan, said. “Her mom was sitting with us, telling us about their family and how much her daughter likes basketball, when out of nowhere, Lucy reached across her mom to touch my teammate’s neck.

Lucy’s mom’s eyes filled with tears as she explained to us that because Lucy doesn’t talk, the way she shows her love is by touching someone’s neck. The only person’s neck she had ever touched was her mom’s—and now my teammate’s. It was a very, very sincere moment for us.”

By Natalie Romero

PHOTOS BY ZAIDY OLIVARRIA

he Lady Spartans of Orangewood Academy hosted their first basketball clinic for girls with disabilities on Dec. 17. The women’s varsity team, well-known in the area as one of the top 10 teams in Orange County, has won numerous titles and awards—but their success is not just on the court.

“The coaches and athletic director encourage community service and spiritual activities,” said Zaidy Olivarria, who is in charge of recruitment, marketing, alumni, and art at Orangewood Academy. “This clinic was another way to give back to the community.”

The clinic was coordinated by athletic director Leslie Aragon. The players helped the girls stretch, warm up, and then showed them how to dribble, shoot, play defense, pass, and do layups before playing a game.

The overall intent of the clinic was to build confidence and instill a feeling of belonging.

“Our basketball team is a dynamic ministry disguised as an athletic program,” said Terri Taaffe, music teacher at Orangewood Academy, whose daughter attended the clinic.

“As a parent of a child with Down syndrome,” Taaffe went on to say, “I often fear sending her into new situations, worrying that she will be overlooked or discounted. That was not the case here. My daughter is used to watching her sister play on teams, but has never had the opportunity to be on a team herself, so this was a new joy for her.”

Upcoming Events

Not only teammates, but friends, gather at the end of their basketball clinic at Orangewood Academy.

40 Days of Life-Changing Family Worship (April 8-14) Mt. Rubidoux church, 5320 Victoria Ave., Riverside. This Net Family Week of Prayer will encourage, challenge, and help families develop a rhythm of family worship. Info: 951-509-2269, www.seccyouth.com/wop.

Hispanic Ministries Men’s Retreat (April 20-22) Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center. Info: Magbis Leonora, 951-509-2333.

La Sierra Academy Alumni Weekend (April 27-28) La Sierra Academy, 4900 Golden Ave., Riverside. Honor classes 3s and 8s. Sabbath will have a homecoming service, potluck, campus tours, and reunion meetings. Info: alumni office, 951-351-1445 ext. 244.

Bible Quiz-A-Rama (April 28) 4:30-7:30 p.m., Mt. Rubidoux church, 5320 Victoria Ave., Riverside. This event is a fullscaled production Bible quiz designed to stimulate the minds of the youth and young adults of the church. Info and registration: www.seccyouth.com.

SECC Education Fair (April 29) 11 a.m.

- 2 p.m., Conference office, 11330 Pierce St., Riverside. Come to the education fair hosted by the Office of Education and Hispanic ministries for delicious food and fun games, live music, robotics demonstrations, seminars for parents, raffles, face-painting, and more.

Info: Rachael Gil, 951-509-2319.

Retirees Retreat (May 14-16) Pine Springs Ranch, 58000 Apple Canyon Rd., Mountain Center. Speakers include Roger Seheult, Elden Ramirez, and Peter Seheult. Application deadline is May 1.

Info and registration: www.seccretiree. adventistfaith.org.

Couples Attend Hispanic Marriage Retreat

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he conference Hispanic ministries hosted its firstever Spanish marriage retreat Jan. 12-14 at Pine Springs Ranch.

The event, attended by 72 couples, consisted of testimonies, devotional readings, and marriage seminars.

“This retreat helped couples realize that the foundation of every marriage should be God,” said Rosalva Michel-Riojas, volunteer secretary and assistant director for Hispanic marriage and family ministries.

The guest speaker for the weekend was Henry Barrios, president of PhilosCare Corporation, an organization helping Christians serve their community. Barrios elaborated on the five sexual principles found in the Bible and the relationship between intimacy with your spouse and intimacy with God.

“I want to show married couples the importance of sex in marriage and how it can help them regain that love and romance they have for each other,” Barrios said.

(Top) More than 140 people gathered for the Hispanic marriage retreat This retreat at Pine Springs Ranch Jan. 12-14. (Above) Henry Barrios, president of PhilosCare Corporation in Florida, elaborates on the importance of sex in helped many marriage. couples understand the importance of as my husband and I could feel the reflecting God’s love in their marriage presence of God and His voice talking and also of being a testimony to other to us through Barrios,” Elena Tello couples who may not know Jesus. said. “It was amazing to interact with One of the many couples impacted other couples and realize that we all and blessed by the retreat were have difficulties in our marriage, but Teodoro and Elena Tello, members of that with God’s help and love those Escondido Spanish church. hardships can be healed.”

“This retreat was a huge blessing, One of the highlights of the retreat for attendees was the anointing of couples by several pastors. Numerous pastors were able to pray for the couples and ask for God’s blessing over their marriage and family. “Seeing the pastors pray for each couple in such a united manner was one of the most beautiful and impactful moments of the retreat,” Michel-Riojas said.

Although nothing is official yet, Barrios predicted this will not be the last Spanish marriage retreat hosted

by Hispanic ministries. “I want many more couples to have the opportunity to have their marriages transformed by the never-ending love of God,” he said.

By Herman Aguilar

Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

1 1 3 3 0 P i e r c e S t r e e t • R i v e r s i d e , C A 9 2 5 0 5 - 3 3 0 3 • 9 5 1 . 5 0 9 . 2 2 0 0 • w w w. s e c c a d v e n t i s t . o r g

Sandra Roberts, President • Jonathan Park, Secretary • Verlon Strauss, Treasurer Conference Priorities • Enno Müller, Editor

seccadventist.org • April 2018

In This Issue April 2018 In Transition

In Transition

Oakwood University Day at Breath of Life Church Evangelism Update & News From the Regions

The Proof is in the Harold A. Crook, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Education

D

uring the last few years, I’ve heard a lot about academics, advanced placement classes, and the need for excellent college placement. The need for academic excellence in our Seventhday Adventist schools is critical.

This is the reason all our academies are accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), ensuring our program meets or exceeds the standards in California. All our elementary schools are either accredited by WASC or the Accrediting Association of Seventhday Adventist Schools, Colleges, and Universities (AAA), which carries many requirements that parallel WASC standards.

When I was a secondary principal, the school started tracking where the seniors were four years after they graduated. After 17 comprehensive years of tracking, approximately 84 percent of students either had obtained a four-year degree, reached senior status, been accepted into a graduate program, or earned a three-year degree, such as nursing or physical therapy assistant. Four years ago, we

Product!

started the same tracking program for all our academies.

The results are amazing! The first two classes we tracked revealed that 78 percent of seniors attended a four-year college immediately after high school.

This is compared with approximately 35 percent of California high school seniors who did so. The percentage of our graduates who have reached senior status, graduated college, or been accepted into a graduate program reveals that an overwhelming percentage of our students are successful after graduating from one of our SCC schools.

Students’ academic success can be attributed to one of the greatest strengths of our schools: Christian teachers who nurture our students with Christian values and are spiritual mentors. It is the mentoring of the students by the teachers, administration, staff, and the community surrounding our schools that nurtures and fosters students’ self-esteem. This gives students the ability to see beyond their limitations and, instead, see the greater purpose

God has in store for them. This allows students to face academic challenges with greater confidence, and the knowledge that they will be guided by God will give them greater success as they move forward with their lives.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:11-12 NIV Students who have graduated and are serving God in their communities are the greatest example of the quality of Adventist education. The proof is in the product!

As I prepared to present our tracking results to our Board of Education at a recent meeting, I picked up a school yearbook from that first school where I had begun a tracking program. I soon realized every senior page was filled with students who not only now have a college degree, but many had graduate degrees or even cont. on next page SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE •

The Proof is in the Product , cont. from page 1

postgraduate degrees. There was a full gamut of amazing success stories!

After the presentation, I went back to my office to evaluate other yearbooks to see if I would get the same results.

I was amazed at the success of the graduates as I looked through them one by one.

These results make it clear — Adventist education prepares students for academic success and provides a place for spiritual growth. Adventist education is evangelism; there’s no higher calling than bringing students to Jesus. The most important quality of Adventist education is having Christian teachers and staff who daily mentor students to have a relationship with Jesus. What have our students gained if they’ve lost a personal relationship with Jesus?

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

Matthew 16:26 NIV The infographic to the right represents the average tracking results from class of 2010 graduates from SCC’s five academies.

In Transition New Employees (Voted 2/8/2018)

Iris Chuah, to Human Resources

Director, Southern California Conference, as of Feb. 1, 2018.

Changes Within the Conference (Voted 1/25/2018)

Connie Jeffery, from Trust

Development Officer, Trust Services/Special Asst. to President, to Associate Director, Communication, as of Jan. 1, 2018.

• SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

(Voted January 25, February 8)

Leaving Conference Employment (Voted 1/25/2018)

Loren Hodnett, Pastor, Smyrna Church, to

Pastor, South Atlantic Regional Conference, as of Feb. 3, 2018.

Marvin Hugley, Pastor, Tamarind Ave. Church, as of Dec. 31, 2017.

Edwin McBride, Pastor, Altadena Church, to

Pastor, Southeastern California Conference, as of Dec. 31, 2017.

Retiring (Voted 2/8/2018)

Erline Docil, from Junior Accountant/ Cashier, SCC Treasury Dept., as of Feb. 1, 2018.

Southern california chaPter of oakwood univerSity alumni aSSociation hoStS

“Oakwood University Day” at

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he Oakwood University Alumni Association (OUAA) Southern California Chapter celebrated “Oakwood University Day” on January 20 at the Breath of Life church. The morning service and evening concert attracted nearly 1,000 worshipers and Oakwood University (OU) alumni.

Donations to fund scholarships for Oakwood University students exceeded $8,000.

The morning worship experience was both inspiring and celebratory, featuring the introduction of newly elected Regional Vice President Dr. D.C. Nosakhere Thomas (’86), Breath of Life Ministries Speaker/Director Dr. Carlton P. Byrd (’94), and recording artist J. Moss, as well as a videotaped testimonial by OU alumnus Tino Mkorombindo (’17). The following awards were presented by OUAA National President Dr. Cynthia PowellHicks (’76) and Southern California

B reath

of

l ife c hurch

By Lauren Armstrong, Clarence Brown, and D.C. Nosakhere Thomas

OUAA Chapter President Danette Bryant Batiste (’94): • The OUAA Leadership Award to Dr. William R. Wright, Jr. (’64) for his leadership as Immediate Past OUAA Regional Vice President.

• The OUAA Alumnus of the Year Award to Dr. Eric Todd (’82) for his ongoing support of Oakwood and his career achievements as an educator/administrator.

• The OUAA Community Service Award to Cinder Eller-Kimbell, for her effective service as Senior Community Affairs Liaison for the City of Inglewood Police Department.

• The SoCal OUAA awarded four scholarships in the amount of $1,250 to Adam Lespinasse, Kiera Thomas, Tyhara Tyrell, and Jasmine Walsh.

In addition, the Southern California

Chapter OUAA Board honored chapter president Batiste for her untiring commitment and dedication. “After a fantastic catered meal,” Clarence Brown, Breath of Life church, shared, “Oakwood University alumni took center stage and delivered powerful performances, as did guest artist Stevie Mackey, Gospel Music Workshop of America Los Angeles Chapter, and phenomenal poet Ezekiel Azonwu.”

The Southern California Chapter of OUAA will host two more Oakwood University Day events this year: Maranatha San Diego, April 21, and Kansas Ave., Riverside, July 7. (l. to r.) Pastor Eugene Hamilton, Senior Pastor, Breath of Life church; Cynthia Fenison-Briscoe, Vice President, Southern California OUAA; Danette Bryant Batiste, President Southern California OUAA; Cinder Eller-Kimbell, Senior Community Affairs Liaison, City of Inglewood Police Department; Dr. D.C. Nosakhere Thomas, Regional Vice President, Pacific Union Conference, OUAA; and Pastor Peggi Trusty, Associate Pastor, Breath of Life church, celebrate “Oakwood University Day.” Photo by Clarence Brown and D.C. Nosakhere Thomas

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE •

E va n g E l i s m News

By James G. Lee, Jr.

SCC Evangelism Director

SCC EVANGELISM UPDATE

REGION NEWS

On February 19-21, three SCC pastors attended the 2018 eHuddle North American Division (NAD) Evangelism Visioning and Leadership Team at the new NAD headquarters in Columbia, Md.

Hispanic Region

“As we look across North America, we are more convinced than ever that the mission to reach people with the distinctive Christ-centered, Seventh-day Adventist message of hope and wholeness must be our one priority,” said Daniel R. Jackson, NAD president. “In order to be effective in reaching others in these rapidly changing times, we must not only have a united vision, but also an ongoing and active conversation, which empowers our members, churches, pastors, and institutions to reach people in different ways according to their contexts.”

The 2018 eHuddle addressed church revitalization, growing younger churches, and ministering to large unreached people groups (such as single mothers, their children, and others) in the NAD. “The eHuddle evangelism conference was an amazingly impactful experience. For three days, leaders from throughout the NAD met to discuss innovative ideas and receive training and encouragement for evangelism. Presenters from as far away as Australia shared their experiences and expertise as those in attendance were challenged to employ every resource available to spread the message of Jesus’ love and soon return. I believe attendees left with renewed energy and determination that will be felt by every conference in our division. Praise the Lord.”

—Gamal Alexander, pastor, Compton Community church

“In my experience, eHuddle was a Spirit-led source of great inspiration, hope, and guidance as best practices of evangelism were shared by missional practitioners from all around the NAD. I am eager to contextualize these practices into my own ministry because I believe them to be vital to finish the work in preparation for the return of Jesus.”

—Brett Poynter, D.Min., pastor, Hacienda Heights church

“

A huddle is a team meeting which takes place on the field, in the midst of action.

It is a moment for planning, communicating, exchanging ideas, strategizing, and calling the next play. It happens often, and the objective is always winning.

— Dan Jackson invitation letter

• SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

”

The Hispanic Region Women’s Ministries department of SCC hosted the second annual “Go Red por tu Corazon” event on February 10. This year’s theme was “Guard Your Heart.” Nearly 800 women and a few men, all dressed in red, gathered for a day Luis Peña Director of information and inspiration. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the leading cause of death among women is heart disease. “From a Christian perspective, we wanted to take it one step further,” Huerta said, “and tie it into a faith-based outreach where we talk not only about the physical heart, but also the spiritual well-being of the heart.”

On Sabbath, February 17, the Hispanic Region held the first Small Group leaders training at Lincoln Heights Spanish church. More than 200 leaders attended the meeting to receive inspiration to plan a Small Group evangelistic meeting. The meetings were held March 3-9 with baptisms taking place on March 10. We praise God for the souls that were won for the Kingdom through these evangelistic meetings!

L.A. Metro Region The L.A. Metro Region conducted a health outreach event “Clinic-in-a-Box” at the Genesis Gardena Community church on March 11 and 12. Five L.A. Metro Region churches, Gardena Genesis Community, Long Beach, Rolling Hills, South Bay, and Norwalk, partnered with the Gerard Kiemeney Director AMEN Clinic, the Mayor’s office, the Police Department, Human Services Department, Gardena Memorial Medical Center, a few local businesses, and medical professionals from all over the state.

With multiple vision and dental stations and dozens of additional services provided, a huge difference was made in the health care needs of individuals and families from the city of Gardena and the general South Bay area.

The Genesis Gardena Community church has sown seeds of love for many years in the City of Gardena, and there has been significant receptivity of the local church by key members of the community. We continue to praise God for this successful community outreach event.