PACIFIC UNION JANUARY 2019
The stories of SURVIVAL and COURAGE, and the FUTURE the community now faces after the worst fire in California history.
Seeking Balance
Not I, But Christ PAGE 4 How to Build a Happy Life PAGE 6 Faithfulness in the Little Things PAGE 9 “As hard as it was to leave my son and drive 5 hours home, I knew he was where he needs to be. The faculty and staff are all amazing and I know they have the best interests of my son in their hearts. God’s love shines through them all and His presence is felt all over the campus.” Shelby Neal, Parent
Rio Lindo Academy Days Feb. 22-24, 2019 Class Electives: Parents and Students 7th-11th grade are welcome for Free! • Woodshop • Graphic Design Rio Lindo Adventist Academy is unique. Our co-ed boarding and day academy offers a • Handbells commitment to excellence in its quiet, safe and picturesque location. • Ceramics Rio’s greatest asset is the school family that you join when you attend. Our culturally • Video Production diverse student body creates an opportunity to interact globally while fostering a • Choir close-knit community together with caring and committed staff. • Orchestra • Auto Body Over 95% of our graduates pursue higher education after graduating and are not only • Metals prepared academically for college, but have acquired the independence and problem • Creative Art solving skills to function as responsible adults. • Fitness for Life At Rio, our highest goal is to introduce students to God and empower them to develop a relationship with Jesus. Our mission is to maximize every student’s potential; to Advanced Classes: make students thinkers and not mere reflectors of others. • Honors English • Honors US History We commit to reflect Christ, cultivate the relevancy • Statistics and excitement of learning and impact the world • Calculus through service. • Anatomy & Physiology Sign up for Academy Days by calling us at 707-431-5100 or 3200 Rio Lindo Ave. Healdsburg, CA 95448 online at www.riolindo.org (707) 431-5100 www.RioLindo.org
“As hard as it was to leave my son and drive home, I knew he was where he needs to be. The faculty and staff are all amazing and I know they have the best interests of my son in their hearts. God’s love shines through them all and His presence is felt all over the campus.” -Shelby Neal, Parent RioLindo.org JANUARY 2019 3 PACIFIC UNION Recorder What’s inside 4 Not I, But Christ Publisher Ray Tetz 6 How to Build a Happy Life 9 For the New Year: Faithfulness in the Little Things Editor Alberto Valenzuela 10 A Twin Barometer Copy Editor 12 Significant Relationship with God: Integrated Mental Health Julie Lorenz 16 Arizona Conference Design/Layout Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela 18 Nevada-Utah Conference 20 Southeastern California Conference Printing Pacific Press Publishing Association 24 Loma Linda University Health www.pacificpress.com 26 Adventist Health The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventh-day Adventist 27 Fleeing Paradise: Special Northen California Conference Report homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. 39 Pacific Union College Our mission is to inform, educate, 40 Hawaii Conference and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry. 42 Southern California Conference EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENTS 46 Holbrook Indian School Adventist Health 916-781-4756 Jenni Glass • [email protected] 48 Central California Conference
Arizona 480-991-6777 52 La Sierra University Phil Draper • [email protected] 54 Community & Marketplace Central California 559-347-3000 60 Nondiscrimination Policy Statement Cindy Chamberlin • [email protected] 61 Sunset Calendar Hawaii 808-595-7591 Miki Akeo-Nelson • [email protected]
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Northern California 925-685-4300 Stephanie Leal • [email protected]
Pacific Union College 707-965-6202 PACIFIC UNION JANUARY 2019 Larissa Church • [email protected]
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The stories of SURVIVAL and COURAGE, Lauren Armstrong • [email protected] and the FUTURE the community now faces after the worst fire in California history. Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), Seeking Balance Volume 119, Number 1, is the official journal of the Pacific Not I, But Christ Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and is PAGE 0 What Makes a published monthly. Editorial office is at 2686 Townsgate Rd., Happy Life Westlake Village, CA 91361: 805-497-9457. Periodical postage PAGE 0 Faithfulness in the paid at Thousand Oaks, CA, and additional mailing offices. Little Things Annemarie Wilson, a seventh grader at PAGE 0 Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist church members; $16 per year in U.S.; $20 foreign (U.S. Paradise Adventist Academy, practices funds); single copy, $2. POSTMASTER: Send address changes her part as Mary in the school’s to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, Westlake Village, CA 91359. [email protected]. Christmas program.
JANUARY 2019 3 Not I, But Christ BY RICARDO GRAHAM
Despite the many, many channels of communication, concludes, leads to self-control. you don’t hear many people talking about self-control Peter also praises self-control. He tells us: “For these days. In fact, in this age of social media, it seems this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith to me that you don’t find many people practicing goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowl- self-control either—a lot of users appear to be prone edge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; to uncontrolled rants on Facebook or Twitter. and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mu- Even worse are those anonymous comments on tual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you websites that are the written equivalent of burning possess these qualities in increasing measure, they people in effigy. No self-control there! Is self-control will keep you from being ineffective and unproduc- out of date, old fashioned, out moded? Not according tive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But to the timeless Holy Scriptures. whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, As I read the Bible, and particularly some of the forgetting that they have been cleansed from their New Testament, self-control is essential to the de- past sins” (2 Peter 1:5-9, NIV). velopment of a mature Christian person who reflects Peter knew firsthand about the heartbreak caused the will of Jesus Christ. And it is a by-product of a life by the lack of self-control. He had denied his Lord filled with the Holy Spirit—self-control is a fruit of Jesus three times while lurking about at His trial. the Spirit. But Peter has come a long way from that night of The Apostle Paul wrote: “But the fruit of the betrayal to the writing of this epistle. He had learned Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, through bitter experience the value of self-control. goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-con- He had battled his own selfish will and had thrown trol. Against such things there is no law. Those himself on God’s mercy and power, and now he is who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh able to present a progression of righteousness that with its passions and desires. Since we live by the connects knowledge with self-control. One could Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Gala- view it as a vital link in the chain of holiness that tians 5:22-25, NIV). God uses to build us up for His kingdom. In the verses previous to this Paul contrasts the Peter writes from the depth of his own experi- unrighteous life with the Spirit-led life, which, he ence, reflecting deeply on his time spent with Jesus,
4 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER rehearsing the truths that came from the Master’s we all could take a further step in the process of devel- mouth. oping self-control—not based on our human-centric Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, but its devel- desires, but on the values, principles, and vision of opment also lies in our hands. Under the tutelage of Jesus Christ. the Holy Spirit, we find that pure, Christ-centered Ellen White wrote: “Besides this ever vigilant foe, self-denial leads to godly self-control. there are hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil Because God has given to humanity all necessary that must be overcome. The training and education of components to holiness (see 2 Peter 1:3-4), we are a lifetime must often be discarded that the Christian called to add to our faith those virtuous attributes may become a learner in the school of Christ, and in under our human control. him who would be a partaker of the divine nature, ap- This is not righteousness or salvation by works. petite and passion must be brought under the control It is the outworking in the human life what the Holy of the Holy Spirit. There is to be no end to this war- Spirit places in our minds. fare this side of eternity, but while there are constant By our submission to God, His holiness extends battles to fight, there are also precious victories to into our lives like the sections of a telescope. When we gain, and the triumph over self and sin is of more cooperate with His plan, we receive the mindfulness value than the mind can estimate. The effort put forth and willingness to mo ve from one step to another. to overcome, though requiring self-denial, is of little We all have areas of self-control that are chal- account beside the victory over evil” (Christian Educa- lenging to us. We all know the temptation of overdo- tion, p. 122). ing anything to the point of excessiveness: bingeing Self-control allows us to endure difficulties and on Netflix, overeating at Thanksgiving (or any other provides stamina to run the Christian race effective- time), playing another level of a favorite video game ly. Godly self-control comes as we daily surrender to just to get to the next level, despite the time wasted. I Jesus and the Holy Spirit to bring our will into align- know that I have my own corners where self-control ment with His. needs to be further developed. Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington wrote the words of a But self-control not only helps us avoid tempta- familiar hymn, “Not I But Christ”: tion, it also helps us do the right thing when it isn’t easy. It allows us to resist verbalizing thoughts that Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted, may be brought to us by the enemy and instead say Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard; something encouraging or kind. Christians will aim to Not I, but Christ in every look and action, emulate the example of Jesus who always said just the Not I, but Christ in every thought and word. right thing at the right time in the right way. Self was Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord, surrendered to God and thus He always demonstrated Oh, to be lost in Thee, self-control. Oh, that it may be no more I, I heard a story long ago of a father who was in a But Christ that lives in me. grocery store with his child in the basket of the shop- ping cart. “Hold on, Harold,” he was murmuring. “Get My hope and prayer for all of the Pacific Union a grip on yourself, Harold.” A fellow shopper noticed Conference constituents is that this song would be- this and said, “It is so nice that you are talking to your come a reality. n child like that.” But the father replied, “I am Harold.” He was encouraging himself to be in control and re-
spond properly to his young son. Ricardo Graham is the president of the Pacific Union The story may be fiction, I don’t know, but I think Conference.
4 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER JANUARY 2019 5 How to Build a Happy Life BY BRADFORD C. NEWTON
hat’s the secret to a hap- And congregational life is at times comes in rehearsing my own journey py relationship? Aside blighted by arguments that break out towards healthy and balanced rela- W from those few human over remarkably trivial things. tionships. I’ve been watching, learn- beings among us who seem to like Someone long ago left a church ing, and adopting what the amazing fighting and fussing about everything meeting and wrote, people in my life model every day. with everybody, the rest of us know While no one person gets it right all that life is more joyful and fulfilling “To dwell above the time, they are my relationship when there is harmony (at least most with the saints we love heroes. of the time) with those with whom we will be grace and glory. There is one individual that I have are traveling this life. Whether it’s in But to live below come to know in just a little more the realm of friendship, work, mar- with the saints we know, than three years who continues to riage, neighborhood, or church, most now, that’s a different story.” help me grow my understanding of everyone wishes they could have at healthy and balanced relationships. least a small slice of that special skill It’s evident that being a church My granddaughter Macy always that makes getting along with people member (even an Adventist) doesn’t makes other people happy when easier. make you immune to relationship dif- they are around her. She exudes a Relationship problems have been ficulties. Atheists and Christians alike joy that is contagious. As she and around since Adam and Eve. And for fall prey to the inner brokenness that I have become friends these past nearly as long there have been ex- feeds strife, jealousy, envy, criticism, three years, I’ve learned that how she perts ready with advice. Today a bevy and that pallor of ugliness that we interacts with her world gives me new of magazine and newspaper columns, wish wasn’t our default setting. insights into building a life of happy radio and television programs, blogs, So we try to fix these conflicts. and healthy relationships. Here are a and books are chock-full of ready Count to 10 and walk away. Write in a few I’ve noticed: answers to most every situation. As journal. Pray harder. Attend another Be open to new people. As long as people are living, working, and church. Seek counseling. Read anoth- Macy learned to walk and talk, playing together they will be looking er best-selling book on marriage. Talk we soon noticed how easily she for and needing help in cultivating to a spiritual person for guidance. approaches total strangers and strong relationships. Change jobs. Find new friends. Seek introduces herself with, “Hi, I’m How are we doing in the church a divorce. And along the way we Macy!” She wants to be friends when it comes to balanced and become resigned to disappointment with everyone. Most little children healthy relationships? If we’re be- and a lonely isolation. respond very readily to this, as do ing honest, it’s not surprising that But it need not be so. This article most adults. It’s especially fun when professed Christians have the same is entitled “How to Build a Happy Life” she approaches teenagers. They problems as everyone else: strained because as a disciple of Jesus I know look puzzled by this little friendship marriages, fractured friendships, fam- of a better way than what passes for ambassador yet somehow manage ilies that don’t speak to each other. normal in this world. This certainty Continued on page 8
6 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER 6 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER JANUARY 2019 7 to share a smile. I’ve learned that a sion to let it out sometimes. lingers at joy, simmers in peace, set- happy life comes when we choose Be aware of where you came tles with patience, practices goodness to make the first approach to be from. When mom or dad come and kindness, revels in faithfulness, friends. through the door at home, there is and learns gentleness. Paul closes the Be honest about how you feel. an unabashed joy that sweeps over list with self-control because it is the It probably doesn’t surprise anyone Macy. She loves her parents and capstone of Spirit-control. who knows a three-year-old that they they love her. The hugs, kisses, and This is a life that does not see are unfiltered. When Macy doesn’t cuddles are all reminders for this people as the means to satisfy our like a food, a ride at Disneyland, or little girl that she belongs in this place own desire for pleasure, success, just about any other matter, she feels with these people. We adults need to or power—or our selfish need for quite free to say, “I don’t like it.” I’ve remind ourselves that in relationships personal happiness. What makes for never heard her say it in an unkind or we spring from our own origin story. balanced, happy relationships is born mean way. It’s just a matter-of-fact ex- The foibles and faults we carry in our within and flows outward to bless pression of reality. This is quite often DNA seep out and remind us how others. What makes a happy life is followed up with parental guidance broken we are. Understanding our- becoming like Jesus as expressed by along the lines that trying something selves leads us to be better spouses, Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: new is okay. And as often as not, her friends, and church members. And opinion can change quickly to, “I do recognizing the unique story of other Love never gives up. like it.” We outgrow this as adults and people should give us pause before Love cares more for others than forget how to be honest about our we jump in with both feet to criticize for self. feelings with others and even with and fight. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t ourselves. And what a remarkable The Christian’s foundation for have. moment it is when, after we tactfully building a happy life is found in Love doesn’t strut, express ourselves, we admit to the Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Doesn’t have a swelled head, possibility that we could be wrong. Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, Doesn’t force itself on others, Be aware that sometimes kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gen- Isn’t always “me first,” you just need to let it out. Macy tleness and self-control” (NIV). This Doesn’t fly off the handle, is three and, even though her four is not a list to pick and choose from; Doesn’t keep score of the sins of grandparents believe that she is per- rather, it is the holistic picture of the others, fectly wonderful in every way, there Spirit-filled life. Every element of the Doesn’t revel when others grovel, is still the reality of her being a little passage leads to the full expression of Takes pleasure in the flowering person. Sometimes things happen being a child of God. of truth, and she cries. Mostly it’s when she’s What is translated from the Greek Puts up with anything, been hurt by something or is scared, as “self-control” can be misleading Trusts God always, worried, or tired. And other times to our American do-it-yourself ears. Always looks for the best, she gets frustrated and mad about Don’t miss Paul’s point. This does not Never looks back, things. Tears elicit comfort from mean gritting our teeth to try hard to But keeps going to the end. mom or dad. Anger calls for more practice the good and avoid the bad. (The Message) n parental guidance. But the one thing The radical ethic of Paul in Galatians I’ve been reminded of from Macy 5:22-23 extends far beyond mere Bradford Newton is the executive is that bottling it up doesn’t help. behavior modification for public con- secretary of the Pacific Union Conference In healthy relationships we need to sumption. This is the extensive inner give ourselves and others permis- transformation that begins with love,
8 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER For the New Year: Faithfulness in the Little Things
nly by faithfulness in the little things can the slightest touch of faith brought a response. When He soul be trained to act with fidelity under larger raised from the dead the daughter of Jairus, He reminded Oresponsibilities. God brought Daniel and his her parents that she must have something to eat. When by fellows into connection with the great men of Babylon, His own mighty power He rose from the tomb, He did not that these heathen men might become acquainted with disdain to fold and put carefully in the proper place the the principles of true religion. In the midst of a nation of graveclothes in which He had been laid away.… idolaters, Daniel was to represent the character of God. But those who have not a large endowment of gifts How did he become fitted for a position of so great trust need not become discouraged. Let them use what they and honor? It was his faithfulness in the little things that have, faithfully guarding every weak point in their charac- gave complexion to his whole life. He honored God in ters, seeking by divine grace to make it strong. Into every the smallest duties, and the Lord co-operated with him. action of life we are to weave faithfulness and loyalty, To Daniel and his companions God gave “knowledge and cultivating the attributes that will enable us to accomplish skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had under- the work.… standing in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). However small your talent, God has a place for it. As God called Daniel to witness for Him in Babylon, That one talent, wisely used, will accomplish its appoint- so He calls us to be His witnesses in the world today. In ed work. By faithfulness in little duties, we are to work the smallest as well as the largest affairs of life He desires on the plan of addition, and God will work for us on the us to reveal to men the principles of His kingdom. plan of multiplication. These littles will become the most Christ in His life on earth taught the lesson of careful precious influences in His work. attention to the little things. The great work of redemp- Let a living faith run like threads of gold through tion weighed continually upon His soul. As He was the performance of even the smallest duties. Then all the teaching and healing, all the energies of mind and body daily work will promote Christian growth. There will be a were taxed to the utmost; yet He noticed the most simple continual looking unto Jesus. Love for Him will give vital things in life and in nature. His most instructive lessons force to everything that is undertaken. Thus through the were those in which by the simple things of nature He right use of our talents, we may link ourselves by a golden illustrated the great truths of the kingdom of God. He chain to the higher world. This is true sanctification; for did not overlook the necessities of the humblest of His sanctification consists in the cheerful performance of servants. His ear heard every cry of need. He was awake daily duties in perfect obedience to the will of God. to the touch of the afflicted woman in the crowd; the very Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 356-360
8 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER JANUARY 2019 9 A Twin Barometer BY FAITH HOYT
grew up with a twin sister who doubled as a (I hope). built-in best friend. She was also my built-in In our pre-teen years, my twin barometer taught I barometer for behavior. Whether it was my me the value of being diligent about responsibilities. attitude at home or social interactions at school, I Take the basic task of cleaning our rooms. Some had a gauge for my conduct and so did she. Despite kids are pretty good about keeping their rooms Laura’s claim to the title of “older twin” (by two clean. Then there was Laura, who took it to a whole whole minutes!), we were two peas in a pod who new level. I liked to tease her that it felt more like instinctively looked to each other for honest feed- a hospital room than a bedroom. (Incidently, Lau- back. For most of the character-building experienc- ra works as a nurse now.) Despite the teasing, she es I remember, like lessons in generosity, diligence, knew I enjoyed being in her room more than mine. kindness, and self-control, Laura was right by my Laura’s attention to detail inspired me, and after side. She was—and still is—the person I trust to tell awhile my room started looking similar to hers. me and teach me anything. In high school our relationship became less One of the first things I remember learning about learning from each other and more about from Laura was generosity. Our mom tells us that, learning things on our own while still occasionally if given something, Laura would reach out her comparing notes. Laura’s personality (the Cam- other hand for one more and then march over to paigner) and mine (the Advocate) meant that while share half of whatever she had with me. I have to we could both get enthusiastic about things, I was admit I didn’t behave as generously. My parents’ the first to step down and look to others for their lessons about sharing were usually emphasized on input, while Laura led the charge. It created some my behalf. I don’t remember their reminders, but I tension in our relationship. While we were learning do remember that Laura had the sharing business to understand and appreciate our differences, we down—and I eventually learned from her example were also re-learning how to use that barometer
10 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER of ours. Peer pressure made me self-reflect. My twin barometer point out when we’re wrong. We want to blend in. It made Laura shaped the way I learned because lean in to each other for advice want to challenge the status quo. she knew what my best looked and feedback, and we count on I like to think we balanced each like and didn’t let me settle for each other for help with taking a other out. We eventually learned less. She bolstered in the right good, hard look at our behavior. to approach our differences care- direction. We learn from each other how to fully—appreciating the things that Now, several years into our say things kindly—or simply not made us different rather than careers and living in different say them at all. We all function as feeling threatened by them. I states, Laura and I see each other barometers. know this too has come in handy a handful of times a year. Phone Perhaps you have a twin and in life. calls are sacred time. Despite our our growing-up years look simi- People sometimes ask me busy lives, I know I can always lar. Perhaps not. Different though what growing up with a twin is lean into that barometer of mine our experiences might have been, like. I’ll tell them about the times and re-calibrate. We still weather I know we have this in common: we traded places in school or the the growing pains of life and cel- we’re all still learning—and learn- way I’ll randomly text her while ebrate those moments we learn ing from each other. n she is texting me at the same ex- something new from each other. act second. There are a million lit- I used to wonder how peo- tle secret ways being a twin feels ple got through life without a Faith Hoyt is a communications intern for Pacific Union Conference. She currently special. What I am most grateful twin, but I’ve discovered there resides in Carson City, Nevada, where for is the silent way in which my are other barometers: friends. In she moved following her graduation from Walla Walla University. twin taught me. Laura was my friendships, we look to each other
second pair of eyes to help me to listen, be empathetic, and
10 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER JANUARY 2019 11 A Significant Relationship: Integrated Mental Health BY ALFONSO VALENZUELA
s the vice-chairman of the Mental Health De- es his or her own potential, can cope with the normal partment in Tulare County in Central Califor- stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, A nia, I was able to see firsthand the influence and is able to make a contribution to her or his com- and impact of mental health on politics, education, and munity.”1 the life of the local community. Mental health has received a lot of attention More than 50 million people a year are diagnosed from Christian psychologists and therapists, espe- with some form of mental illness. It spares no sex, cially those interested in the integration of psy- race, age, ethnicity, or income level. Left untreated, chology and theology. Psychiatrists Paul Meier and mental disorders can devastate our families and com- Frank Minirth, and psychologists Frank Wichern munities. Family members and friends are often the and Donald Ratcliff, have studied the integration of first to realize when someone has a problem, but it is these two disciplines. They describe mental health hard for them to know how to help or where to turn to in terms of personal interrelationships, stating that for help. mental health has to do with three-dimensional Mental health affects the innermost core of human interrelationships: upward, outward, and inward. In life and relationships since it deals with major issues their integrational approach, these authors explain such as thinking, reasoning, mood, and many dysfunc- that mental health is present when there is: 1) a tions that have a direct effect on interpersonal rela- positive vertical relationship with God; 2) a whole- tionships. some horizontal relationship with those around us; The Department of Mental Health of the World 3) an optimistic and confident internal relationship Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health “as with ourselves.2 a state of well-being in which every individual realiz- This psychological approach sees mental health in
12 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER terms of relationships: a vertical (a relationship with A Case Study God); a horizontal (a relationship with others); and an Michael is a 40-year-old Caucasian male. He has been internal (a relationship with self). married for 19 years and he has two teenagers. A few I think that the biblical basis for a relational months ago he began to feel moody, irritable, sleepy, understanding of mental health is found in Matthew and exhausted. He totally lost the desire to do the 22:36-40 when Jesus was asked: things he used to enjoy, like fishing, golfing, and going “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in to the movies. the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with Finally, Michael decided to go to his doctor for a all your heart and with all your soul and with all your general checkup. His doctor recommended a psychi- mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. atrist because he had the suspicious that Michael was And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as your- experiencing depression. self.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two “Depressed? I am not depressed,” said Michael. commandments” (NIV). “And I definitively do not need to see a shrink. I am Notice the three major components of the greatest just working too much, that’s all.” commandment: Love God, love your neighbor, love His wife knew that something was wrong with yourself. According to Jesus, the greatest mandate Michael, and she also knew that he would never go by is based on tridimensional interpersonal relation- himself to see a psychiatrist, so she invited him to go ships: A loving relationship with our Lord (upward), together to see a marriage and family therapist—after our neighbors (outward), and ourselves (inward). The all, their marriage and family life were a total mess. vertical relationship with God is the basis for all other Since religion played a significant role in their relationships. lives, they decided to go with a pastoral counselor. In psychology, the ecological systems theory holds After a few sessions and a couple of psychological that we encounter different environments through- tests, the counselor concluded that Michael was indeed out our lifespan that may influence our behavior in experiencing depression and was going through a mid- varying degrees.3 This wholistic approach focuses on life crisis. the impact that environment plays on the growth and When the counselor explained to Michael that the development of an individual. best treatment for depression was a combination of Among the ecological systems we find the mi- medications and psychotherapy, he accepted the refer- crosystem, which includes the individual and signif- ral to see a psychiatrist for antidepressants. icant things such as family; the mesosystem, which During psychotherapy, the counselor was able involves two microsystems in interaction, like the to explore with Michael all the people, things, and family of origin and the extended family; the exo- events that affected Michael directly and indirectly. system, which includes external environments that They talked about his family of origin and created a indirectly influence development, such as the parental genogram to help him see clearly all his significant workplace; the macrosystem, which represents the others and the quality of their relationships. This was larger socio-cultural context; and the chronosystem, an eye-opener for Michael. He realized that he need- which includes changes during the life cycle. ed to spend more time with his father and mother,
12 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER JANUARY 2019 13 his brother and sister, and with other members of his Mental health is better understood and treated family of origin. They were also able to talk about his when it is defined within a systemic approach. The relationship with his children and especially with his systemic approach considers all the major environ- wife. He realized that he was not spending enough mental factors that affect the individual. time with his family. An integrational approach that includes the so- Michael was able to talk freely about the stressors ciological, psychological, and theological disciplines he experienced at his job, some issues with friends and offers a more complete and comprehensive under- some family members, his financial problems, and standing of the treatment of mental health. even plans for retirement. Mental health can be better appreciated when the They talked about God and the church, perfection- systemic approach includes the most important and ism, grace, and forgiveness. The later sessions were significant relationships of the individual: relation- all about Michael and his personal life. They dealt with ships with God, with others, and with self. n issues related to shame, self-esteem, positive thinking, and the importance of taking care of himself through References
meditation, diet, and exercise. 1See www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en 2See Paul D. Meier, Frank B. Minirth, Frank B. Wickern, and Clear about the goals and interventions, the ther- Donald E. Ratcliff,Introduction to Psychology and Counseling: apist was able to assist the client using the therapeutic Christian Perspectives and Applications (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010). framework of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), often 3See Urie Bronfenbrenner, The Ecology of Human Development: prescribing several homework assignments and activi- Experiments by Nature and Design (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1979). ties for both Michael and his wife. They included family 4See Michael T. Compton and Raymond J. Kotwicki, eds., time, recreation, vacations, relaxation techniques, Bible Responding to Individuals with Mental Illness (Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2007). study, medication monitoring, anger management, and 5See Bodie Morey and Kim T. Mueser, The Family Intervention individual and family prayer, among other things. Guide to Mental Illness: Recognizing Symptoms and Getting Treatment (Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2007). In the first two months of psychotherapy they 6See Mark Olfson, Steven C. Marcus, Benjamin Druss, et al, noticed a significant change and progress in Michael, “National Trends in the Outpatient Treatment of Depression,” The Journal of the American Medical Association, Jan. 9, 2002, pp. and by the fourth month they both agreed to cancel the 203-209. therapeutic sessions. Some of the principles discovered in this case Alfonso Valenzuela, D. Min., Ph.D., MFT, a certified family study are the following: counselor, taught at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University and currently pastors the San 1. Most individuals experience at least one major Bernardino Spanish Adventist Church. mental health crisis in their lives.4 2. The family system can be very effective in the early recognition of symptoms of mental illness and the suggestion of treatment.5 3. Depression, the most common mental illness, is treated most effectively with medications and psychotherapy.6
14 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Keep Up With “All God’s People”
All God’s People is the weekly video series highlighting the people and ministries of the Pacific Union. The program features bite-sized news and inspiration from the diverse congregations of Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah, where Adventists are doing wonderful things to live like Jesus and further the gospel. It is hosted by Connie Vandeman Jeffery and posted online every Friday afternoon—just in time for Sabbath. Optimized for mobile devices.
Sign up at adventistfaith.com/engage Arizona Conference
Arizona Conference Hispanic Ministries Hosts Inspiring Events By Gabriella Corella
Hispanic Marriage Retreat their senses. “We can’t have perfect More than 80 couples attended the families, but we can have happy annual Hispanic Marriage Retreat at families,” she said. “We just need Jesus to Camp Yavapines in Prescott, Ariz., from live in our homes.” Nov. 9-11. The theme was “Evangelism Organizers were excited to have for Marriage,” a new initiative in the eight non-Adventist couples attend Arizona Conference. the retreat and express their desire to Guest speaker Erna Alvarado return next year. “We had a blessed provided a series of seminars about time and discovered a lot of information intimacy. She motivated the couples about marriage. This retreat was an to hug each other and unbelievable experience,” said Fernando demonstrate their love with and Miriam Chavez. (Top left) First-time attendees Rudy and Silvia Romero speak with Abi Escalante, Arizona Conference assistant to the president for Hispanic ministries. (Left) Guest speaker Erna Alvarado gives a presentation at the Hispanic Marriage Retreat. (Right) Couples practice giving hugs. (Below) More than 80 couples enjoy the Hispanic Marriage Retreat.
16 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Arizona Conference
Rudy and Silvia Romero agreed. “This was our first time attending a couples’ retreat, and we loved it!” they said. Guest musicians Hugo and Addi Yin blessed the couples with their musical gifts, and Camp Yavapines chef Cheri Bullock enhanced the experience by providing delicious meals. Abi Escalante, Arizona Conference assistant to the president for Hispanic ministries, shared a text that summarized the weekend well. (Above) Arizona Conference President Ed Keyes and his “And over all these virtues put on wife, Lillian, join more than love, which binds them all together in 1,000 people at the Hispanic perfect unity,” (Colossians 3:14, NIV). Convocation. (Right) Participants learn about social media at one of the 22 classes offered during the Hispanic Convocation and Ministries Festival. Ministries Festival The Hispanic Convocation was People were blessed by the held on Nov. 17 at Thunderbird uplifting music of Javier Rosales, Adventist Academy in Scottsdale, Ariz. and they were inspired by actors More than 1,000 people, from the West Valley Spanish including young adults church, who illustrated the life and children, gathered of Ellen G. White, the Adventist to praise God. Arizona pioneers, and the Sabbath as Conference President Ed a day of rest. The attendees Keyes and his wife, Lillian, greeted the new leaders for the welcomed the enthusiastic Federación de Sociedad de Jóvenes crowd of believers. Adventistas (FESJA) and gave them a coordinator. He also thanked former Guest speaker Jose generous offering to be used for their coordinator, Jorge Soria, and his wife, Cortes vividly shared how organization’s activities. Lina, for their 26 years of service and the first disciples were During the afternoon Ministries support of Hispanic ministries. called by Jesus and how Festival, participants selected two “It was a great blessing to see our He performed the miracle classes to attend from 22 different brothers and sisters motivated by of a successful catch of classes offered. the Holy Spirit to do God’s work in fish. Using this fishing illustration, Escalante introduced Alberto advancing His kingdom,” said Escalante. Cortes passionately encouraged Ingleton, the new Pacific Union members to reach others for Christ. Conference Hispanic ministries
Abi Escalante, Arizona Conference Actors from the West Valley Spanish church dress assistant to the president for Hispanic in 19th-century fashion to illustrate the life of ministries, introduces new leaders of Ellen G. White during the Hispanic Convocation. the Federación de Sociedad de Jóvenes Adventistas.
JANUARY 2019 17 Nevada-Utah Conference
Becky Curtis Journeys from Chronic Pain to Courage
By Faith Hoyt
uring a drive home from the Montana Conference Camp Meeting in 2005, life for Becky Curtis and her family changed dramatically due to a car accident that left her with a spinal cord injury and the loss of Dalmost all movement on the left side of her body. In the 13 years following the accident, her life has been a journey—from suffering chronic pain to managing her pain and helping others to do the same. Despite the immense challenges, Curtis knows that God had a plan all along.
Curtis and her Becky Curtis’s PHOTOS: BARRY CURTIS then 14-year-old Jeep shows the damage from son Spencer were her 2005 crash driving behind her on the way home husband, Barry, on from the Montana the four-hour trip Conference Camp Meeting. home to Hamilton, Mont. It had been a long day. She remembers her wheels touching the gravel on the side of the road, a second of overcorrecting, and then 100 yards of rolling. Photos of the totaled black Jeep show the intensity of the crash. Spencer sustained a concussion. When the car came to a stop, Curtis knew her neck was broken. “I was a busy mom,” Curtis said, describing life before the accident. “I was a realtor in the Bitterroot, and life After her accident, Curtis underwent was pretty fast paced.” She went from countless hours of intense being a busy mom to a bedridden rehabilitation to restore her ability to walk. Just when life was returning to normal, she developed an inoperable cyst patient. “At best, I was getting around in the middle of her spinal cord that caused burning nerve pain. in a wheelchair,” she said. The first year following the accident her body but lacked sensation. She had Then, suddenly, she felt a new and involved intense rehabilitation and lost the use of her left hand and was overwhelming pain from the neck countless hours with physical and learning to walk with a brace on her down. She had developed a syrinx, occupational therapists. Diagnosed left leg. a cyst in the middle of her spinal as a C4 incomplete quadriplegic with Curtis continued to gain strength cord that caused burning nerve pain. Brown-Séquard syndrome, Curtis had and movement. Two years into Though doctors tried everything good motor skills on the right side of recovery, the prognosis looked good. imaginable, nothing could both ease
18 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Nevada-Utah Conference
(Left) A depiction of a cyst in the middle of a spinal cord, illustrating the type that developed in Curtis's spine. (Below) Becky Curtis at the WorkcompCentral Conference in 2017. Curtis has received several awards from WorkcompCentral, including The People’s Choice award in 2017 for her speech about her recovery story and the Magna Comp Laude® award in 2015 for her accomplishments in working with people in pain. she loves. She also goes hiking with her husband and their miniature Australian shepherd, Quigley. “Life is much slower,” Curtis laughed good- naturedly. Her husband, Barry, who now serves as the senior pastor of the Wasatch Hills church in Salt Lake City, Utah, remarked with gratitude O’Beso encouraged her to consider how God has brought good out of the pain and maintain her quality of life. becoming a pain coach someday. the pain. “Sometimes God can use Curtis described begging and Curtis determined that if she could us best when we aren’t perfectly pleading with her doctor for ever get her pain under control, healed,” he said. “We understand the solutions. “I expected it to get better she would help others through this problem from the inside out and help or that our modern medical world process. others with that knowledge.” would have a cure for the pain,” she Not long after implementing the Becky Curtis has learned said. Feeling unable to function, techniques she’d learned, Curtis felt the meaning of Paul’s words, Curtis fell into depression. “I had a life turning around. Able to better “My strength is made perfect in lifetime of faith reminding me God cope with the pain, she started weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). had a plan, but it was a dark time.” imagining more possibilities. In 2008, In a journal entry right before the The pain was immense, and all she founded Take Courage Coaching, accident, Curtis wrote: “Okay God, I solutions were out of sight. Her a company now comprising 18 don’t know what You want me to do support system of family and friends coaches trained to help others or be, but I’m willing to do whatever encouraged her to keep moving manage chronic pain. As part of You want of me.” Her accident at first forward, but her husband remembers her work, Curtis travels across the made her feel useless, but now she asking, “How can God leave her with United States speaking at health sees what it was all about. “In looking all this pain?” conferences, including Mayo Clinic- back, I can see His hand, that God In 2007, Curtis finally found sponsored conferences. “My personal had a purpose and a call for me.” help at a pain clinic in California. “I journey is no longer focused on my To read more about Curtis’s discovered that the way to manage pain but focused on helping others,” experience managing her chronic pain was no longer going to be on she said. pain, visit her blog on www. someone else. I did not find a passive Curtis still experiences chronic takecouragecoaching.com. cure for my pain. What I did find was nerve pain, but manages the pain At the WorkcompCentral Conference in active modalities for managing it,” through exercise, good nutrition, 2017, Curtis spoke on a panel with several she said. plenty of rest, and guarding herself doctors about pain management. At the pain clinic, Curtis’s against negative behavioral medicine specialist was thinking and Joel O’Beso, an Adventist doctor of stress. Through psychology, who noted her success adaptations in at adopting pain management her kitchen, she is techniques, as well as her strong able to continue commitment to helping others. cooking, which “Sometimes God can use us best when we aren’t perfectly healed. We understand the problem from the inside out and help others with that knowledge.”
JANUARY 2019 19 Southeastern California Conference
San Bernardino 16th Street Church Members Celebrate 90-Year Milestone By Natalie Romero
embers of the San worship; they wanted to share the was a joy for us to experience such Bernardino 16th Street message of the soon-coming Savior. an awesome event,” said Lindell Mchurch celebrated the And this ministry was born,” said Dixon, “because it brought back such milestone of their 90th anniversary Andrea King, senior pastor, who has led pleasant memories.” on Oct. 27. Conference officials, the church for the past five years. Janice Kirksey, who joined former pastors, church members, and “One of my favorite parts of the the church in 1972, remembered friends joined the celebration of the celebration was the mass choir,” the church’s pioneers during the church’s legacy. The church began as added King. “It was so good to see celebration. “It was reminiscent of the a house church in 1928. people of different generations and elderly generation who deposited The service was a time of music styles come together and the seeds of the Word and gave reminiscing, reflection, and reunion. praise the Lord. It felt like a once-in- their best for the Lord and family,” It took six months for a committee 90-years moment.” she said. “We now get to see what to plan the celebration, from the The event was especially they didn’t get to see—their prayers fellowship dinner to decorations meaningful for many of the being answered. I am in awe of God’s to the mass choir to country-wide members who have spent decades faithfulness.” invitations. On the day of the at the church. Charlene Thornton, a The church’s place in the local event—which fell exactly 90 years member since 1972, said that seeing community will continue to thrive almost to the minute of the church’s her old friends at the celebration was during the next 10 years, according to first meeting—the sanctuary was joyful. “Being a member here means King. “We are going to be doing some bursting at the seams. family to me,” she said. “It reminds me church renovations and upgrades to Kenneth Middleton, a member of how it will be in heaven.” the building,” she said. “Also, we are of the church since 1976 and Her sentiments were echoed by taking ministry to children, youth, and chairperson of the celebration Lindell and E. Rachel Dixon, who young adults more seriously to ensure committee, noted the camaraderie have been attending since 1970. “It that we are a young and vibrant and uplifting atmosphere, church even when we are 100 particularly during Sabbath School. years old.” “Some of the attendees were babies when we were at K Street, and some who are now 96 years old joined us,” he said. “We all reminisced together.” “K Street” refers to one of the church’s previous names, as it has gone through several incarnations and locations since 1928, when the Weston and Lane families first gathered with
others in a house on a Sabbath in PHOTO CREDIT: ENNO MÜLLER October. “It wasn’t enough just to
(Inset) Andrea King, senior pastor of the church, welcomes members, visitors, and friends for the special 90th anniversary worship service. (Right) George King, retired vice president for black ministries, speaks for the anniversary worship service at San Bernardino 16th Street church.
20 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Southeastern California Conference
Out of Babylon: Calexico Bible Teacher Transforms Classroom
By Becky St. Clair
ernardo Samano, who teaches usually we think ancient cultures were on the hope Christians have. Bible classes to grades 7-12 at primitive in everything. Abraham had “These immersive themes give me BCalexico Mission School, has quite a challenge believing God had opportunities to interact with students developed intensive, immersive, and something even better than the luxuries in a whole new way,” Samano said. intentional themes for his classroom: of Babylon.” “The visual aids and object lessons we Babylon, Egypt, and Jerusalem. Another stated: “There is a message can pull from the room engage the “All my classes this year revolve behind the decorations, and it helps me students, and they really internalize around the call found in the book remember, continually, God’s invitation the stories we’re learning, which means of Revelation,” Samano explained, to get out from Babylon.” they’re really internalizing the concepts crediting his inspiration to other creative Understanding that many students of God’s love. That is my ultimate wish teachers. “God wants us to get out of come from Catholic or Buddhist for these kids.” Babylon—out of confusion,” he said. backgrounds, Samano said he respects The school, located on the Mexico- Samano’s classroom has been families’ beliefs and does not encourage California border, was established transformed into “Babylon,” with disobedience or dissent. However, he in 1937 by Southeastern California eight-foot-high paintings covering two also understands commitment to Christ Conference, and since then it has walls, a 3-D Ishtar Gate that goes into as a chain. “You reach someone, and been reaching out to the people Samano’s office, and a five-foot-high that person brings someone else, and of Mexicali, Mexico. More than 25 statue of Nebuchadnezzar. “Immediately they bring another,” he said. “My goal is Adventist churches exist there now, my students are exposed to a visual to get Christ into these students’ hearts, and many of their leaders trace their representation of what we’re learning,” so they can take Him into their homes walks with God to their experience he said. “I place a lot of emphasis on and families.” with the school. their ‘getting out of confusion’ and The theme “Egypt: Let My People “I came to CMS in 1973 as a devout making a decision for Christ today.” Go!” centers on how people are being Catholic,” Samano said. “After being The students like the themes. held by Satan, but Jesus has already exposed to the Adventist teachings, One admitted, “I did not know the won the battle, while “Jerusalem: my family and I became baptized Babylonians built beautiful things; Behold, I Make All Things New” focuses Adventists.” He has been teaching at the school for 19 years. “I place a lot of emphasis on their ‘getting out of For information about how to support Calexico Mission School, visit confusion’ and making a decision for Christ today.” calexicomissionschool.org.
JANUARY 2019 21 Southeastern California Conference
(Left) Left to right: Roberto Sánchez, Aurora Sánchez, Minerva Ortega, and René Ortega participate in the service on Sabbath, Sept. 29, as the Escondido Spanish church congregation celebrates the final mortgage payment on their church. The 20-year mortgage, which began in 2000, was paid two years ahead of time. (Above) Gilbert Vega, pastor of the Escondido Spanish church, and Sandra Roberts, president of the Southeastern California Conference, speak during the mortgage-burning ceremony. PHOTO CREDIT: MILTON M. VEGA M. MILTON CREDIT: PHOTO Escondido Spanish Church Celebrates Mortgage Burning, Focuses on Evangelism By Cynthia Mendoza
rom a small group of fervent will also enable members to our mortgage was out of reach,” said believers sharing a church better support their Adventurer José Quintero, a longtime member Fbuilding in Vista, Calif., in the and Pathfinder clubs, including who has been with the congregation early 1980s, the Escondido Spanish supporting club members’ since the early 1980s. “But we kept church has grown into a thriving attendance to the international praying,” he said. congregation in their own church camporee at Oshkosh this summer. Quintero described the way God building. In July 2018, members There are also other projects moved powerfully throughout the celebrated the final payment of their that can now be completed, such as process, in ways that he describes mortgage, an accomplishment that fixing the parking lot, remodeling as “miraculous.” This includes now enables them to focus more fully a few classrooms, fixing restrooms, purchasing the building for on their primary goal: mission. and attending to other maintenance approximately 30 percent less than “Up until now, we’ve been able to and upgrade needs. the original price and being able to accomplish everything we wanted to, The journey of the Escondido make the final mortgage payment but with some limitations,” said Gilbert Spanish church has been a long two years ahead of time. Vega, pastor of the church. “Now we are one, wrought with hope and The most rewarding part of able to do more.” perseverance and in spite of being debt-free, members agree, One of the church’s most important challenges. But through prayer and is that now they can fully focus projects has been tuition assistance for faith, members kept working toward their efforts on what has always students attending Escondido Adventist their dream. “At times, we felt been their most important goal. Academy. While the church has always discouraged and felt that paying off “Our goal as a church is to continue been able to financially sharing the gospel support students, “Up until now, we’ve been able to accomplish in Escondido,” said members will now be everything we wanted to, but with some Vega. “Now we can able to help even more. do more kinds of The added funds limitations. Now we are able to do more.” evangelism.”
22 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Southeastern California Conference
Maker Faire Inspires Students to Create a Better World
By Becky St. Clair
fter Gene Oswald, industrial Organizations involved with the is equivalent to around 100 field technology teacher at Loma Maker Faire included Garner Holt trips—many more than the school can ALinda Academy (LLA), attended Productions, the largest producer of provide each year. Bringing experts a Maker Faire in 2016 in San Diego, he animatronics in the United States; to the students increases the kids’ decided to create one for his students. 501st Legion, whose members sew exposure to new ideas, which inspires The first LLA Faire was last spring, and 3D-print their own costumes and excites them to use their skills and more than 2,500 area students, and partner with Make-A-Wish and interests to make a difference and parents, and teachers attended. Foundation; and several Adventist share the love of Christ with the world. Creators provided hands-on universities. “The Faire is the perfect setting experience for students in subjects “Students can see how people are to show students how Christians they are passionate about. “A Maker using STREAMS to make life better,” interact with society to make the lives Faire is a day to excite and inspire said Datha Tickner, Southeastern of others better,” Tickner said. “Maker in all areas of STREAMS: science, California Conference associate booths allow students to experience technology, religion, engineering, art, superintendent for education. “It’s a variety of ways to apply STREAMS to math, and service,” Oswald said. engaging, interactive, and fun, while real-life situations, using academics The 2018 Faire hosted nearly 100 still being very educational. After the to build, create, and invent things booths managed by both students Faire last year, I saw a sparkle in the that serve our community, all while and professionals, as well as lectures eyes of many students I hadn’t seen growing socially as they talk with by experts. Students engaged with before. They wanted to contribute to others, ask questions, and practice makers such as artists, quadcopter their world, not just memorize facts.” teamwork and leadership skills.” pilots, cooks, firefighters, engineers, The 2018 Faire was a required LLA’s 2019 Faire, scheduled for quilters, botanists, musicians, school day, so students attended April 7, will be open to all SECC chemists, locksmiths, graphic a certain number of presentations, schools. Organizers hope to have designers, tailors, and architects. demonstrations, and/or lectures an even greater number of booths, Some even rode around campus on a throughout the day. Older students with additional service and mission nearly life-sized animatronic giraffe. were also required to spend a certain foci. For information about providing “This event takes what students amount of time managing a booth, students with hands-on experiences have learned in class and expands it,” demonstrating a concept to others. at the event, contact Oswald at Oswald explained. Oswald points out that every Faire [email protected].
(Left) A local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member teaches a student to properly use a fire extinguisher. PHOTO CREDIT: SCOTT GUPTILL
Maker Faire attendees enjoy a ride around The Maranatha Volunteers campus on an International booth informs animatronic giraffe. students about service and mission opportunities around the world.
JANUARY 2019 23 Loma Linda University Health
Learn Five Ways to Keep Germ-free at Home and Work Avoid getting sick where you spend the most time.
By Janelle Ringer
as the flu is by passing the germs through the mouth or the nose down into the lungs. “Flu viruses have been shown to live on surfaces for up to eight hours and cold viruses for three hours,” Tan said. “Work against the spread of germs by keeping your hands away from faces.” Share less; clean more. When you’re sick or feeling symptoms of sickness, it’s important to avoid infecting others, not only with a cough or sneeze but through germs on your belongings. “When sickness is going around the office, try not voiding sickness at work isn't who are sick, you lessen your chances to share things such as phones, always easy when there are of becoming sick yourself,” Tan said. computers, or meals,” said Tan. “Take Aso many viruses that cause “The flu can spread between people time to sanitize the items you touch the common cold—or worse, the up to about six feet away.” throughout the day.” flu. Trying to avoid sickness can be Wash for 20 seconds with soap Stay home. While sick, limit tough when you're surrounded by and water. The best way to avoid interactions and physical contact coughing colleagues and germ-filled catching an illness is by frequent hand with others as much as possible to workspaces. While you may not have washing. Germs are everywhere, and keep them from infection. If you are the option to stay completely away as we go through our day-to-day sick with a flu-like illness, the Centers from germs, there are steps you can exchanges, we’re interacting with for Disease Control and Prevention take to avoid getting sick at work or in those germs as well. “When you wash recommends staying home for your home. your hands, use soap and water to at least 24 hours after the fever is Laren Tan, pulmonologist protect yourself and to stop the germs gone—except to get medical care. (physician specializing in the from spreading to others,” said Tan. “It’s not worth risking the health of respiratory system) and director “Wash your hands before and after people around you who may have of Loma Linda University’s you eat, after you use the bathroom, weak immune systems—like young Comprehensive Program for and after you sneeze or blow your children, the elderly, or anyone with a Obstructive Airway Diseases, provides nose.” Tan also recommends washing chronic health problem,” Tan said. tips for good health behaviors that your hands for at least 20 seconds or To learn more about flu prevention can help you stop picking up—or using hand sanitizer. and to schedule a flu shot, contact Loma spreading—germs. Don’t touch faces—especially Linda University Primary Care at Give a little distance. When you yours. One way of getting a virus such 909- 558-6600. start to feel the symptoms, keep your distance from the people around you See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories to protect them from getting sick as from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu. well. “By avoiding contact with those
24 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER
Adventist Health
The “Time Travel Division” Brightens a Patient’s Day
By Amanda Jaurigui
very employee at Adventist “I would say, ‘Hi, I’m Josh, and I’m misused. He then removed the Health can inspire health, with the Time Travel Division. I’m gloves and wipes, placed the flowers Ewholeness, and hope—not just here to update your clock,” said on the shelf, and handed the woman those in direct patient care roles. Medeiros. the card. Josh Medeiros, facilities After he delivered his time “She started to break down,” management supervisor for travel line in one patient’s room, said Medeiros. “She said, ‘Nothing Adventist Health Medical Office – the woman laughed and started like this ever happens to me.’ She Hanford, shared a time when he a conversation. Medeiros stayed reacted as if she had won the lottery realized he had made a positive and talked to her for a while. He or won some kind of prize.” impact on someone’s hospital then noticed that the shelf in her Medeiros sat with the woman experience. room contained sanitizing wipes for about 10 minutes and realized When daylight saving time began, and plastic hand gloves, instead of he had changed her whole hospital Medeiros and his co-workers needed flowers and cards from family, as experience. “As a maintenance to manually set all of the clocks at the shelf was intended to display. guy, you might lose the bigger Adventist Health Hanford one hour “I realized she didn’t just want to picture of what we’re doing here,” ahead. They decided to have fun talk to me, she wanted to talk to he said. “I might come unclog your with their duties, so they split up to somebody,” he said. sink and replace your light bulbs see who could finish first. He decided to stop at the or ceiling tile and go home at the Medeiros wanted to bring some hospital’s gift shop and purchase end of the day, and think, ‘I’m just humor to the task, so as he entered a card and flowers. He went back a maintenance guy,’ but it’s nice to each room, he introduced himself as to the patient’s room and told her know we have an impact on patient being with the Time Travel Division. that he noticed her shelf was being care, also.”
26 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER FLEEING Paradise November 8 started like any other Thursday morning for 16-year- old Jaron Brown. He was in band practice—but then his principal canceled class and sent all the students home.
Not long afterward, Brown, his sister, and grandmother joined thousands of others fleeing from Paradise, Magalia, and the surrounding communities as the Camp Fire raged out of control.
Read stories from members of the Adventist community— stories of courage, faith, and hope in the midst of the most destructive fire in California history and its aftermath.
Reporting by Stephanie Leal and Julie Lorenz
SpecialReport Recorder PHOTO: STEPHANIE LEAL STEPHANIE PHOTO: For decades, the Adventist community has been a large presence in Paradise and its surrounding areas. The membership of the Paradise church makes up nearly five percent of the town's former population. Area residents also attend a number of other churches in nearby Magalia, Yankee Hill, Chico, and Oroville. Paradise Adventist Academy (PAA) is one of the largest K-12 schools in the Northern California Conference. So when the Camp Fire plowed through the area, many church members (along with many others) were in its path.
Stories from Paradise Adventist Academy
“GET OUT RIGHT NOW!” through his heart. “I was trying to listen to music arly on the morning of the fire, 16-year-old to calm myself,” he said. He repeated a Bible Jaron Brown, a PAA junior, was in band text over and over. “It was helpful to think about practice at the school. Halfway through, the that verse,” he said. principal canceled classes and sent everyone Earlier in 2018, Brown competed in the Ehome. Brown and his sister, Alina, went home where Pathfinder Bible Experience with a team from their grandmother was waiting. Their father, Brad the Paradise church, which finished with a first Brown, director of chaplain services at Feather River place in the North American Division finals. The Hospital, was at the hospital as part of the incident books they studied were Esther and Daniel. command team. The verse that kept coming into Brown’s mind At first Brown wasn’t nervous because the fire was Daniel 3:17: “If that is the case, our God was 20 miles away, but he started to feel uneasy after whom we serve is able to deliver us from the his father called him and told him to start packing. burning fiery furnace” (NKJV). He also told Brown to hitch their RV toy hauler “This verse comforted me because of its to their truck. Brown had assisted with this task a assurance that if God has a purpose for my life, few times in the past, but he’d never done it on his nothing can harm me, but if not, I know that own. With his grandmother and sister helping out, God’s will is the best,” he said. he backed up the truck and got the trailer hitched. The three of them loaded as much as they could— “I PARKED THE CAR AND RAN” the Bernedoodle dogs and puppies they raise, their bout 9 a.m. PAA senior Carson other pets, photographs, computers, and documents. Cummings drove to the house of a “As we were running around, we could hear family friend to help her evacuate. explosions,” he said. He wasn’t concerned about his own His father called again and told him, “Get out Ahome since the fire was on right now!” Brown and his grandmother got in the the opposite side of town. truck, and his sister got in the RV with the dogs. They Halfway to her house, the headed out of town—only to get caught in gridlocked air grew dark and smoky, traffic. but he didn’t think the “When we got to the bottom of Paradise, it was situation was serious until pitch black, like night,” said Brown. “My dad called he saw her neighbor’s yard and said, ‘I think I will make it out, but just in case I on fire. don’t: I love you.’” Cummings left his car PHOTO: ROOTSTOCKS/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS IMAGES ROOTSTOCKS/ISTOCK/GETTY PHOTO: As they drove with flames rising on both sides of in her garage and drove her the road, Brown could feel the adrenaline pumping car on the road out of town,
“My dad called and said, ‘I think I will make it out, but just in case I don’t: I love you.’”
28 SPECIAL RECORDER INSERT PHOTO: STEPHANIE LEAL
but he quickly got stuck in the gridlocked traffic—by caught in the traffic once again as the flames grew Teacher Kent Wuestefeld himself. “I was talking on the phone with my brother closer. “Everyone pulled over, and we all started surveys his fifth- and to calm myself down,” he said. jogging down a narrow road covered with trees,” sixth-graders, now He wasn’t really afraid until embers the size of said Cummings. After running for a mile and a half, meeting in one half baseballs started falling on the car, and trees around the father and son were picked up by passersby, who of the Chico church's him caught on fire. He then called his father, who was drove them to Chico. multipurpose room. working in town that day. After finding out his son’s The home of the family friend didn’t burn, but the Those raising their location, Cummings’s dad drove as close to him as Cummings’ home was destroyed. hands lost their homes. he could, but when he was a mile away, the traffic Cummings feels blessed that his family found a wouldn’t allow him to come any further. His father home to rent and that his father has a job in Chico. (Below) Many are told Cummings to abandon the car beside the road He’s glad that he can still play basketball this year— praising Principal Monte and run to Kmart, where his dad was waiting. something he has been anticipating. He’s also looking Nystrom, with wife Rosie, “The whole side of the road was on fire. I parked forward to one final school year with his friends. for evacuating PAA at the car and ran, jogging past cars in the traffic,” said “I’m happy to finish my senior year with the class least an hour earlier than Cummings. He saw his father and hurried into his I’ve been with since kindergarten,” he said. the city schools did. car. They were still in danger, but it was a relief to be together. “THEY WERE COMMITTED TO OUR SCHOOL” As they were driving down the hill, their car got arly that morning, PAA Principal Monte Nystrom was at school searching for the status of the fire and noticing how quickly it was approaching. As he was Etalking on the phone, he heard that the fire had reached the canyon on the edge of town. At that point, Nystrom decided to cancel school. “I was concerned about the fire moving that fast in that kind of a wind,” he said. Parents were starting to drop off their students,
Carson Cummings, a senior at Paradise Adventist Academy, takes notes in advanced biology class, which now meets in the Cradle Roll room of the Chico church. Out of the eight students in his class, six lost their homes, including the teacher.
PHOTO: STEPHANIE LEAL
28 SPECIAL RECORDER INSERT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE CAMP FIRE REPORT 29 so Nystrom asked harrowing drive out of town. “It was looking pretty registrar Brenda probable for a while that we wouldn’t make it,” he Muth to announce said. over the school’s He later learned that most of the school had phone intercom been saved due to the dedication of firefighters. Still that teachers should later, he heard the story from a retired Yuba City stand outside and fire captain, who had come back into commission to tell the parents to help fight the fire. take their children Five fire crews from out of town had been assigned and evacuate. Many to go into the fire zone together for independent action. of the families left “That means find something you think you can save PHOTO: ALEX AAMODT/SPECTRUM MAGAZINE AAMODT/SPECTRUM ALEX PHOTO: Paradise immediately and try to save it,” said Nystrom. They were working Paradise Adventist afterward. “I’m grateful that most of the students at a house in PAA’s neighborhood when they heard the Academy loses its and their parents were able to get out of town pretty fire alarm ringing at the school. After being unable to K-4 school building early,” he said. save the house, they went over to investigate the alarm. in the Camp Fire Nystrom went to evacuate his sister, who resided By then, PAA’s K-4 building had already been and sustains other in a care home in Paradise. He also picked up three destroyed, but they saw several other fires around the damage. other residents at the home. The five of them had a campus, which they extinguished. By the time they
David Vixie, mules to wagons, and walked a pioneer trail. grades 7-8 teacher, Not only did Vixie lose his home in the fire, he looks out over a also lost his shed, wagons, and other period items, noisy classroom. Out but he was happy to save eight mules. His wife, Everyone of his 30-student Karen, saved some other important items. “When HAS A VALID STORY classroom, 26 my wife ran out of the house, she grabbed two kids have returned after the fires. They are now outfits for each of us,” he said. “Our best clothes meeting in a sparse multipurpose room in the were our period costumes, so that’s what we wore Chico church. It doesn’t bother Vixie, though. “I to church on the first Sabbath after the fire.” kept our room sparse before at the old campus so Vixie is concerned about all his students and the kids are used to this,” he said. doesn’t want to see a hierarchy develop among Since the fire, he’s used emergency blankets those affected by the fire. Even kids that didn’t and Oreo cookies from donated lunches as class lose homes have had their lives turned upside (Right) Teacher David illustrations and science experiments. down. “Everyone has a valid story,” he tells the kids. Vixie works with his Each year, for more than two decades, Vixie has “Your story has a major impact in your life.” seventh- and eighth- led his students on a one-week covered wagon Vixie is thankful for Principal Monte Nystrom’s trip. The kids wore clothes from the 1800s, hitched quick thinking. Nystrom called for an evacuation graders in their new at least an hour before the city and public schools space at the Chico did. “It was significant. That meant many families church, using extra dispersed before others in the town,” Vixie said. emergency blankets Having dealt with deep tragedy in the past, and oreos for makeshift Vixie now uses his experience to help his class. science experiments. After he asked his students to draw pictures on a whiteboard, one (Far right) “This is my boy drew his house house. The wind was before the fire, and strong and I just wanted then he erased it. to leave,” said Dovan “Gone,” he said. Martella. Vixie's students Vixie is trying to help all his kids as use the white boards they go through the and markers to express grieving process. how they are feeling PHOTO: DAVID VIXIE after the fire. PHOTO: STEPHANIE LEAL
30 SPECIAL RECORDER INSERT discovered that the shop area in the basement of the a water truck to them. He did so, and the firefighters gym was on fire, they had run out of water. The fire stayed on the property all night and the next day, captain radioed the fire chief at a different site to ask keeping the fire at bay. for more, but the chief said that he couldn’t send any. “They were committed to our school and were They’d have to abandon the property. able to save it,” said Nystrom. “The fire captain said A division leader at another location heard the that saving the school was one of the highlights of his conversation and radioed that he thought he could send career.”
Stories from the Adventist members
“GOD JUST PROVIDED” were really thankful. You know, God had arna Carli and her husband, Bob, own His hand over this.” three home care facilities in Paradise. Even with the shelter, there were Their staff cares for six quadriplegic many unknowns. How would they and medically fragile individuals at each care for the 17 medically fragile Mfacility. When the evacuation order came, Carli’s individuals? (One person had been husband was just finishing up the evacuation of one evacuated by family members.) of the homes, and he helped evacuate a second one. Community members However, when he tried to drive to the third home, he donated mattresses, which were couldn’t get through due to the gridlocked traffic. By placed on the floor for the clients. then, the phones were down, and he couldn’t reach Staff members—half of whom lost Bob and the staff. their homes—worked and slept in the Marna Carli “We had no way of communicating,” said Carli. warehouse. They did the best they could with six own three home care “We prayed that they would be guided by what fewer wheelchairs than they needed. facilities in Paradise. they’ve learned and what they know. We prayed over The group was still fearful the first night as and over for them.” the fire approached Chico, burning only four Evacuating was only The home’s manager, along with her husband blocks away from their building. The smoke was the first step; then and staff members, got the six clients and their suffocating in the big warehouse. “Just near us was came caring for their special wheelchairs into three cars and began trying an experimental forest. We were afraid it would catch patients in a new place to drive out of town. As they started out, the traffic on fire,” she said. during a scary time. immediately became gridlocked, and a police officer The Carlis located police officers at a shelter six told them that they couldn’t drive out in their cars blocks away and asked to be alerted if they needed because the road was blocked. The staff got all the to evacuate. “It was almost midnight when we finally clients out of the cars and into wheelchairs and settled everybody in,” said Carli.“It was a scary time. started pushing them up the hill from the facility. Looking at the hill, we could see the fire burning A fireman observing them said, “You can’t do down toward Chico.” that!” He helped to get the people back into the staff Over the next eight days, they cared for their cars, but the fire was so close, they had to leave the clients in the warehouse, with only mattresses on the wheelchairs behind. A fire truck then pushed through floor. “We just put one foot in front of the other,” she several roadblocks, and they were able to get into the said. “Each decision was made with trepidation and line of cars leaving Paradise. with a prayer.” During that entire time, nobody got By this time the fire was raging around them, and sick. the air was being sucked out of their cars. Believing By the end of the eight days, they had relocated they were all going to die, they still pressed on. It everyone. Several went to stay with family took them three and a half hours to get down the members or at other care homes. The Carlis and hill—a trip that usually takes 20 minutes. staff transported 11 individuals to Porterville As the Carlis were driving down the hill, they Developmental Center, more than 300 miles south of didn’t know where they would take everyone. The Chico. “That was another story in itself,” she said. shelters couldn’t meet their needs, and the hospitals At the center, each individual had a private were full. Then they got a call from someone who nurse—plus aides, physical therapists, and operated a day program for disabled people in Chico, offering their building. It was a warehouse with “We don’t know what we would have done bathrooms, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. “God just provided that out of the blue,” said Carli. “We otherwise. We were really thankful. You know, don’t know what we would have done otherwise. We God had His hand over this.”
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE CAMP FIRE REPORT 31 THE OTHER Unnoticed by most, neighbors' homes have disappeared. There will another group is scattered be no neighborly dessert exchanges on holidays. amongst the evacuees. Although their homes stand, every belonging is They have already learned smoke filled and potentially toxic. The children's the status of their homes schoolmates are disbursed around the state and Victims ... they are standing. beyond. And the mortgage is still due. by Shirley Grear These are the other victims of the tragic fire. Two of my friends are feeling that no one Evacuee, Their homes and their belongings are still intact. wants to hear their story once they say their Survivor, Their children have their toys waiting for their home was not destroyed. But their story needs Thriver return, but they are still displaced. The entire to be heard. Their story will continue because electrical power grid must be replaced many insurance companies, if they repeat what because most of it was destroyed happened after the Carr Fire, will refuse to pay in the fire. There is no safe water, for the costs of smoke damage. My friends are no internet. The basic utilities not eligible for most governmental assistance will not be available for months programs because their house stands. They are if not years. It is probable that standing like their homes, lonely and alone. their place of employment is These are the frequently forgotten victims of a gone. Their neighborhood is no natural disaster, but they suffer deeply. So please longer surrounded by massive remember to listen to their stories and extend pines and cedar trees, and the your compassion and comfort.
occupational therapists. Seven physicians cared petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests for the group. “They treated each of them like a to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all celebrity,” said Carli. “We couldn’t have been more understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds thankful.” The hospital staff also raised money for in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV). the staff members who had lost their homes. This promise was true for Carli.“I prayed this so The Carlis’ home didn’t burn, but Marna Carli’s I could move forward and do what I needed to do to parents lost theirs. As the Carlis deal with the fire’s help all the people that depended on my husband and aftermath, their clients are always on their minds. myself,” she said. “I really felt that peace that passes “We’re keeping in touch with everybody and making all understanding. Even though my heart was racing, sure they are well cared for,” she said. As for the and I was scared, and I was reaching out to others, future, they are taking it one day at a time. He calmed me down.” Carli shared the verse that kept her going Steve Arrington shares throughout the “I WAS PATIENT 0” these photos on ordeal: “Do not By Steve Arrington Facebook, along with be anxious about t 8:00 a.m., I was Patient 0 at his harrowing escape anything, but in Feather River Hospital, meaning as "Patient 0" at Feather every situation, I was in pre-op and going in River Hospital. by prayer and next for surgery that morning. AThen the fire erupted out of the Feather River Canyon on a broad raging front behind the hospital. The emergency in the hospital began with a call to the surgical unit: “All surgeries on hold.” Two minutes later the PA system announced the code for emergency evacuation! A nurse quickly disconnected my IV, and I ran. The staff was surging into the hallways and racing into rooms to evacuate patients. I’ve had fire fighter training, so I had a perspective into what was going on. I was impressed
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE ARRINGTON STEVE OF COURTESY PHOTO that the hospital team executed their duties
32 SPECIAL RECORDER INSERT with professionalism, moving quickly and calmly. Chase, my son, was waiting for me as a I ran out of the hospital and climbed into his car. Across the Dave says it was a horrible feeling driving out of parking lot, fire was already into the trees, which town, not knowing if his parents would make it or not began crowning with flames. As Chase accelerated out of the parking lot, fires were erupting on both and feeling that he had failed to be there for them. sides, blowing dense smoke across the road. All he could do now was pray. There were barrages of explosions from burning propane tanks as we turned onto our street. We live on the edge of the Feather River Canyon just a mile Soon their neighbor, Nancy, came over to check down from the hospital. We only had time to throw a on them and offered to help get Paul into the car. few things into the car. Propane tanks were blowing, They were struggling with the task when Dave called and then Chase yelled, “It’s time to go!” again to check on the situation. He told them he
One of my daughters pleaded for one more box would come over and PHOTO: KRYSTALYNN MARTIN and ran back into the house. Later, I would learn that help, but Judy urged she had grabbed Cindy’s and my wedding pictures him not to take the and our favorite baby pictures. chance and just get his Our cars surged out of our neighborhood into a family out. traffic jam. There were already accidents. Smoke and Soon Nancy saw embers filled the sky. Cindy remembered she had flames at the end forgotten her prescription pills and turned back, but of the street and I didn’t know that; I just knew the kids were in their said, “We’ve got to cars behind me. go now!” Judy told It was stop and go, extremely heavy congestion, Nancy that she and her but people were polite and let others in from side husband were old, that streets. Two and a half hours later, we made it to our they’d had a good life, friend’s house, 25 miles away. Cindy wouldn’t arrive and she needed to save for four and a half hours; that’s what that one bottle herself. Nancy refused of pills cost her. to leave them, and On Sabbath, Nov. 10, we got official confirmation they prayed together. Paul says at that point, Nancy Recent NCC Pastor that our home was destroyed. Nothing is left, and simply picked him up and heaved him into their little Krystalynn Westbrook we got out with very little, but the best is that we all Prius. Martin, who now made it out. Each morning, all five of us sit together With his family heading out in two other serves as the vice to give thanks and plan our future. So, here’s what we vehicles, Dave took his pickup to go help his parents principal for spiritual came up with: just stay together and wait to see what but soon discovered it was impossible to get across life at Auburn doors the Lord opens for us. It’s a very good plan town. All lanes on the main road were being used Adventist Academy, indeed. for outgoing traffic. He tried calling to check on his shares the following parents, but couldn’t get through. In the rush to leave, Facebook message, “SHE SAVED MY PARENTS’ LIVES” Judy had left the cell phone in the house. Dave says dated Nov. 19, about ave Westbrook called to wake up his it was a horrible feeling driving out of town, not parents, Paul and Judy Westbrook, and let knowing if his parents would make it or not and her parents, Paul them know there was a fire on his side of feeling that he had failed to be there for them. All he and Judy Westbrook town moving in their direction. Because his could do now was pray. (above): "Tonight Ddad is immobile, making it impossible for his mom A couple hours later, it was a huge relief to the we did a little early to get him into the car, Dave told them he’d be right entire family when they finally heard that Paul and Thanksgiving over to help them after he gathered some things and Judy had made it to safety. Unfortunately, all four celebration with my got his family out of their home on the opposite side houses owned by Westbrook family members and dad in the temporary of town. At that point, none of them realized how relatives were destroyed in the fire. nursing home he’s quickly the fire was moving. A few days later, Dave was able to visit the in since the fire Judy immediately called for an ambulance, but rubble of his parents’ home. Nancy’s house was still evacuation. I’m so the dispatcher said that they did not know when one standing, and a PG&E truck pulled up in front. The grateful these two are would be able to come. As the gravity of the situation woman in the truck remarked that Nancy is one of her became clear to Judy, she said, “Paul, it’s just you best friends. alive." and me; we may not make it out.” They talked about “Please tell her thank you; she saved my parents’ how God had been good to them and blessed them, lives,” Dave told her. He hopes to see Nancy soon and they had the assurance of eternal life. and thank her in person.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE CAMP FIRE REPORT 33 WE NEED TO BE Together
eople ask Shirley Grear whether she got treasures out before Shirley Grear escaping the fire. “I got my husband, Carl,” she replies. Grear works in the recently retired and moved to Paradise. She and her husband makeshift got their house on July 8. They lost their home to the Camp PFire exactly four months later on Nov. 8. Paradise church An award-winning quilter, Grear had been enjoying retirement in office, now a “nice, quiet place,” doing favorite things like walking, photography, located at the and volunteering at the Paradise church’s Adventist Community Chico church. Services. Just before the fire, the church reimbursed her for a She has been purchase, and now that check is her only proof of her Paradise volunteering address. since the first day In just the span of a few weeks, she’s already stayed at five of the fire. different places, but she is grateful her husband and she have not yet had to stay in their car. She’s been volunteering since day one at the temporary Paradise church office, now at the Chico church. Grear reports that people she’s seen are all over the place in their grief stages. “Awareness and grief are different for different people. These stages are not sequential or time-constrained,” she said. On the first Friday after the fires, Grear attended a town hall meeting at the Chico church, where all the people who had lost homes were called up front for prayer. “We need to be together so there can be connection,” she said. Grear joined them, but she soon noticed a man standing nearby. His home had not been destroyed, but he faces a different set of circumstances (see sidebar, p. 32). She believes that people with homes still standing are sometimes the forgotten victims in the tragedy. She’s been encouraged that the church has received so many gift cards. (The easiest ones for people to use are VISA or MasterCard gift cards that can be used for groceries, clothes, gas, or whatever is needed.) She estimates the church has received approximately $20,000 in 449 gift cards—394 of which have already been distributed. “To a fault though, Adventists are having a hard time taking them,” she said. Grear explained that when people are offered a card, they tell her that someone else needs it way more than they do. Many people are living and eating with friends and family, but once they have to move into apartments or FEMA trailers, there will be a critical need for gift cards to buy food and necessities. Grear lost her home when she was in elementary school, but this loss is different: an entire town has been destroyed. “I have prayed with people in so many places,” she said. “The community that has arisen out of this is so powerful.” As for the future, “I don’t have plans,” she said. “I’m just grateful to be busy.” She wants to see what God can do with this tragedy. “Like Joseph told his brothers: ‘What you meant for evil, God will use for His glory.’”
34 SPECIAL RECORDER INSERT Seventh-day Stories from Adventist pastors Adventist Churches Affected by
PHOTO: ALEX AAMODT/SPECTRUM MAGAZINE the Camp Fire Chico Church Jonny Hayasaka, Associate Pastor MEMBERS: 759 • 18 households lost their homes. • Now housing Paradise Adventist Academy and Paradise congregation. • Still have displaced families who can't go back to their homes yet (no utilities, no water, etc.).
Chico Spanish Church Leandro Carralero, Pastor MEMBERS: 114 (Left) Almost 1,300 members are part • 4 members lost their homes. of the Paradise church, shown here in Golden Feather Church "before photos. (Above) Only metal " Larre Kostenko, Pastor and stonework remain of the church MEMBERS: 64 now. It was completely destroyed. • One member died. • One member still missing. PHOTOS: NCC FILES NCC PHOTOS: • 19 family units lost their homes. “WE COVET PEOPLE’S PRAYERS” After the fire, Hamilton and his team worked • Other losses include jobs and ew Paradise church Senior Pastor Steve in stages to meet immediate needs. The first stage property, besides homes. Hamilton and his family arrived in Paradise was to provide personal care items and other Magalia Upper Ridge about three weeks before their home and relief goods. The second stage was to get the Church church were destroyed in the fire. In spite Chico Oaks Adventist School and Chico church Rob Kearbey, Pastor Nof their loss, Hamilton has been working tirelessly facilities ready for the PAA students, as well as MEMBERS: 213 to minister to a congregation of survivors, many find short-term housing for the many teachers • 51 homes lost, with 76 members homeless. of whom were fortunate to get out with their lives. without homes. • 98% of attending members Since the fire, about half of his church members have Now, a number of the teachers are currently have had to evacuate, and relocated from Paradise to stay with family in other living at a base camp set up on a ranch in Butte most who still have homes cities and states. Valley. The site includes 20 RV hookups with cannot return home due to “Our people are understandably experiencing temporary plumbing and generator power. Three smoke damage and toxins. highs and lows—the highs of gratitude for safety, large military tents contain areas for cooking, Oroville Church God’s goodness and grace, and fellowship, and the dining, and meeting. There is also a shower Larre Kostenko, Pastor lows of recognizing extreme loss and an uncertain trailer. This site also houses volunteers who MEMBERS: 264 future,” said Hamilton. “We covet people’s prayers come to help in the area, such as the team of • 5 family units lost their homes. for our people—that God would just really be a close counselors from Andrews University. Other • Other losses include jobs and property, besides homes. comfort during these times, as they find out what’s displaced church members are living in more next and figure out what to do.” than 20 RVs on various properties around Chico. Paradise Church Steven Hamilton, Senior Pastor Dan Martella, Associate Pastor “Our people are understandably experiencing highs and Garrison Chaffee, Youth Pastor MEMBERS: 1,268 • One member died. lows—the highs of gratitude for safety, God’s goodness • The church building was completely destroyed. and grace, and fellowship, and the lows of recognizing • Estimated that 90% of the members lost their homes.
extreme loss and an uncertain future.” These statistics may change as the recovery efforts continue.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE CAMP FIRE REPORT 35 Now the focus is on emotional and spiritual care shelter, and Hayasaka expected to receive a call for the survivors as they visit their properties for the from that organization, but it never came. The Chico first time since the fire. church staff started contacting various agencies Hamilton is grateful for many volunteers—some and churches for information about providing for from other states—who worked through the rain evacuees. “Everyone we asked was not prepared, had to get the base camp set up, people from the Loma no plan, and had less information than we did,” said Linda University church who fed lunch to the kids Hayasaka. “Many churches in town had to figure it “The Chico and dinner to families during the first week of school, out themselves.” and many more. The church set up a landing place for evacuees in church has been He also appreciates the support his congregation the Chico Oaks Adventist School gymnasium, where unbelievably has received from their sister church. “The Chico people could watch television news, find water and gracious and church has been unbelievably gracious and food, and have a safe space to regroup. Since the welcoming, and they have worked tirelessly to help Adventist community is so well connected, many welcoming, and people from Paradise,” said Hamilton. “We are so evacuees found places to stay with friends. Those they have worked thankful for their ministry to us.” who came for shelter at the Chico gym were either tirelessly to help placed in members’ homes or transferred to shelters “WE’RE SHARING THE BURDEN” nearby. people from hico church Associate Pastor Jonny Several of the families that received evacuees in Paradise.” Hayasaka quickly realized the magnitude of their homes were evacuated themselves when the fire the disaster as people started arriving at his began to close in on the southern and eastern borders church on the morning of the fire. of Chico. The rain that came later and helped quench C The church was listed as a Red Cross reserve the fires also perpetuated the trauma as outlying areas were evacuated due to flood warnings. Within 24 hours of the fire, Hayasaka invited the Paradise church staff to use his church’s office space as their command center. He then worked with Hamilton, Chico Oaks Adventist School Principal Leslie Bartsch, and others to get the facilities ready for the PAA students to begin attending classes at the (Right) Paradise Chico church and school right after Thanksgiving church Senior Pastor break. Steve Hamilton As part of their preparation, they had to stop (on left) works with receiving donated items because there was not volunteers at the enough room to store them. Instead, the Chico and Paradise church offices accepted money and gift Chico church property. cards, which were distributed to those who needed (Below) Several RVs them. for families are parked Hayasaka notes that many who lost everything are behind the Chico working to help others. “People in trauma are serving school gym. people in trauma,” he said. “And we’re sharing the burden, even if we’re not evacuees.” PHOTO: STEPHANIE LEAL STEPHANIE PHOTO:
36 SPECIAL RECORDER INSERT Chico church “Everyone we asked was not prepared, Associate Pastor Jonny had no plan, and had less information Hayasaka's church than we did. quickly became a ” "command center" for many of the Adventist The Chico and Paradise congregations are efforts after the Camp worshiping together each Sabbath. “In the midst of this tragedy, the two congregations and two schools Fire. are realizing that in Christ there is neither Chicoan nor Paradisian,” said Hayasaka.
TWO DIFFERENT FIRES HUNDREDS OF MILES LEAL STEPHANIE PHOTO: APART HIT MEMBERS OF THE SAME FAMILY together. “The conversation revolved around n a sad coincidence, Tammi and Keith Eaton lost the blessings that have come in and how good their home in the Camp Fire, while her parents, it is to be part of a church family that supports Art and Sharon Kharns, lost their home in each other,” said Placerville church Associate Southern California’s Woolsey Fire. Both families Pastor Brandon Kharns, brother of Tammi and son Iwere forced to evacuate on the same day. of Art and Sharon. The Kharns were able to visit their Malibu home “Both my sister’s family and my parents have location several days after the fire, but it took a received such a big, generous outpouring—from while longer before the Eatons learned the fate of people who are close friends to people who are the Magalia home where they lived with their three- friends-of-friends-of-friends,” he said. “It’s amazing year-old daughter. to me to see how relationship support has the power After the fires their extended family gathered to take the edge off a tragedy.”
BECAUSE OF n the early evening four weeks after the Camp Fire, a young woman and three scruffy children appeared in the Chico church office. She’d heard we were serving dinner and needed food. Quietly and through tears her story poured out… One day Ibefore the Camp Fire, the woman's mother unexpectedly passed away. Now without her mother’s financial contributions, she is struggling to feed her small family. Generous churches and individuals throughout the country have hand delivered, couriered, and mailed hundreds of gift cards by Shirley Grear to the Paradise church to be distributed specifically to evacuees. You Hundreds of gift cards have already been distributed to people who escaped with virtually nothing. The gift cards have helped families purchase basic necessities, including clothing, food, medication, and fuel. Because of you, we provided her family with a meal and gift cards. Before her mother passed away, she told her daughter to go back to church. This young woman, still in tears, asked why we went to church on Saturday. In the briefest of Bible studies, we discussed creation and the establishing of the Sabbath. She promised to return to church. PHOTO: ADEMPERCEM/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS ADEMPERCEM/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PHOTO: Because of you, we were able to witness to her Gift cards, especially VISA and MasterCard that in the most meaningful and biblical manner by can be used for anything, remain an easy way to assist fire victims. For more ways to help, meeting her most urgent needs first. Pray that we please see the next page. will meet again. And thank you for giving!
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE CAMP FIRE REPORT 37 HOW TO 1. Donate to the NCC “Camp Fire” fund. • Donate online by visiting www.nccsda.com. • Text NCCSDA to 77977. • Mark “Camp Fire” on your tithe envelope.
2. Donate to (a) pastors/teachers who lost their homes, (b) Paradise Adventist Help Academy, or (c) Paradise SDA Church at www.nccsda.com. 3. Send VISA/MasterCard gift cards to the Chico SDA Church 1877 Hooker Oak Avenue Chico, CA 95926-1738
4. Sign up for specific items needed for Paradise Adventist Academy classrooms (links at nccsda.com).
5. PAA hopes to keep every family that wants their students to stay enrolled at their school. But with many parents losing jobs in Paradise, the need will be great. Donate money for PAA worthy student tuition at http://mypaa.net.
Paradise Adventist Academy students practice for their Christmas program in the Chico church. (Right) A car's windshield in the Chico church's parking lot displays a new Paradise motto.
38 SPECIAL RECORDER INSERT LEAL STEPHANIE PHOTOS: Pacific Union College
“They Made it Okay”: Grads Share Their Stories of Support from PUC’s Teaching and Learning Center
By Becky St. Clair
ade Tuleu and spend eight advocates. They would help me, but Daniel Urbina hours after they weren’t a crutch.” Jearned success school Both Tuleu and Urbina also worked in college, thanks in studying, at the TLC as students, helping other part to the support staying up students like them get the resources they received all night, they needed. “I get it; I’ve been there,” from Pacific Union and I’d still said Urbina. “Asking for help is never a College’s Teaching fail,” Urbina sign of weakness or stupidity. It allows and Learning Center (TLC). recalled. “I wanted so badly to do well.” others to help you move forward and Tuleu had a one-on-one tutor When they got to PUC, both Tuleu become successful.” beginning in second grade. Eventually and Urbina utilized the services of Tuleu graduated in 2017 with a diagnosed with a learning disability, the TLC. Tuleu signed up for one-on- degree in psychology. Urbina received Tuleu knew going into college that she one tutoring, group class tutoring, three degrees from PUC—in emergency would need to utilize learning support and testing in a private room, and services (2015), Spanish (2017), and services. she met with the disabilities services emergency management (2018). They “Going to college was a huge deal, coordinator. Urbina used note takers, both express gratitude to the TLC for because I honestly did not see that extra time for classes and tests, tutors, helping them thrive at college. happening for me,” she said. “As a child and the TLC’s audiobooks program, so “When I got to PUC, I excelled more I never fully understood what was he could listen to his textbooks. than I ever have in my life,” said Tuleu. ‘wrong’ with me, and I thought I was “The TLC allows you to choose “I got top grades, and I wondered, stupid. School wasn’t my thing, and whether you utilize their services for ‘Who is this? Is this really me?’ I just college certainly wasn’t for me.” all of your classes or only select ones,” blossomed. Alongside my professors, In high school, Urbina was Tuleu explained. “I really appreciated the TLC was a huge part of my success diagnosed with dyslexia and that because it gave me a sense of story. I could never have done what I dysgraphia. His dyslexia meant that independence. I could do things on my did without them.” while looking at words on a page, own and determine for myself when To learn more about the TLC and its his mind struggled to “see” them and if I needed help.” services, visit puc.edu/tlc, email in the right order, making reading Tuleu said the TLC made her [email protected], or call 707-965-7688. To challenging. His dysgraphia caused feel normal; being in the TLC schedule a visit to see PUC for yourself, issues with getting letters to form was a “welcome to the club” go to puc.edu/visit, email [email protected], correctly in the right shape on the situation. “They made it okay to or call 800-862-7080. paper as he wrote. It also interfered learn differently, and with spelling, word spacing, and the that was incredibly general ability to put thoughts on liberating,” she said. paper, making the process of writing “They made me believe laboriously slow, with a product often in myself, and having impossible to read. As a result, Urbina that support system didn’t learn how to read until he was was crucial. I never 10, though once he figured it out, he once felt the TLC was flourished and was quickly reading at a attempting to be my ninth-grade level. parents, but they “When I was in high school, I’d were my professional
JANUARY 2019 39 Hawaii Conference
The Kahili Adventist School students prepare to work on their new garden. Garden Project Grows Hearts and Hands for God By Debbie Nakamura
hree times a week, a vanload of energetic and enthusiastic students from Kahili Adventist School arrives at the 11-acre Nakamura Farm to spend an hour watering, weeding, Tplanting, and harvesting. There’s quite a bit of chatter as students pick up watering cans, garden gloves, and various tools, and then head for their own specific row in the garden.
If it’s a Wednesday morning, they will be harvesting produce to take to the farmers’ market, where two or three students have a chance to interact with customers later in the afternoon. “Several local chefs from town buy from us each week,” said Head Teacher/ Principal Keith Hatcher. “We also specialize in edible flowers.” Paul Rivera and his wife, Sandy, are the volunteers that make the garden project a success, not only because of the quality of the produce but also because of the lessons students are learning— some by trial and error. For example, one young student pulled up an entire row of tiny kale plants, thinking they were weeds. “The
Students from kindergarten through 4th grade work with Sandy Rivera to pull weeds.
40 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Hawaii Conference kids have such enthusiasm when working “The kids in the garden,” said Sandy Rivera. Having a school garden of this size have such throughout the year is something new to Hatcher, who moved to Kauai from enthusiasm Wisconsin three years ago. “My wife and I have always enjoyed gardening, but the when climate in most places makes it difficult to have a garden during the school year,” he working said. “Living on Kauai gives us the chance to be involved year round.” in the Often Hatcher’s wife, Leah, will join garden. the students in the garden and will take ” lessons and produce back to the classroom as part of science class. She points out that the garden helps kids realize where their food comes from and how good foods are helpful to their bodies. Classroom aide Vergie Same also works alongside Hatcher and the students in the garden. Plans to incorporate the garden project into community service are underway. Last year at Christmas, students and staff put together a dozen fruit baskets and delivered them to the Infusion Center at Wilcox Hospital for the cancer patients. Consideration is also being given to the idea of using the school garden project to propagate native Hawaiian plants that could be used to replant denuded areas in cooperation with state and county offices. More than gardening is learned in a garden, as any gardener will tell you. Working outside is an opportunity to turn children’s thoughts toward the Creator. “It’s a joy to be able to work in such beautiful surroundings,” Paul Rivera said as he looked toward the mountains. “We see waterfalls and rainbows nearly every day.” Patience, compassion, KAS appreciation for nature students work in the and nature’s Creator, as garden. well as cooperation and (Left) sharing blessings, all can Students prepare be learned in a garden— new along with science, math, planting biology, and botany. beds.
JANUARY 2019 41 Southern California Conference
Teacher, Traveler, Social Worker, Friend: Anita Johnson Mackey Turns 105 By Connie Jeffery
n Jan. 1, 2019, Anita J. the Vallejo Drive church in Glendale. PHOTO BY ON LOCATION CREATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY Mackey celebrated her 105th She received her early education in Obirthday—a significant California, earning a bachelor’s degree milestone for the distinguished, from the University of Redlands in generous woman who loves her Lord, 1937. She earned her master’s degree her church, and her friends. from the School of Social Service Born in Riverside, Calif., as one of Administration at the University of eight children, Mackey lost her mother Chicago in 1941. at the age of 10 and was raised by Before attending graduate school, her father, a descendant of United she accepted a teaching position in States President Andrew Johnson. an elementary school soon after her Of European and African-American marriage in 1937 to Harvey A. Mackey, heritage, Mackey was subjected to a Chicago postal worker and son of an racism and prejudice from her earliest emancipated slave. years. Yet nothing deterred her. “My As a licensed clinical social father always taught us you can worker, she worked for the Veteran’s overcome anything if you trust in the Administration for 30 years in three Lord,” she said. cities: Chicago, as the first African- Anita Mackey poses for her photo in At age 23, Mackey joined the American supervisor in social service; the Vallejo Drive church’s membership Adventist church and, more than 80 Los Angeles, as the first African- directory. years later, is still an active member of American supervisor there; and Santa the veterans she worked with for so Barbara, as administrator of the Social many years,” Collins said. “Anita is a Work Service Office. She also taught at strong, independent woman. She’s an various colleges and universities. extremely generous person, as well.” Mackey, who lives at Scholl Jim Brown, president of Western Canyon Estates in Glendale, is Adventist Foundation, has known proud of her Adventist heritage. Mackey since 1999. “She’s a very “Faith is everything,” she said. “We intelligent, interesting, and dignified have a wonderful message. I love woman,” he said. “She has spent so the progressiveness of Adventist many years assisting individuals young people; they have a goal in through her career in social work, and life! I’ve always said, ‘You can’t be it has been a joy for me to be able to a true Adventist and be a nobody’ assist Anita.” because your life—the way you eat, Mackey has traveled extensively, the way you dress, the way you talk, visiting all seven continents and your education, all of it—reflects more than 130 countries and islands. immediately who you are.” Wherever she went, wherever she Gwendolyn Collins, longtime worked through the years, “I was not friend and fellow resident of Scholl only representing myself, but the faith PHOTO BY LINTON MANIER LINTON BY PHOTO Canyon until 2017, attended Vallejo I believed in,” she said. Anita Mackey, who celebrated her Drive church with Mackey each Happy 105th birthday, Anita. May 105th birthday on Jan. 1, smiles inside her living quarters at Scholl Canyon Sabbath. “She’s always relied on God God continue to bless you in the year Estates. for wisdom, especially in dealing with ahead!
42 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Southern California Conference
Kevin Morris, White Memorial church associate pastor (left), watches as Orville Ortiz, Southern California Conference treasurer/CFO, presents a $10,000 check to WMC treasurer Linda Calalang.
Church members volunteer at the registration table during the health fair. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NEMUEL ENRIQUEZ NEMUEL BY PROVIDED PHOTOS Divine Power Graces White Memorial Church Centennial
By Connie Jeffery
“ hat an awesome and evangelistic efforts. “The gift was to and screenings were available to all wonderful gathering assist their ministry and outreach throughout the day. Wof 1,200 saints at White programs in the community,” Ortiz said, According to Enriquez, the fair was Memorial church!” said Nemuel “so they can continue representing a fitting way to end the weekend. Enriquez, coordinator of the church’s Christ as they have for so many years.” “Community outreach is one of the centennial celebration in October. George Johnson, assistant to the most excellent ministries of WMC,” he Members from past and present president of the Central California said, “and it’s one of the reasons why gathered to celebrate White Memorial Conference, brought the morning’s this church has existed for 100 years church’s (WMC) legacy and mission. message. “This world is not our final and counting.” The jam-packed weekend was themed home,” he reminded attendees. Gerard Kiemeney serves as SCC “Homeward Bound.” “A second Pentecost must be Los Angeles Metro Region director. The celebration began with an experienced in our individual hearts “The 100th anniversary of the White open house on Friday morning. that we may be prepared for our flight Memorial church exemplified the Chaplain Edgar Urbina, director of to heaven with Jesus Christ and His diversity of the church unified around spiritual care services at Adventist holy angels.” the mission of Jesus to seek and save Health White Memorial (AHWM), gave On Sabbath afternoon, the focus the surrounding community,” he an inspiring message about the birth shifted to outreach and community. said. “Education, congregation, and and existence of White Memorial Ultrasound screenings were offered hospital ministry were synchronized Medical Center and the College of free to church members and the to reach the diverse community with Medical Evangelists. During the community. Musicians from various the good news of Jesus.” open house, Urbina anointed several churches participated in a sacred Those who attended saw the hand church pastors, officers, and members, music festival, followed by social of God at work. “The music, spiritual rededicating them for their ministry in fellowship and games after sundown. messages, and festivities during the Boyle Heights and beyond. The next day, members and weekend seemed to be orchestrated by The Sabbath morning worship hour friends of WMC enjoyed a 5K fun run, a divine power coupled with humble brought revival, with inspirational badminton, basketball, and volleyball human effort,” said Enriquez. music, corporate prayer, and baptisms. games. A community health fair was Benjamin Del Pozo, senior pastor The blessings flowed in as Orville offered in collaboration with AHWM’s of WMC, summed up the centennial Ortiz, Southern California Conference spiritual care services, organized by perfectly: “The Holy Spirit has kept us treasurer/CFO, presented $10,000 to Esther Ong of AHWM and Landa Piay alive through the years. To Him be all honor—and encourage—the church’s of WMC. Valuable health resources the glory for White Memorial church!”
JANUARY 2019 43 Southern California Conference
An honor guard from Vandenberg Air Force Base leads the procession and posts the colors, while the congregation stands for the national anthem. (Top right) Pathfinder Hudson Lowe thanks WWII veteran PHOTOS BY DANNY SYTO Walter Easley after placing a medallion around his neck. Each veteran received a specially minted medallion for the occasion. (Bottom right) After a moving flag-folding ceremony, the U.S. flag is presented to Marilyn Crane, widow of honoree Michael Crane, MD, captain, U.S. Army. Camarillo Church Remembers on the 100th Anniversary of Veterans Day
By Connie Jeffery
he scent of smoke was heavy presented the keynote in the air as the Camarillo address. “As a community, Tchurch observed the 100th while we are grieving today, anniversary of Veterans Day on it is also imperative that we join church member, started planning Sabbath, Nov. 10. The twin tragedies together to pay tribute to the brave the celebration nearly one year ago. of the Thousand Oaks shooting men and women who have served A Vietnam veteran who served as a on Nov. 7, followed within hours our nation in uniform with honor and major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, by fires that ravaged Ventura and distinction,” she said. In her address, she Loh has a special burden on his heart Los Angeles counties, were on the recognized the true cost of freedom. for all Vietnam veterans. “To have an speakers’ minds and in the hearts “They missed birthdays, weddings, opportunity to honor all our veterans is of the veterans, their families, and anniversaries, first days of school, so a privilege that I cannot forgo,” Loh said. church members who gathered to that others could celebrate those same “It helps us to recognize the sacrifice honor 30 veterans in attendance for treasured moments,” she said. they made and to restore the dignity of the milestone anniversary. Pastor Lonnie Melashenko, former veterans.” In his invocation, David Wilson, the speaker of Voice of Prophecy, spoke From World War II and Vietnam senior pastor of the local Assembly of in his homily of the importance of veterans to men and women in God church and a United States Army remembering. “Veterans Day is a active service, all were remembered veteran, said, “Lord Jesus, we pray day when we pause to remember and honored. not only Your blessing on our time as to remember,” he said. “We pause to Melashenko closed with prayer: we give honor to those whom honor remember that we are free to pray; “Lord, we also stop here and remember is due, but that we remember those we’re free to worship; we’re free to Calvary—what You did for us, the who have sacrificed—not just those in speak; we’re free to assemble; and suffering You endured on the cross for our military services but those in law we’re free to vote, because of the us. May we keep our eyes focused on enforcement and our firefighters on sacrifices of these men and women You, so that when that day comes, we the line this very moment.” who are truly heroes.” will be found faithful, as we remember Congresswoman Julia Brownley Kelvin Loh, physician and Camarillo to remember.”
44 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Southern California Conference Saniku East-West Language School Celebrates 50 Years of Mission By Lauren Armstrong
n Nov. 17, students, families, A recent graduate staff, alumni, and friends shares how she benefited from her gathered at South Bay Junior O experience at the Academy in Torrance to celebrate school. (Far right) 50 years of Christian education at Rodney Tanaka, Saniku East-West Language School, representative
from the Gardena PHOTOS BY DENNIS IMAI often referred to as Tozai. The school mayor’s office, provides supplemental classes for presents a certificate students in kindergarten through of congratulations ninth grade whose families want them to Headmaster Chris Ishii for the school’s milestone anniversary. to receive a Japanese education in addition to the education they receive students are needed, but also vision, City and county officials who at American schools. perseverance, patience, hard work, were not able to be present The school originally started as and excellence. You demonstrated sent letters of commendation. an outreach ministry of the Gardena this, and we are grateful. We are The mayors of both Irvine and church’s Japanese department. “Fifty praising God for you.” Fountain Valley expressed their years ago, You called a group of men Hiroki Matsuo, deputy consul congratulations, as did Los Angeles and women, from the east to the west, general of Japan, pointed out the far- County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who to proclaim God’s message to the reaching significance of the school— sent a certificate of congratulations people here in Southern California,” the bridge it represents between east on behalf of the county. prayed Ataru Nakagawa, pastor at the and west, Japan and America. He Ann Rosch was former head of Gardena Japanese-American church, confirmed that students who return the school’s parent association. “I during the service. to Japan bring a good report after recognize the passion and hard work of The program was filled with receiving education at Tozai. teachers now and then, as they aimed history, reflecting back on the school’s Current students and recent and hoped high for our children’s founding in 1968 by a dedicated graduates expressed their education,” she said. couple, Akira and Taeko Nakamura, appreciation for all that the school Board chairman Winston Dennis who were in attendance at the has done for them. Upon returning to recognized Headmaster Chris Ishii, anniversary celebration. The school Japan, students felt more prepared pointing out his insight and leadership, has since grown to three campuses: than their peers as a result of their and Rodney Tanaka, representative Gardena, Costa Mesa, and Rolling Hills. experience at Tozai. Alumna Tomohiro from the Gardena mayor’s “To establish a school is not an Matsukuma expressed the importance office, presented a certificate of easy task,” said Southern California of the school’s cultural impact, sharing congratulations to Ishii. “Unfortunately, Conference President Velino A. Salazar, that “bicultural” is a much broader I never attended,” Tanaka said with a addressing the founders. “Not just concept than “bilingual.” chuckle. “I should have!”
JANUARY 2019 45 Holbrook Indian School
Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a place of hope and opportunity for the Native American youth who come with unimaginable challenges. HIS nurtures the creative spirit of students by teaching them how to express themselves through art. Laqueta, a 10th-grader, wrote this spoken word about the battles she has endured and the victory of knowing Christ’s love. She is vulnerable, courageous, and a strong leader of other students. What is Life? By Laqueta
I ask God, “Why me?” I didn’t know how to let her go. The reason is to make me stronger, But no answer every time I ask. I felt like it was my fault, To encourage those like me, People around me say He is there, My fault she was gone. To help those who are weak, But no, you see, I blamed myself for so long, To serve God in a way like no other. I ask where that still, small voice is I started using a bong. But no one really knows. It only lasted for a while, We all have a role to gather So I guess it comes and goes Caught up in the thought that as many followers Waiting to be heard, I wasn’t thinking about my actions. Before sin takes over. Waiting to be called upon, But some … Waiting for people to actually listen. I kept asking questions, They’re coming along, but slowly. I had to find answers myself. We need each other for the battle; They say His love is unconditional. So I looked and looked; We need His help as well. They say He’ll never fail, I put God on a shelf. So that is why we go to Chapel. But how would you know it’s for real? Then I remembered the Book, Bible stories? Testimonies? The Bible. Sin is like a bombshell; I never had a father tell me I finally realized that it was Him It will explode sooner or later. What is right from wrong. I needed; Satan is waiting for the right time, The fact is I never really knew God Now I wait for His arrival. A time when you are at your lowest. Until losing my mom. But I still question the thought of my He took away my parents, mother and father going to heaven, He took away the thought It made a difference in my life Will they make it? of me being enough, in a bad way, Was it too late? He took away my courage, To the point where I started So I pray to God they will. He took away my love. Cutting and getting depressed. He sure got the best of me. I was grieving in the wrong way. Seeing these years go by so fast, It was hard dealing with the recession; I realized that it was all for a reason. But now … Now he is regretting it.
Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first-through twelfth-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventh- day Adventist Church. HIS also manages a Seventh-day Adventist first- through eighth-grade day school on the DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty P.O. Box 910 percent of funding comes from individuals Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 who have a desire to support Native American (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) ministries and Christian education. Your [email protected] generosity makes a difference in the lives of our HolbrookIndianSchool.org students, their families, and the communities they serve. Thank you for your support.
46 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Holbrook Indian School
“We all have a role to gather as many followers.”
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
JANUARY 2019 47 Central California Conference
Fresno Westside church’s Praise in Motion team opens the Sabbath morning worship with movement to the music. PHOTOS BY TERREL FRENCH FRENCH TERREL BY PHOTOS
Members Grow Stronger through Service at the 35th Annual CCC African American Convocation By Sue Schramm
he 35th-annual Central California Conference (CCC) African American Convocation was held at the Fresno Westside church Sept. 14-16. Recommitment to Christ, soul Twinning, and training for ministry are the three major components for evangelism. That is why the African-American and attending meetings. The 3AC is pastor, was even surrounded in Advisory Council (3AC) and its in place to support the director and prayer by those preparing the meals leadership chose the theme “Growing make everything happen.” in the kitchen. Stronger through Service” to remind Opening night began with a Tracy Anthony and the entire members of the purpose for which strong emphasis on prayer. With her music team were empowered by they are called by God. prayer team, Joyce Mulligan, CCC the Holy Spirit. The music was a “Not only was the convocation prayer ministries director, shared worshipful experience from start to about growth, but it was also a how praise and prayer can unlock finish. celebration—highlighting ministry, the Holy Spirit’s power. The team “The carefully chosen theme honoring leaders, and showcasing led a season of praise from A to Z, a ‘Growing Stronger through Service,’ God’s people coming together,” time of confession, and intercession spoke to the CCC vision statement— explained Steve Horton, vice for prayer requests. Mulligan invited Reflecting Christ: Transforming president for CCC ministries, who all of the pastors to come forward Communities,” said Ramiro Cano, served as convocation coordinator. “A to be prayed over by leaders and CCC president. “By extending conference-level director of African- members. Requests were made for the hand of love and service, the American ministries is involved revival and the outpouring of and character of Christ is made manifest in so many tasks, with pastoring surrender to the Holy Spirit. Earl and offers a transformative influence churches, planning regional events, Canson Jr., Fresno Westside church upon both the giver and the
48 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Central California Conference
(Right) Cedric Belcher Sr., pastor of the Northside church in St. Louis, speaks on Sabbath morning. (Far right) Darriel Hoy, Nevada- Utah Conference director of children’s and youth ministries, engages the youth in a sermon demonstration during Morning Manna.
recipient. It is only through service that the love of heaven can be interpreted on this side of eternity.” Guest speakers Ainsworth Keith Morris, pastor of the Kansas “The carefully chosen theme Avenue church in Riverside, Calif.; Darriel ‘Growing Stronger through Hoy, director of children’s and Service,’ spoke to the CCC vision statement— youth ministries in the Nevada-Utah Members Grow Stronger through Service Conference; and Cedric N. Belcher Reflecting Christ: Transforming Communities.” Sr., pastor of the Northside church in St. Louis, spoke with power and grows, so will opportunities. There position of director when Frederick at the 35th Annual CCC African American Convocation conviction. are plans to add training in the Anderson stepped aside after serving During the Sunday morning areas of spiritual growth, group for many years. workshop, more than 48 people leadership, and reaching youth Virgil Childs, director of the PUC were trained as Bible instructors by and young adults through social Office of Regional Ministries for the Bible Instructors Guild (B.I.G.), a media,” said James Scarborough, African-American Affairs, presented ministry organization of the Pacific pastor of San Francisco’s Rainbow Anderson with the Barack Obama Union Conference (PUC) regional and Philadelphian churches, and Community Engagement Award. The ministries department. incoming CCC African-American award was initiated to affirm African- “As this training component ministries director. He assumed the American leaders throughout the union who have made an impact through service to the church and the community. Anderson is the first recipient from the CCC. “Ministry doesn’t just happen,” said Childs. “Each conference’s regional directors or coordinators support the pastors and congregations in developing church growth as they become actively involved in the communities they serve.” Cano thanked Anderson for his many years of service. “Well done,” he said. “Your time has been a gift of God
The Quiz-a-Rama continues to be a draw for youth and young adults at every convocation. Team Merced took first place this year.
JANUARY 2019 49 Central California Conference
CCC President Ramiro Cano (with microphone) dedicates James Scarborough (next to Cano), for his new role as CCC African-American ministries director. His wife, Althea, is standing to the right.
spiritual gifts to serve and make disciples for Christ,” he said. Since 1983, CCC convocations have been a time to worship God, to be edified by His word, to be filled with His Spirit, to fellowship together, to encourage one another, and to be motivated to do the work of spreading the gospel across diverse communities. “Coming together to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we are experiencing to us. It was truly an investment that Scarborough looks forward to that service does, indeed, result in will yield dividends for eternity. And for serving in his new role. “I see myself as personal and corporate growth,” said that, we say thank you.” The group laid a leader who empowers, encourages, Cano. “Now more than ever we need hands on Anderson and Scarborough equips, and mentors leaders and to live and exemplify the oneness as they prayed for them. members to grow as they use their expressed in Jesus’ prayer in John 17.”
50 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Central California Conference A Tribute: Frederick Anderson Lives a Life of Faith and Service By Sue Schramm
fter many years of service, Southern California, Frederick Anderson is stepping Anderson helped Adown from his role as Central establish the Soul California Conference African-American Church for La Sierra ministries director. Although he didn’t University students set out to be a pastor, he ended up and an innovative following God’s call and answering his collegiate Sabbath mother’s prayers. School for Loma Linda Born in Greenville, S.C., Anderson University medical was raised with eight siblings by students. Central California Conference President parents, Joseph and Annette, who He then left to join the faculty Ramiro Cano shares his appreciation for Fred and Marla Anderson’s never- were faithful, committed, and active of Hartnell College in Salinas, Calif. ending contributions to the Central members of the Adventist church. Anderson began as a media director California Conference. His grandfather, Javan, had been a and a librarian and eventually became pioneer member and builder of the a computer information science Loma Linda University; and becoming Jacksonville, Fla., church. professor, continuing for 28 years. the pastor of the Seaside church. After his father served in WWII, he Although an active member of the Anderson’s calling was confirmed moved the family to Greensboro, N.C., Seaside Community church, something when he was ordained to the gospel where Anderson attended church was missing in Anderson’s life: pastoral ministry on Sept. 20, 2008. school for eight years. At age 12, service, which was an unanswered A year prior, he became the director Anderson was baptized in the South prayer of his mother. Her answer came of CCC’s African-American ministries Atlantic Regional Conference. Finishing in the form of an invitation from the with the support of his wife, Superior high school at 15, he went on to Seaside church and Steve Horton, then Court Judge Marla Osborne Anderson, Oakwood College (now University). His CCC vice president of church ministries. and their three adult children. mother prayed and advised him that Anderson accepted the invitation to “We are eternally grateful for the he would make “a good preacher,” but become the church’s bi-vocational faithful and sacrificial service that Fred preaching was the last thing Anderson pastor. Anderson gave to Central’s African- wanted to do. However, his two years Reflecting on his life of service—and American ministry. This was done at Oakwood helped establish his the prayers of his mother—Anderson while pastoring the church in Seaside,” biblical foundations. said: “We should never stop praying said Ramiro Cano, CCC president. Anderson's parents desired an because prayers are answered in due “Our challenge is the large territory, Adventist education for their children, season.” requiring much travel. Heaven will which moved the family to the Bronx, Three times he heard and followed give ample evidence of the impact of N.Y. God’s clear calling: moving to Nebraska Fred’s service in the hearts of those he Pivotal changes in 1964 led as a 19-year-old; joining the faculty of served." Anderson to Omaha, Neb. Anderson enrolled and graduated from the Of Tithe and Chocolate: Dripping with Blessings University of Nebraska with majors Although he experimented with cocoa and sugar, his candy- in history and economics. He was making attempts were far from “sweet.” In fact, he had failed mentored by James D. Parker in soul so miserably in two candy enterprises, his uncle refused winning, evangelism, and pastoral to provide him another loan. Milton S. Hershey was penniless, an elementary school dropout, and a failure work at the Omaha church. twice over. … Read the rest of the story of how tithe Following God’s call, he was led made the difference on the Central California Conference to join the faculty of Loma Linda website at www.centralcaliforniaadventist.com. University. Leaving his mark in
JANUARY 2019 51 La Sierra University
La Sierra University Provost Joy Fehr asks questions about a virtual reality program in the university’s new VR+AI Lab.
New Lab Lets La Sierra Students Explore Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence Careers
By Darla Martin Tucker
a Sierra University computer science majors and other students now have an opportunity to prepare for careers in virtual reality and artificial intelligence sectors, Lwhich analysts predict will grow exponentially over the next several years. On Nov. 8, the university’s lights, which track around the edge of “These two different department of computer science the room at the ceiling and spell out skill sets are highly celebrated the opening of a new virtual the lab’s name in letters on a wall, are sought for in the job reality and artificial intelligence lab in controlled by a custom-programmed market.” Price Science Complex that will allow microprocessor. They are designed to students to explore these technologies activate and produce a colorful show Enoch Hwang, through virtual game play and whenever a person enters the lab. computer science research. The VR+AI Lab includes a “The lab allows students to have department chair at La Sierra virtual reality headset, 15 powerful direct experiences in working with University, answers graphics computers, and a large screen the virtual reality environment and questions during the Nov. television. It is outfitted with nearly to design and build automated 8 grand opening of the 1,000 multicolored LED lights that intelligence electronic devices,” department’s virtual reality and artificial are Wi-Fi-connected and controllable said Enoch Hwang, chair of the intelligence from a mobile phone or computer. The department of computer science. lab.
52 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER La Sierra University
According to industry forecasts this year from “These two different skill leading international research firms Gartner, Inc. and Transparency Market Research, global sets are highly sought for in business value derived from artificial intelligence is expected to reach $3.9 trillion by 2022, while the the job market.” market for virtual and augmented reality products and services is expected to hit $547.20 billion by pursuing directed study projects and will delve 2024. Health care, in particular, is expected to be a further into the science of virtual reality during key consumer of virtual and augmented reality in winter quarter through ongoing research with its quest for better treatments. Hwang. The La Sierra VR+AI Lab is the result of two “The most interesting aspect of virtual reality is years of brainstorming on the part of computer its potential,” said Friedrichsen, who is interested in science faculty and students. Donors covered game design and development. “Its ability to make much of the costs and provided equipment. a virtual world, a virtual setting, react as the real Hwang spent the summer designing and world reacts in relation to a user distinguishes it programming the lab’s Wi-Fi-linked lights display from any other medium in existence.” and preparing the lab for the start of school. According to Hwang, the lab’s virtual reality The lab hosted a computer science seminar capabilities are set up to pique the interests of during fall quarter with 11 computer science young people, many of whom are interested in students who investigated and learned how to video games. “This VR lab is not only a show piece develop virtual reality programs. Additionally, a to attract these young people, but also provides new four-unit directed studies class is offered to the equipment and tools for our computer science provide more in-depth research. students to learn how to write programs for the Junior computer science majors Cody virtual reality environment,” he said. New Lab Lets La Sierra Students Explore Johnson and Christopher Friedrichsen are The lab’s artificial intelligence component ties in with the robotics work Hwang has engaged in Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence Careers La Sierra University President Randal Wisbey, over the past five years. That effort has involved background, joins other administrators, yearly summer robotics camps for youth and faculty, staff, and students in exploring a new robotics education opportunities for students. virtual reality and artificial intelligence lab “But with this new lab, the students will be able during its grand opening. to work on more advanced robotic research,” he said.
Senior religious studies major Gregory Jhanapin tries a virtual reality video game during a grand opening celebration for the new VR+AI Lab in La Sierra’s Price Science Complex.
JANUARY 2019 53 Community & Marketplace
an exhibit of drawings by two Church Clerk Orientation and or call Admissions at 707-965- CALENDAR female artists titled “Drawings Training (Jan. 27) 9:15 a.m.-2:45 6313. from Coast to Coast: Ivana p.m., NCC Headquarters, 401 Arizona Conference Quezada and Madeline Garner.” Taylor Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Lunch Halcyon – Encaustic, 10 Days of Prayer (Jan. 9-19) Jan. 13-Feb. 7. The show opens included. RSVP. Info: clerk@ watercolors by Diana Phoenix Prayer Rallies “United with an artists’ reception at nccsda.com or 925-603-5037. Majumdar (Jan. 12) 7 p.m.-9:00 in Prayer and Mission.” Prayer 6 p.m. Free admission. Info: p.m. Rasmussen Art Gallery. events are being planned; 951-785-2170 or visit https:// Junior/Senior Leadership Show runs through Feb. 10. watch local church news for lasierra.edu/brandstater/. Training (Jan. 30-Feb. 1) Leoni Info: 707-965-6303. updates. Final event will be Meadows. For those assisting Sabbath, Jan. 19, 4:00 p.m., The La Sierra University at the Freshman/Sophomore Winter Revival (Jan. 22-25) 8 Camelback church, 5902 E. Orchestra will perform a Retreat, Feb. 1-3. Info: NCC p.m. Dauphinee Chapel. PUC’s Camelback Rd., Phoenix. Info: concert on Saturday, Jan. 26, Youth Department, 925-603- winter quarter week of spiritual 480-888-6983 or AZPrayers@ 7 p.m. Info: 951-785-2036 or 5080. renewal for students, faculty, gmail.com. e-mail: [email protected],or staff, and community. visit https://music-events. Freshmen/Sophomore Retreat 43rd Annual BIG Rally, “Go lasierra.edu/2018-2019- (Feb. 1-3) Leoni Meadows. For Pioneers Invitational Acad- Forth in Jesus Name” (Jan. season. academy, high school, and emy Basketball Tournament 18-20) Fri., 5:30 p.m.; Sab., home school freshmen and (Jan. 23-26). PUC Prep and PUC 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., lunch Northern California sophomores. Info: NCC Youth host academies from all over provided. Beacon Light Church, Conference Department, 925-603-5080. the Pacific Union. All are invited 2602 N 51st Ave, Phoenix. Instituto Laico Adventista de Turning Points Conference (Feb. to come cheer on the teams! Sun., 9 a.m. Bible instructor California (ILAC) (Jan. 20) 9 a.m.- 8-9) Lodi Academy, 1230 South Schedule will be posted at puc. training, Arizona Conference 4 p.m., Pacific Union College. Central Ave., Lodi. “Growing edu the week of the tourna- office, 13405 N Scottsdale Rd, Training for Spanish-speaking Relationships.” Speaker, Jennifer ment. Scottsdale. Info: 775-338-0858. laypeople. “El Predicador y Woody, associate pastor, su Preparación Espiritual.” Auburn church (Washington). College Preview Day (Feb. La Sierra University Speaker: Dr. Ben Maxson. Info: Info: www.nccsda.com/ 10-12). High school students Brandstater Gallery will host www.nccsda.com/ilac. turningpoints. experience classes and college events at PUC. Registration Northern California Conference Women’s Ministries Retiro de Matrimonio required. Travel assistance (Feb. 8-10) Leoni Meadows. available. Info: Admissions Hispanic Marriage Retreat. Office, 800-862-7080 or puc. “Amor Perfecto en Relaciones edu/admissions/visit. Imperfectas.” Speakers: A Ministry for Every Woman: Our Daily Walk Pastor Alfredo and Juanita Southern California Turning Points Ruiz. Info: www.nccsda.com/ Conference February 8 & 9, 2019 RetirodeMatrimonio. Installation of the Torah Friday 5:00-9:00 p.m. • Sabbath 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Instituto Laico Adventista de Ceremony (Jan. 5) 3 p.m. Beth California (ILAC) (Feb. 17) 9 a.m.- Bnai Zion, an Adventist group Lodi Academy 1230 S Central Ave, Lodi 4 p.m. Pacific Union College. sponsored by the Ventura Training for Spanish-speaking church and the West Region of Guest Speaker laypeople. “El Arte de Hablar SCC will conduct an Installation Jennifer Woody en Público.” Speaker: Professor of the Torah ceremony. Veronica Associate Pastor, Pedro Morales. Info: www. Springs Baptist church, 949 Auburn Adventist nccsda.com/ilac. Veronica Springs Rd., Santa Academy Barbara 93105. Info: 805-680- Church Pacific Union College 9660. Online MBA Start Date Jan. 5. Start your MBA today. PUC Purpose Youth Sports offers a new 100% online MBA Basketball League (Jan. program in partnership with 6-March 17) 9-2 p.m. Sundays. Southern Adventist University. For kids ages 4-14. South Pasadena Middle School. (Special Youth Three start dates a year. Learn Track more at puc.edu/MBA. Register by Jan.1. Contact: for Young [email protected]. Women) Winter Quarter Begins (Jan. 7). Second Saturday Series There is still time to begin your Concert (Jan. 12) 5 p.m. college journey at Pacific Union Organist John West. Admission For more information or to register, College. Apply and enroll now! is by free-will offering. visit www.nccsda.com/turningpoints, Scholarships still available. To email [email protected] or call 916-642-9417. Reception to follow. Glendale learn more visit puc.edu/apply
54 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Community & Marketplace
City church, 610 E. California by the Camarillo church. Sycamore Academy. Canvasback Missions is Ave., Glendale 91206. Info: 818- Learn about the power of a Enroll your student in a looking for a part-time 244-7241. plant-based lifestyle from collaborative, interactive development director to help some of the nation’s leading learning environment with with their nonprofit work UNITE Project Praise Night experts. Rancho Campana online courses taught by bringing specialty medical care (Jan. 12) 5:30 p.m. Glendale High School, 4235 Mar Vista certified, live, SDA instructors. to the islands of Micronesia. Korean church hosts UNITE Dr., Camarillo, 93010. Register Convenient and accredited The position is responsible Project Praise Night with by Jan. 31 for the best price! homeschooling for grades for Canvasback’s fundraising, speaker Jeremiah Mailingkas. Details and registration at 3-12. Classes Monday including the major gifts Free food, raffle, praise, and WholeConference.org or call through Thursday. Self-paced. program, annual fund, worship. 4652 N. Eagle Rock 805-377-2726. Project based curriculum. planned giving, special events, Blvd, Los Angeles 90041. Info: Open enrollment. Call 817- and capital campaigns. For Timothy Yun, 907-306-6491. Pastor & Educator Summit 645-0895 or e-mail info@ more information visit www. (Feb. 19) 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. All sycamoreacademy.com. Enroll canvasback.org/jobs. SCC Prayer Ministries SCC pastors and teachers are at sycamoreacademy.com. Coordinator's Meeting (Jan. invited to the Summit. Lunch is Emergent Health Ministry 27) 9:30-1 p.m. Light lunch provided. Glendale Adventist Bulletin Board Leaders Retreat (Jan. 26–27) provided. Vallejo Drive church, Academy auditorium, 700 Canvasback Missions needs Greater Los Angeles Region fellowship hall, 300 Vallejo Dr., Kimlin Dr., Glendale 91206. Info: three vehicles to transport Health Network is sponsoring a Glendale 91206. Info: Janet Lui, 818-546-845. volunteers and supplies as well resource, training, and strategic 310-963-2578. as pull a food trailer delivering planning retreat for current healthy produce and meals and emerging health ministry Dr. Anthony J. Kelly Memorial CLASSIFIED on the island of Majuro. Your leaders. Teams encouraged to Scholarship Golf Tournament tax-deductible donation of a participate. Info: contact sali. (Jan. 28) 9 a.m. The Greater Los At Your Service running or non-running vehicle [email protected]. Angeles Region (GLAR) hosts California Adventist Federal can help us share the love its Inaugural Golf Tournament Credit Union, your “One Stop of God through health and God's Hands Ministries Cuba to benefit the Anthony J. Kelly Finance Shop.” Serving our healing! 800-793-7245, info@ Mission Trip (April 26-May 6, Memorial Scholarship Fund. Adventist Community for over canvasback.org. 2019) $1,800 trip fee covers Palos Verdes Golf Club, 3301 65 years with financial products Vía Campesina, Palos Verdes and services, along with Welcome Home to... Estates 90274. To register wealth-building education. or learn more, visit: www. Please visit our website at AJKMemorialScholarshipGolf. www.SdacreditUnion.com for Silverado Orchards com. updates on all that CAFCU has Retirement Community to offer. Call our office to speak SCC Health & Spirituality to our friendly staff or manager Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Initiative Kickoff Training for additional information: 818- No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons (Feb. 2) 3-7 p.m. Health Ministry 246-7241. • Three Nutritious Meals Every Day directors, team, and pastors • Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar • Vegetarian or Clean Meat Options who plan to participate in the Golden Oaks Village • Activities & Excursions • Housekeeping • Transportation Initiative for 2019-2020 should retirement facility for self- • Health & Wellness Program • Hope Channel, LLBN and 3ABN attend this Kickoff Training sufficient SDA senior citizens • Beauty Salon • Guest Rooms • And Much More... event at Olympic Korean 60 and older, located on the church, 3300 W. Adams Blvd., property of English Oaks Los Angeles 90018. To register, church in Lodi, Calif. A lease e-mail [email protected] agreement is available for “We’re or text 818-516-6508. a 2-BDRM, 1-bath, 850 sq. ft. apartment for $102,340. Second Saturday Series Contact: Janis, manager 209- all about Concert (Feb. 9) 5 p.m. 401-7444. Featuring cellist Warren Hagerty, clarinetist Micah Relocating? Apex Moving Family!” Wright, and pianist Rosa & Storage has a National Li. Admission is by free-will Account Contract with the GC offering. Reception to follow. for your moving needs. Take Glendale City church, 610 E. advantage of a volume-rated California Ave., Glendale 91206. discount. Be assured you are Info: 818-244-7241. moving with one of the best! Family Owned Since 1978 Call Marcy at 800-766-1902. (707) 963-3688 WHOLE Conference (Feb. 17) Visit us at www.apexmoving. www.SilveradoOrchards.com 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sponsored com/adventist. 601 Pope Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
JANUARY 2019 55 Community & Marketplace
your plane ticket, visa, food, standing in the Seventh- Union College invites pool during business and lodging, and transportation. day Adventist Church. Send applicants for a Computing closed hours each day of the Call Pastor Matt Hallam 307- curriculum vitae or inquiries to teaching faculty position week. Please see the full job 677-0876 or John Jordana 801- search committee chair, Christy beginning Fall 2019. Qualified description at www.ucollege. 390-5644 for more info! E-mail Showalter at cshowalter@ applicants will have a edu/staff-openings and submit thecommunityvineyard@gmail. southern.edu. SAU School Master’s degree and excellent requested materials to Ric com for an application form. of Nursing, PO Box 370, communication skills and Spaulding at ric.spaulding@ Collegedale, TN 37315. For full should be a committed ucollege.edu. Employment job description, please visit member of the SDA Church. Caregiver wanted for young www.southern.edu/jobs. PhD, teaching/business Events ladies’ foster home. Live-in experience desirable. Find Friends and former students position plus salary, furnished Andrews University Nursing more information at www. and colleagues of Adolph in beautiful Brookings, Ore. Call Department seeks full-time ucollege.edu/faculty-openings Grams (formerly dean of men at Bob at 541-660-9313. faculty. The Assistant/Associate or contact Lisa Forbes at PUC) are invited to send 100th Professor of Nursing holds [email protected]. birthday greetings to him at: Southern Adventist a faculty appointment and Yakima SDA Church, 507 N 35th University School of Nursing has academic, service, and Union College seeks SDA Ave, Yakima, WA 98902. seeks a full-time faculty to join a scholarship responsibilities full-time nursing faculty mission-focused team. Teaching consistent with the mission member. Teaching and/ NAD Health Summit 2019 (Jan. responsibilities will be and philosophy of the Nursing or clinical experience in 20-26) “Healing of the Nations.” primarily at the undergraduate Department. This individual medical-surgical nursing and Designed to provide training, level. An earned doctorate is demonstrates competence in pathophysiology preferred. networking, and inspiration preferred. Requisite qualities didactic, clinical education, Additional information can be for anyone involved with or include successful teaching teaching, and curriculum found at www.ucollege.edu/ interested in health ministries. experience, interest in research, development at the graduate faculty-openings. Send CV and Albuquerque, N.M. Register flexibility, and commitment to and undergraduate levels. For references to Dr. Nicole Orian, at www.nadhealth.org. Info: Adventist nursing education. more information visit www. [email protected]. 443-300-8845 or summit@ The candidate must be a andrews.edu/admres/jobs/ nadhealth.org. member in good and regular show/faculty#job_6. Union College, Lincoln, Neb., seeks applicants for The Association of Seventh- Director of Records/Registrar. day Adventist Librarians The Director will ensure the invites all SDA librarians and integrity, accuracy, and security friends of libraries to attend of academic and educational the 39th annual conference in records of students and ensure Silver Spring, MD, June 24-27. compliance with regulatory The conference will explore agencies. Contact Dr. Frankie “Librarians Outside Libraries,” Rose at frankie.rose@ucollege. with a special emphasis on what edu or call 402-486-2501 for Adventist librarians are doing more information. professionally outside of their offices, such as collaboration, Union College seeks applicants teaching, research, mentorship, for the position of Swimming and more. Papers, posters, Pool, Custodial, and Facility and presentation proposals Maintenance Manager. This is accepted at kvanarsdale@ a full-time, exempt position. puc.edu by Feb. 15, 2019. For This individual is responsible more information about the for all the functions of the conference, visit https://www. asdal.org/conferences/. For Rent Retirees: Enjoy our warm desert oasis. Small, safe town located 45 minutes from Phoenix, Ariz. Cabin on private, secluded estate surrounded by citrus, pines, and mountain views. Our family is on site. $1,700 monthly/or year lease. Utilities included. [email protected]; 406 471-3768.
56 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Community & Marketplace
Real Estate Secluded 155-acre ranch near Vacation 2BR Condo in Honolulu, Beautiful country house in Redding, Calif. Solar, spring Opportunities Hawaii, relaxing & affordable. Costa Rica with 3 bedrooms, water, orchard, creek, pond, 2019 Great Controversy Minutes to beaches, Chinatown 2 bath, 1.3 acres with 25 shop. Main house has 3Bd/3Br; Tour (June 21–July 3, 2019) & hiking! Clean, comfortable, different fruit trees. Circle 1,300 sq.ft.; second home. with Dr. Gerard Damsteegt. like new. Sleeps 6 comfortably. Furnished kitchen, washer/ driveway with automatic $750,000. Call Judy—please See prophecies of Daniel and dryer & more. Free parking. Visit electric gate. 1.5 hours from leave a message: 530-410-8525. Revelation come alive! Visit San Jose. Adjacent acreage Rome, Italy, and Reformation honcentralsda.org and/or call with creek also available. sites in the Waldensian Valleys, 808-989-4910. $149,000. Call 760-305-9929. Reunions Switzerland, Germany, France. Egypt Bible Tour (Dec. 12-22, 220 acres of secluded Costa Loma Linda Academy Alumni A most exciting experience! Call 2019) with Dr. Carl Cosaert of Rica rainforest for $229,000. Weekend (April 13-14, 2019). 269-815-8624, e-mail gctours@ Walla Walla University. Discover Call 760-305-9929. Honoring all classes ending mac.com. the land of the pyramids, the in ‘04 or ‘09. Special honored Pharaohs, Moses, the Exodus, Four seasons country living. 2019-20 ADVENTIST TOURS. 50-year class of 1969. For more including a Nile cruise and House for sale on two and a Israel in Jesus’ Steps June details on your class reunion, more. Wonderful weather, half acres. Three bedrooms 2-10, 2019; New Testament visit www.lla.org/alumni. meals, and accommodations and a study; two and a half Alive (Revelation’s 7 Churches/ for only $2,425 plus airfare. baths; central heating/air Patmos/Greece) June 6-16, 2019; Mountain View Acade- For more information, Contact conditioning; two-car garage; Bethlehem to Rome June 2-19, Sharon Searson at Sharons@ large garden area with mature my Homecoming Alumni 2019; African Safari & Service uccsda.org. fruit trees and grape vines; Weekend (April 12-13). Honor July 14-26, 2019; Egypt to Israel fresh water well (55 gpm). classes ending in ‘04 and ‘09. Spring 2020; Thailand July 14- Maui Vaction Condo in Kihei. Twenty miles to Oakhurst; 10 Friday dinner 5 p.m.; Vespers 7 24, 2020. All tours are Adventist- Relaxing & affordable. Only a miles to Mariposa; 40 miles p.m.; Registration, Sabbath 10 led. $1990+/person. For full 3-minute walk to the beach! to Yosemite National Park. a.m.; roll call, 11a.m., followed info, contact tabghatours@ 1-bdrm w/king bed. Clean, $350,000. Call 559-760-3933; by Sabbath service with guest gmail.com or Facebook.com/ comfortable, well-maintained. 559-683-2181; or e-mail: speaker, Rob Colon, senior pas- TabghaTours or call Cindy Nash Sleeps 4. Fully-furnished [email protected]. at 423-298-2169. tor, Sunnyvale SDA Church. kitchen, washer/dryer & more!
JANUARY 2019 57 Community & Marketplace
FREE parking, Wi-Fi, & calls to Sept. 25, 2018, Ukiah, Calif. Dollinger, Leroy L. – b. June Advertising U.S./Canada. Friendly Kihei Survivors: sons, John, Robert 24, 1932, French Camp, Calif.; Advertising is accepted as a service SDA church nearby. Visit us at: Blehm; four grandchildren; d. Sept. 5, 2018, Lodi, Calif. to Seventh-day Adventist Church 2019 Deadlines These are the advertising deadlines for the Recorder. Your local conference news deadlines will be earlier. March: February 4 April: March 4 Contributions The Recorder pages are assigned to the local conferences, colleges, and health care institutions, and all content comes through the communication departments in those organizations. If you have a news story/idea, calendar announcement, etc., please contact your local communication department. See the masthead for contact information. Want tips for writing for us? See www.dailywritingtips. com/the-art-of-writing-news. 58 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Community & Marketplace Hoenes, Russell L. – b. Sept. 1922, Magdeburg, Germany; Nobis, David Walker – b. Oct. Russell, Janice May (Under- 11, 1937, Niagara Falls, N.Y.; d. Aug. 15, 2018, Napa, Calif. 5, 1943, Sioux Falls, S.D.; d. wood) – b. April 23, 1939, Peo- d. Oct. 26, 2018, Sonora, Calif. Survivors: sons, Don, Bob; two Sept. 22, 2018, Apple Valley, ria, Ill.; d. Nov. 16, 2018, Roseville, Survivors: wife, Sally; son, Greg; grandchildren. Calif. Survivors: cousins, Kent Calif. Survivors: sons, Allen Foles, daughters, Kari, Marcella; seven Crowson, Jeff Bigelow, Brian Eric Russell; daughters, Rochelle grandchildren. Foles, Debi Russell; nine grand- Macomber, Betty (Krueger) – Bigelow, Richard Nobis, Donald children; five great-grandchil- Nobis. He was a gifted painter Hollingsead, Marshall C. – b. b. Feb. 22, 1932, McClusky, N.D.; dren; brother, Frank Dee Spring- and musician who used both April 30, 1929, Lincoln, Neb.; d. Oct. 31, 2018, St. Helena, er; sisters, Jeanette Underwood talents to glorify God and bless d. July 20, 2018, Bakersfield, Calif. Survivors: husband, Watts, J. Suzanne Hayes. Served Calif. Survivors: wife, Ina; Edward; son, Todd; two others. as a registered nurse and church sons Marshall II, John; four grandchildren; three great- parish nurse in Peoria, Ariz. Purdey, C. Duane – b. Feb. 17, grandchildren. Served as grandchildren. family medicine practitioner in 1926, Auburn, Wash.; d. Oct. Sajid, Muriel – b. July 21, Lamont, Calif.; active member 13, 2018, Loma Linda, Calif. 1943, Pakistan; d. Nov. 5, 2018, Macomber, Edward – Dec. on Pacific Health and San Survivors: sons, Donald, Vernon; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. 21, 1927, Escalon, Calif.; d. Joaquin Community hospital daughter, Louise Holder; four Survivors: sons, Alan, Eric; Nov. 12, 2018, St. Helena, boards. grandchildren; three great daughters, Anita Sajid–Torres, Calif. Survivors: son: Todd; two grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Ramona Sajid–Tyrus; 10 grandchildren; brother, Mark Ike, Deana Marie – b. April 30, grandchildren; three great- Nielsen. Served as business 1923, Paris, Ill.; d. Nov. 2, 2018, John; sister, Monica Inayat. grandchildren. manager and teacher at Lodi; Lodi, Calif. Survivors: daughters, auditor for the Northern Schimke, Wesley Harold – b. Diane Gurash, Judy Jeffries, Miller, MaryLynn (Custer) – b. Debbie McCown; stepsons, California Conference for small Sept. 5, 1929, Harvey, N.D.; March 5, 1945, San Bernardino, Richard Barton, John Hoibraten; churches and schools. d. Oct. 26, 2018, Lodi, Calif. 15 grandchildren; 22 great- Calif.; d. Nov. 21, 2018, Survivors: wife, Lyda; daughters, grandchildren; brother, James; Honolulu, Hawaii. Survivors: Putney, Bernard Wynn – b. Shelly Zinke, Candy Breitmaier, sister, Donna Sikes. daughter, Raini Miller; brothers, Oct. 23, 1939, Takoma Park, Md.; Susan Smith; seven grandchil- Jayne–Mize, Ruth – b. Sept. 10, Steve, Doug Custer. d. Sept. 20, 2018, Willows, Calif. dren; 15 great-grandchildren. JANUARY 2019 59 Pacific Union Conference Nondiscrimination Policy Statement The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in all of its church schools, admits students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools, and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin, or gender in the administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs. Nondiscrimination Listing 2018 Arizona Conference Nevada-Utah Conference Southeastern California Conference Adobe Adventist Christian School Abundant Life Christian Academy Calexico Mission School Cochise County Adventist Christian Bishop Seventh-day Adventist Desert Adventist School School Elementary School El Cajon SDA Christian School Desert Valley Christian School Deamude Adventist Christian School Escondido Adventist Academy Fallon SDA Elementary School Glenview Adventist Academy Hemet Adventist Christian School Maricopa Village Christian School Las Vegas Junior Academy Laguna Niguel Junior Academy Prescott Adventist Christian School Riverview Christian Academy La Sierra Academy Saguaro Hills Adventist Christian School Summit Christian Academy Thunderbird Adventist Academy Susanville Adventist Christian School Loma Linda Academy Thunderbird Christian Elementary Mesa Grande Academy School Northern California Conference Murrieta Springs Adventist Christian Verde Valley Adventist School Adventist Christian Elementary School School Yuma Adventist Christian School of Red Bluff Needles SDA School Adventist Christian School Oceanside Adventist Elementary Central California Conference of Yuba City School Bayside SDA Christian School Armona Union Academy Orangewood Academy Chico Oaks Adventist School Bakersfield Adventist Academy Redlands Adventist Academy Central Valley Christian Academy Clearlake SDA Christian School Crescent City SDA School San Antonio Christian School Chowchilla Adventist Elementary Echo Ridge SDA Elementary School San Diego Academy School El Dorado Adventist School Valley Adventist Christian School Dinuba Junior Academy Feather River Adventist School Victor Valley SDA School Foothill Adventist Elementary School Foothills Elementary School Fresno Adventist Academy Fortuna Junior Academy Southern California Conference Hollister Adventist Christian School Galt Adventist Christian School Los Banos Adventist Elementary School Adventist Union School Hilltop Christian School Antelope Valley Adventist School Miramonte Adventist Elementary Humboldt Bay Christian School Conejo Adventist Elementary School School Lodi Academy Monterey Bay Academy Lodi Adventist Elementary School East Valley Adventist School Mother Lode Adventist Jr. Academy Magalia Adventist School Glendale Adventist Academy Mountain View Academy Middletown Adventist School Linda Vista Adventist Elementary Peninsula Adventist School Napa Christian Campus of Education School San Francisco Adventist School Orangevale SDA School Los Angeles Adventist Academy Sierra View Junior Academy Pacific Union College Elementary Newbury Park Adventist Academy Templeton Hills Adventist School School Ridgecrest Adventist Elementary Valley View Junior Academy Pacific Union College Preparatory School VHM Christian School School San Fernando Valley Academy Paradise Adventist Academy San Gabriel Academy Hawaii Conference Pine Hills Adventist Academy Adventist Malama Elementary School Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy Simi Valley Adventist School Hawaiian Mission Academy (9-12) Redding Adventist Academy South Bay Junior Academy Hawaiian Mission Academy Ka Lama Iki Redwood Adventist Academy West Covina Hills Adventist School Hawaiian Mission Academy-Windward Rio Lindo Adventist Academy White Memorial Adventist School Campus Sacramento Adventist Academy Kahili Adventist School Tracy SDA Christian Elementary School Pacific Union Conference Operated Kohala Adventist School Ukiah Junior Academy School Kona Adventist Christian School Vacaville Adventist School Holbrook Seventh-day Adventist Indian Westlake SDA School Maui Adventist School School Mauna Loa School Yreka Adventist Christian School 60 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Community & Marketplace Thompson, Olive Ann – b. Willard, Rodney Ellsworth – Feb. 14, 1926, Los Angeles, b. July 21, 1927, Sanitarium, WellChurches Calif.; d. July 18, 2018, Napa, Calif.; d. Aug. 24, 2018, Health & Spirituality Calif. Survivors: daughter, Cottonwood, Ariz. Survivors: Info & Training Session Marcy; two grandchildren; sons, Keith, Kirk; daughters, two great-grandchildren. Karen, Kathleen; eight READY, grandchildren; brother, GET SET, Van Order, Henry – b. Dudley; sister, Marilyn March 8, 1919, Safford, Ariz.; Anderson. Served on the GO! d. Oct. 27, 2018, Paradise, faculty in the department Calif. Survivors: son, David; of pathology at Loma Linda Program University; served as director FEBRUARY 2 daughter, Natasja Chardar; Highlights 3-7 P.M. of clinical chemistry and as three grandchildren; two At director of clinical laboratories WHAT IS IT LIKE? great-grandchildren. OLYMPIC KOREAN for the Loma Linda University Experiences of conducting a year- round health ministry SEVENTH-DAY Willard, Barbara Ruth hospitals. ADVENTIST CHURCH WHAT IS IT? 3300 W. Adams Blvd. (Hastings) – b. Aug. 11, 1926, Overview of WellChurches Los Angeles, CA 90018 Battle Creek, Mich.; d. June Health & Spirituality Initiative 25, 2018, Cottonwood, Ariz. WHY DO IT? Planning to attend? Survivors: sons, Keith, Kirk; Health & Spirituality Research Please RSVP to reserve your seat, materials and daughters, Karen, Kathleen; refreshments! HOW IS IT DONE? RSVP to eight grandchildren; brother Training: Planning a Year-Long [email protected] Ronald Hastings; sister, Health Ministry Program by January 28, 2019. Norma Huckaby. Served as Sponsored by school nurse at Loma Linda Elementary and Academy. HEALTH MINISTRIES Sunset Calendar January 2019 City Jan. 4 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 25 Alturas 4:46 4:53 5:01 5:10 Angwin 5:01 5:08 5:09 5:16 Bakersfield 4:56 5:093 5:09 5:16 Calexico 4:49 4:55 5:01 5:08 Chico 4:56 5:03 5:10 5:18 Death Valley (Furnace Ck) 4:45 4:52 4:58 5:06 Eureka 5:02 5:09 5:17 5:25 Four Corners [E] 5:12 5:19 5:26 5:33 Fresno 4:56 5:02 5:09 5:17 Grand Canyon (South Rim) 5:34 5:40 5:47 5:54 Half Dome 4:52 4:58 5:06 5:13 Hilo 5:54 5:59 6:04 6:08 Holbrook 5:28 5:34 5:41 5:48 Honolulu 6:03 6:07 6:12 6:17 Joshua Tree 4:48 4:54 5:00 5:07 Lake Tahoe 4:50 4:56 5:04 5:12 Las Vegas 4:39 4:45 4:52 4:59 Loma Linda 4:53 4:59 5:05 5:12 Los Angeles 4:57 5:03 5:09 5:16 McDermitt [N] 4:32 4:40 4:48 4:56 Moab 5:10 5:16 5:24 5:32 Monterey Bay 5:04 5:10 5:17 5:24 ! Nogales [S] 5:35 5:41 5:47 5:54 Paradise, CA 4:55 5:02 5:09 5:17 Phoenix 5:33 5:39 5:46 5:52 Puuwai, Ni’ihau [W] 6:08 6:13 6:17 6:22 Reno 4:48 4:55 5:03 5:11 Riverside 4:53 4:59 5:06 5:13 Sacramento 4:58 5:04 5:12 5:19 Salt Lake City 5:13 5:20 5:28 5:36 San Diego 4:55 5:01 5:08 5:14 San Francisco 5:04 5:10 5:17 5:25 San Jose 5:03 5:09 5:16 5:24 Santa Rosa 5:03 5:10 5:17 5:25 Sunset Beach 5:04 5:10 5:17 5:24 Thousand Oaks 4:59 5:05 5:11 5:18 Tucson 5:32 5:37 5:44 5:50 [N]=Northernmost [S]=Southernmost [E]=Easternmost [W]=Westernmost point in the Pacific Union “So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9 JANUARY 2019 61 ALL OPPORTUNITIES • the opportunity to share our resources • the opportunity to take the time • the opportunity to share ourselves with others • the opportunity to share the grace of God hristian researchers have calculated that nearly one half of the world’s “people groups” —social groups that are distinguished by ethnic or language factors—have not been Ctouched by the gospel. This is a global situation. From a small beginning over a century ago, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has grown to a force of close to twenty million believers. We have entered 230 countries around the world, with at least some influence among 3,200 people groups. But we have hardly touched the world with our message. As a world church, we cannot reach the masses surrounding this globe. As a corporate body we cannot give enough to spread the gospel to every corner of the earth. There is only one way to accomplish the humanly impossible. Grace meets you and me only at the point that we understand the overwhelming impossibility of carrying out God’s commands. When we have brought everything we have to our Lord, grace always gives us back more than we have brought. Grace gives us today an opportunity to share. “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NRSV). recoPACIFIC UNION rder P.0. Box 5005 Westlake Village, CA 91359-5005 PERIODICALS