2016 Pacific Union Constituency Report

3 0 TH Q U I N Q U E N N I A L S E S S I O N AUGUST 28–29, 2016 / SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

The first Seventhday Adventists in the American West came to San Francisco in 1859.

The Golden Gate Bridge officially opened in 1937.

2016 Quinquennial Report

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2016 quinquennial report

Table of Contents 3

President’s Report

6

Executive Secretary’s Report

10

Vice President’s Report

14

Treasurer’s Report

18

Asian/Pacific Ministries

20

Hispanic Ministries

22

Regional Ministries

24

Education

27

Holbrook Indian School

28

La Sierra University

30

Pacific Union College

32

Public Affairs

34

Church Support Services

35

Adventist Health

36

Literature Ministries

37

Planned Giving & Trust Services

38

ASI

39

Stewardship

40

Western Adventist Foundation

41

Elmshaven

42

Ministerial

43

Communications

44

Delegates

puconline.org pacificunionrecorder.com adventistfaith.com 2

Pacific Union Conference

thirtieth quinquennial session

“The Lord desires to see the work of the third angel’s message carried forward with increasing efficiency. As He has worked in all ages to give victories to His people, so in this age He longs to carry to triumphant fulfillment His purposes for His church.

He bids the saints advance unitedly, going from strength to greater strength, from faith to increased assurance and confidence in the truth and righteousness of His cause.” ellen g. white long beach, california august 28, 1911

cover There are nearly seven million residents in the greater Bay Area—including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and the surrounding metropolitan communities.

The first Seventh-day Adventists in the west lived in San Francisco, and the organized work of the church began here in 1868, resulting in the first congregations west of the Mississippi. The diverse mission field of the Pacific Union Conference includes 16 of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States.

Copyright © 2016 Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists PO Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359 2686 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village, CA 91361-2799

president’s report / 2016 quinquennial report

For Such a Time as This Faith in God’s leadership quiets our fears, steadies our gaze, and empowers our future. by ricardo graham In September of 1900, nine years after she’d moved to Australia—permanently, she had thought at the time—Ellen G. White was on a steamship, headed back to California. She was responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit that her ministry and presence was needed back in America.

As she crossed the Pacific, she felt anxious about where she and her family would live and how they would make arrangements to carry on the work that they were convicted God had set out for them to do. She was concerned about the impact of the long trip on her health, for she was in her 72nd year. ricardo graham She made these concerns a President matter of prayer.

On the last night of their journey, just before they reached the port of San Francisco, the assurance of God’s leadership came to her in the form of a voice that woke her from her sleep.

“Then words were spoken to me, assuring me that the Lord would protect me—that He had a work for me to do” (Ms29-1901.5).

“He had a work for me to do.” There is great

encouragement and assurance in those words.

And I cannot help but think that as God’s church in the Pacific Union—in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Honolulu, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, and San Diego, as well as in hundreds of places and thousands of homes—God has a work for us to do. It is a work for us to do in this place, in this time. And He has assured us that He will bless and protect us.

The blessings of God have been poured out with abundance on the Pacific Union Conference since our last regular constituency meeting in 2011. This report from our officers and departments presents some of the highlights and milestones that we have reached since our last regular constituency meeting.

As President, it is my privilege to see how our Evangelism Endowment Fund is providing resources for innovation in evangelism. We rejoice at the growth of the Education Endowment that underwrites thousands of scholarships for our young people.

I thank God for the growth in our support of World Missions, and I have special appreciation for the support of Pacific Union Missions. (Details of these and other fiscal items can be found in the Treasurer’s report.)

The Bay to Bridges health project, and the

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God has a work for us to do.

It is a work for us to do in this place, in this time. And He has assured us that He will bless and protect us.

Pathways to Health projects that succeeded it, are among the finest examples of our collaborative ministry as a Union during the past five years.

Adventist Westpoint has become a hallmark for innovation in evangelism training. And I am challenged and inspired by the many young people participating in the GLOW program, in which printed tracts are being distributed to thousands of people.

The Educational Ministries of La Sierra University and Pacific Union College are growing in enrollment and in financial stability, and the Union Educational Staff continues to provide mission critical support for the challenging work of our K-12 school system throughout our Union.

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Pacific Union Conference

Adventist Health has grown over the last five years in terms of facilities and persons served, and continues the life-saving ministry of caring for the whole person that is a fundamental part of our health message.

I could list so many more milestones, and I hope that those I have not mentioned are not thought of as insignificant. This is not my intent, far from it. When asked, each of our leaders would describe their personal mission and motivation as knowing —as Ellen White expressed it—“He had a work for me to do.” Our ministry together is the fulfillment of His calling.

In this, I passionately believe we have a unique and unparalleled opportunity for ministry across our Union—even if sometimes it appears to be challenging and difficult. In fact, we have faced many difficulties in the past five years, but none that have shaken our faith in our mission or our resolve to fulfill it in the strength that God provides.

Just as we find solace in the experience of Ellen White and her confidence in God’s leadership when she returned to California, I believe that we can also find specific meaning and value in the story of

Esther—the young queen who faced a grave threat to the safety of her people and who through faith went on to rescue them.

When Mordecai’s message of the crisis they faced came to her, it called her to faithfulness in the most specific terms. “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13-14, NIV).

Confronted by circumstances that threatened her very existence, and reminded that God’s purposes are sure, Esther realized her unique calling and became the agent of God’s grace. And what does God’s chosen one do? She calls her people to prayer. The whole community, all of the believers, and every person in every household were focused in fasting and devotion. (Reread the whole story in Esther 1-10.)

Faced with a crisis, confronted with her own role in fulfilling God’s purpose, Esther the Queen called her people to devotion and prayer.

She called them to reliance on God, to a greater understanding of Divine purpose, and to love for the One who holds the future.

In a world of people seeking privilege and power, Esther raises our gaze to our heavenly Father. In a world where some might seek to threaten and control, Esther places her folded hands in the hand of the Almighty.

Ellen White provides insight into what both Esther and Mordecai were thinking: “The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther took time for communion with God, the source of her strength” (Prophets and Kings, p. 601).

May God make us more like Mordecai—

our heritage

First Adventists in the West Because of the gold rush, rent was expensive in San Francisco, so the first western SDA evangelistic meetings were held in Petaluma in 1868. The first SDA church in the West was established the next year in Santa Rosa.

focused on the pathway of grace that has been prepared for God’s people and for our world. And may God give us the clear eyes, committed heart, and courageous attitude of Queen Esther—whose reliance on God, trust in His power, and leadership of the believers around her became the agency for the sure redemption God had promised, and a witness even now to God’s sustaining love.

May the witness of Esther give us clarity to fulfill our own assigned mission. May our hearts be sure of the work that God has for us to do. May we be ever mindful of the empowering grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, whose providence has brought us together in mission for such a time as this.

ricardo graham President

carol lowe Administrative Assistant

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executive secretary’s report / 2016 quinquennial report

Called, Committed, Engaged “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:14 The past five years have brought many changes and challenges to the world in which we are working to preach the “gospel of the kingdom.”

Technology has both widened our reach to one another and yet simultaneously added layers of emotional distance and personal anonymity. The ripple of the financial consequences of the Great Recession still touch our neighbors’ lives. Insecurity grips the hearts of our fellow citizens in the wake of terrorism and mass shootings. This is the mission setting into which the Pacific Union Conference’s 226,207 members (Chart 1) are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Diversity in the Adventist Church

To summarize the uniqueness of the Pacific Union Conference membership and churches, several amplifiers come to mind—disciples of Jesus, committed to the Adventist worldview, and engaged in our communities.

But a key descriptor for us is also “diversity.” Our witness to the “exhaustless love of God” is uniquely deployed through the cultural multiplicity that the Lord has raised up for His work in the five states of our territory (Chart 2). United by the blood of Jesus, we are a spiritual family that chooses to honor and

Kayla Wallace is baptized by Pastor Elden Ramierez at the 2012 Pacific Union Pathfinder Camporee at Glen Helen Park, San Bernardino.

celebrate the distinct impact made by each of God’s children.

This diversity perfectly positions Seventh-day Adventists to fulfill the commission of our Lord for this prophetic hour. The united efforts of leaders and members in our churches, schools, hospitals, and literature ministries have resulted in 30,664 baptisms during this quinquinniel period (Chart 3). Imagine a reunion of all these baptized members in a stadium singing together the great Adventist anthem, “We have this Hope.”

However, we must also concede to the reality that too many of these new disciples grew discouraged, faced personal challenges, or felt unwelcome in their new spiritual home. Shall we not commit ourselves over the next five years to become “committees of one” to meet these growing Christians with love, acceptance, understanding, and patience as they journey to heaven with us. Our pledge shall be “Not one missing!”

Gospel of the Kingdom

Convergence occurs when two or more things come together to form a new whole. By embracing our distinctive diversity along with this “Gospel of the Kingdom” we stand at the shore of a renewed vision for reaching our Pacific Union Conference mission field. Moved by this conviction we can now aim to be a center for creative, collaborative innovation for the Kingdom. The words of Queen Esther’s cousin are more relevant than ever, “For Such a Time as This.”

bradford c. newton

vivienne lansdown Administrative Assistant

Pacific Union Conference

Membership 2011

221,917

2012

223,917

2013

225,928

2014

225,129

2015

226,207

Baptisms 2011

6,818

2012

6,524

2013

6,187

2014

5,632 5,503

2015

Membership Diversity caucasian (56.2%)

Executive Secretary

6

Trends in the Pacific Union: 2011–2015

hispanic (22.6%) african/ american (11.9%) asian/pacific (9.3%)

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executive secretary’s report / 2016 quinquennial report

A Look at the Pacific Union Region The Pacific Union region boasts sixteen of the largest metropolitan cities in the United States. Here is a look at the people who live there.

3,000,000+ 1,000,000+ under 1,000,000

Total Population of Major Cities in the Pacific Union

salt lake city sacramento

san francisco

1,170,266

726,106

1,976,836

los angeles

salt lake city

san francisco

tucson

phoenix area

honolulu

riverside area

fresno

san diego

bakersfield

sacramento

thousand oaks

las vegas

stocktonlodi

san jose area

provo

0–19 20–39 40–59

60–79 80+

fresno 974,681

las vegas

bakersfield

2,114,801

882,176

thousand oaks 850,536

4,489,159

13,340,068

phoenix

san diego

4,574,531

3,299,521

tucson 1,010,025

honolulu

los angeles san francisco phoenix riverside san diego sacramento las vegas san jose salt lake city tucson honolulu fresno bakersfield thousand oaks stockton-lodi provo

riverside area

los angeles

998,714

african-american islander

585,799

stockton-lodi

san jose

caucasian hispanic asian

Age Breakdown of Major Cities in the Pacific Union

provo

2,274,194

4,656,132

Ethnicity Breakdown of Major Cities in the Pacific Union

Source: the ACS 2014 Census censusreporter.org

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vice president’s report / 2016 quinquennial report

This is the heart of ministry: to be perfectly connected to Jesus Christ, to allow His grace and power to permeate our lives, and to be the means by which His love and salvation is expressed into the world and known by those around us.

All of these objectives are rooted in the words of Jesus in John 15, and they are exemplified by the description of spiritual gifts that Paul expresses in 1 Corinthians 12.

Using the various parts of the body as a metaphor for

“These Are His Gifts” As the ministry of Jesus Christ began to draw to a close, our Lord turned His attention to how His followers would stay true to His calling and teachings.

Taking a lesson from the everyday world, in just a few words He summarized how the Christian church would develop and thrive: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV).

This is the heart of ministry: to be perfectly connected to Jesus Christ, to allow His grace and

power to permeate our lives, and to be the means by which His love and salvation is expressed into the world and known by those around us.

The ministries of the Pacific Union seek this connection and serve to be expressions of the way the love of Jesus flows through and impacts every part of our lives.

As I think about the Pacific Union Conference and our desire to be a biblically functioning Union, I am so grateful for the Volunteer Ministries and how they help us accomplish four major objectives:

tony anobile Vice President

vivienne lansdown Administrative Assistant

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Pacific Union Conference

To provide opportunities for ministry and participation in the life of the local church To network resources and people for opportunities and healthy challenges To create environments for personal growth and spiritual development that are enthused by the Holy Spirit To perfectly reflect how we can each be totally connected to Jesus Christ

the completely connected church, Paul highlights those things that exemplify the way the church works together in the name of Jesus Christ. These are the criteria by which our ministries should be initiated, developed, and evaluated.

Ministry that is led by God The ministries that serve our Union are rooted in responding to God’s call. They embrace the challenges of modern life and respond to the opportunity to reflect the character of God.

Ministry that is strategic We believe that we are a movement of destiny. Jesus came not only to save us but to transform our lives now. Our greatest joy is in sharing His great love. It is urgent that we be faithful in our calling and in our mission. Everything that we do in His name must be focused on these great themes.

Ministry that engages every believer and every gift Jesus entrusted the gospel message to His church, a priesthood of ALL believers. The life, talents, experience, skills, and influence of every person find transforming value when blessed by the Spirit. No aspect of our lives is outside of God’s care—and each of our personal experiences can be used by our Lord to bring hope and salvation to others.

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Ministry that strengthens our community through recognition of our great diversity For people living in an uncertain world that is filled with crises and challenges, the gospel shines through the lives and shared experiences of those who have been saved by grace.

The sense of community that pervades the people of God, who rejoice in the shared experience of salvation, transcends the differences that others may find divisive.

As I have traveled throughout our Union the past eight months, I have witnessed firsthand the passion and commitment that our lay leaders, members, and pastors have for their work.

Motivated by the transforming message of Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the unique opportunities and challenges of ministry within the Pacific Union are being met with optimism and faithfulness. May God continue to bless His church as together we are witnesses to His love and grace.

Ministry that embraces the world with compassion We believe that we are a movement of destiny. Jesus came not only to save us but to transform our lives now. Our greatest joy is in sharing His great love. It is urgent that we be faithful in our calling and in our mission. Everything that we do in His name must be focused on these great themes.

First Asian Convert Retired Bible worker Elizabeth Swift established an English school in Oakland to help Japanese immigrants. One of her students, Kinichi Nozaki, became an ordained pastor. In 1926, he organized the first Japanese SDA church in America in Mountain View, California.

Volunteer Ministry Contact List ministry

coordinator

email address

adventurers/camp/pathfinders/ youth

eddie heinrich

eheinrich@nccsda.com

asi

lela lewis

lewchr@yahoo.com

community services / disaster relief

charlene sargent

ctsargent@hotmail.com

Ministry rooted in love

ellen g. white ministries

charles white

pcew@icloud.com

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another� (John 13:3435 NIV). With these words, Jesus summarized the way in which all ministry will be evaluated. It is the standard we must apply to all of our endeavors and to everything we do in His name.

family ministries

edwin mendoza

edmengo53@yahoo.com

health ministries

lorayne barton

LorayneBarton@mac.com

ministerial spouse association

audrey graham

awgraham2@earthlink.net

muslim ministries

gerald babnezhad

geraldbabanezhad@yahoo.com

prayer ministries

karen martell

karenmartelline@aol.com

prison ministries

bobby martell

pastormitchell46@yahoo.com

public college & university ministries

ron pickell

rpickell@nccsda.com

public high school ministries

scott ward

sward@nccsda.com

singles ministries

barbara babcock

babcockmail@gmail.com

souls/ishare

michael tuazon

michaeltuazon@gmail.com

women’s ministries

dorothy means

dot.mns@sbcglobal.net

It is a privilege for me, as the Vice President of the Pacific Union Conference, to be the liaison between the Officer team and these dedicated ministries and their leaders.

I believe with all my heart that the best days are

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our heritage

Pacific Union Conference

still ahead of us in the Pacific Union! Thanks to the vision of our predecessors, we have an Evangelism Endowment Fund that challenges our pastors and members to think creatively when it comes to evangelism and how to reach our communities with the gospel.

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treasurer’s report / 2016 quinquennial report additional 7.2% came from investments and miscellaneous revenue.

Operating Expenses

Blessed to Be a Blessing God’s promise to his people is abundant and clear: “The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.” —Deuteronomy 28:12 (NIV). Even times of great change and fiscal constraint, God’s promise rings true.

We are pleased to bring you a financial report covering the years 2011 through 2015. The goal of Pacific Union Conference has been to give back to the conferences as much as possible for mission directed at the conference and church level. Lower investment income to the church has required careful planning and a re-examination of financial priorities.

Yet even with these financial challenges, this report will show that God is still in the business of opening the windows of heaven and pouring out abundant blessings on His family.

Return of Tithe Total retained tithe during this five-year period increased from $14.21M to $15.7M, which averaged 1.8% increase per year. Despite the economy, we

theodore r. benson Treasurer

stephen mayer Undertreasurer

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Pacific Union Conference

praise God for continued blessings and are thankful for the faithfulness of our membership.

World Mission Giving God’s family is scattered throughout the entire world.

A portion of the tithe, along with regular mission offerings, provide support for the world wide mission of the church. Among others, these long-established offerings include Sabbath School, Thirteenth Sabbath, Investment, Birthday and Thank offerings.

Mission offerings have seen a decline of 17% during this past quinquennium, which translates to $3.8M decrease in giving. The internet and online giving have dramatically altered the way support for both missions and specific ministries is received. Many dollars are donated directly to specific mission projects. This shift probably accounts for some of the decline in the monies given through traditional channels.

The focus of the Pacific Union is to assist our conferences in meeting their ministry and missional goals. The operating expenses for Pacific Union consist of two main categories designated as Program Services and Support Functions. Program Services are those expenses directed toward the accomplishment of mission, while Support Functions consist of administrative expenses and other operating costs for the Union office. During the period from 2011 to 2015, 90.9 cents of every dollar spent was used to accomplish mission. The 92.9% ($163 million) spent for Program Services was apportioned to the conferences and institutions of higher education.

Conference appropriations included $3.4 million from year-end gains realized by the Pacific Union during the past five years, which were returned as unrestricted funds.

We are thankful for the opportunities to partner with conferences in support of a number of special ministry initatives, including: ministry initiatives

contribution

bay to bridges health initiative

$573,000

youth ministries

$125,000

glow ministries

$225,000

ishare ministries

$225,000

elmshaven

$622,418

Operating Revenues

souls west

$450,000

Pacific Union Conference received total revenues of $160.8 million during the 2011 to 2015 period. Restricted revenue amounted to 50.3% and was passed on or used as donors specified. Tithe provided by the conferences made up 42.5% of the operating revenue, while an

ministerial training

$1,201,558

Pacific Union Missions Holbrook Indian School, Monument Valley Mission

School, and Calexico Mission School are unique initiatives within the Pacific Union boundaries. Together with the conferences, the Pacific Union assists with the support of these mission outreaches. pacific union missions

contribution

calexico mission school

$1,117,714

holbrook indian school

$2,561,205

monument valley school

$541,932

native people’s evangelism

$325,000

Other Managed Funds

The Evangelism Endowment Fund provides ongoing funds for innovative outreach by churches and individuals within the Union. This past five years over $3 million has been provided to 149 churches and conferences to develop, test, and apply new methods of outreach and evangelism.

The Education Endowment has provided funds during the past five years that have assisted 3,624 students in the amount of $2,355,990.

The Church and School Loan Fund provides low cost loans to our churches, schools, and conferences within the Pacific Union. The interest earnings are distributed to the Evangelism Endowment Fund and the Educational Endowment Funds to help with the mission of the union. As of December 31, 2015, the net assets of the fund were over $41 million, of which $19.9 million was on loan to churches, schools, and conferences within the union.

The Income Fund is unique in that its primary objective is to provide a pooled investment vehicle for conferences, churches, and schools within Pacific Union Conference. Secondarily, it provides a financing option for capital projects for those same denominational organizations. As of December 31, 2015, the net assets under management were $132.9 million, of which $64.5 million was loaned to denomination organizations

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Milestones: 2011–2015 Union operating funds Net Assets increased $1.4 million from $25.2 to $26.6 million Net tithe to the Union increased $1.3 million, averaging an increase of 1.8% per year $3.4 million of Union year-end gains were returned to the conferences Plant asset reserves increased $1.4 million Contingency Fund balance increased by $3.9 million to 20.1 million Church and School Loan Fund provides low cost no fee loans to church organizations within Pacific Union Conference. Rates have decreased 2% to a low of 4% Church and School Loan Fund has $19.9 million loaned to 100 church organizations within Pacific Union Conference Church and School Loan Fund generates $1.2 - $1.7 million in revenue that is transferred, 40% Evangelism Endowment, 40% Education Endowment, 20% Contingency Fund, less the CPI Evangelism Endowment grew $1.9 million to $13.4 million Creative Evangelism grants have increased to $846K per year. Over $3 million has been provided to 149 churches to try various evangelism initiatives.

within Pacific Union Conference. During the past five years investors in this fund have received dividends averaging 2.75%, which totaled over $14.3 million.

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Pacific Union Conference

50.3%

We Look Forward to the Future Because of God’s abundant blessings and the faithfulness of the members in giving to His cause, we can state that the Pacific Union Conference is in a sound financial position at this time. It is through God’s wisdom and power that His church thrives. Confidence in God’s grace and blessing gives us confidence for the future and a basis for facing new challenges with optimism and hope.

As we have seen the way the funds we manage are used in our churches, we are humbled and blessed at what God can do! It is particularly gratifying to see the results of good stewardship and management in the local communities and churches where our members live and worship. It is our conviction that through these resources it is our responsibility to reach out in blessing just as we have been blessed, and that through our work we may be a tangible witness to God’s love and grace.

Pray that He will continue to bless and guide us as we manage the finances of Pacific Union Conference for the finishing of God’s work.

general ministry support $80,870,815

$160.7 million

42.5%

tithe

theodore r. benson Treasurer

$68,297,351 5.2%

investments

2.0%

other

$8,351,422

stephen mayer Undertreasurer

$3,261,082

tim stubbert Associate Treasurer

Union Expenditures

$163 million

etelia warden

42.7%

appropriations

36.1%

education

8.7%

Accountant

$64,640,000 $58,838,000

leanne garrison

support services

Sr. Accounting Clerk

$14,183,000 6.5%

retirement $10,597,000

peggy liebelt

3.9%

scholarships

Administrative Assistant

$6,362,000

Membership and Tithe Comparison

2.1%

christiana parris Assistant Treasurer

$180m

226k

$175m

224k

$170m

222k

$165m

220k

$160m $155m

Ministry Endowment Funds 62.4%

linda ramsey Sr. Accounting Clerk

church & school $40,000,000

$64.1 million

20.9%

educational $13,400,000

16.7%

membership tithe

year-end returns $3,400,000

228k

118k Education Endowment funds have provided assistance to 3,624 students in the amount of $2.4 million

Staff & Personnel

Union Revenue

creative evangelism $10,700,000

jim grieggs Associate Treasurer / IT

bill liers Associate Treasurer / IT

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asian & pacific ministries / 2016 quinquennial report

Many Cultures, One Savior Our goal is to inspire and mobilize our churches to reach out to every Asian/ Pacific household and cultural community, lifting them to the heart of Jesus.

Comprised of 25 language groups, diverse cultures, and a membership of 21,102 in 2015, Asian/Pacific Ministries is a growing movement with a passion to bring the eternal Gospel to the unreached immigrant population in the Pacific Union Conference.

Despite the challenges of the past quinquennium, God continued to bless this ministry with 3,315 baptisms. The pastors and members who labored to win these precious souls for the kingdom are rewarded for their faithfulness with the joy of serving the Lord.

Mission We exist to reach all Asian/Pacific immigrants with God’s message of love, hope, and wholeness.

Core Values S - Spiritual renewal T - Training, leadership, and development A - Attracting people to Jesus R - Reaping the harvest T - Transforming new disciples Strategy Prioritizing revival meetings in Asian/Pacific churches Equipping and enabling workers and members

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Pacific Union Conference

to be effective servant-leaders and soul-winners, making each church a center of evangelism Focusing on community for relational and friendship evangelism Conducting reaping campaigns led by Asian/Pacific pastors, using the spiritual gifts and support of the

Above: VicLouis Arreola III, director of Asian/Pacific ministries for the Pacific Union Conference and for the NAD, speaks to attendees at the North American Division Asian/Pacific Pastors Convention, Feb. 23-26, 2014 in Ontario, Calif. Photo by Gerry Chudleigh.

local church team Establishing discipleship programs to assimilate new members and help them grow spiritually as faithful Seventh-day Adventists

Projects Our Great Hope Ministries Lay pastoral training through the Pacific Institute

of Christian Ministry Annual Empowerment Ministries Leadership Conference Asian/Pacific Pastors’ Conventions and Bible Conferences Asian/Pacific Mission Centers—the first and only centers in NAD: Vietnamese Mission Center, Cambodian Center, Refuge and Revelation Center Organized Fijian Church in Sacramento—first in NAD Indo-East Asian Church Mission in Yuba City First Hmong church buildings in NCC and CCC First Tongan church plant in Honolulu, HI Radio, television, and Internet ministries in Asian/

Pacific languages S.T.A.R.T. church growth model English Language Schools Adopt-a-Church Building Project Language Printing Press Ministry Multi-Cultural Kit Momentum for Growth Summit for lay leaders Training for local church elders: Elders Certification Training

viclouis arreola iii Director

Our Great Challenge While we continue to grow, there are more people and communities to reach. In 2015, the ratio of Asian/ Pacific Adventists to the Asian/ Pacific population in the Pacific Union was 91:25,000.

This is our great challenge—and we take it to heart!

maricel felarca Administrative Assistant

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hispanic ministries / 2016 quinquennial report

United to Proclaim Working as a team and with God’s blessings, nothing is impossible.

At the beginning of this quinquennial, we asked ourselves how we could reach the over 20 million Latinos and Portuguese that live within the Pacific Union territory. This is a huge task for the 151,129 members of the 179+ churches and companies.

Our Savior’s command for us is to teach and to make disciples. His grace, love, and compassion must be shared. With earnest prayer, the Spanish coordinators of this union began planning.

Evangelism—Our Main Initiative

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To involve 120 congregations To activate 10,000 lay people, including 2,000 youth To reach a goal of 1,200 baptisms in the months of April and May, 2012 To dedicate a Union-wide baptism month each year To facilitate a prepared set of sermons in Power Point and set of Bible Studies for all members

Pacific Union Conference

involved in the evangelistic project To share with all members the amazing conversion stories (God was good to us and there were many amazing stories to share.)

To bring a sense of teamwork and happiness as the churches were involved in the mission of our Lord

Seminars

Couples and family (one per conference and one union-wide) Lay leaders (one per conference; one union-wide) Elder and Men’s Ministries Women’s Ministries (one per conference) Lay training: 21,850 lay members trained and equipped Ministerial meetings: Once every five years, pastors and their families meet for fellowship, evangelism planning, and training.

Above: Praise Team AZ leads worship at the Pacific Union Conference Hispanic Youth Congress in Phoenix, Ariz., July 31, 2013 in the Phoenix Central Hispanic Adventist church. Photo by Gerry Chudleigh.

Small Groups

We have about 600 small groups in the seven conferences. With the help of Elder Abimael Escalante and Elder Alejandro Bullón, we are preparing materials to help every member who wants to be involved in small groups: group leaders, pastors, group members, leaders, and members of the church.

Youth Activities

Youth congresses, Bible bowls, and mini Olympics are held on a yearly basis, rotating through the PUC conferences. Attendance at the youth congresses has been between 1000-1500 each year. The 25th Anniversary Youth Congress was held at the La Sierra Spanish Church and University facilities July 29-31, 2016. The theme “waves of Compassion” was demonstrated by community service activities such as cleaning parks, visiting convalescent homes, singing groups, and backpacks for the homeless.

Education

“Alcance” is a new mentoring scholarship program.

This program has given scholarships to Adventist

Hispanic youth attending public schools. Some of these youth have now graduated from our academies and even college.

Dreams for the Next Quinquennium

We have measurable goals: to expand to 210 congregations; to grow to 1000 small groups; to add programs such as “How to Live Healthy and be Happy”; and to establish Prayer Homes in every Adventist church. And we have broader goals: to involve youth in the mission of the church and help them feel accepted and loved; to ensure that our youth get a Christian education; to help members to be active and involved in growth for the Kingdom of God; and to encourage members to share the love of Jesus and be happy Christians.

jorge p. soria Director

ruth collins Administrative Assistant

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regional ministries / 2016 quinquennial report

Connecting Our Urban Communities to Christ Urban communities are diverse, dynamic, and complex—their ministry must be, too.

African American congregations are mainly located in urban areas. The big cities of the Pacific Union Conference, along with several towns with populations under 100,000, host 62 African American SDA congregations. The 26,869 members worshipping and serving in these congregations contribute $13,000+ million in tithes annually.

Recently appointed to the directorship of Regional Ministry, Virgil S. Childs shares the vision of the Coordinating Committee to increase collaboration among directors, pastors, churches, and resources to develop a wide-ranging approach to connecting our urban communities to Christ.

The demographic in the urban church setting is ethnically and generationally diverse. Urban congregations minister to the needs of single parents through afterschool tutoring programs, summer camp, and parenting classes. They offer

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job training for inmates reentering society, health education for chronic disease management, recovery programs for restoration, and Christian education for character building and service.

Innovative Ministry

Fresh opportunities include community engagement and resourcing. Collaborating with community organizations provides visibility, authenticity, sustainability for outreach programs, and capacity building. Our regional pastors are poised to reach beyond the customary approaches to provide innovative ministry that has greater impact on the communities where they serve.

Innovation can lead to spiritual awakening, as in the case with the Abundant Life church in Las Vegas. Parking lot worship services, summer day camp, community concerts, and prayer walks

Above: God’s Chosen, Christine Davis directing, sings “Hallelujah Salvation and Glory” at the Tamarind Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church, Jan., 26, 2013. Photo by Gerry Chudleigh.

have connected the congregation to its neighbors.

Emerging populations of refugees are being cared for in Phoenix and Tucson, Ariz.

Old and new strategies for evangelism are overlapping to finish the work. Regional Ministries is still employing Community Service, Adventist Youth Association, and Pathfinders to mold and shape the character of the young. Young adult ministries are sponsoring mission trips to Africa and Central America. The traditions have helped to keep congregations strong and vibrant.

The Coordinating Committee has been in transition with new leadership and objectives; however, the mission is still the same—to share the love of God and influence souls for Christ.

virgil s. childs Regional Ministries Director

sali butler

our heritage

Hawaii Mission Conference The Hawaii Mission Conference was organized in 1896 and was included in the Pacific Union Conference when the Union was organized in 1901. In 1906, it became part of the new North Pacific Union, but was placed under General Conference direction in 1909. It finally came home as a part of the Pacific Union in 1929, and became a full conference in 1983.

Administrative Assistant

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education / 2016 quinquennial report

Above: Students from Hawaii Mission Academy on horseback during the annual Biology Class trip to Maui. Left: A student from Holbrook Indian School diligently completing his homework.

Versacare Foundation, we have sponsored nearly 500 teachers at an annual national convention promoting differentiated instruction. In addition, about 200 teachers received enhanced training in understanding how students learn, how to encourage learning, and how to ensure that learning has taken place.

Education: Something Better

Strengthening the Expertise of Educational Leaders

In the book Education, Ellen White tells us “something better is the watchword of education, the law of all true living.” This goal guides the ministry of the Pacific Union Conference Office of Education as we provide leadership to the early childhood education centers and the K-12 schools operated by the various conferences.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers

A significant percentage of teachers in Seventh-day Adventist schools will be retiring in the near future.

To encourage young people who might be interested

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2016 Pacific Quinquennial Union Conference Report

in serving the church through educational ministry, a Teacher Education Scholarship has been established.

Each year, up to five students graduating from an academy in the Pacific Union are selected to receive a four-year, renewable scholarship to attend an Adventist college as they prepare for this important service.

We believe that every student in an Adventist school must have the opportunity to learn. However, all students do not learn in the same way or within the same time frames. Providing training for our teachers to meet the needs of individual students has been a priority. With generous assistance from the

Photo: Shae Foundation

Preparing students to be citizens of this world and the world to come.

Research indicates that the individual who has the greatest impact on student achievement is the principal.

We are committed to training our school leaders and potential school leaders. In partnership with La Sierra University School of Education, the Pacific Union Conference Office of Education has provided the opportunity for 16 individuals to complete a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. Recently, a new cohort of ten leaders has begun work on the Specialist in Education degree in Educational Administration.

Twice each year, we facilitate an Education Council for all principals and conference education personnel, as well as representatives from Pacific Union College

and La Sierra University. The primary purpose of these meetings is to provide professional development and training for our school leaders. Speakers make presentations of general interest and breakout sessions are provided. Opportunities are provided for principals to share with their colleagues about ideas that have been successful.

Coordinating a Cohesive School System

In addition to the approximately 125 K-12 schools in the Pacific Union, the Office of Education coordinates the approximately 35 early childhood centers. Professional development is provided to center directors and early childhood teachers. A new early childhood curriculum developed by the North American Division (NAD) has been piloted in several Pacific Union early childhood education centers.

CREATION Kids is a faith based, comprehensive, self-contained, digital curriculum that promotes the development of the whole child and provides guidance, support, and needed resources to meet the diverse needs of three- and four-year-old children.

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Education Councils

As students prepare to be citizens of this world, it is important to provide them with the skills necessary to be successful. In the 21st century, students must have an understanding of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). One of the ways many schools choose to provide this experience is through robotics.

The Pacific Union Conference Office of Education has provided matching grants to more than 40 schools to implement a robotics program. Schools are invited to participate in robotics challenge activities along with other schools.

Secondary students throughout the Pacific Union have begun to use a new curriculum for their Bible classes. Encounter is based on best pedagogical practices. More notably, this curriculum does not utilize textbooks, but instead is based solely on the Bible.

Within the next few years, the Encounter Bible curriculum will also be available for elementary students.

Over the past five years, new curriculum has been developed or selected by the NAD for use in schools. ByDesign is an inquirybased science curriculum for elementary students. Kindergarten students are now using Stepping Stones, a faith-based journey through discovery. Textbooks and curriculum programs for both elementary and secondary are regularly reviewed and updated at the NAD. The Pacific Union Conference Office of Education has provided training in the implementation of new curriculum.

In addition, a committee of educators in the Pacific Union has developed support materials that classroom teachers can use in implementing NAD standards.

Nothing brings greater joy than when a young person chooses to follow Jesus. Teachers work closely with parents and pastors to provide students with opportunities to accept Jesus as their Savior and make a commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist church. We celebrate with the angels in heaven as we participate in preparing students to be citizens of the world to come.

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holbrook indian school / 2016 quinquennial report

Holbrook Indian School

Staff & Personnel

All of the programs at HIS are designed to give Native American students the best chance at success through a close personal relationship with Jesus.

berit von pohle Director

beverly benson

Enrollment at Holbrook Indian School has increased slowly but steadily during the past five years.

Student retention plays a major part in the school’s recruitment efforts.

Students who attend boarding schools spend more time at school than at home. For many of our students, this is a good thing. This coming year Jovannah Poor Bear-Adams, a former student, will serve as Dean of Students, a new position at HIS. One of her primary responsibilities will be developing a dorm curriculum to ensure that each student learns key components while they are away from home.

The new Education Center is finally complete.

Teachers and 7-12th grade students moved into the building right before Christmas break, 2015. The new science lab is a hit with everyone.

Administrative Assistant Certification Registrar

NEW You Health Initiative

teryl loeffler Associate Director Secondary Education

martha havens Associate Director Elementary Education

julie yamada Associate Director Early Childhood Education

kimberly stubbert Administrative Assistant Elementary/Secondary

cheryl dickerson Administrative Assistant Early Childhood Education

Photo: Shae Foundation

Continual improvement is not just important for teachers and school leaders, it is also an expectation for schools. The school improvement process is validated through regular accreditation visits. Nearly all of the secondary schools in the Pacific Union are accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and all schools are accredited by the Adventist Accrediting Association. Our office is continually updating documents that guide the school through the accreditation self-study process.

In order to better serve the students at HIS, the faculty and staff created the NEW You Health Initiative.

NEW stands for Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness.

Spiritual Health, Physical Health, Mental Health, and Academic Achievement form the four pillars within the program. Nurturing the creative spirit, a key component in reaching Native Americans, plays an integral role in all four pillars.

Within the physical health pillar, the health teacher works with each student to develop individualized diet, sleep, and exercise plans.

In order to assist in the development of spiritual health and academic achievement, students must

have sound mental health. Unfortunately, a high percentage of students have suffered trauma in their lives, and many deal with the effects of PTSD and anxiety disorders. Students cannot be successful in other areas of their lives unless this trauma is treated.

HIS created a Mental Health Department to address the mental health needs of the students.

Each of our students, faculty, and staff need continual prayers. Without God’s blessing, the students at HIS will not be able to rise above the troubles of this world. What a comfort it is to know that God is almighty and loves us more than we can imagine!

pedro ojeda Principal, Holbrook Indian School

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la sierra university / 2016 quinquennial report

La Sierra University On our campus students discover a vibrant spiritual atmosphere and a commitment to make a life devoted to Christ an irresistible option.

La Sierra University strives daily to fulfill its mission of seeking truth, knowing God, and serving others. This mission is the reason for its existence and serves as a foundation and guiding principle across all of the university’s endeavors as it aims to transform students into agents of change and Christian love in a chaotic world.

The university carries out its mission in every aspect of its operations, through its active Spiritual Life and Student Life divisions, its local and international outreach activities, a dedicated university church, strong academic and research programs, and through the caring, personal involvement of faculty and staff.

La Sierra University has experienced God’s blessings in many ways over the past five years.

Enrollment has grown from 2,096 in fall 2010 to 2,476 in fall 2015. Our students arrive from around the Pacific Union Conference and North America, as well as from more than 40 countries.

Service-Learning

Service-learning, in which classroom instruction intersects with real-world application, continues to be an integral part of a La Sierra education. In 2013, La Sierra University received

randal wisbey President, La Sierra University

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Students of La Sierra arrive from around the Pacific Union Conference and North America, as well as from more than 40 countries.

the nation’s highest honor for its commitment to service as one of five universities and colleges to accept the Presidential Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

New Programs Added

The four schools of La Sierra University have added new programs over the past five years. In the College of Arts and Sciences, the criminal justice program, launched in 2010 at our satellite campus in nearby Corona, has grown rapidly to become our largest major. In 2013, the program expanded to a second campus in the city of Ontario. Other new majors include the growing fields of neuroscience and environmental science.

The H.M.S. Richards Divinity School received accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools effective February 5, 2013, making it one of

only two Adventist institutions to hold this gold standard. The Divinity School provides a West Coast option for pastoral education at the graduate level.

Thanks to the generosity of Tom and Vi Zapara and other friends of the university, a state-of-the-art School of Business building opened in the fall of 2013. The ZSB is also internationally known for its Enactus teams, which over the past 25 years have been making a difference in the lives of those in need. This year, for the seventh time, our Enactus team won the national championship against teams from 118 universities and colleges. In September, they will represent the United States in world cup competitions in Toronto.

La Sierra is truly a university where academic investigation, Christian faith, and service to others unite. We are grateful for God’s continued leading as we serve the people of the Pacific Union.

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pacific union college / 2016 quinquennial report

Campus Growth

Students from Pacific Union College walk on the beach near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The past few years have also seen exciting growth at PUC. The dream of the Walter C. Utt Center for Adventist History and Research & Media Center is closer to becoming a reality, with $4.1 million raised. The Pitcairn Islands Study Center opened, which houses the world’s largest collection of information about the famed HMS Bounty mutiny.

Additionally, PUC launched the Percy and John Christian Civil Rights Conference Center.

Points of Distinction

Pacific Union College

The past five years have been an exciting time at Pacific Union College. PUC has made tremendous progress in achieving ambitious goals, including celebrating its highest student enrollment in 24 years.

Service & Missions

PUC students put authentic faith and service in action every day, whether it’s serving locally or worldwide.

Every Sabbath, Homeless Ministries visits areas in need. Students assist with home repairs for elderly and disabled residents in nearby Calistoga. For the adventurous, students have the opportunity to serve as a student missionary or go on a short-term mission trip.

New Scholarship Opportunities

PUC continues to seek ways to help students and families afford a Seventh-day Adventist liberal arts education, and has improved scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students. The Maxwell Scholarship, PUC’s highest recognition, now awards five first-time students full tuition awards. This selective scholarship is based on academic success, leadership experience,

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and a commitment to Christian service.

The Adventist Mission Scholarship is a special $3,000 scholarship for future pastors majoring in theology or students actively pursuing a teaching credential. The college also recently announced the PUC Legacy Scholarship, which recognizes families who have made a PUC education part of their family tradition. PUC offers many other scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, test scores, athletic ability, artistic performance, and more.

New Degrees Offered

PUC remains consistently exceptional in premedicine and pre-dentistry programs, with high acceptance rates to many prestigious institutions. The college has also continued to innovate and expand its degree offerings, adding exciting new programs in healthcare management, health communication, biomathematics, emergency services, emergency management, and an online bachelor’s in nursing.

heather j. knight President, Pacific Union College

PUC is truly a residential campus; 75 percent of students live on campus The college offers over 70 degrees and programs, including associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees A 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio provides an excellent level of academic support and mentoring PUC’s largest academic programs are nursing, biology, business administration, communication, and visual arts The college’s more unique programs include aviation, health sciences, photography, film & television, emergency services, and health communication PUC seniors score well above the national average in Major Field Tests (MFTs), with 95th percentile rankings or above for the departments of mathematics and psychology in 2015 Last year, PUC awarded students over $40 million in aid, including merit-based scholarships and need-based grants U.S. News & World Report ranked PUC the second most ethnically diverse National Liberal Arts College in America (2015 Best Colleges report) PUC is ranked in the top 13 percent nationwide for return on investment, according to Payscale.com There are over 27,000 PUC alumni worldwide

a truly residential campus Pacific Union College is truly a residential campus; 75 percent of students live on campus.

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public affairs/religious liberty / 2016 quinquennial report

activists for the cause of freedom.

The Council’s weekly radio broadcast, Freedom’s Ring, now in its 17th year, serves as a voice for those leaders and scholars on the front lines fighting for religious freedom.

Legal services

Advancing Religious Freedom in a Hostile World Today, the Seventh-day Adventist religious liberty ministry—conducted in the Pacific Union by the Church State Council—is needed more than ever.

The world has become hostile to religious freedom.

This is an undeniable fact. 75% of the global population live in nations with little or no religious freedom. Persecution of Christians is on the rise.

Meanwhile, western civilization has largely forsaken its Christian moral foundations, and with it, respect for religion and religious institutions is declining.

Despite enormous challenges, the Church State Council has been advancing religious freedom through partnerships—making friends before we need friends and working in collaboration across the religious and political spectrum. We are building on a legacy of more than 50 years of ministry in the Pacific Union Conference.

Legislative advocacy

The Council actively monitors all five state legislatures in the Pacific Union, advocating

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effectively for religious freedom. California now boasts the strongest laws protecting religious freedom in the workplace of any state in the nation—laws sponsored by the Church State Council working in partnership with civil rights and interfaith organizations.

The Council has earned widespread respect because we are not a special interest group defending only our own rights, but we uphold the golden rule and advocate for religious freedom for all peaceful people of faith.

Education

The Council’s work of educating churches has ramped up with the development of Freedom Classroom and its multifaceted approach. Freedom Classroom has sponsored student tours of our nation’s capitol, as well as the state capitol, including lobby visits on pending legislation, training the next generation of grassroots

The Council has become recognized as the “go to” organization on religious discrimination issues. The Council represents workers of any faith who suffer discrimination and harassment because of their religion. Our clients have included Jews, Protestants, Catholics, Muslims, Mormons, Messianic Christians— in short, many people who have been harassed and/ or fired on account of their faith. By collaborating with some of the best employment attorneys in the west, in the past five years the Council has been able to provide several million dollars of free legal services to workers at no cost to the client.

Of course, Council staff spend much of their time helping Adventist Church members who are scheduled to work on Sabbath, so that they can obtain schedule accommodations, as required by law. We attribute our remarkable success to God’s faithfulness.

Looking ahead

Already, we are facing strong social, legislative, and legal pressures for churches to conform to shifting moral and political norms. Protecting the right of religious institutions to practice what they preach has become a major concern, as religious teachings become increasingly counter-cultural.

We need your prayers and your active support.

Advancing religious freedom is the cause of Christ, and of the entire church, for where the Spirit of the Lord is… there is liberty.

“The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the gospel church and by God’s witnesses during the centuries that have passed since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands.” E.G. White

our heritage

First AfricanAmerican Convert The first documented African-American convert was C.M. Kinney, who heard the message from J.N. Loughborough under a tent in Reno, Nevada. Kinney attended Healdsburg College and was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1889, apparently the first Black SDA to be ordained.

Staff & Personnel alan j. reinach, esq.

Executive Director

richard dena Associate Director

loritha mcduffie Administrative Assistant

dennis seaton Associate Director Legislative Affairs

natalie eva Administrative Assistant

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church support services / 2016 quinquennial report

adventist health / 2016 quinquennial report

“New and Untried Methods” Church Support Services is an initiative that explores how emerging technologies and resources can be used to engage in heartfelt ministry.

The Adventist Church needs members and leaders who are willing to think differently about ministry—not just for the sake of being different, but for the sake of finding new ways to connect people with Jesus.

Ellen White understood the need for periodic reassessment and change: “Whatever may have been your former practice, it is not necessary to repeat it again and again in the same way. God would have new and untried methods followed. Break in upon the people—surprise them” (Evangelism, p.125).

“Whatever may have been your former practice, it is not necessary to repeat it again and again in the same way.

God would have new and untried methods followed.”

of morality or theology, but inventively when it comes to ministry methods. We should be trying new approaches to evangelism all the time, new ways to present our beliefs, new preaching techniques, and new methods for community outreach.

Of course, creative ministry is not the single answer that’s going to accomplish our mission. We need to be Spirit-filled, and we need to pray like we’ve never prayed before. Church Support services serves as an incubator for ministry innovation within the Pacific Union Conference. Some of the tools used include:

From Healing to Health

About Adventist Health

Web applications Music production Seminars and the inSpire Innovator’s Conference Video storytelling Writing and resource development

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For more information, visit: ChurchSupportServices.org/css

Inventive Ministry

According to Jeff Bezos, CEO for Amazon, true innovators make mistakes in their quest to pioneer new products or concepts. In fact, Bezos says, “If the people running Amazon.com don’t make significant mistakes, then we won’t be doing a good job for our shareholders.

Adventist ministry providers should be willing to make mistakes. Not intentionally, and not in areas

Adventist Health is a nonprofit integrated health system headquartered in Roseville, California, with operations in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. Our mission is to share God’s love by providing physical, mental, and spiritual healing. Visit AdventistHealth.org for more information.

rich dubose Director

lynn liers Administrative Assistant

Workforce of 32,700 includes more than 23,400 employees, nearly 5,000 medical staff physicians, and 4,300 volunteers Serves more than 75 communities in a four-state region Provides compassionate care in 20 hospitals with more than 2,900 beds Operates more than 260 clinics (hospital-based, rural health, and physician clinics), 15 home care agencies, seven hospice agencies, and four joint-venture retirement centers Adventist Health Plan serves patients in Kings County, CA Provided more than $372 million in community health benefits (based on 2015 data) Ranked #10 in Becker’s list of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the U.S. for 2015

scott reiner President, Adventist Health

our heritage

St. Helena Hospital Dr. Merritt G. Kellogg (John Harvey Kellogg’s older brother) was instrumental in establishing the health work in California. He searched for a site outside of St. Helena, on Howell Mountain, and established the Rural Health Retreat in 1878. It was renamed St. Helena Sanitarium in the 1890s, and many still call it “the San.” Today it is St. Helena Hospital, the oldest existing Seventh-day Adventist health care institution.

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literature ministries / 2016 quinquennial report

planned giving / 2016 quinquennial report

The Front Line of Outreach

Planning for the Future

Literature Ministries seeks to impact all areas of Adventist outreach.

Planned Giving and Trust Services helps donors support the Adventist charities they love.

The goals of Literature Ministries are to impact each area of outreach in the Seventh-day Adventist church (ministry, evangelism, education, and health); to support local church evangelism and give evangelistic meetings; to educate youth to work for God while providing funds to attend Adventist schools; and to bring the health message to the world.

SOULS WEST is an evangelistic training school that encourages youth to make a lifetime commitment to church ministry. It builds leaders to run Youth Rush, produces staff members for SOULS West, and provides literature ministries directors for the local conference and full circle cross trainers for the local church.

YOUTH RUSH is the backbone of Literature Ministries.

our heritage

First Hispanic Convert Two literature evangelists were selling Ellen G. White books in Tucson, Arizona, where the population was mostly Hispanic. The Holy Spirit led them to the home of Marcial Serna, who eventually became the first SDA Hispanic pastor. The first Hispanic Adventist Church (pictured) was founded in 1899 in Sanchez.

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Each summer hundreds of youth knock on doors across the Pacific Union. In the last five years, approximately 8.5 million homes have been visited, with 1.5 million books being delivered—resulting in over $10 million going towards student and leader education and funding the Youth Rush programs.

GLOW (GIVING LIGHT TO OUR WORLD) From 20072011 a total of 10 million GLOW tracts were distributed.

Five years later we have given out close to 80 million tracts and are printing one million each month. This number will increase dramatically over the next five years because the Pacific Union is helping the world field to organize GLOW distribution by giving them access to GLOW materials. GLOW is now truly global.

ISHARE (I Seek to Help Advance Revival & Evangelism) is a yearly youth conference run by young adults who volunteer to provide a spiritual weekend for the youth in our union. While it is centered around Youth Rush, its goal is to give all youth ministries the opportunity to meet with like-minded young people and to share and bond in their desire to serve God. FULL CIRCLE CROSS TRAINERS and larry carter THRIVE (Teach Heal Revive Integrated Director Volunteer Evangelism) are new literature ministries initiatives. Young people working for stipends or for no salary are church planting, building church outreach programs, running health initiative programs to open the door for evangelism, carol lowe and holding evangelistic meetings to reap Administrative the interests of the above programs. Pray Assistant for this exciting work.

Healthy and vibrant future ministries in Seventhday Adventist congregations, schools, and other organizations will be built upon the legacies we leave today. Many of our institutions exist because past generations cared about the future of the Adventist Church and created planned gifts.

Planned Giving and Trust Services supports a unique mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

We provide information to individuals that will assist them in using gift planning documents such as Wills, Trusts, Gift Annuities, Power of Attorney, and Health Care Directives—plans that will provide for and protect family members as well as provide for the work of the church.

We stand ready to assist in whatever stage of life you find yourself. From the young single, to families with dependent children, to the retiree and beyond, Planned Giving and Trust Services can assist you in accomplishing your goals.

After certification by the General Conference, Trust Services personnel are required to attend continuing education seminars to keep their knowledge current. Change is perpetual: Not only are the financial environment, tax laws, and state regulations constantly changing, the needs of our donors and their families change as they transition from one stage of life to another.

As Trust Services Director, I provide a bi-annual continuing education seminar for personnel in the Pacific Union. We just finished a three-day seminar that was held in Scottsdale, Ariz., in which we not only had attendees from the Pacific Union but also

from Ohio, Texas, and beyond.

In 1997, recognizing the need for specialized expertise in the area of trust administration, the Pacific Union Conference created the Western Adventist Foundation. The Foundation provides services to SDA institutions and supporting ministries both inside and outside the Pacific Union.

Many of our institutions exist because past generations cared about the future of the Adventist Church.

We are humbled by the trust placed in us by our donors. We stand in awe at their commitment and dedication to the Lord’s work. We are privileged to play a part in helping our donors carry out the plans that will provide for them as well as their loved ones and God’s work.

yvonne navarro Director

carol lowe Administrative Assistant

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asi / 2016 quinquennial report

stewardship / 2016 quinquennial report

A young girl is examined by pediatrician, Wanda Abreu, MD, during the ASI Bridges to Health medical and dental clinic at the Armory in San Francisco.

Networking with a Purpose ASI helps lay people share the gospel where they work.

ASI exists in the Pacific Union Conference to equip lay people, especially business and professional men and women, with the skills to share Christ where they work. This is accomplished practically in training seminars at national and union meetings and with a hands-on approach through mission trips and outreach opportunities, such as the One Day Church and Bridges to Health, which has developed into Your Best Pathway to Health.

ASI also serves as a great networking opportunity for independent nonprofit ministries focused on sharing Christ. ASI is for anyone who wants to be a missionary right now and right here. Although all are encouraged to attend ASI, it is particularly geared to business and professional men and women.

If you want to be energized to share Jesus, attend an ASI meeting.

lela lewis, md President, ASI-Pacific Union

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our heritage

La Sierra Established In July 1922, it was announced that La Sierra Academy would open in October, with hopes of becoming a college as soon as possible.

It became a junior college in 1927 and grew slowly during the Depression. It then gained 3-year accreditation; however, full college status was delayed by WWII. It became La Sierra University in 1990.

For a New Century, For a New Generation Stewardship continues to develop innovative programs.

In the 21st century we are faced with new technologies, new attitudes, and new approaches in every segment of our society. To meet these new challenges, the Stewardship Ministry is continuing to develop innovative and up-to-the-minute programs, E-giving Internet sites and apps, and a wide variety of stewardship materials and resources.

Gordon Botting continues to accept speaking appointments throughout our seven conferences at local churches, weekend retreats, and camp meetings. His goals are to preach biblical stewardship sermons and conduct a wide variety of practical workshops on the important steps toward financial freedom.

During the next Quinquennial we plan to increase the awareness of stewardship in the following areas:

Over 6,000 members in one conference were studied to discover their attitudes and understanding of the meaning of biblical stewardship.

We work with the General Conference on its worldwide research on the giving practices and beliefs of local church members. Over 6,000 members in one conference were studied to discover their attitudes and understanding of the meaning of biblical stewardship and how they applied these to their individual and family benevolence.

We promote the new stewardship manual for leaders in the local churches and offer a new workshop for church boards entitled “Stewardship For a New Century, For a New Generation” on suggested strategies for giving. We also encourage the local churches to utilize the Faith & Finance small group curriculum to better understand the significance of biblical stewardship.

Challenge church boards and/or finance committees to better understand the how, why, where, and what of giving in their local congregations. A 60-minute seminar has been developed to demonstrate the best strategies for generous stewardship in the local church.

A strong emphasis on children and youth, utilizing materials such as the Stewardship Jack books and tithe and offering envelopes, plus new stewardship children’s church programs and music. To assist parents with teaching money management to their children, a new seminar entitled “Dollar Smart Kids” has been developed.

gordon botting Director

carol lowe Administrative Assistant

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western adventist foundation / 2016 quinquennial report

elmshaven / 2016 quinquennial report

Protecting a Sacred Trust Western Adventist Foundation has the expertise to manage both ordinary and unusual gifts.

At Western Adventist Foundation, we are continually blessed by serving our various clients. We have the privilege of receiving and managing normal planned giving documents as well as unusual gifts of assets. In 2017 we will celebrate 20 years of operation. Nearly 100 different Seventh-day Adventist entities have benefitted from the gifts we manage—or will benefit in the future.

Extraordinary Gifts

We have received extraordinary gifts such as mobile home parks and apartment complexes. For example, we accepted a mobile home park that was appraised at $495,000. We managed the park for two years

serving to benefit Seventh-day Adventist ministries as the donors have wished. Additionally, during the last 14 years, we have sold over 200 trust properties valued in excess of $55,000.

We hold firmly to the sacred trust that our donors and clients bestow on us, and we are blessed to manage the precious monies that benefit family and ministry.

james brown

Nearly 100 different Seventh-day Adventist entities have benefitted from the gifts we manage—or will benefit in the future.

President

and then sold it for $1,200,000—an increase in value of roughly 142%.

This gain increased the income to the donor as well as the remainder beneficiary. One apartment complex we received as a gift for a client was appraised at $1,800,000. In two weeks we had an offer for over $1,900,000.

In addition to these services, we manage endowment funds for organizations, as well as donor advised monies. We continually research different gift vehicles that provide income to donors, with a focus on stability.

Through April of 2016 we have settled over 897 trusts and estates valued at over $110,000,000, with over $81,000,000 of those funds

yvonne navarro

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larry “bo” fuller Vice President

General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

aaron fritz Treasurer

robert bauman CFO & Vice President of Finance

Haven of History

Each year thousands of visitors come to Elmshaven to spend a memorable hour in its quiet environs.

From 1900 to 1915 Elmshaven was the home and base of operations of Ellen G. White. In her sunset years, from Elmshaven’s upper writing room, Ellen White brought out nine substantial volumes and prepared for publication hundreds of articles for the journals of the church.

This stately country Victorian residence was built in 1885 by railroad developer Robert H. Pratt and served as a vacation home to the Pratt family until 1900. Returning to California after nine years in Australia, Mrs. White was told about the fully furnished seven-room home amid 60 acres.

She immediately recognized God’s providence in providing a property so well adapted to her needs.

“This is a most beautiful location,” she wrote to a friend. “The surroundings are lovely.”

Elmshaven Today

Soon after Ellen White’s death in 1915, the Elmshaven property was sold. As it passed through several hands, the farmland to the east of the orchard and home was sold off. To bring

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the residence into Seventh-day Adventist control, Charles T. Everson, a prominent Adventist evangelist, purchased it in 1928.

Subsequent to Everson’s death in 1956, Mrs. Everson made the property available to the Pacific Union Conference, which now owns and maintains it with the cooperation of the General Conference. When the Eversons purchased the property they graciously opened the residence to visitors. According to our record books, the first guest registry was begun in June 1930. About 600 visitors came that first year, many of whom were delegates to the General Conference session held in San Francisco. In 1950 the registry showed over 3,000 guests. Currently there are between 7,000 and 8,000 visitors each year.

The restoration of the building, from 1978–1981, was made possible by the Pacific Union Conference, the General Conference, and substantial gifts made by institutions and individuals eager to see Elmshaven continue to witness to the ministry of Ellen White and the history of God’s leadership of His church— especially in the American West.

2016 Quinquennial Report

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ministerial report / 2016 quinquennial report

communications / 2016 quinquennial report

Empowering Pastors The call and work of the pastor is the foundation of our mission.

Each minister of the Gospel can recount that moment where the clarity of the Divine invitation came to her or him with unequivocal clarity. The Pacific Union Conference is blessed to have over 700 clergy serving in districts, solo pastorates, or as part of a multi-staff congregation.

The Ministerial Department serves as a support for the pastoral team of the Union. In cooperation with local conference leadership, it is our aim to serve in an educational, inspirational, and consultive capacity for pastors, churches, and pastoral families.

Several Union-wide events, coordinated with the local conference ministerial departments, are designed to contribute to this work:

Adventist WestPoint

Adventist WestPoint meets annually for three days of inspiration and training, designed to strengthen the pastor’s calling and connection with Christ as well as grow the local church. Spiritual batteries are recharged through uplifting worship, challenging messages from Scripture, practical teaching, and networking with others who think that God is ready to do a “new thing” in our world. Each year participants leave with a ministry toolkit for God to move their congregation from the sideline to the frontline of kingdom growth.

Annual Senior Theology Interviews

Annual Senior Theology Interviews connect our conference leaders with the outstanding graduating theology major seniors from the H.M.S. Divinity School of La Sierra University and the Department of Theology

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of Pacific Union College. The goal is matching these young ministerial graduates with local church job opportunities.

We are always thankful for the support of local conferences in affirming the call of these men and women.

Union Ministerial Council

The quinquinniel Union Ministerial Council gathers our 700 clergy to focus upon the key ministry opportunities and challenges that come to the life and work of the pastor. Our 2016 theme of “Lift Him Up” takes the centrality of Jesus’ life and ministry and applies it to today’s ministry context. The results of the interaction of pastors at this Council will form the strategic direction for the Union ministerial program. It is our aim to complement the resources provided by our local conferences for the pastoral team.

Ellen G. White declared, “The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can engage is to point sinner to the Lamb of God. True ministers are colaborers with the Lord in the accomplishment of His purposes” (Gospel Workers, 18). It is our prayer that by God’s grace, the life and ministry of our outstanding Pacific Union Conference ministerial team may fulfill this vision.

bradford c. newton Ministerial Secretary

vivienne lansdown Administrative Assistant

Communication & Community Engagement Perhaps the most visible aspect of the work of the Communication & Community Engagement Department is publishing the Pacific Union Recorder. For the entire history of the Pacific Union (115 years), this journal has documented how God is leading and blessing the work of the Seventh-day Adventist church in the Pacific Southwest.

The Recorder is sent via mail to the homes of our members, with a circulation of roughly 75,000.

Over the last five years we have seen a dramatic increase in the importance of online social media as the means to make that communication more immediate and accessible. Today, virtually every church is represented online. Through social media, news travels quickly—and the discussion of what is happening in the church is rapidly told and retold, discussed and analyzed—with all of the positive and negative characteristics of today’s media environments.

Under the guidance of Gerry Chudleigh, Communication Director for the Pacific Union from 2002 until his untimely death in 2015, the Department had begun to rethink the support for media, public relations, and communication training provided by the department to the conferences and our participating organizations.

We are exploring and expanding the way the stories of God’s leadership in our Union will make use of online, mobile, broadband, and social media platforms. This digital communication platform for will be more immediate, more social, and more readily accessible on mobile devices. The primary focus of this new set of media tools is making local church news, information, and community interaction the central focus of websites, social media channels, and the resulting print publications.

We are particularly mindful of the challenges posed by the 16 metro areas within our territory, where more than 44 million people reside. The work of evangelism and ministry to these diverse and complex communities will require innovation in use of the media tools available to our members, pastors, and churches.

In 2015 our department embraced a new future with a name

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change and the addition of “Community Engagement” to our portfolio of responsibilities. This will include new ways of collaborating with media professionals, social action organizations, young people, the business community, healthcare professionals, and others who are working to meet specific community needs.

The opportunity to live out the gospel with a unique Adventist character has never been more relevant. Communication and Community Engagement is committed to creating the tools for engagement and evangelism that can be effectively used in telling the story of Jesus and fulfilling the gospel commission.

raymond d. tetz Director

alicia j. adams Associate Director

sali butler Administrative Assistant

joyce thomsen Administrative Assistant

2016 Quinquennial Report

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local leadership & delegates / 2016 quinquennial report

Conference Presidents ed keyes Arizona

ramiro cano Central California

ralph watts, iii Hawaii

leon brown, sr.

Session Delegates Arizona

Church Employees Van Bledsoe Adelfo Huerta Shannon Kaneshiro Bob Lawson Gisella Montana Terry Pottle Myles Reiner Jeff Rogers Norman Sanchez Abel Santiago Susan Suntag Alfredo Trevedan Murrell Tull Eddie Turner Renato Valenzuela Miles Wilbert Hamilton Williams

Nevada-Utah

Lay Delegates jim pedersen Northern California

sandra roberts Southeastern California

velino salazar Southern California

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Robert Acord Charles Biggs Eduardo Brown Helen Clark Zila Da Silva Esperanza Diaz Patricia Disney Alex Escobar Tony Estrada Jeannine Grant Guadalupe Islas Pat Lacy Eliasib Lozano Adan Lozano

Jesus Mora Antonio Samaniego Ramirez Ulises Paula Williams

Central

Church Employees Frederick Anderson Linda Barron Gary Brady Ken Bullington Earl Canson, Jr. Bryan Del Valle Stephanie Elick Kenny Fraser Thomas Garner Edgar Gomez George Johnson Costin Jordache Leah Jordache Pablo Maldonado Manuao Mauia Benjie Maxson Grant Mitchell Florina Morales Joyce Mulligan Jerry Nelson Zachary Page Luis Rendon Antonio Romero Keith Scott Sean Simplicio Pierre Steenberg Ricardo Viloria Ricardo Wainz

Lay Delegates

Lay Delegates

Frank Baughman Robert Bishop Mary Bishop Dayton Chong Yvette Chong Carol Chung Orson Chung Juan Contreras Lorena Contreras Douglas Duffield Angela Fraser Terrel French Deyenira Gomez Efigenia Hernandez Roberto Hernandez Helen Hill Leticia Huerta Andrew Jahn Leonor Maldonado Ane Mauia Victor Morales Keith Mulligan Leah Page Gerson Raul Perla Azucena Pulido Miguel Pulido Melanie Romero Lisa Spalitta Karlien Steenberg Pati Tresenriter Esmeralda Tuialuuluu Fale Tuialuuluu Daisy Viloria Kent Walker Lisa Walker Cynthia Williams

Debbie Brownfield Joe Childs Edgar Edge Marshall Freitas Jonathan Kono Sean Ramos

Hawaii

Church Employees Eric Alindogan Michael Brownfield Jana Edge Kim Ramos

Nevada-Utah

Church Employees BJ Boles Sheldon Bryan Angel Cuenca Melody Darrow Mike Stevenson Roy Thomas

Lay Delegates Martin Almiron Scott Beckett Sherri Hannon Kathryn Lewis Dana Low Larry McKinstry Gail Merritt Lahaney Pottinger Joan Ryan Leopoldo Sandro Donna Shaffer Hector Vasquez

Northern California

Church Employees Victor Anderson Garrett Anderson Enoch Brownell Chris Buttery James Dick Ed Fargusson Paul Guevara Wayne Gungl Ken Heffel Eddie Heinrich

Craig Heinrich Loyd Henderson Lynal Ingham Keith Jacobson Bill Keresoma Susan Kuhn James Lim Rich Magnuson Jose Marin Bob Mason Ben Maxson Victor Merida Alice Merrill Albert Miller Chanda Nunes Mason Philpot Doug Schmidt Peter Shin Jon Terry Mark Witas

Lay Delegates Ruthe Ashley David Baker Anna Blackman James Brewster Karen Carpenter Debbie Christensen Glenn Christensen Erin Conner Ngeno Ed Dower Elbert Holman Bill Hyatt Judy Iverson Dan Knepp Lolita Knepp Danny Kwon Mary Jo Lauderdale David Lopez Gerald Marsh Ken Martin Evva Martinez Daniel Martinez Betty McGraw

Paul McGraw Yvonne Miller Dale Morrison Georgina Nash Jim Oliver Carolyn Oliver Naomi Parson Bill Parson Luis “Bobby” Pena Margaret Smith Don Smith Mark Teh David Weis Mark Worley

Southeastern California

Church Employees Praban Agussaputro Dustin Aho Leslie Aragon Steve Blue Beverley Bucknor Lucio Camacho Elina Camarena Carlos Camarena Shawna Campbell Nancy Chadwick Jon Ciccarelli Sara-May Colon Patsy Direux James Doggette Donald Dudley Maritza Duran Reyna Escobar Shiphrah Fepulea’i Danielle Fore Ernest Furness Nathaniel Furness Rachael Gil Raewyn Hankins Douglas Herrmann Maria “Carmen” Ibanez Alberto Ingleton

2016 Quinquennial Report

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Willard James Caleb Jara Yolanda Johnston Andrea King George King Kurt King Jacqueline Lynch Kayla Malit Jose Manalo Beverly Maravilla Patricia Marruffo Gary McCary Kelby McCottry Hudyard Muskita Brian Neal Joseph Oh Trevan Osborn David Peckham Edith Pereda Mario Perez Desiree Quijano Joelle Reuer Larry Rich Marlyse “Gilda” Roddy Elizer Sacay Jennifer Saravia Yohalmo Saravia Deirdre Solomon Alejandro Soto Verlon Strauss Gary Taber Christine Wallington Rochelle Webster Steve Zurek

Lay Delegates Carol Adams Luis Aguilar Silvana Alviarez Fredy Alviarez Lupita Aragon Edna “Josie” Asencio Diana Bauer Ken Bauer

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Angelina Camacho Kirk Campbell Albert Castellucci Israel Chambi Anna Mae Crowder Kenny Sengke Dien Marlene Ferreras Andrea Gilkey Larry Grimaldi Kendra Haloviak Valentine Sharon Hanson Michael Hanson Humberto Hernandez Forrest Howe Genevieve Isidro Salvador Israel Jr Mark Johnston Hyun P Kang Andy Lampkin Latham Lawrence Alex Lingas Fernando Lopez Julihana Madison Teri Maksoudian Inmer Marroquin Jean Mataya Sheryll McMillan Paul McMillan Mary Mendoza Loruama Debbie Neufeldt Darold Retzer Carol Ann Retzer Gloria Reyna Anderson Sandiford Cheryl Simpson Justin Singh Alfonso Small Sandra StewartXimines Annie Swett Daphne Thomas Robert Thomas

Victor Tolan Jackie Tucker William Tucker Jason Turner Stuart Tyner Gilbert Valentine Luis Fernando Villarruel Sonia Villarruel Hilma Watson John Webster Debbie White Yvonne Wilson Nicholas Wolfsen Marjorie Yanez Danette Zurek

Southern California

Church Employees Carlos Acosta Manuel Arteaga, Jr. Jim Ayars Ira Barksdale Lucy Benitez Chanda Castaneda Elizabeth Cooney Xiomara Cordova Eli DeLa Cruz Patricia Flores Pamela Forbes Nancy Garcilazo Cherise Gardner Jaime Heras Loren Hodnett Se Bong Im Dennis Imai John Jenson Gerard Kiemeney Samuel Lee Jennifer Lew Arkeisha Lewis Larry Meager Angela Nair Paul Negrete

Vinh Khac Nguyen David Olivares Courtney Ray Neville Salvador Carol Todd Jan White James Willis Oscar Withmory Robert Wong Ewan Wonoprabowo

Lay Delegates Michael Acosta Mui Fitu Ah-Ku Julia Irene Armstrong Linda Bewley Keith Bradford Vanesa Canales Ingrid Castillo Lida Castillo Joseph Cho Heidi Daniel Alan Davis Dan Dik Harrison Dominique Dimple Fields Heleodoro Garcia Ricardo Grillo David Guzman David Guzman AD Hall Ronda Harrison Marie Johnson Scott Michele Terrence O’Bryant John Petersen LaViva Primm Denise Prince Saul Ramos David Roberts Dinah Robles Norman Sacro Alma Stacey Bobby Walker

Delegates At Large Bylaws Committee

Church Employees Mike Ortel (HAW) John Rasmussen (CCC) Gerry Christman (HAW) Carlos Camacho (NU) Marc Woodson (NCC) Jonathan Park (SECC)

Lay Delegates Josephine Pete (AZ) Pat Kay (HAW) Greg Constantino (NU) Brett Lindgren (NCC) Jay Razzouk (SECC) Fernando Lemus (SCC)

Nominating Committee

Church Employees George Boundey (AZ) Ryan Hablitzel (NU) Randy Roberts (SECC) Steve Horton (CCC) Ezequiel Nichols (CCC) John Rasmussen (NCC) Harold Crook (SCC)

Lay Delegates Ron Sauder (HAW) Patsy Trefz (HAW) Arlene Hill (NU) Robert Rawson (AZ) Flaviano Dalisay (SECC) Pamela Evans (SECC) Lawrence Geraty (SECC) Fabiola Guzman (SECC)

Kim Tai (SECC) Harry Dulan (CCC) Abel Pangan (CCC) Esther Rendon (CCC) Edward Walker (CCC) Evva Martinez (CCC) Brian Hodges (NCC) Jeanice WardenWashington (NCC) Robert Chavez (SCC) Yvette Cruz (SCC) Doug Shultz (SCC) Richard Guy (SCC) Nolynthia BrangmanHill (SCC)

North American Division Employees

Alex Bryant Tom Evans Daniel Jackson

Pacific Union Staff Employees

Larry Carter Richard Dena Richard DuBose John DuBosque Dennis Seaton Raymond D. Tetz Alan Reinach

Executive Committee Members

Church Employees Tony Anobile VicLouis Arreola Ted Benson Berit Von Pohle Leon Brown (NU) Ramiro Cano (CCC) Virgil Childs Dale Galusha (Pacific Press) Ricardo Graham Ed Keyes (AZ) Heather Knight (Pacific Union College) Bradford C. Newton Jim Pedersen (NCC) Scott Reiner (AH) Sandy Roberts (SECC) Velino Salazar (SCC) Jorge Soria Ralph Watts, III (HAW) Randal Wisbey (LSU) Antonio Huerta (CCC) Charles White (AZ) Nathan Renner (CCC) Oneil Madden (NU) Dok Rith (NU) Jim Lorenz (NCC) Chris Oberg (SECC) Robin Park (SECC) Cherise Gardner (SCC) Alfredo Lee (SCC)

Lay Delegates Thaine Creitz (AZ) Isabel Fritzler (AZ) Curlie Carlisle (CCC) Pek Leong (CCC) Matt Tresenriter (CCC) Ellie Kaanaana (HAW) Mistee Arias Galicia (NU) Bob Moskiman (NU) Hugo Leon (NCC) George Miller (NCC) Barbara Morrison (NCC) Cherry Ashlock (SECC) Charles Johnson (SECC) Veronica Chalco (SECC) Kathleen Myers (SCC)

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If there was ever a time when we needed the special guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is now. We need a thorough consecration. It is fully time that we gave to the world a demonstration of the power of God in our lives and in our ministry...

The Lord desires to see the work of the third angel’s message carried forward with increasing efficiency. As He has worked in all ages to give victories to His people, so in this age He longs to carry to triumphant fulfilment His purposes for His church. He bids the saints advance unitedly, going from strength to greater strength, from faith to increased assurance and confidence in the truth and righteousness of His cause…

We are to stand firm as a rock to the principles of the Word of God, remembering that God is with us to give us strength to meet each new experience. Let us ever maintain the principles of righteousness in our lives, that we may go forward from strength to strength in the name of the Lord. We are to hold as very sacred the faith that has been substantiated by the instruction and approval of the Spirit of God from our earliest experience until the present time…

Every believer in present truth should be deeply in earnest now; for there is a great work to be done. As the enemy sees an interest in the truth being awakened, he will bring forward many discouraging features; but heed them not. We must press the battle to the gates and beyond. Let us be determined to succeed.

Let no time be wasted, but do not overwork. Teach the truth as it is in Jesus. When the power of truth is felt in the soul, the principles of truth will be brought into the daily life. Then true godliness will appear.

—Ellen G. White (Excerpted from a letter written from Long Beach, California, to Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell, August 28, 1911)

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