PACIFIC UNION SEPTEMBER 2018
To Walk Humbly
PERSPECTIVES ON CHRISTIAN HUMILITY FROM: Ricardo Graham Bradford Newton Steve Chavez Jesse Seibel
Summer Camps and Communities Impacted by Fires
PAGE 18 Careers in the Seventh-day Adventist Tradition. We all search for meaning in our work and aspire to a career where organizational values align with our own. If you are a healthcare professional seeking a faith- based employment experience where spirituality is put into practice, we invite you to connect with Loma Linda University Health. As a Seventh-day Adventist organization, with six hospitals and eight schools on our expansive Southern California campus, we offer a multitude of career paths and opportunities. Discover our mission of healing and join us.
Learn more about us and explore our careers at: careers.llu.edu. MANY STRENGTHS. ONE MISSION. EEOC/M/F/D/V/AA PACIFIC UNION Recorder What’s inside 4 Justice, Mercy, and Humility (Part Three)
Publisher 6 Walking with God Ray Tetz 10 Dear Brother and Sister Haskell Editor Alberto Valenzuela 12 Serving is Better than Superlatives
Copy Editor 14 A Mission in Humility Julie Lorenz 18 Historically Large California Fires Impact Communities Across Design/Layout the Pacific Southwest Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela 22 Southern California Conference Printing Pacific Press Publishing Association 26 La Sierra University www.pacificpress.com 28 Adventist Health The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventh-day Adventist 29 Pacific Union College homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. 30 Arizona Conference Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry. 33 Nevada-Utah Conference EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENTS 36 Holbrook Indian School Adventist Health 916-781-4756 40 Central California Conference Jenni Glass • [email protected] 44 Southeastern California Conference Careers in the Seventh-day Arizona 480-991-6777 Phil Draper • [email protected] 48 Hawaii Conference Central California 559-347-3000 50 Northern California Conferencia Adventist Tradition. Cindy Chamberlin • [email protected] Hawaii 808-595-7591 54 Loma Linda University Health We all search for meaning in our work and aspire to a career where organizational Miki Akeo-Nelson • [email protected] 56 Pacific Union Conference Education values align with our own. If you are a healthcare professional seeking a faith- La Sierra University 951-785-2000 Darla Tucker • [email protected] 58 Community & Marketplace based employment experience where spirituality is put into practice, we invite you Loma Linda 909-651-5925 62 Sunset Calendar to connect with Loma Linda University Health. Ansel Oliver • [email protected] Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929 Faith Hoyt • [email protected] As a Seventh-day Adventist organization, with six hospitals and eight schools on Northern California 925-685-4300 Stephanie Leal • [email protected] our expansive Southern California campus, we offer a multitude of career paths and PACIFIC UNION SEPTEMBER 2018 Pacific Union College 707-965-6202 opportunities. Discover our mission of healing and join us. Larissa Church • [email protected]
Southeastern California 951-509-2200 Enno Müller • [email protected]
Southern California 818-546-8400 To Walk Lauren Armstrong • [email protected] Humbly
PERSPECTIVES ON CHRISTIAN Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 0744-6381), HUMILITY FROM: Ricardo Graham Volume 118, Number 9, is the official journal of the Pacific Bradford Newton Learn more about us and explore our careers at: Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and is Steve Chavez published monthly. Editorial office is at 2686 Townsgate Rd., Jesse Seibel Westlake Village, CA 91361: 805-497-9457. Periodical postage Part three of a three-part series from careers.llu.edu. paid at Thousand Oaks, CA, and additional mailing offices. Summer Camps Elder Ricardo Graham, president of and Communities Subscription rate: No charge to Pacific Union Adventist Impacted by Fires church members; $16 per year in U.S.; $20 foreign (U.S. the Pacific Union Conference, on the PAGE 18 funds); single copy, $2. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Circulation Department, Pacific Union Recorder, Box 5005, seminal words of Micah 6:8. Westlake Village, CA 91359. [email protected]. MANY STRENGTHS. ONE MISSION. EEOC/M/F/D/V/AA SEPTEMBER 2018 3 THE PRINCIPLED THING:
Justice, Mercy, and Humility
PART THREE
By Ricardo Graham
n our consideration of the powerful words the free gift of God, to be received by faith” of Micah 6:8, we come to the last of the (Steps to Christ, p. 61). Ithree characteristics, or “trilogy of re- Praise God! Hallelujah. A precious unpar- quirements,” that the prophet, speaking for alleled gift! While obedience is a requirement YAHWEH, urges upon his contemporaries. of God, we don’t earn anything by our obe- Though these are ancient words, I believe they dience. In faith, as we trust in Christ and are form the basis of what is non-negotiable with hidden in Him, the merits of His perfect life God. Remember: they are requirements. are accredited to the believer. “…And to walk humbly with your God.” Why obey then? I think it is a matter of, Some biblical commentators suggest that this among other things, allegiance and love. passage could have been translated “walk We show our allegiance to the true God of the obediently with your God.” universe by obeying His commands. The au- The prophet is speaking to a people who dience of the great controversy being played have been willfully disobedient to their Creator, out in this planet includes angels who are Liberator, and Sustainer. And in their disobe- present and observing, as well as beings on dience, they have misrepresented Him. In the un-fallen worlds. view of many, that misrepresentation of God Humble obedience is a token of our love continues to the present day, even though we and appreciation for the gift of salvation. It is are not living in a theocracy with a government a sign to the universe that we love God, who controlled by priests and prelates. sent His only begotten Son to die to redeem While obedience is required, we must us from sin. admit that however exacting our obedience My observation is that humility seems to may be, it is not enough to earn salvation. be a vanishing characteristic in our contem- Obedience as a “work” does not balance the porary society. I don’t intend to be judgmen- scales of any disobedience. tal, but so many in our Western society seem The apostle Paul reminds us: “For by to be about “spotlighting” themselves. When grace you have been saved through faith; and it comes to our walk with God, it isn’t about that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” us: it is about Jesus. (Ephesians 2:8, NASB). Humility is just one of a plethora of hon- And Ellen White writes: “We do not earn orable, praiseworthy virtues embodied in the salvation by our obedience; for salvation is life of Jesus.
4 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Just think: the God of Creation came as one of His always accepts my plea for forgiveness and encourages creatures, enshrined in fallen humanity. The Holy Son me to re-focus my mind on Him. of God was born into the family of a carpenter. What Years ago I heard this simple illustration used humiliation! by an evangelist: “Faith means Forsaking All, I Take Jesus revealed a constant and consistent pre- Him.” I believe that choosing to forsake all, includ- sentation of humility. I think that obedience—God ing self-interest, aligns us with God. God takes the pleasing—is facilitated by our humility. To be humble first step, and the next, and the next, and it always requires the first rule of discipleship: self-denial. (See facilitates this. All the way through, it is God work- Matthew 16:24.) ing in us. “For it is God which worketh in you both to Discipleship is, at its core, following and repro- will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, ducing the Christ-like life—following God without KJV). regard to self-interest. To be a disciple is to be a Christ To summarize this three-part series, I quote from follower. the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, volume 4, Jesus was focused on serving humanity—other page 1028: people, not Himself. He poured out His life as a “To do justly, and to love mercy” is to act with humble offering on the cross of Calvary and ended justice and kindness. These are manward virtues and that phase of His ministry by rising from the tomb. He sum up the intent of the second table of the Decalogue served until He died, and He continues to serve in the (see on Matt. 22:39, 40). “To walk courts of heaven as the Risen Lord! humbly with thy God” is to live in Not only that, God has gifted us for humble min- harmony with the principles of the istry or service. We all have been given gifts to use in first table of the Decalogue (see on humble ministry and service to others, in a reflection Matt. 22:37, 38). This is Godward of His ministry. virtue. Love expressed in action How are we to reach such an experience with God? with respect to God and to Glad you asked! our fellow men is “good;” it Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you, which was is all that God requires, for also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, “love is the fulfilling of the thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made law” (Rom. 13:10). himself of no reputation, and took on him the form of We must do the right a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And thing, at the right time, for being found in fashion as a man, he humbled him- the right reasons. We must self, and became obedient to death, even the death of love to give mercy to oth- the cross. Why God also has highly exalted him, and ers, not just receive it. And given him a name which is above every name: That at we must humbly obey God, the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things by His grace. As we live this in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the God-directed, grace-en- earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus abled life, our churches, Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philip- schools, and other institutions can pians 2:5-11, KJV). be outposts of humility from which Could it be a matter of choosing to deny self, sur- humble servants of God embark— rendering daily to the Holy Spirit? Allowing His mind, reaching people for God with the ideas, and thoughts to reside in us? Resisting the evil kindness of heaven, inviting others influences of our society, which have been planted by to join us in the walk of grace. satanic entities? Is it a matter of the human will to I believe that whatever God calls simply yield to God the Holy Spirit? I think so. us to do can be achieved in the Spirit of I strive to accept God’s ideas as superior to mine the Lord. I am calling on Him today and as “best practice” for all humanity. But while I to continue to work His work in daily choose to follow Christ in all things, I admit that me. How about you? n I have failed many times. Yet I return to Jesus, and He
4 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER SEPTEMBER 2018 5 Walking
6 with PACIFIC UNION RECORDER God By Bradford Newton
Seventh-day Adventist pastors across North America were recently asked, “What is the most pressing need in your congregation these days?” You might be surprised at the answer.
Local churches struggle with reaching their we avert our gaze from suffering, poverty, monthly church budget, finding volunteers and injustice. (Jesus later places Micah’s com- for the children’s Sabbath schools, resolving mand in the context of the second coming conflict between church members, as well with the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats as dozens of other challenges. Interestingly, found in Matthew 25:31-46.) pastors didn’t focus on any of these matters. How does Micah 6:8 speak to us now? Is Some 75% of those who know Adventist there found in these words the solution for churches best said “spiritual renewal among “the most pressing need” that Adventist pas- members” was the most pressing need.1 Are tors long for? God’s Word contends with our you surprised? Do you agree? How should present reality through these five declarative we respond? words: “walk humbly with your God.” Imagine Micah 6:8 is the divine prescription for a dynamic life that finds you, your family, and spiritual renewal: “He has shown you, O man, your congregation transformed. Picture the what is good; and what does the Lord re- current dilemmas of financial worries, scarce quire of you but to do justly, to love mercy, volunteers, personal conflict, petty theologi- and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah cal arguments, and an aging membership all Walking 6:8, NKJV). This verse is foundational for transfigured by a dawning of spiritual rejuve- Micah to describe an authentic relationship nation. God calls us to put aside the old cyni- with God. Here is a rebuke from heaven cism that this could never happen and grasp when—while carefully following the rituals, by faith the hope that with God “all things are theology, and dietary regimens of the faith— possible.”
6 with PACIFIC UNION RECORDER God SEPTEMBER 2018 7 Where do we start? Understanding comes desires.” A wholly different image emerges. by examining what the prophet means when This is a robust, proactive leaning into our he calls us to “walk humbly.” What image lives that is exciting and compelling. We’re enters your mind with the word “humility”? not standing off at the sidelines with eyes For most of us it is a dictionary definition that fixed on the ground. Rather, to walk humbly includes uninspiring synonyms like “shy, doc- with God means looking upwards to heav- ile, self-abasing, timidity, and servility.” Is this en and bravely seeking His direction to face what Christians aspire to when they “walk today’s world with courageous service. humbly with God?” This is a compelling call to action. Rath- Not at all! The word translated “humbly” in er than surrender passively to the wrongs Micah 6:8 is not the common word rendered around us, “walking carefully with God” in the “humility” in other Old Testament verses. Micah 6:8 context requires specific, deliberate The best translation is “walking carefully with activity. Justice and mercy are to be applied God” or, more precisely, “living the way God like powerful medicine to the broken circum- stances being endured by others. Micah 6:8 is very direct with religious people like you and me. While careful worship of God is important and adhering to truth is essential, we must account for our actions and face forward towards our culture and community. History tells us that in every generation there were Christians who aligned themselves with heaven’s priorities. Often this required course corrections and remedial action from themselves, their P visits the Susanville S lementary school wee ly in order to show support and provide students church, and their nation. We are no different with another positive role model for how Christians should live today. The work of “walking carefully Before his retirement he pastored the Susanville and uincy California S churches with God” is a never-ending project for believers and the Body of Christ. Indeed, sanctification is the work of a lifetime, not
8 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER only for individual disciples but also for the organizations bearing His name. How can we experience the transforming power of walking carefully with God? I find these four questions essential in applying Micah 6:8 to myself and the church I love:
• Will I choose daily to cultivate the presence of God in my life? This means putting quality time with the Lord at the top of my
list of actions for the day. For over years E now years old has helped feed the homeless in her community on the central California coast Cross directs a team who prepares and delivers Am I ready to ask God the hard questions ba s of food each wee to senior citizens in her area and was • recently honored as the un er Fi hter of the ear about my attitudes, motives, and actions She is a member of atsonville Seventh day dventist Church within the Central California Conference towards others? It takes courage to pray for God to reveal my faults to me. But in doing so He also offers deliverance and the power to change. of our walking carefully with God: “What a • Will I ask God to open my eyes each day man is has greater influence than what he to see those that need justice, mercy, and says… A man’s worth is not measured by care from me? The heavenly cure for the position of responsibility that he occu- selfishness is service. pies but by the Christlike spirit that he re- veals.” (In Heavenly Places, p. 237, emphasis • Can I choose to leave other people’s supplied). n behavior and choices with God? The great challenge for human beings is to stop pushing other people to do what we want and leave the results to God.
1Monte Sahlin and Paul Richardson, Pastor Opinion Ellen White reflected on Micah 6:8 and of- Poll (Milton Freewater, OR: Center for Creative fered this profound conclusion to the matter Ministry, 2011).
8 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER SEPTEMBER 2018 9 Long Beach, California August 28, 1911
Elder S. N. Haskell 53 Williams Street Portland, Maine
Dear Brother and Sister Haskell:
I pray that the Lord will give you courage in the Lord. I am deeply interested in the work that you shall do in the state of Maine. Let it be carried onward and upward. “See- ing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not. But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” [2 Corinthians 4:1, 2.] I am instructed to say to our ministering brethren, Let the messages that come from your lips be charged with the power of the Spirit of God. If there was ever a time when we needed the special guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is now. We need a thorough conse- cration. It is fully time that we gave to the world a demonstration of the power of God in our lives and in our ministry. For years there has been creeping into the church an element that is educating many professed believers to resist the teachings of the Holy Spirit. In their efforts to make of no account the Word of God, many array their strength on the side of the deceiver. I am instructed that we are to cherish as very precious the work that the Lord has been carrying forward through His commandment-keeping people, and which, through the power of His grace, will grow stronger and more efficient as time advances. The enemy is seeking to becloud the discernment of God’s people and to weaken their efficiency; but if they will labor as the Spirit of God shall direct, He will open doors of opportunity before them for the work of building the old waste places. Their experience will be one of constant growth in assurance and power until the Lord shall descend from heaven with power and great glory to set His seal of final triumph upon His faithful ones. The Lord desires to see the work of the third angel’s message carried forward with in- creasing efficiency. As He has worked in all ages to give victories to His people, so in this age He longs to carry to triumphant fulfilment His purposes for His church. He bids the saints advance unitedly, going from strength to greater strength, from faith to increased assurance and confidence in the truth and righteousness of His cause. Let us ever bear in mind that our work is to be one of advancement. We are to follow on to know the Lord. God understands the actuating principles of every mind. He has witnessed the persistent, rebellious course of some whom He has warned and counselled repeatedly. His all-seeing eye has noted the determined following of human devisings.
10 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER SEPTEMBER 2018 11 “The way of man is before the Lord. He knoweth the thoughts.” [Proverbs 5:21; Psalm 94:11.] “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” [Proverbs 15:3.] He looketh to the ends of the earth, and He seeth under the whole heavens. The Lord sear- cheth the hearts. We are to stand firm as a rock to the principles of the Word of God, remembering that God is with us to give us strength to meet each new experience. Let us ever maintain the principles of righteousness in our lives, that we may go forward from strength to strength in the name of the Lord. We are to hold as very sacred the faith that has been substantiated by the instruction and approval of the Spirit of God from our earliest expe- rience until the present time. I long for strength to do the work that must be done at this time. I would speak daily at this Long Beach camp-meeting if I could; but I have not strength to do this. I dare not consume all my strength in this meeting; for there is other important work before me. Lately I have given considerable time and effort to the work of completing the book on the Acts of the Apostles. This book is now nearly finished, and I am very thankful for this. I feel that decided efforts should now be made to give this message at Long Beach. The congregations during this meeting have been large, and there is a good interest from the outside. My heart is deeply stirred for these places where so much is at stake. May the Lord direct us, is my prayer. Every believer in present truth should be deeply in earnest now; for there is a great work to be done. As the enemy sees an interest in the truth being awakened, he will bring forward many discouraging features; but heed them not. We must press the battle to the gates and beyond. Let us be determined to succeed. Let no time be wasted, but do not overwork. Teach the truth as it is in Jesus. When the power of truth is felt in the soul, the principles of truth will be brought into the daily life. Then true godliness will appear. Use your ability to accomplish decided movements of reform in the churches. Gather about you those who are true as steel to the principles of the third angel’s message, and the Lord will be glorified in the work that is accom- plished. Let every worker resolve that he will not fail nor be discouraged. Arouse the people to the importance of the times in which we live, that they may be led to place themselves under the discipline of Christ. In His human life Christ revealed a divine nature; no defect appeared in His character. Beholding His life of self-denial and sacrifice, that He might minister truth to the world, they may be changed in life and learn to reflect His likeness. We are to [be] perfect in our sphere as Christ is perfect in His sphere. Let us not be unconcerned regarding our responsibility to form righteous characters, but let us place ourselves under the molding influence of the Holy Spirit, that we may form characters that will reflect the divine life.
SEPTEMBER 2018 11 Serving is Better than Superlatives
STEPHEN CHAVEZ
f the Twitterverse is any indication, we live in an age stepsister. Feelings of humility and feelings of inadequa- in which everything—everything—is the best, the cy are not the same, not even close. We feel inadequate greatest, the largest, the longest, the hugest (or very when we compare ourselves with others: with their edu- huge). cation, their financial portfolio, their physical appearance. I Politicians and other public officials seem obliged to Unmanaged, our inadequacies make it impossible for us announce that not only are they doing their jobs, they’re to truly reflect Christ’s character to the people around us. doing their jobs better and more efficiently than they’ve Why would anyone listen to us? We’re so…average. been done in 20, 30, or 50 years. But that’s precisely the point. We can afford to be When televangelists and megachurches number their humble because at its most basic level the kingdom of followers in the thousands, their viewers in the millions, heaven is populated with average people, described by and their income in billions of dollars, you have to wonder Peter Marshall as “disciples of the rank and file.” For every if anything resembling Christian humility is still part of their brash, outspoken Peter, you have an Andrew, working ethos. behind the scenes to rustle up some food to feed a crowd What is humility? Perhaps that is the question we should of thousands (John 6:7-9). For every duo nicknamed “sons ask. of thunder” (James and John [Mark 3:17]), you have two It’s more than a little ironic that the Creator, from whose sisters, Martha and Mary, working humbly to provide a hand came the marvelous power, beauty, and complexity place where Jesus and His disciples were welcome to rest of the cosmos that surrounds us, came as a baby born of and relax (Luke 10:38). humble parents in a remarkably humble setting. Humility enables us to serve without a spotlight, to be Nothing in Jesus’ life and ministry suggests that He a supporting player, a member of the cast, knowing that wanted anything more than to serve ordinary people. The our contribution is just as important as is the person’s who clothes He wore, the food He ate, couldn’t be categorized stands at the podium—and that even if our role gathers as “the best.” The people with whom He associated were no attention now, it is part of God’s overall plan for the generally those who didn’t have fancy titles or pedigrees. salvation of humankind. Most of us would’ve felt quite comfortable in His presence. The Bible tells dozens of stories about individuals who That’s because most of us have to admit that we’re not the served humbly and without fanfare before they entered smartest, the prettiest, the richest; we’re just…us. center stage. Joseph was a servant and prisoner before he Because of being so normal, most of us on some level became a counselor to Pharaoh. Ruth was a daughter-in- carry around feelings of inadequacy, humility’s wicked law before she became one of Jesus’ ancestors. David was
12 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER a shepherd before he became king. Amos was a farmer before he was a prophet. Peter, Andrew, John, and James were fishermen before they turned the world upside down through the power of the Holy Spirit. Before they stepped into the spotlight, all these people made their livings in noble, albeit ordinary, professions. What set them apart was that while they waited off- stage, God was developing in them the character traits that would eventually advance His plan of redemption. The question the prophet asks is a serious one: “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God?” (Micah 6:6, NIV). He asks further if God can be satisfied with burnt offerings, whether animal, vege- table, or human. Then this conclusion: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV). Interesting. In this context, humility is as important as retired public school teacher now volun teers her time in the halls of dventist ducation She wor s justice and mercy. Without humility we come off as arro- one on one with students needin e tra attention in their gant, proud, self-righteous. The world is already populated studies Frances ma es food and strin s lei for school events with enough people who believe that the sun rises and n any iven holiday or Sunday she can be found beautifyin sets on them. Christians, on the other hand, model their the campus by seedin and plantin tropicals lives after the One who said, “I am among you as one who She is a member of the iea dventist Church in awaii serves” (Luke 22:27, NIV). It takes more than a little humility to say that. n
Stephen Chavez was a pastor in the Pacific Union Conference for almost 20 years. He is now an assistant editor of Adventist Review.
12 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER SEPTEMBER 2018 13 In Awe of God’s Grace
BY JESSE SEIBEL
he interview was going Let me ask an easier question. Have forgiven, and their land healed great. He had the experi- you ever been humbled? (Psalm 18:27; 25:9; 2 Chronicles ence, achievements, and Was it when you were chosen last, 7:14). For those who refuse to references. His posture and or not at all? humble themselves, Scripture Tdiction were impeccable. It was clear Was it when you made a huge promises a day when God will do it he was qualified and competent. The mistake and everyone knew? for them (Isaiah 2:9-12). job was his, until they heard him say, Was it when you were ashamed and Scripture records how the call of “My greatest personal characteristic? did not want anyone to see your face? God demands a response. Those who That’s easy. I’m the most humble Was it when you thought you were hear the call cannot be unchanged. We person I know.” boldly risking everything, only to find have stories of how an encounter with Are you humble? That may be a you were foolishly losing everything? God inspires acts of obedience, trick question. To be humble is to have Throughout Scripture God calls reverence, and submission. Abraham a modest opinion of yourself. Those people to be humble. The promises of leaves his home and becomes a who profess great humility, by this God for the humble are many: they vagabond. Moses removes his shoes definition, do not possess great will be saved, they will be guided, and hides his face. Jacob, unwilling to humility. their prayers will be heard, their sins admit defeat, pleads for a blessing.
14 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER We have stories of others respond- bumpy boat ride, lottery indictment, Jonah that they would be destroyed, ing to this same God with hardened and 3-day fish gut rescue operation, but they believed that the God of hearts, disobedience, and anger. God we would think a lesson of humility Jonah may yet relent. calls. Some are humbled. Some are had been thoroughly learned. If Jonah A city-wide act of repentance is humiliated. had another chance he would surely be instituted, fasting and sackcloth are Often these polarizing encounters a different person, right? However, all mandatory, all in the hope that they are woven together, like the story of we have to do is read further to see will not perish. Do they have a Jonah and the Ninevites. Their story that, even for a prophet, humiliation chance? Their humbled king said it begins with, “The word of the Lord and humility are not the same thing. best: “Who knows?” came to Jonah son of Amittai: ‘Go to Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah knew. Yet, rather than be in the great city of Nineveh and preach Jonah a second time: “Go to the great awe, he was indignant. against it, because its wickedness has city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the When God saw what they did and come up before me.’ But Jonah ran message I give you.” Jonah obeyed the how they turned from their evil away from the Lord and headed for word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. ways, He relented. But to Jonah this Tarshish” (Jonah 1:1-3, NIV). Now Nineveh was a very large city; it seemed very wrong, and he became Jonah has much to be proud of. He took three days to go through it. Jonah angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t is an Israelite, part of God’s chosen began by going a day’s journey into this what I said, Lord, when I was people. He is a prophet, entrusted with the city, proclaiming, “Forty more still at home? That is what I tried to specific calling. He has a message of days and Nineveh will be overthrown forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I truth. Jonah then demonstrates that (Jonah 3:1-4, NIV). knew that you are a gracious and he may be the most insecure, precari- This time Jonah obeyed, proclaim- compassionate God, slow to anger ous prophet in Scripture. He decides to ing the message God had given: Forty and abounding in love, a God who run away from God. more days and Nineveh will be relents from sending calamity (Jonah Why would he run? The reasons are destroyed. Many of us want to add 3:10-4:2, NIV). many. “unless you repent,” but that’s not the Jonah knew of God’s grace and Nineveh was a wicked city, not a message God gave to Jonah. We want it compassion. Jonah knew of God’s place a righteous person would tour. to be. That makes it easier for us to love. Our children’s stories often focus on justify what happens next. Jonah knew—and rather than be this, and for good reason. Their sport, “The Ninevites believed God. A fast humbled by God’s call, Jonah was entertainment, worship, and warfare was proclaimed, and all of them, from humiliated by it. all devalued human life. the greatest to the least, put on Jonah was afraid to go to Nineveh was a great city, not a sackcloth. When Jonah’s warning Nineveh—not because of its wicked- place a lone messenger could make a reached the king of Nineveh, he rose ness but because of God’s gracious- difference. It was a center of trade, from his throne, took off his royal ness. learning, and political power. A huge robes, covered himself with sackcloth Jonah was angry—not with city by biblical standards, Nineveh had and sat down in the dust. This is the Nineveh’s stubbornness but with a population of 120,000 people and proclamation he issued in Nineveh: God’s abounding love. No wonder required a 3-day journey to tour. “By the decree of the king and his Jonah thought he had a chance to Nineveh was a pagan city, not a nobles: Do not let people or animals, run away. Jonah ran from a God who place a prophet of the Lord would be herds or flocks, taste anything; do not relents from sending calamities, not welcomed. The people of Nineveh let them eat or drink. But let people from a God who sends them. Perhaps were pagans who worshipped the god and animals be covered with sackcloth. Jonah thought God’s grace was just Dagon, depicted by a fish. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let for himself. Nineveh was the capital city of the them give up their evil ways and their If this could happen long ago to a Assyrian Empire, enemies of Israel, violence. Who knows? God may yet prophet of God who had been given a and no place for an Israelite to visit. relent and with compassion turn from clear message and mission, it could These are all valid reasons why any his fierce anger so that we will not happen today to a prophetic people prophet of Israel would not want to go perish” (Jonah 3:5-9, NIV). who have been given the same. to Nineveh, yet none of these are the The Ninevites believed. The wicked, reason Jonah gives. opulent, enemies of the people of God Humility in me If we fast-forward through Jonah’s believed. They heard the message of All of us have had humbling experi-
14 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER SEPTEMBER 2018 15 ences, and most of us can quickly God has given us a message to share? with us, just so He can save us? Or recall them. These moments sting and That would be miraculous and would that be humiliating? leave a lasting mark. Just remember- supernatural. ing them brings us down, so we begin Humility in mission to think that reliving these moments Humility in message Adventism arose in a humbling is a practice of humility. We begin to Adventist have been given a last-day experience. The Millerite moment of teach others humility in the same way, message: Jesus is coming soon. Just the 1830-1840s was as exhilarating as bringing them down and reminding because we have the message, it it was disappointing. To be convinced them of how shameful they should doesn’t mean it’s about us. Even when that Jesus was coming in just a few feel. If our lessons in humility require we are entrusted with it, that doesn’t years was a message that seized every our most embarrassing and shameful even mean it’s ours. The message is aspect of one’s life. And yet by moments, we may be confusing not our word, but “the word of the daybreak of October 23, 1844, there humility with humiliation. Lord.” was nothing but heartache and sorrow. This is easy to do. Our ego and The message somehow reaches the They got it wrong. This could have self-esteem are brought low when we king of Nineveh. Jonah never meets been the humiliating end of the are ignored or mistaken, or when we him. How it is passed on must be movement. Thankfully, a few humbly lose. That is easy and quite natural. It inferred, but it’s clear the message is returned to Scripture to see if there will happen again and again. greater than Jonah. Jonah can’t was more to God’s call than they first The greater challenge is to be contain it and neither can we. We can thought. humble in situations in which one take pride in our understanding of Was Jonah’s prophecy wrong? Was would find pride. Can we have humili- prophecy, Sabbath, and health. We can it true? Was it fulfilled? ty when we are right and when we pretend it’s ours. Or we can be Our answers depend on what we overcome? Can we be humble when we humbled by the truth that God is consider to be the function of prophe- are chosen? Can we be humble when working beyond our reach to take His cy. It’s easy to reduce prophecy to a message to the set of data points and interpretations. world. Prophecy has factual objective aspects This humility to it, no doubt, but prophecy is more allows us to than information about God. Prophecy celebrate when is an invitation to participate with others find biblical God. truth, the Sabbath If God gave Jonah a message so that rest, and health Jonah would know when Nineveh without ever would be destroyed, Jonah is a false meeting an prophet. If God gave Jonah a message Adventist. so that the people of Nineveh would This humility turn to Him in a new, lasting relation- allows us to see ship, then Jonah, even in his broken that God is not self-centeredness, is fulfilling God’s calling us because mission, even when he gets it wrong. He needs us—He In fact, if God’s mission is is calling us to to save the lost, then Jonah becomes has spent years in youth and children s save us. Surely the best person to take on this ministry y reatest oy in ministry is when the ids I Jonah was not the mission, for without God’s grace, have had the opportunity to wor with o on to be active members and leaders in the church It doesn t et any kind of prophet Jonah is lost too. better than that God needed. Jonah If God gave our church a message e is a pastor at hite emorial Church in os n eles was the kind of so that we would know details of the person God loves. future, every time we get the informa- Would we be tion wrong we would be a false church. humbled if we If God gave us a message so that realized God has people would turn to Him in lasting labored so long relationships, every time a child learns
16 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER that God hears their prayers, a parent nurses immediately had us in a room needed. The care was excellent. learns of God’s patience, a spouse with a splint loosely wrapping his arm. Everything was smooth. Until they learns God’s forgiveness and faithful- Sitting on the bed, my son was all rolled in the cart with the various ness, His mission is fulfilled. smiles. He began to play with me and items needed to reset the break. Sometimes, through the grace ask about various things in the room. My son took one look at the cart of God, humility can be acquired We took a selfie and sent it to his and looked at me with the feeling of through a path of shame. While shame teacher to let her know he was all ultimate betrayal. can come before humility, shame right. Of course he was; he was not “You lied to me! You said no shot!” cannot ever be confused for the source getting a shot. I had no idea what he was taking of humility. God calls us to humility. The doctor on rotation came into about, until I saw what he had already God does not call us to humiliation. the room, noticed us having a good seen. He was going to be given an IV. There is a much better way. Great time, and asked, “What brings you to I stuttered and stammered, “I’m humility does not come from being the ER today?” sorry! I didn’t know!” ashamed of ourselves. The greatest “He broke his arm.” I said. I wanted to say, “Come on, get over humility comes from when we are it. I’m not a prophet. How am I in awe of God’s grace. supposed to know. I’m not even a doctor.” I didn’t. Not a shot, just a poke Then it came to me, “Wait, that’s I got the call. My 4-year-old son GOD CALLS US TO not a shot. That is not a shot.” had fallen off the school’s monkey “Then what is it!” he demanded. bars and had a dislocated wrist. I’m HUMILITY. GOD DOES “It’s a poke,” I whispered. “It’s a not a doctor, but I have a gift: when poke.” I see an injury, my stomach can tell NOT CALL US TO “What’s a poke?” how bad it is. With one glance I “It’s like a baby shot that doesn’t knew that his wrist wasn’t broken. HUMILIATION. hurt.” I proclaimed with hope. My stomach told me the problem “Oh…” he grasped, “it’s not a shot, was he had an extra wrist: his arm just a poke.” was broken. And it worked. With the help of my older son, we I stayed by his side as he humbled loaded and buckled him into the back “Could you elaborate?” He asked his little self and said thank you for seat, big tearstains running down his somewhat skeptically. every poke and prod. I held him on sweaty face. “He fell off the monkey bars and that bed as I watched someone greater “I want to go home,” he said. broke his arm.” than I take his brokenness and make it “Daddy has to take you to the “Before we know his arm is broken, right. hospital, buddy.” we will have to do an x-ray.” He said We can get it wrong, but we can “But I don’t want to go.” knowingly. “Let’s take look real also get it right. Not because we know “But you have to.” quick.” what is going to happen. Not because “Because my arm is crooked?” As he unwrapped the splint, he we know exactly what to do. Simply by “Yes, because of that.” immediately changed his tone and seeing those who need healing and “But I don’t want a shot!” He said with authority, “The arm is humbly giving them a message of the pleaded, tears running full speed. broken. We will have to do an x-ray to One who healed us. We can do this, “Don’t worry!” I exclaimed, “You see how broken it is.” knowing that we serve a gracious and are not getting a shot!” I wanted to say, “That’s what my compassionate God, slow to anger and “Really, no shot?” he whimpered, stomach told me.” I didn’t. abounding in love, a God who relents as the tears began to stop. Things really started to move. An from sending calamity. “None. I’m sure of it.” orthopedic specialist was just down God may have more to tell us than What I wanted to say was, “They the hall. He was kind and unhurried, we have already heard or said, and are probably going to do way more explaining in detail how the break was who knows, perhaps He will save more than a shot! Look at your arm!” bad but would heal well with a cast. than we expected. Wouldn’t that be I didn’t. The nurses checked on us continually, humbling? ■ We walked into the ER and the making sure we had everything we
16 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER SEPTEMBER 2018 17 Historically Large California Fires Impact Communities Across the Pacific Southwest
BY FAITH HOYT, WITH STEPHANIE LEAL
hen last October’s fires raged Redding community hosts clothing giveaway across California, the loss of During the first weekend of August, churches in the homes and lives devastated com- Northern California Conference rallied to support those munities and left them in a state affected by the Carr fires. At Redding Adventist Academy, of slow recovery. On the heels of over 60 community and Adventist church members from this devastation, even more loss has resulted from the W around the area gathered to set up an expanded God’s fires that began this July. Collectively, the Ferguson, Carr, Closet clothing giveaway in the school gym. On Sunday, Cranston, and Mendocino Complex fires have consumed August 5, 420 people, including victims of the Carr fire, over 550,000 acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and walked through the gym doors to receive clothing for displaced thousands of families. Conferences across their families. California were affected in various ways, and as commu- “I had two individuals thank me with tears as I loaded nity members began putting the pieces of their lives back their bags of clothing into their cars,” said Bill McVay, pas- together, Adventists worked to respond to the needs. tor of the Redding church. In addition to support from
18 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER all the local church pastors and many volunteers, several “The major threat [in this area] is over and we’ve moved organizations were also there to provide aid to the fire into the recovery phase. Now we are figuring out how victims. Simpson University, a Christian university just to pick up the pieces and help people back into some Historically Large down the road from the Redding school, had recently semblance of normalcy.” The Palo Cedro church reached hosted their own clothing drive. Seeing the Redding out to several disaster relief agencies and is also working church’s God’s Closet event on Facebook, the university closely with Adventist Community Services in the Pacific California Fires Impact decided to donate the clothes they had left over. “We Union. received an amazing answer to prayer: 50 boxes of gen- Visit NCCSDA.com to find ways you can help the vic- tly used kids clothes, all sorted and labeled,” said Sigrid tims of the Northern California fires. Communities Across the Pitman, one of the God’s Closet volunteers. During the clothing giveaway, the Red Cross brought a van with relief supplies to the Redding school parking Pacific Southwest lot. According to the volunteers, it was truly a community event.
Palo Cedro members open their homes to fire victims
When Palo Cedro members Roy and Mary Stephens learned of how the fires had affected church members in their area, they decided to take action. Mary, a Red Cross nurse manager and disaster response volunteer for over 25 years, presented the Palo Cedro church with LUCIAN LUCA the needs of the members and started coordinating with those who could open their homes to host fire victims. “We decided to come together as a community of churches,” said Merryl Moore, founder of God’s Closet and manager of the According to the Stephens, all the evacuees they know chapter for Redding. “Adventists are about helping and support- are now staying in church homes, including those in their ing the community in a tangible way. We are being the hands community who aren’t church members. In addition to and feet of Jesus.” housing, other needs are being met as well. “A small group of women decided to feed the families and pray with them and hear their stories,” Mary said. “I started sending out a list with daily updates, including sharing, ‘this is what we need, this is what we bought,’ and we have helped families replace what they’ve lost. Our com- munity is wonderful. Very giving. Not just our churches, but our community.”
Redding area pastors map out long-term plan to aid community in recovery
Seeing the need for long-term recovery efforts, the Redding area pastors met together in early August to CELESTE ASHWORTH map out how their churches can make an impact on the When Celeste Ashworth, a member of the Palo Cedro church, community. “We as pastors are in the stages of planning saw the needs of the families around her, she quickly got to strategies for how we can provide a united front,” said work baking breads, cookies, and cinnamon rolls to bring to the Kevin Kuehmichel, pastor of the Palo Cedro church. families who had lost homes.
18 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER SEPTEMBER 2018 19 CARMEN IBAÑEZ
Staff members at Pine Springs Ranch believe that the camp was release issued by the Central California Conference, spared from being destroyed by the Cranston Fire due to how Norma Villarreal, youth and camp ministries director, much land was already cleared by the Mountain Fire of 2013. said, “It is never easy to interrupt the summer camp min- PSR re-opened in late August. istry. Campers and staff plan their entire year around it; nevertheless, as we faced this unfortunate predicament everyone was very supportive and has expressed their Wawona Campground closes for the summer desire to return next year for another summer camp As fires continue to blaze in Yosemite, many portions of season. Please keep Camp Wawona in your prayers as the national park have closed, including Wawona Camp- we continue to deal with this situation.” Updates on ground and Wawona Road. Wawona summer camp was the camp can be found by visiting Camp Wawona’s cancelled for the remainder of the summer. In a press Facebook page.
20 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Pine Springs Ranch reopens camp
Near Pine Springs Ranch, evacuation notices for the Cranston fire were lifted on August 2 for residents and August 4 for the general public. “Not one flame came through the property,” said Carmen Ibañez, Pine Springs Ranch executive director. According to Ibañez, nothing on campus was affected. Camp staff are recognizing blessings in disguise. “We believe the Mountain Fire from 2013 saved the camp from being completely destroyed,” Ibañez said. Clean up of the camp was completed in ear- ly August, allowing PSR to begin hosting groups again.
Fires ongoing
As of the time of publication, no church or school struc- tures have been lost in these big fires, although reports are that some fires won’t be out until September. In the middle of August, Adventist Health reported that two hospitals—Adventist Health Ukiah Valley and Adventist Health Clear Lake—had 24-hour incident commands where staff were working closely with frontline firefight- ers and local law enforcement to coordinate relief efforts. “We couldn’t be more proud of our teams at both Adventist Health Clear Lake and Adventist Health Ukiah Valley,” said Jill Kinney, executive director of marketing and communications for Adventist Health’s Northern MARY STEPHENS California network. “Despite personal challenges posed In Redding, over 1,000 homes were destroyed by the Carr Fire. from the recent fires and, in some cases, displacements Palo Cedro church members opened their homes to many of from their own homes, our staff remains strong, is the displaced families, and church members volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse to pray with families and help them sift working together with our community partners and is through the rubble to find mementos. committed to doing whatever it takes to meet the needs of the community.” We pray that as you receive this Recorder in September, the fires have been contained and are extinguished. More updates will be posted on the Pacific Union Recorder’s Facebook page. If you would like information about how to help, please visit: www.nccsda.com.
20 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER SEPTEMBER 2018 21 PHOTO PROVIDED BY IKI TAIMI Southern California Conference
Food bank volunteers— including church members and nonmembers— don smiles and matching aprons. “Loving God Is Serving People” at the Gardena Genesis Community Church Food Bank By Lauren Armstrong
ove. This is the theme of the Gardena and local community community residents that volunteer Gardena Genesis Community organizations. Partnerships include to serve,” said Iki Taimi, pastor of Lchurch’s decades-old food bank the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Gardena Genesis Community church. ministry, Mama Rosa’s Pantry. It’s clear in the Feeding America program, and “It creates an opportunity for people the ministry’s unique implementation Gardena Community Services; plus, it to experience service that reaches and dedicated volunteers—and it’s receives donations from Trader Joe’s, past just our church. It also allows clear in the emotion in Food Bank Smart & Final, Amazon, Whole Foods, our church to be part of the lives of Director Jami Levy’s voice. Panera, and more. residents from all over Gardena.” “There’s no reason anyone should It’s about meeting needs—like The most recent outreach go hungry,” Levy stated. giving a cake to someone whose child’s development was the opening of a The food bank, which is open from birthday is coming up. “We want to thrift store run by the church, named 2-5 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays feed and clothe, but most importantly ReGenesis: Restore. Repurpose. Reuse. of every month, serves 400-700 people befriend them,” Levy said. “Frequently, “We have prayed about this service each month. Shelves are stocked with they say, ‘This is an answer opportunity for quite some staples like canned goods, beans, rice, to prayer.’ They’re able to do time and are really excited and cereal. The farmer’s market area extra stuff for their children about opening a thrift store to is stocked with 500-1,000 pounds of that they maybe wouldn’t complement our community fresh fruits and vegetables. About a have been able to do ministries,” Taimi year ago, the team implemented a otherwise.” said. The grand bodega model, which allows guests According opening was held to shop around and choose items to Levy, 50 percent of the food last month, and the thrift store is now versus being handed a prepackaged bank’s major volunteers are from the open 1-4 p.m. on Fridays. box. Guests can also find recipes using community—people who started as These community service items offered in the food bank. customers and now volunteer to work ministries have allowed the church to The food bank receives a great with the food bank. “I love how there live out its motto: “Where Loving God deal of support from the City of are a mix of church members and Is Serving People.”
22 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Southern California Conference
Breath of Life Church Hosts a Baby Shower of Blessing By Nicole Prillerman
n May, the Breath of Life church session. As Eugene J. Hamilton, hosted a Community Baby Shower, an additional pastor of the Breath of Iin partnership with three local service, free Life church. organizations: Great Beginnings for childcare The congregation Black Babies, Claris Health, and the was available wants to be sensitive to the City of Inglewood Police Department. during the needs of the community More than 50 new and expectant shower, so the and to partner with mothers, along with their families, mothers could local entities to provide attended the event. give their full appropriate services As the mothers entered the attention to and resources to meet church’s open doors, they were the festivities. those needs. The church’s “Loving God Is Serving People” met with inviting smiles and warm “Christians mission and greatest hugs. Greeters ushered guests to the have a duty desire is to know Christ at the Gardena Genesis Community Church Food Bank fellowship hall where the shower to be Jesus’ and make Him known was being held. No small detail was hands and feet,” said one guest. “Your through loving service, ultimately overlooked—from the elegant décor to congregation choosing to open your preparing all for His soon return. the charming diaper cakes, delightful doors to bless people on the Sabbath Under Hamilton’s leadership, gift bags, generous gift cards, and with no obligation is what Jesus did the church embarked on a new delicious food. Each mother was shown and would have done.” adventure called the Year of Service how special she is. Although the Breath of Life and committed to #BOLSERVES The shower activities included church set out to serve others, the in 2018. The year started with a a “Baby Shop” where the mothers community is also serving church Community Outreach Day, where the could select items for their baby, a members with the opportunity to entire congregation separated into prize giveaway of baby essentials get to know growing families. “We small groups to serve the elderly and (strollers, diapers, and walkers), look forward to the community ‘baby homeless communities. and an opportunity to engage with blessings’ in the near future so that “It is our desire and prayer to keep two licensed lactation specialists in we may continue to connect with #BOLSERVES thriving well beyond an informal question and answer and minister to these mothers,” said 2018,” said Hamilton. PHOTOS BY KERRY BRATHWAITE KERRY BY PHOTOS
SEPTEMBER 2018 23 Southern California Conference
Love for Learning Grows at San Gabriel Academy By Bonnie Iversen
xciting things are happening “The biology research projects give students at San Gabriel Academy, where the opportunity to use the scientific method almost 100 percent of the teachers E to further explore any topic in science that in transitional kindergarten (TK) through grade 12 have been designing interests them.” curriculum to better correspond with and robotics is sparking an interest in grades 1 and 2 are introduced to the how the brain works. This effort is at all things mechanical and electrical. topic of discovery. Time is spent in the the heart of Adventist education. Mazes and obstacles, which the robots lab to prove or disprove their findings. Cutting-edge teacher training can navigate, are being built by these They measure distance and learn about in brain-based learning is being 5-year-olds! Through coding, drawing, chemistry, the periodic table, and implemented throughout the and building, students learn shapes single displacement chemical reactions curriculum this year. “This training and measurements, and even improve using phenol red, road salt, and baking enhances education by providing their handwriting. soda. They take turns recording each better diagnostics of student learning, A self-sustaining aquaponics system step, and each group produces a video curricula alignment, and stronger shows the relationship among living to show the other groups what they instructional practices,” said Andrew things by circulating water from a have learned. Brain-based learning Carpenter, vice principal. fish tank to a bed of growing plants. continues in the elementary STEM Learning begins in the earliest The fish provide waste materials that (science, technology, engineering, and years, as TK and kindergarten students convert to food for the plants, while math) lab through grade 8. explore robots and their functions. the plants act as a filtering mechanism High school biology classes conduct The tiny robots used are unique in for the water. Students enjoy feeding weekly water quality tests with an their ability to track motion and lines the fish, caring for the plants, and aquaponics system, built by students that the students make with a marker. watching the rapid growth of both. and faculty, to ensure optimal plant Students are discovering that their They have tasted fresh mint leaves, growth and fish health. “The biology robots can also be programmed to smelled fresh basil, and observed research projects give students the respond to different colored lines, changes in water temperature. Organic opportunity to use the scientific and they are learning how to write learning is a kindergarten highlight. method to further explore any topic code. This introduction to coding One day each week, students in in science that interests them,” said biology teacher Alyssa Cheung.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SAN GABRIEL ACADEMY There are 15 ongoing projects, including testing the efficacy of essential oils against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and testing the memory of fish. The next phase includes an aquaponics/greenhouse center. The goals of “serving others, growing in Christ, and aspiring to excellence” are always on the minds of San Gabriel Academy’s administration and faculty, and through these objectives and strategies, students have found a love for learning.
24 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Southern California Conference
(Left) Fedly Bonneau and Pastor Kalu Hser Paul worship with community members Love for Learning in Thailand. (Below) Bonneau is pictured with the van used to transport Grows at San Gabriel Academy BONNEAU FEDLY BY PROVIDED PHOTOS Burmese migrants to medical care.
Bottles 4 Life Brings Hope and Healing in Thailand
By Connie Jeffery
fter the Haiti earthquake in The ministry’s first stop was Mae encourage us during this time of crisis, 2010, Fedly Bonneau, former Sot, Thailand, where there is an and provide food for us so we don’t Apastor in the Southern California influx of undocumented Burmese have to worry about what we will eat. Conference, discovered his passion migrants. “We wanted to start there,” God must have sent you guys.” for helping provide access to proper Bonneau said, “because we discovered A grateful mother who lost medical care for people who cannot the Thai taxi drivers were charging everything trying to help her sick son otherwise obtain it. inflated amounts to transport the said, “Having transportation to the A month after the earthquake, migrants to medical centers.” After hospital is one less thing for me to Bonneau stopped at a Red Cross office converting a donated 1997 Toyota worry about.” and asked how they were able to help van into an ambulance, Bonneau Since January, more than 400 people. “The response from a Red Cross and his team were able to provide patients have been transported, and volunteer was, ‘even though our doors free transportation to and from the more than 3,000 meals have been are open, we haven’t had any supplies medical facilities. They partnered with served. The ministry has touched a cross to help anyone,’” Bonneau recalled. The local clinics and villages who know section of people and faiths. Muslims, group he was traveling with took all they can call B4L whenever someone Buddhists, Christians, and atheists; their supplies and gave them to the Red needs medical care. women, men, children, young adults, Cross office. “I knew then that I needed In addition to transportation, B4L and the elderly; Ghanaians, Thai, Karen, to do something that would help us to provides two vegetarian meals a day Burmese, Chin, and Rhoyingas—all have react quickly in times of emergency.” for parents who have children in the been served by B4L’s ministry. With this motivation, Bonneau and intensive care unit at the general “God has truly blessed us because Austin Adobasom-Anne from Ghana hospital. In the evening, they have we are reaching people with Jesus’ founded Bottles 4 Life, Inc. (B4L), a worship with the parents who sleep in method,” Bonneau said. non-profit organization dedicated to an outdoor seating area. “They know To learn more, visit bottles4life.org providing holistic health care and aid to we are coming,” Bonneau said, “and or like the organization on Facebook the 10/40 Window.* B4L uses donated they sit in a circle waiting for us. We @bottles4life. money from recycled plastics to provide sing songs, pray for them, and share *The region between 10 and 40 medical supplies and transportation Scripture with them. Some have even degrees north of the equator, where to and from local medical centers. visited the local church on Sabbath.” people are the poorest and have the Recycling also helps people to make a One father said, “I cannot believe least access to the gospel of anyone in major impact in their community. someone is willing to pray for my child, the world.
SEPTEMBER 2018 25 La Sierra University
La Sierra Students Find Their Calling in ADRA Amazon Adventure hey endured biting flies, achingly hard work, and lots of rain, but Ashton Hardin, Alefa Afalava, and Elyssa Nuñez would go Tback to the Amazon in a heartbeat. The La Sierra University students, two witnessed, the cultural experiences they seniors and a junior respectively, spent gained, the friendships they July 8-22 with approximately 200 other forged, and especially the Adventist college student volunteers from fulfillment and life direction North and South America participating in an they derived from helping to By Darla extreme adventure project sponsored by the significantly improve the lives of Martin Tucker Adventist Development and Relief Agency others. (ADRA). Ensconced deep in Brazil’s Amazon “This trip really opened our (Above) La Sierra jungle, the students lived on double-decker eyes as to what we want to do in University student river boats, where they slept in hammocks the future and what God’s calling Ashton Hardin gives a Brazilian village at night and spent their days completing the us to do, and we know that it’s girl a piggy-back construction of a school campus nearby. service,” said Hardin, a business ride during the Any hardships the La Sierra students management and legal studies ADRA Connections endured during their mission adventure major, and this year’s student Extreme mission outreach in the paled in comparison to the beauty they association president. “Regardless Amazon jungle.
ANNASIVAK/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCKPHOTOS
26 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER La Sierra University
La Sierra University students were around them. Many of the children among more than 200 student would soon attend school at the ETAM volunteers who traveled down the campus, which was scheduled for Amazon river on several double-decker boats, which also served as sleeping completion that month. quarters while they constructed and “That was the highlight of the trip remodeled a school campus near the for me,” said Nuñez. “We spent all of river. Sabbath with them. We had Sabbath Once docked at their destination, school with the kids, and we went to of whatever we’re doing, it’s about the student volunteers were people’s houses and sang to them; giving back and helping others.” assigned construction tasks. In all, the they told us their stories, how they In total six students from La Sierra volunteers worked on classrooms, lived. They were very touched by the University, along with assistant chaplain a dormitory, a cafeteria, a library, experience. Several of the women cried.” and Center for Outreach & Mission and houses for missionaries. The La The villagers told the students Service leader Linda Biswas, joined the Sierra students painted the inside their arrival and the construction of mission trip titled ADRA Connections and outside of several two-bedroom, the school for their children was an Extreme. Their Brazilian adventure one-bath mission houses where school answer to their prayers. The university began with a 25-hour boat ride from faculty will live. They also installed tile students also experienced life- the ADRA base in the city of Manaus and grout, helped dig four-foot-deep changing impact. up the mighty Amazon to reach the holes for light poles, and performed “I definitely want to do another construction site of the new Adventist other tasks. It was hard work, Afalava mission trip,” said Nuñez. “It’s Technical School of Massauri (ETAM). said, “but it was fun and so fulfilling.” something I don’t think I’ll stop doing. Several boats ferried the volunteer In the midst of all the construction I felt like I was called to help.” students and ADRA coordinators to work, the students were also able to Said Hardin, “I just came back really their destination. experience the exotic abundance of thinking that the mission doesn’t end. La Sierra’s group rode the river the jungle—a jaguar’s paw prints in That even though we completed the with a media team, coordinators, and the mud, a baby crocodile in the river, work, God’s work is actually not done. translators from ADRA. “Within those massive lily pads many feet wide, and We wanted to go back. We didn’t want 25 hours we started to bond with spider moneys, some of which climbed to leave.” everybody on the boat. We shared onto Hardin’s back. (Below left) La Sierra University students’ stories and experiences and had On Sabbath, the students traveled primary tasks involved painting two worships together,” said Nuñez. a couple of hours downriver to reach missionary houses inside and out and “That was so cool,” said Afalava, a remote village of short, tin-roofed installing tile. (Below right) La Sierra an art major and musician. “It was so homes, where their arrival as the University students pause from school construction for a fun photo. Front: Alefa fun because you got to see the stars community’s first outside visitors in Afavala, Ashton Hardin, Lauren Caballero, at night. And we had pink dolphins many years attracted curious and ADRA translator Adriell Araújo, Ellysa follow us.” warm-hearted children who held their Nuñez. Back, Lazarus Valenzuela and hands and clambered ADRA translator Danilo Reis.
For more on this story, visit www.lasierra.edu.
SEPTEMBER 2018 27 Adventist Health
(Below) Simi Valley Mayor Bob Huber presents a city council honor to Jennifer Swenson, president of Adventist Health Simi Valley. Huber helped unveil the film “Life After” at a special private event in February, where he called for the community to rally around heart health awareness.
Visit www.adventisthealth.org/Simi- Valley/pages/learn-give-share.aspx to view the award-winning video. From left to right: Sheri Dungan, RN; Jennifer Swenson, president of Adventist Health Simi Valley; Kathryn M. Stiles, director of community integration; Molly Willson, Shawn Willson, and Angela Willson pose with The Gold Telly Award and city council honor. Dungan was one of the nurses who provided care for Shawn during his heart attack. “Life After” Film Receives The Gold Telly Award
By Kathryn Stiles
ecounting the details of a members shocked his heart 16 times the loving camaraderie and humor traumatic event is never easy. and provided CPR for 52 minutes expressed by Shawn and Angela as RMany people have experienced until they could get a heart rhythm they recounted the events that led up close calls and losses that have caused established. All of this happened in the to his heart attack and how they have them to feel fear, shock, and grief, but hallway of the ER and in front of his lived in the aftermath. Shawn and Angela Willson have turned wife and father-in-law. Shawn’s life was The team felt the best way to depict a brush with death into an outreach saved, and his heart and brain both the story was through digital animation, mission. survived. which resulted in a four-minute film Together, the couple has been What do people do with their lives titled “Life After.” The film uses the recounting their dramatic story of after such a terrifying event? Shawn unscripted and uncoached voices of Shawn’s near-death heart attack since and Angela found healing in reaching Shawn and Angela, telling their story it occurred on April 20, 2015. Shawn out to others and forming a heart in playful yet emotional tones. The film had been experiencing some early patient support group hosted by was released in February 2018, and it warning signs of his heart disease, but the hospital. They have retold their is being utilized by the hospital and he thought they were just symptoms story countless times to people in community groups for heart health of a panic attack. On that Monday the support group, to reporters and education and awareness. morning, stabbing chest pain caused writers, and—most recently—to the On May 22, 2018, “Life After” won him to realize he needed to get to an creative team at Pathfinder Films. a prestigious national award, The emergency room immediately. Adventist Health Simi Valley asked Gold Telly Award, beating out other Angela drove him to the nearest Pathfinder Films to help tell Shawn animated submissions by Google, hospital, Adventist Health Simi Valley, and Angela’s story in a way that could Amazon, FoxSports, Harvard, PepsiCo, where it was confirmed that he was help others learn how to pay attention and others. This award is a tribute indeed having a heart attack. As he was to the early warning signs of heart to the story and the relationship of transported to the cath lab, his heart disease. Filmmakers Leif Ramsey and Shawn and Angela. As the film gets stopped. The medical team rushed into Chris Stiles interviewed the couple for recognition, everyone involved in the action, shocking his heart and starting several hours, drawing out the story project hopes that many others will CPR. in their natural, unscripted voices. The recognize early signs of heart disease Adventist Health Simi Valley team film’s creative team was inspired by and seek help.
28 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Pacific Union College
Who is My Neighbor? PUC introduces new missions emphasis in religion
By Becky St. Clair
ission and service have always students to take online prerequisite requires students to develop an ethics held prominent roles in the courses in missions for PUC course of service and justice portfolio for just Mcurriculum at Pacific Union credit. These courses supplement and this purpose. College, and now the department of complement the courses already in Sheldon intends to adopt the theology has a new missions emphasis. place in PUC’s department of theology. model developed by Adventist Frontier “I found myself asking God what Together with six credits of field Missions, which adapts local folk project I should tackle,” said Jean service abroad and PUC’s theology traditions and stories into traditional Sheldon, professor of Old Testament, prerequisites, these courses provide mission methods, such as door-to-door “and mission is what came to mind— students with a degree in religion and Bible studies and evangelism seminars and a flood of ideas with it.” an emphasis in missions. to explain the gospel, as well as simply Sheldon harbors much devotion Students choose which region becoming one with the people—living to the mission field, having taught of the world they wish to focus on: among them long-term, learning the at Hong Kong Adventist College South America, Central America, Asia, language and the culture, and making for several years, where 90 out of or Africa. “They can use these skills friends. Once relationships have 100 students she taught were non- anywhere in the world,” Sheldon said. been built, doors to introducing the Adventist. When she attended a global “Taking just one of these courses will concepts of the gospel will open easily. community development conference give students additional opportunity “We are in a global world, in a held by Southern Adventist University to partner with people and do it well.” global community,” Sheldon said. (SAU), she fell in love with the missions “Employers want to know where “We’re neighbors with almost anyone model they described. “Instead of you stand on ethical issues,” Sheldon in the world. The Great Commission going to ‘fix’ people, we go to partner explained. “Are you well-versed in has not gone away, and we cannot with them,” Sheldon said. “We go to those issues? Have you grappled simply inspire our young people to make what they dream of doing a with them? Do you have a strong go and serve; we must also prepare success.” core for justice? This isn’t a unique them to do so.” A partnership with SAU allows PUC approach anymore, but it’s still new to For more information about the Adventism.” department of theology and the The Christian Ethics and missions emphasis at PUC, visit puc. Society course is focused on the edu/admissions, or call (800) 862-7080, concept of justice, and Sheldon, option 2, to talk with an enrollment who teaches the course, counselor.
(Above) Students earning a missions emphasis at PUC choose which region of the world they wish to focus on— South and Central America, Asia, or Africa. (Right) PUC religion majors earning an emphasis in missions can use their skills anywhere in the world, giving them additional opportunity to partner well with others.
SEPTEMBER 2018 29 Arizona Conference
Volunteers plant beautiful flower beds throughout the camp.
MaranathaTransform Camp Volunteers Yavapines
By Phil Draper
n April, 55 volunteers from Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, New York, and Pennsylvania arrived at Camp Yavapines in Prescott, Arizona, to Itackle some major projects before camp meeting and summer camp began. Maranatha Volunteers International of winter freezes had taken their toll cabins, fixed the bunk beds, hung is a non-profit organization that on the aging pool. Volunteers cracked drywall, replaced window frames, coordinates short-term mission trips the cement deck with jackhammers and repaired doors. Some built and and volunteer projects throughout and chipped away the blue tiles by painted new picnic tables. Other the world, including an annual project hand. They constructed a new stem projects included pouring 285 feet of at Camp Yavapines. Nineteen first- wall and a new patio with overhead sidewalk, trimming trees, removing time Maranatha volunteers worked on sun shades, and also added new underbrush, and planting flowers this project. wrought iron fences after removing throughout the camp. Volunteers renovated the camp’s the old fencing. Carolyn Houghton served as the swimming pool in a major way. Years They energetically painted the project’s leader. “When my husband,
Camp Yavapine’s swimming pool is transformed, thanks to the volunteers.
30 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Arizona Conference
“I am here because I heard the call.” Abby, a Maranatha volunteer from California
John, and I saw the pool project on projects at the camp for three years. extremely well, and leave exhausted, April 1, we couldn’t believe what we Two women drove from Florida to but happily satisfied with a job well were going to be doing. It was a huge help paint and plant flowers. One done.” project,” she said. “I called six friends in volunteer had the necessary skills to The team praised Scott and Angie RVs to come a week early to help with help repair bathrooms. A Christian Blake, the camp’s directors, for their prep work. God sent the people we family from Colorado heard about leadership and hospitality, as well needed. Two came who knew how to the project from a chance meeting as for challenging the volunteers lay tile for the pool, both first-timers with a woman in Mexico. They came with incredible projects. The Blakes with Maranatha.” and enjoyed the fellowship and were grateful for the work that Each team member made a unique vegetarian food. was accomplished. “Words cannot contribution to the project with a Leaders emerged who took charge adequately express our appreciation willing heart and an eagerness to and made the work go quickly. Several for these incredible Maranatha work on tough projects. Steve from of the volunteers have worked on 50- volunteers who provided much- California works in a district attorney’s 75 Maranatha projects in the United needed help to our camp!” said Scott office, but he learned how to spray States and around the world. Blake. paint, hang drywall, and trim trees. “About 20 of us return [to Camp Houghton is recruiting volunteers Mary, a God-sent worship leader, took Yavapines] each year, work in hot or for next year’s Camp Yavapines a year off from her job to volunteer cold, rain or snow, to enjoy Maranatha project. “Join us next year around the around the world with Maranatha volunteer camaraderie,” said same time,” she said. “It’s what we do and another rebuild and restore Houghton. “We love meeting again in in April. Challenge yourself. Learn new group. A couple from California have some random place during the year, skills. Make new friends. See God at led the landscape and tree trimming totally by chance. We work hard, eat work every day.”
Maranatha workers pour a new sidewalk.
To volunteer next year, contact Carolyn Houghton at (541) 261-6901. She will be thrilled to have you on her team!
SEPTEMBER 2018 31 Arizona Conference
New Faces, Same Mission: Quality Adventist Education Continues in the Arizona Conference By Gus Martin
A new school year has brought a number of new faculty and staff members to Arizona Conference schools.
The Hand of God own children to attend an Adventist education. One recent story illustrates how school. Immediately a phone interview Nic Reichert is the new TAA God is leading in the hiring process was scheduled. This resulted in the registrar, tasked with providing at AC schools. For many weeks the Yuma school hiring Benitez. She guidance to students so that all position of teacher/principal at Yuma loves the Lord and is passionate for academic requirements are met for Adventist Christian School had been Adventist education. graduation. Reichert has been working advertised, but no one had responded at the school as an English teacher, to the posting. Former teacher/ Thunderbird Adventist Academy as well as coaching various sports. He principal Joan Collins reminded the Jeff Rogers is the new principal has demonstrated strong academic school board members that God of Thunderbird Adventist Academy expectations for his students and would provide the right person. (TAA). He brings a wealth of possesses great organization and A month later an email arrived from experience to his role, including his communication skills. Angie Benitez in Spain. Her husband, five years of service as principal of stationed at the U.S. military base, Thunderbird Christian Elementary Other Arizona Educators was going to be relocated during the School. He has also served in other New AC faculty and staff for this summer to Yuma. She asked if there positions within the denomination. school year include: were any teaching openings available. His passion is working with high • Adobe Adventist Christian She was an educator and wanted her school students, teaching history, School—Paula McElvania, teacher/ coaching, and seeing the academy principal succeed. Rogers wants students to • Glenview Adventist Academy— create memories—academic, spiritual, Cody Blake, middle school teacher athletic, and social—that they will • Maricopa Village Christian cherish forever. School—Patrice Laura, teacher/ Valbert Francis is the new business principal; Ila Rice, teacher’s aide manager for TAA. He has served • Prescott Adventist Christian the conference as the executive School - Jennifer Montalban, teacher administrative assistant in the assistant ministerial/evangelism department. • Saguaro Hills Adventist Christian Previously he served the conference’s School - David Smith, teacher/ Regional ministries department. principal He has also worked in the Florida • Thunderbird Christian Elementary Conference as the treasurer for Beryl School - Rochelle Stanton, principal; Wisdom Adventist School. Francis Nicole Handysides, Lisa Heisey, Teresa holds a business/accounting degree Greene, Landon Banks, teachers from the University of Phoenix, and he • Yuma Adventist Christian has a strong commitment to Adventist School—Angie Benitez, teacher/ Thunderbird Adventist Academy’s new principal; Justine Dixon, teacher administrative team consists of (left to Please keep all the AC educators right) Valbert Francis, treasurer; Jeff and school staff in prayer as they Rogers, principal; and Nick Reichert, minister to the spiritual and academic registrar. needs of the students.
32 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Nevada-Utah Conference
A New School SuperintendentFarewell andComes Welcome: to the Nevada-Utah Conference By Faith Hoyt
Retiring from the NUC these strengths, we also help develop After serving the Nevada-Utah students’ characters. Seeing the need Conference for three years, Eileen for this type of education has had an White has retired from her role as impact on me.” superintendent of schools. “Dr. White While orienting the incoming has been a valuable part of our team,” superintendent of schools, Fernando said Leon Brown, NUC president. “She Lista, in late June, White remarked leaves a legacy of Christ-centered that Lista is the gift that will keep on philosophy and her commitment to giving. “He is committed to Adventist excellence in education. She will be education, to quality instruction, truly missed.” and to our young people,” she said. “I White taught and served as a believe the strides we have made for Eileen White has recently retired as senior administrator for over 35 years. ‘something better’ will continue.” NUC superintendent of schools. “This “I always thought that Adventist Now in retirement, White enjoys was the first time I’ve worked for the denomination; I enjoyed being able to education had an edge, academically travelling and going on mission trips work for the Lord,” she said. and spiritually,” she said. “In addition to with her husband.
Joining the NUC Academy, and Atlanta Adventist teachers and administrators in our Starting in early July, Fernando International School. conference,” he said. “I pray that we will Lista joined the NUC as the new From opening a brand-new school be united in purpose and mission to superintendent of schools. Lista from scratch, to working in a multigrade prepare our children for a life of service previously worked as principal/ classroom setting, Lista’s experiences in this world and in the world to come.” teacher at Hawaiian Mission Academy, have given him a broad scope of A native of Argentina, Lista is married Windward Campus (HMA). “My the needs of educators. “I think God to Cristine. They have two boys, Dallan, family and I were not expecting this sends us out to different places and age 7, and Kian, age 5. opportunity,” he said. “When God calls, allows us to experience different we must respond.” opportunities as a preparation for Lista has a BA in education and in what comes next,” Lista said. theology from River Plate Adventist He is excited to meet and University and a Master of Science in work with the educators in the Education from Southern Adventist conference. “I believe there are University. He is currently finishing truly devoted and spiritually driven his Ph.D. in leadership from Andrews Fernando Lista joins the NUC as the University. His experience in new superintendent of schools. Lista education includes serving previously worked as a principal/teacher as both teacher and principal for Hawaiian Mission Academy, Windward of HMA, Glenview Adventist Campus. He and his wife, Cristine, have two boys, Dallan and Kian.
Support the Ministry of Adventist Education! Three ways you can get involved: 1. Support the worthy student fund Learn more about or conference advance. (See tithe envelope for details.) Adventist education at: 2. Save box tops for your local school. nucadventist.com/education. 3. Pray for NUC schools. SEPTEMBER 2018 33 The Quincy church youth group stands Nevada-Utah Conference with Barlow on top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. NINA HARRIS HARRIS NINA BOBI TUCKER TUCKER BOBI
The Susanville church is one of three congregations that Barlow pastored for over a decade. One of his favorite things about pastoring is teaching from the pulpit. (Above) An avid outdoorsman, Randy Barlow enjoys hiking and backpacking trips with church members.
Pastor Randy Barlow Retires After More Than 40 Years in God’s Service By Faith Hoyt
fter over 40 years of preaching sermons, baptizing, and sharing the gospel, Randy Barlow has retired from pastoral ministry. Barlow, who served at conferences in both Athe Pacific Union and North Pacific Union, feels grateful to have experienced what he considers the biggest blessing of his life: a journey in ministry.
BOBI TUCKER
34 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Nevada-Utah Conference
Barlow leads the Junior class during Vacation Bible School at the Quincy church. He believes in the importance of mentoring young people and giving them another Christian role model.
When Barlow stepped into his first role as a pastor for the Upper Columbia Conference in January of 1978, he anticipated only serving short term. He planned to obtain a doctoral degree in Old Testament studies and teach Bible at an Adventist academy. What he didn’t plan on was how much he loved pastoral ministry. “Once I started NINA HARRIS pastoring, I never even gave my Ph.D. a second thought,” he said. leading hikes and backpacking him not to come because of bad Barlow’s first job was an trips in Yosemite, to spending weather,” Harris said. “The roads internship under Pastor Marlo countless hours supporting local were extremely unreliable, and we Fralick, who became a life- schools, Barlow always found knew he would try to come.” long mentor. Encouraged by ways to include members in his Barlow’s dedication was a mentorship and heartened by favorite pastimes, as well as make trademark wherever he went, camaraderie with other pastors, a difference in causes for which he including South Korea. In 2003, he Barlow immersed himself in cared deeply. joined the General Conference as his work. “I really love prayer Not only did his congregations a mission appointee and served meeting and teaching from the appreciate his active participation as an academic dean for a school pulpit,” he said. in church activities, such as in South Korea. Though health He also enjoyed fellowship outdoor trips and local outreach challenges required Barlow to with his congregations. From efforts, they also felt blessed by move back to the United States in his leadership. “He encouraged 2007, he didn’t lose his optimism, the church’s talents and but rather looked to God for His leadership. He trusted us and next plan. That year, Barlow joined empowered us to do the work,” the Nevada-Utah Conference as a said Nina Harris, secretary for pastor for the Susanville, Quincy, the Quincy church. “Through his and Greenville churches. Christ-like and humble example, “Looking back on how God has he brought us closer to Christ.” worked in my life, I am just in awe Barlow’s members say he has of how He has led me,” said Barlow. a soft-spoken nature and a calm “Despite my weaknesses and demeanor. They also describe him failings, He still has blessed.” as having a steady character. They Barlow retired in mid-July. After knew that if they needed him, over four decades in God’s service, rain or shine, Pastor Barlow would he is looking forward to seeing be there. “Once we had to beg what God has planned next. His Barlow baptizes Taylor McKinney journey in ministry has convinced after studying with her in the him that God’s plans are the best NINA HARRIS Junior Sabbath school class. ones.
SEPTEMBER 2018 35 Holbrook Indian School JOSEF KISSINGER JOSEF
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
Beyond the Classroom: Fred Bruce Teaches HIS Students Lessons for Life By Katie Freeland
onfidence. Perseverance. Accomplishment. Knowledge. These are all words to describe the kinds of lessons the students at Holbrook Indian School (HIS) learn, not only in the Cacademic setting but also in vocational classes taught by Fred Bruce. Bruce does a lot at Holbrook. He’s ranch, Bruce had first-hand experience him a wide variety of professional a jack of all trades, who happens with the trades he now teaches. He experiences. “I’ve taught vocational or also to be a master of them, too. He graduated with a degree in industrial industrial classes at different schools teaches horsemanship, welding, education from Southwestern at different times and worked at woodworking, and auto mechanics, Adventist University. summer camps,” said Bruce. “Prior along with maintaining all of the Eight and a half years ago, he to coming [to Holbrook], we were vehicles on campus. Growing up on a moved to Holbrook, bringing with at Cohutta Springs [Youth Camp]
36 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER
Holbrook Indian School JOSEF KISSINGER JOSEF
for about six and a half years, and I than you can, it’s bigger than you are, was in charge of all of the outdoor but yet it works for you. Why does it recreation.” work for you?” Asked about his most rewarding Bruce talks to the students about experience, he said: “Seeing the kids the creation story in Genesis when succeed—that’s what teaching is all God gave man dominion over the about. It’s helping them learn.” animals. “He made us smarter so that Bruce’s students not only learn we can use our minds to work with valuable vocational skills, they also their minds,” he said. “By God giving learn life lessons in some unexpected us dominion over them, He gave us places. the authority to use them, but not to abuse them. I stress the fact: ‘How cool Building Confidence with is this? You take this horse that’s 1,000 Horsemanship pounds and ask it to do something, “Probably the biggest thing that and it obeys!’” everybody gets from [horsemanship] Bruce reflected on a young is that it boosts their confidence,” said man named Adrian who recently Bruce. “I like to talk to them about how graduated from HIS. At first, Adrian this horse that weighs 1,000 pounds is wouldn’t take a horsemanship class stronger than you are, it can run faster because he was afraid. Yet he was still BENEDICTTERRY
SEPTEMBER 2018 37 Holbrook Indian School TERRY BENEDICTTERRY
bravery is?” Bruce asked but Bruce encourages them by him. “It’s being scared saying, “You can do it; you just have but doing it anyway to go slowly, step by step, and build because that’s what you up your skill and achieve.” want to do or feel you Eventually the student will make need to do.” a nice weld and be proud of it. Eventually, Adrian Many of these students have been was able to work his way demoralized in the past by their home up from riding a very lives. “To see them hang in there, small horse to one of the persevere, accomplish, and then bigger horses. “He felt realize that they can do these things is really good that he was a pretty good feeling,” said Bruce. RUSTY MCKEE able to be brave and to interested. One day, during the HIS conquer his fear,” said Bruce. “And Feeling Accomplishment with summer program, he decided to try now he loves riding.” Woodworking to ride a horse. “So we started really Bruce realizes the importance of basic, talked about how the horses Learning Perseverance through creativity in woodworking. He teaches think, see, and react, and taught Welding the students the basics of quality how to approach the horses safely, “One of my favorite things is woodworking, helps them learn how to how to put on the halters, tie them seeing the kids realize what they can use the tools, and gives them options up, groom them, work around them, accomplish,” said Bruce. “Then they for what to build. But the students and get more comfortable,” said come in and see how much time and come up with their own plans. Bruce. practice it takes to develop a skill.” But Adrian was still scared. “Do The students get discouraged, you know what the definition of TERRY BENEDICTTERRY
38 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Holbrook Indian School RUSTY MCKEE
“I tell them that I want them to you want to fix it yourself, you can Passing the Torch make the dimensions, decide exactly save money, but if you don’t want to Bruce looks forward to passing on how they want to design it, and then fix it yourself, at least you have some his legacy. “One boy that I think of in follow the plan and accomplish it,” knowledge [to prevent] getting taken particular went all four years in high he said. “I want them to realize that advantage of,” he said, referring to school to HIS. He took welding, he took they can set a goal, make a plan, and dishonest mechanics. woodworking, he took mechanics, and stick with that plan.” In addition to learning how to fix he took horsemanship. In fact, he took This, obviously, applies to much cars, students also learn to maintain woodworking and horsemanship more more than just woodworking. them to have the best performance than one year,” said Bruce. “The last possible. Bruce stresses that learning couple years he was here, he ended up Shaping Knowledge in Auto how a vehicle works will help prevent being my helper with the other kids. Mechanics mistakes in the future. This encourages He graduated last year, and he told me Along with maintaining the the students to take care of the things his goal is to come back to Holbrook vehicles on campus, Bruce also they are blessed with now and in the and ‘be me’ when I retire. I hope he teaches auto mechanics. “I try to future, and to prepare them for car does do that, and he seems to be approach them with the idea that if ownership when they’re older. working that direction.”
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 first- Seventh-day Adventist through eighth-grade day school on the Navajo DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty percent P.O. Box 910 of funding comes from individuals who have Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 a desire to support Native American ministries (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) and Christian education. Your generosity [email protected] makes a difference in the lives of our students, HolbrookIndianSchool.org their families, and the communities they serve. Thank you for your support.
SEPTEMBER 2018 39 Central California Conference
From July 12–21, the Central California Conference celebrated the 138th session of its Soquel Camp Meeting and the 70th anniversary of the event at its current location, the Soquel Conference Center. Soquel Camp Meeting Celebrates 70 Years at Current Location
By Cindy R. Chamberlin
rom July 12–21, the Central California Conference (CCC) celebrated the 138th session of its Soquel Camp Meeting and the 70th anniversary of the event at its current location, the Soquel Conference FCenter. This year’s theme was “His Word Shaping Our Story.” Nearly 4,000 people at more than the original camp meeting. They also Rojas, director of MOVEmentum, and 1,100 campsites registered throughout got to see a 1940s-era living room, Henry Wright, long-time pastor, now the week, and more than 10,000 were complete with historic furnishings and retired. Revelation of Hope praise in attendance each Sabbath. Adventist memorabilia. team performed songs from previous As a salute to Soquel’s legacy, the Celebrating History daily television broadcast segments The 10-day event was designed to featured historians, retro black and take camp meeting goers back to the white video openers, and a voiceover campground’s founding year, 1948. from the late George Vandeman, Attendees enjoyed daily historical keynote speaker at the 1948 meetings. Did You Know? video segments, a In addition, John Leopold, first district commemorative postcard of the Main supervisor for Santa Cruz County, Auditorium, interviews with historians, provided a video tribute to Adventism banners highlighting yesteryear, and within Santa Cruz County. testimonies from those who attended Keynote speakers were José
40 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Central California Conference
Recording Artist Michael Harris sings during his concert on the first Sabbath. The Youth and Young Adult division meetings lead to multiple baptisms.
(Above) Pastor Howard Tello camp meeting baptizes his son in the Main decades. Recording Auditorium. artists Michael Harris and Steve Darmody presented Sabbath concerts.
Prayer Warriors attended Sunday’s annual ABC at reaching out to neighborhoods Before camp meeting, Joyce Auditorium Sale. Louw also arranged utilizing practical tools such as Mulligan, CCC Prayer Ministries for a midweek treat: the showing of hammers, paint, and lawnmowers. director, led a prayer walk throughout Hell and Mr. Fudge, a Christian movie One community neighbor was the grounds, attended by more than addressing the doctrine of a non- expecting guests but had no one to 120 lay people. Main Auditorium everlasting hell. help her with her yard. Distraught, she programming strategically made began praying. Within an hour a group room for all types of prayer, and Youth and Young Adult Divisions of teens knocked on her door and the prayer team met together daily During the 10 days, Michael Kelly, soon had her yard in shape. throughout the event. Joshua Nelson, David Machado, Amie Many young people made decisions Register, Subodh Pandit, and others to follow God’s call during camp Adventist Book Center spoke to the young people. Rojas meeting. Multiple baptisms took place Adventist Book Center (ABC) was the speaker for CCC’s first-ever at Soquel and at the nearby Monterey manager Trevor Louw and his staff Youth and Young Adult joint service, Bay Academy beach. “Overall, this displayed a large selection of Christian attended by more than 600. camp meeting rates as one of the best books for sale. More than 400 people During the week, youth teams went in Soquel history,” said Anil Kanda, CCC door to door offering Youth and Young Adult director. free yard work. Their outreach to Children’s Divisions the community was Lisa Plasencia, CCC Children’s based on Life Hope Ministry director, and volunteer staff Missions (LHM), a new worked tirelessly with more than 1,382 CCC initiative aimed registered children in four divisions. The Beginners Tent had two new centers. One encouraged kids to show God’s love through play activities, and the other taught (Left) Stephen Eastwood, pastor of Merced sign language. Olive East and Mariposa churches, prays with a The Kindergarten young camp meeting goer. (Above) Revelation Tent helped of Hope praise team performs songs from the past. (Right) Children’s programming brings preschoolers learn to smiles to little faces. be strong by equipping
SEPTEMBER 2018 41 Central California Conference
themselves with a Bible verse did in and through the Hispanic a day. These verses came alive Ministries Department,” said with skits, elaborate backdrops, Antonio Huerta, Hispanic Ministries and crafts. director. Church members who attended the first Soquel Camp Meeting in 1948 The Primary Tent featured an join with Joe Reynolds, former CCC interactive maze, including a rock wall, Evangelism pastor and historian. a slide, and a waterfall. Each student Soquel Camp Meeting, known received a free children’s Bible labeled for its emphasis on evangelism, with a reminder of God’s love. has brought in over $690,000 The Junior Tent offered Bible for evangelism since July 2018. studies with various pastors, daily Near the end of the convocation, Pictured here in 1947 is the land robust hikes, and community a donor made an open-ended that would eventually be the home outreach projects. pledge promising 10 percent of the of Soquel Camp Meeting. future earnings of a newly formed Hispanic Tent company. This pledge has the This year brought the largest-ever possibility of becoming a significant crowds to the Hispanic Tent, with gift. more than 2,000 in attendance each A new evangelism initiative Sabbath. Attendees appreciated titled “One Dollar a Day” was speakers like Arnaldo Cruz, senior launched at Soquel, challenging pastor of the Pilgrims Spanish church members with limited finances to in Florida. The Hispanic Tent also pledge a dollar a day for a year. featured recognition of those serving Noemi Gallego, a CCC CROSS in the Armed Forces, a youth-driven trainer (Bible worker) from the praise team, and an anointing service. Visalia (English) church, gave her Many young people were involved in testimony. Last year, she and her various aspects of the programming. husband pledged three times In all, nine people were baptized. more to evangelism than they had “We praise God for what He
42 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Central California Conference
(Left) CCC’s Communication department broadcasts live news segments from a studio designed to look like a 1940s-era living room. (Middle) Adventist Singles Adult originally planned. Heavily in debt, download a Soquel Camp Meeting Ministries (ASAM) provides a tent for singles to relax throughout the day. they stepped out in faith. Shortly frame for their Facebook profiles. (Right) Some members of (CAPTS) after making that pledge, Gallego The communication department Camp Meeting Main Auditorium was offered a new job as a hospital also unveiled a new app: CCC SDA, Programming and Technology team chaplain. Not only did the couple pay featuring online giving, live streaming, gather in the Green Room behind the Main Auditorium. their pledge in full, God also helped a video archive section, a public prayer them pay off all their debts. wall, and a plethora of features yet to SAM’s Café, a time for refreshments Culminating testimonies like this come. and fellowship after the evening one and other evangelism efforts meetings. More than 50 singles resulted in a number of baptisms, Life Hope Centers attended Sabbath potlucks and including those during camp meeting From July 16–20, Dr. Ed Urbina, more than 30 attended Brown Bag and at the Main Auditorium. At the Life Hope Center (LHC) director, Seminars during lunch hours. latter service, seven people made and his team of volunteer medical “We enjoyed great success thanks decisions for Jesus. professionals ran health clinics, to the support of Steve Horton and providing vision, dental, and medical CCC administration,” said Debra Media services for underserved, underinsured, Sulen, CCC ASAM director. “I am so More than 40 communication staff and non-insured members and guests. thankful that our conference is a members produced and broadcast Also, Urbina offered a free dental leader in singles’ ministry.” over 73 hours of live television. Daily assisting training class each weekday. programs aired on Hope Church During a Sabbath panel urging Summary Channel, LiveStream, and Facebook members to volunteer, Betty Lara’s “This year’s camp meeting was Live. Main Auditorium meetings testimony was shared. Two years ago very special,” said Ramiro Cano, received up to 100,000 views on Lara was served at the LHC Hollister CCC president. “Of the last 20 I have social media alone. In addition, social Clinic. She was so impressed by the participated in, this will go down as media users received all-campus dental staff who helped her that she one of the most profound, inspiring updates throughout the day and could enrolled in a dental assisting program experiences for me personally. I thank in her area. When she discovered that the Lord for the many dedicated LHC was coming back to Hollister, she hands that came together to make encouraged her program director and this annual event a reality.” entire class to volunteer. Soquel Camp Meeting 2018 brought attention to many ministries, Adventist Singles Adult Ministries provided spiritual food, fostered Adventist Singles Adult Ministries fellowship, and offered stimulating (ASAM) hosted a tent that provided a classes and seminars. In this place for singles to relax throughout celebrative year, CCC members were the day. ASAM also invited singles to prompted to remember the past, but Dr. Ed Urbina, Life Hope Center also to go forward boldly—allowing director, and his team provide vision, God’s Word to shape their story—and dental, and medical services. the story that is yet to come!
SEPTEMBER 2018 43 Brian Neal, commitment director, and George Southeastern California Conference King, vice president of Black ministries, join together during the offering appeal as they encourage the audience to give.
Black Ministries Camp Meeting Hosts AMEN Clinic, Honors Retiring Leaders
By Becky St. Clair
he theme of the recent Black Ministries Camp Meeting 2018 was “Homecoming.” The event featured speakers Eldeen King, Abraham Jules, Rebecca Davis, Kyle Crawford, Marc Raphael, Tand Samuel Green—a 12-year-old from Jackson, Mississippi, who led the children’s services. The Southeastern California it used to be an annual inclusion. The Conference held its first-ever Black event honored George King, current Ministries Camp Meeting (BMCM) on vice president for Black ministries, the campus of La Sierra University in and Neal—both of whom plan to 1991. Heading the charge alongside retire this year. Gerald Penick, vice president for Additionally, BMCM’s first-ever Black ministries, was Brian Neal, then Adventist Medical Evangelism associate youth ministries director Network (AMEN) health clinic for senior youth ministries at the provided speakers who gave conference. Over the years the event presentations on current issues in grew, finally coming to its current home, women’s health, the connection the Riverside Convention Center. between dental health and heart “Camp meeting is an opportunity disease, HIV, and human behavior for church members to step outside and personality types. The clinic the walls of their regular week-to- also offered health services such week church and meet 3,000 other as dental exams, dental cleanings members from all over Southern and extractions, eye exams, California,” said Neal, now SECC health screenings, and medical commitment director. “We sing, pray, consultations. (Top) A medical volunteer assists a patient and her son during the health and cry together and realize we’re “Ellen White encourages us to clinic held at the Mt. Rubidoux church not alone as individual churches—we use the health message to draw during this year’s Black Ministries have a whole organization walking the interest of the people and then Camp Meeting. (Above) Camp meeting and worshiping alongside us.” educate on how to take care of features worship services for all ages, allowing everyone from children to A highlight this year was the our bodies,” said Del Grace, Black adults to connect with each other. Gospel Jubilee, a throwback to when ministries health services volunteer
44 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Southeastern California Conference coordinator and pediatric nurse (Right top) George King, vice practitioner. “This ensures better president of Black ministries, health and a greater service for the welcomes church members to the divine worship service at the Master,” she said. Riverside Convention Center. AMEN clinics increase the (Right below) Young adults pray community’s awareness of health for each other in groups for their issues impacting minority groups, specific prayer requests. such as heart disease related to helping families manage money obesity, stroke, hypertension, and lack well didn’t make sense,” he of access to health care. The clinic was said. “So I did a lot of financial the final stop in a month-long health training, helping people expo throughout Riverside and San understand how to partner with Bernardino counties. God financially. When King and Neal both plan to the family is healthy, the retire on Oct. 1. King has been vice church is healthy—in all president for Black ministries since aspects.” 2002, but has served the church for King said the most 46 years—29 of those in SECC. Neal important lesson he is perhaps one of the longest-serving learned during his career employees in the conference’s history, was to empower others to having served for more than 40 years. lead. During the course of During Neal’s 25 years of working his leadership, SECC Black with young people, he developed ministries started two a relationship with the founder of new churches, purchased the Crystal Cathedral in Orange three church buildings, upgraded or upcoming retirements, both men still County, allowing the conference remodeled all its church plants, and see ways to improve their ministries. to hold several youth rallies there. increased membership and tithe in They would like to continue to plant “We worked hard to create a non- its churches. new churches and enrich the ones traditional event to engage today’s King was especially supportive of they have, as well as to engage and young people,” Neal said. “It seemed camp meeting, believing its purpose equip young people to lead. to work because we saw many is to enlarge the church’s vision of “George is a wise leader,” Neal people attend the rallies who had not what it means to be part of the family said of his longtime friend and been regularly attending church.” of God. “This major yearly event coworker. “He trusts and is trusted; Neal took his experience with brings our people together,” he said. he is patient, collaborative, and young people into his work as “It’s a time for them to recharge their respected. He is a good man to have commitment director, starting with spiritual batteries, make new friends, as a friend, and many people will the basics. “I always felt like asking and rededicate themselves to God.” tell you this. It has been an honor to people to give money, but not Despite their serve alongside him.” King reciprocated, saying, Abraham Jules, guest speaker and “All leaders need a friend like senior pastor of the Community Brian. He is knowledgeable, a Worship Center in New York, wise counselor, and a faithful speaks during the divine worship service. (Right) Crafts and friend.” stories are part of For information on the program for some SECC’s Black ministries, visit of the younger camp seccblackmin.adventistfaith. meeting attendees. org. For information about AMEN clinics, including how to host one at a church, school, or business, visit amenclinics.com.
SEPTEMBER 2018 45 Southeastern California Conference
Yucaipa Valley Spanish Church Members Burn Their Mortgage By Cynthia Mendoza
ucaipa Valley Spanish church made in February 2018. “There is a members celebrated making real sense of gratitude that the Lord Ytheir final church mortgage has really blessed them,” Guizar said of payment with a symbolic mortgage the members and their happiness at burning ceremony on Sabbath, June having paid off the debt. 23. Through the years the church not It was an accomplishment 10 years only had to pay the mortgage but in the making. also operational expenses, a total of
Located on 4th Street in Yucaipa, approximately $9,000 a month. “As I ENNO MUELLER the 18,000-square-foot property listen to the stories of faith challenges was acquired in 2007. Since then, and financial sacrifices, I can see that the congregation has been working the Lord provided every month,” Harold Guizar preaches during the diligently to pay off the total Guizar said. “We call these stories special celebration service as his wife, mortgage and interest amount of ‘monthly miracles.’” Debora Guizar, interprets his sermon $1.2 million. While there were various The mortgage payment journey into English. other sources of funding, much of the was one rich in God’s providence. member of the congregation offered money was raised through fundraising When the members began a search to pay the remaining balance from concerts, yard sales, walkathons for their own building in 2004, her personal savings. “I think this is the and, most of all, the heartfelt the initial plan was to purchase a time to use it,” she said. personal sacrifice of members of the 10,000-square-foot piece of land on Guests at the June 23 celebration congregation. Bryant Street and build from scratch. included Sandra Roberts, When Harold Guizar became pastor But those plans did not come to Southeastern California Conference of the Yucaipa Valley Spanish church fruition. Shortly thereafter, they came president; Jonathan Park, executive in 2016, he focused on continuing the across the 4th Street property with all secretary; Alberto Ingleton, vice efforts to pay off the mortgage. His the necessary buildings, including the president for Hispanic ministries; and initial thought was that it would take church, gym, and multipurpose room. other friends and supporters of the another three to four years, but God According to Guizar, when the congregation. The ceremony included had other plans. Within 17 months church was just under $7,000 away the burning of a sheet of paper, of his arrival, the final payment was from paying off the mortgage, a symbolizing the mortgage. Members of the Yucaipa Valley Spanish church are now focused on other important projects, including updating their media technology system to be able to focus on more evangelism, as well as lighting and blacktop for the parking lot. “We feel profoundly thankful to God for this blessing,” said Tulio Peverini, a retired pastor and longtime member of the Yucaipa Valley Spanish church who was part of the project from the very Church leaders burn a symbolic mortgage paper. beginning. “We feel great joy. God was HALDEN GUIZAR HALDEN so good to us,” he said.
46 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Southeastern California Conference Leaders Take New Education Roles in the Southeastern California Conference By Rebeca Salcedo
he Southeastern California Conference Office of administrator and TEducation has a new associate teacher with 40 superintendent, and two large SECC years of experience schools have new interim leaders this in education. He school year. is a former high school Bible and Datha Tickner, Associate local principals and school boards history teacher, elementary math Superintendent, Office of Education to advance the educational goals of teacher, principal, and superintendent. Datha Tickner has 34 years of schools in the conference. Krpalek is proud of Loma Linda experience in education, having been Conner hopes to utilize his skills to Academy’s first-class education, which a dean, principal, and teacher at a give effective guidance to faculty at the offers AP classes, multiple foreign number of elementary, junior high, school and also to promote La Sierra language classes, advanced math, and and high schools. Some of her fondest Academy’s excellent legacy. For him a hands-on curriculum that includes memories in education include going a significant emphasis is to continue field trips. on field trips with students and helping “building up the school spiritually and He believes helping students schools solve problems. Asked what academically.” This upcoming school know Christ personally and become she will miss about her former work, year, Conner looks forward to one-on- lifelong learners is the evidence of a she said, “It will take time to get used to one interactions with his students. successful school. not being on campus interacting with Some of his hobbies include “Adventist education is a wonderful students on the first day of class and watching Clippers basketball games, first-class education that benefits during the school trips I used go on doing yard work, and relaxing on the children by helping them build a with them.” swing in his yard. moral compass,” he said. “God has She said she enjoys “being a students at the school who need to problem solver and working things Donald Krpalek, Interim High School be there. If we let God lead and we out.” Some of her first priorities in Principal, Loma Linda Academy follow, amazing things happen; I have her new role include addressing Donald Krpalek is an experienced seen this many times.” safety issues, building up teachers, and overseeing the early childhood Constituency Session Notice development centers. During her time away from work, Notice is hereby given that the Second Quinquennial Tickner enjoys reading, eating tasty Session of the Southeastern California Conference is called to convene as follows: food, spending time with family, and La Sierra University Church going to the beaches of California. 4937 Sierra Vista Ave. Riverside, California 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018 Michael Conner, Interim Elementary The purpose of this meeting is to receive reports; elect Principal, La Sierra Academy conference officers, vice presidents for ethnic ministries, No stranger to the role of the executive committee, and the bylaws committee; and to transact any other business that may properly come administrator, Michael Conner has before the delegates in session. worked as principal of schools in Sandy Roberts, president California and Oregon. He has also Jonathan Park, executive secretary been associate superintendent of Verlon Strauss, treasurer education in SECC, working alongside
SEPTEMBER 2018 47 Hawaii Conference
Camp Wai`anae
ImpactsBy Hollie Macomber Youth he final night of camp saw teens taking the stage, speaking about what Camp Wai’anae meant to them. “When I came to this camp, I didn’t think I would like a Tplace like this. But I was wrong. This week I have learned to trust God with all my struggles,” one camper said.
“I am so thankful I came,” declared The next morning, the various The camp staff was excited another. groups of campers parted ways— to witness the friendships that “This camp has really showed me a some to their homes around Oahu, had developed during camp. “I different perspective on Christianity,” others to Kauai and Maui. Some teens expected campers with such diverse said another teen. “You guys showed returned to Tent City in Wai’anae, and backgrounds to clash, but instead I me a new perspective that brings others returned to evacuation shelters saw them open up, learn from one truth about myself and who I am.” away from the lava flow areas on the another, and just be kids,” said camp Big Island. counselor Jeff Bradburn. “People often say, ‘you never really know the seeds that were planted,’ but that last week, Teen Camp, was something special. At the end of the week, those kids were different. Laughing together, exchanging tearful goodbyes—all I could do was sit back and feel
(Left) Junior campers play cabin scramble. (Right) Camp Counselor Jeff Bradburn enjoys time with his campers.
48 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Hawaii Conference proud that I could witness that from the church communities around transformation.” Oahu, the staff had the opportunity to For the majority of camp staff, the minister to kids from many different summer began with a Love Reality walks of life across the islands. Thanks Tour (LRT) at the Wahiawa church. LRT to generous donors, 53 kids displaced is a presentation of biblical truths in a by the Kilauea volcano’s lava flow way that engages every generation. were able to experience a week of Each night, the Wahiawa church camp. Many of them had no idea what and community, along with young to expect when they arrived at Camp adults from across the islands and Wai’anae. At the end of Adventure North America, came together for Camp, several of these kids talked food and fellowship, and to soak in about loving the bunk beds, the food, the gospel message—a message and the staff. of identity, purpose, and worth as Each week brought enough sons and daughters of God. More campers to fill every cabin, growing than five people were baptized at the Camp Wai’anae population to the the conclusion of LRT, and attendees largest it has ever been and showing including the work at Camp Wai’anae. spoke of having a clearer image of the desperate need for additional “Keep supporting youth ministry, God, a stronger belief in His love, and cabins in the near future. keep pouring into young adults,” he a renewed confidence in sharing that Bradburn hopes that church said. “The youth aren’t the future; love with the world. members will continue to make they’re the present—present leaders, LRT was not only a blessing to the ministry to young people a priority, present seekers, agents of change in Wahiawa church, it was the perfect this world that is hungry for meaning. beginning to a summer of ministry And whatever you do, don’t miss for the camp staff. “Experiencing LRT out on an opportunity to journey made me feel more confident about alongside a young person and let the what I wanted to share with the Holy Spirit do the rest.” campers,” said camp counselor Erica Goodrick. “I felt prepared and ready to share the message of God’s love.” Along with serving the campers
(Left) Jordan Layo teaches campers how to build a long board. (Above) Erik VanDenburgh and Jonathan Leonardo baptize Madelyn Swelstad from LRT.
SEPTEMBER 2018 49 Northern California Conference
Urban Camp Meeting Provides Fellowship, Inspiration, and Training By Julie Lorenz
bout 1,200 people gathered at health and wellness presenter. the camp meeting. “They were happy Christian Life Center in Stockton Edwin McBride, associate pastor to receive practical knowledge they Afor the third annual Urban of the Kansas Avenue church in could use in their homes, churches, Camp Meeting, held June 21-23. Riverside, spoke for the youth and communities.” The Northern California Conference meetings. Younger kids enjoyed Just before camp meeting began, African-American Ministries Vacation Bible School led by Ayanna 17 teens from 10 NCC churches, Department sponsored the event. Johnson, Valley Community church along with their young adult leaders, This year the camp meeting focused member. The littlest children had spent two days helping to build a on the theme “F.I.T. [fellowship, meetings of their own, led by Kathy home in Stockton with Habitat for inspiration, training] to Ignite.” Slater, Oakland Immanuel Temple Humanity of San Joaquin County. Not “We’re trying to inspire our urban church member. only did the youth make new friends, city members to be more involved A variety of seminars provided they learned some construction skills. in making a difference in their practical knowledge and training. “They were able to say, ‘Look, this communities for the Kingdom of God,” Edward Woods, director of public is what I helped build,’” said Moises said Willie Johnson Jr., NCC urban affairs and religious liberty for the Ramirez, locally hired youth pastor ministries director/African-American Lake Region Conference, presented at the Grand Advent church, who led ministries coordinator. “People in three seminars on social justice. the group. Although the work was today’s society are not interested in Curtis Hall, founder of the Atlanta- hot and tiring, “at the end kids came what we know until they know that based Sabbath school training up and gave me a hug and said, ‘Let’s we care about what is important to program “Hit the Mark,” conducted do this again,’” he said. them.” a workshop on ways to increase the The focus of the project was The main speaker was Abraham value of Sabbath School. NCC human serving others in a practical way— Jules, senior pastor of Community resources director Kathy Batchelor, like Jesus did. “This is definitely Worship Center church in Queens, Veg Hub Chef G.W. Chew, and something that Jesus would have N.Y. “Dr. Jules provided a tremendous Hatchett-Mitchell presented health been doing, having an impact on the blessing to all those who heard him,” seminars. lives of others,” said Ramirez. said Johnson. “People were very excited about Johnson hopes that NCC Urban Other speakers included Ricardo the material that was presented in Camp Meeting inspired people of Graham, president of the Pacific Union the seminars,” said Yolanda Frazier, every age to bring Christ into their Conference; Marvin Clarke, associate administrative assistant for NCC communities. “We need to put a face on pastor of the Oakland Market Street urban ministries/African-American Adventism in the community, letting church; and Imelda Hatchett-Mitchell, ministries, who helped to organize them know that we care,” he said.
50 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Northern California Conference
Fellowship, Inspiration & Training F.I.Tto IGNITE PHOTOS: NATHAN O’NEAL NATHAN PHOTOS:
(Opposite page far left) The NCC Urban Camp Meeting adult choir, directed by Mellonie Banks, provides special music for the event. (Opposite page collage) Young people volunteer for the “Mission Trip Stockton” urban youth Habitat for Humanity building project. (Clockwise from above) Pastors participate in the program; children enjoy Vacation Bible School; Sabbath school coach Curtis Hall presents a seminar; youth sing during a praise and worship time. EMILIJA RANDJELOVIC/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCKPHOTOS EMILIJA
Chanda Nunes Is Ordained to the Gospel Ministry n Sabbath afternoon, June various leadership 23, Chanda Nunes, associate roles when she was Opastor of the Sacramento young. Capitol City church, was ordained She is a graduate of Burman University College. From 2008- to the gospel ministry during Urban University, formerly Canadian 2015, she served at the New Haven Camp Meeting. “I was overwhelmed University College, where she earned church in Kansas City before coming by the love and support of so many her Bachelor of Arts in religious to her current pastorate. She was who chose to attend in person and studies, with a minor in biblical commissioned to the gospel ministry online,” said Nunes. “I had many languages. She holds a Master of in 2011. moments of reflection, and my heart Divinity from the SDA Theological “While there are several aspects was full to recount the journey that Seminary. She also holds associate of ministry I enjoy—administration God has brought me on.” degrees in private investigation and and preaching—there is no greater Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, paralegal studies and is a certified life joy than leading someone through Nunes recognized her call to ministry coach practitioner. study into baptism,” said Nunes. “This at the age of nine. She credits many Nunes began her pastoral ministry is truly what ministry is about, leading church leaders who acknowledged in 2003, serving at the College Heights someone into a relationship with her calling and provided her with church on the campus of Canadian Christ.”
SEPTEMBER 2018 51 Northern California Conference
Redwood Camp Meeting Offers Spiritual Renewal Among World-Famous Redwood Trees
By Julie Lorenz
his summer Redwood was Summer on the Run, the NCC’s Camp Meeting once mobile youth program, which brought a Tagain provided an oasis giant waterslide, an archery range, and of beauty and inspiration for other fun activities for kids. campers from throughout This was the last summer that Will Northern California, Southern Bowlby will serve as camp caretaker. He, Oregon, and beyond. About his wife Kim, and their children RyAnn 500 more people attended and Seth have moved to Oregon after this year than have in recent living and working at the campground years, according to Harry since 2012. (Kim served as the teaching Salvini, camp director. principal at nearby Fortuna Junior Speakers in Pepperwood Academy.) “Will has given everything he’s Pavilion included Shawn got for so many years,” said Salvini. Boonstra, Voice of Prophecy “We really appreciate everything Will Pleasant Hill church speaker/director; Brad Newton, Pacific has done behind the scenes to make member Hailey Union Conference executive secretary; the campground a great place for camp Snyder and Pleasant and Ivan Williams Sr., North American meetings, Pathfinder camporees, and Hill church Associate Pastor Miguel Verazas Division ministerial director. In the Adult other activities,” said Jim Lorenz, NCC lead song service in II tent, speakers included Kymone Hinds, ministerial director. the Junior Division. pastor of Overton Park and Journey The new camp caretaker is Monty Fellowship churches in Tennessee, and Parks. He and his wife, Terri, are members Sam Leonor, La Sierra University chaplain. of the Eureka church. The main presenters for Campestre Many campers are counting the Hispano were Salatiel Álvarez García, days until next summer! “There’s just secretary of the Soconusco Conference in something about Redwood,” said Salvini. Mexico, and Gabriel Velazquez, a pastor “I feel so much closer to God there, and from the Baja California Conference. I take that feeling with me throughout Other highlights included seminars, the year.” concerts, a Fun Run/Walk, and the annual Keep up with Redwood news at Community Service Day. New this year www.facebook.com/redwoodcamp. Don’t miss next year’s event, July 18-27, 2019!
www.nccsda.com/Redwood
52 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Northern California Conference
(Left) Voice of Prophecy Speaker/ Director Shawn Boonstra preaches in Pepperwood Pavilion. (Below, from left to right) Gabriel Velazquez, pastor from the Baja California Conference, preaches for Campestre Hispano; Willie Johnson, NCC African-American Ministries coordinator/urban ministries director, speaks for Sabbath school; Melissa Howell, Carmichael church associate pastor, and Kevin Miller, NCC planned giving consultant, lead song service in the Primary Division; Kymone Hinds, a pastor from Tennessee, speaks in the Adult II tent. PHOTOS: JAMES LORENZ, JIM LORENZ, JULIE LORENZ JULIE LORENZ, JIM LORENZ, JAMES PHOTOS:
(Far left) Eddie Heinrich, NCC youth director, stands in front of the giant waterslide. (Left) A camper tries out the archery range as part of the Summer on the Run program.
(Left) A young camper participates in the fourth annual Redwood Community Service Day. (Right) Community service volunteers help at an animal rescue shelter, package hygiene kits, use their sewing skills, and beautify the landscape.
SEPTEMBER 2018 53 Loma Linda University Health
The National Institutes of Health Awards $500,000 to Loma Linda University Researcher Christopher Wilson explores sepsis prevention for preterm infants through vagus nerve stimulation.
By Genesis Gonzalez
he National Institutes of Health has awarded Christopher Wilson, TPhD, associate professor in the department of physiology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, a $500,000 grant to explore sepsis prevention through vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). The two-year grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is a first for Loma Linda University and lends itself to a new direction in treating infection that can lead to sepsis in babies — typically affecting preterm infants. “One of our major goals is developing non-invasive therapies that have minimal complications and improve long-term outcomes for infants,” Wilson said. Infants born prematurely are the mechanism by which sepsis can Food and Drug Administration and is particularly susceptible to bacterial cause death by identifying early currently being used in clinical trials infection and are much more likely to changes in breathing patterns that are for treating refractory epilepsy. develop sepsis, according to Wilson. hallmarks of airway infection. Loma Linda University Children’s Sepsis is a whole-body infection that Wilson and his team of three Hospital treats an average of 80 can occur after an individual sustains a researchers, including a graduate preterm infants a day in the neonatal bacterial infection that is not treated, student, medical student, and intensive care unit (NICU), Wilson or one that is not adequately helped technician, hope to ultimately answer said. Many of these babies are in the by antibiotics. “Approximately 1.3 the question: what are the optimal NICU for weeks or even months. More million babies die due to neonatal parameters of stimulation to combat than 700,000 preterm babies are born sepsis each year,” Wilson said. infection? “This project will provide throughout the U.S. and Europe each Through the grant, Wilson will foundational understanding of the year. explore how VNS offers a safe, mechanisms by which VNS can block In the future, Wilson aspires to non-invasive alternative to anti- early infection in preterm babies,” work with his colleagues in the adult inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, Wilson said. intensive care unit and determine if which can cause further complications He believes the grant’s focus ties the same stimulation can be applied in preterm babies. This includes into Loma Linda University Health’s to adult patients at risk for sepsis. taking a closer look at the short-term philosophy of caring for the whole For more information, visit the changes associated with an acute body by using the body’s innate Lawrence D. Longo MD Center inflammatory challenge to the airway anti-inflammatory response and by for Perinatal Biology’s website at — a common source of infection in stimulating it for improved outcomes. medicine.llu.edu/longocenter. newborns. The goal is to determine VNS is approved by the United States
54 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Loma Linda University Health
The Chronicle of Higher Education Names Loma Linda University to 2018 “Great Colleges to Work For” List University receives recognition in seven of this year’s 12 categories.
By Genesis Gonzalez
oma Linda University (LLU) has Workplace and are based on a survey to which employees are involved or been honored as one of the 2018 of more than 50,000 people from 253 engaged in their organization. Results L“Great Colleges to Work For” by academic institutions. Of that number, are categorized by small, medium, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, a 84 institutions made the list as one of large institutions. LLU was included leading trade publication for colleges the “Great Colleges to Work For.” among the medium-sized institutions and universities, in partnership with LLU won honors in seven of with 3,000 to 9,999 students. Modern Think. the 12 recognition categories, The university was also selected The list is designed to recognize including collaborative governance; for the 2018 Honor Roll distinction, institutions that have successfully confidence in senior leadership; which is awarded to institutions that created great workplaces for their facilities, workspace, and security; are recognized most often across all of employees and to further the research work/life balance; professional/ the recognition categories. and understanding of the specific career-development programs; “Our institution comprises a factors, dynamics, and influences that job satisfaction; and respect and family of extraordinary people who impact an organization’s culture. appreciation. live to serve and make a difference,” “This honor speaks highly to The survey results are based said Ronald Carter, provost of Loma the dedication and passion our on a two-part assessment Linda University. “I am inspired by employees and faculty demonstrate process: an institutional audit that the teamwork of our faculty and staff each day,” said Richard H. Hart, captured demographics, benefits, and their commitment to academic president of Loma Linda University communication, and workplace excellence, spirituality, and service.” Health. “Their commitment to the policies, and a survey administered to “Great Colleges to Work For” mission to continue the teaching and faculty, administrators, and support is one of the largest and most healing ministry of Jesus Christ is truly staff. Employee feedback was a comprehensive workplace studies in inspiring for the entire institution.” primary factor in deciding whether an higher education. The results were released on July 16 institution received recognition. For more information, visit llu.edu. in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Participating institutions receive To begin a career with Loma Linda 11th annual report on The Academic a survey that measures the extent University, visit jobs.llu.edu.
SEPTEMBER 2018 55 Pacific Union Conference Education
Pacific Union Conference Office of Education Announces Teacher Education Scholarship Winners for 2018-2019
By Beverly Benson
he Pacific Union Conference Office of Education offers a four-year Teacher Education Scholarship to worthy grade-12 students who want to become teachers. In order to qualify, the applicants agree to continue their education atT a Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher education with the goal of becoming an Adventist educator. This year, Annjanette Figueroa, Audry Guzman, Pricila Hernandez, Rachel Molander, and Joli Weber are the recipients of the award. These five join nine previous winners who are currently working toward becoming teachers. The students’ reasons for choosing to become teachers and the benefits of receiving the scholarship speak for themselves:
Becoming a teacher isn’t because of the money, but because of the passion I have for working with little kids. Every child needs to be able to have a teacher by their Terry Loeffler, side helping them succeed. associate director of Throughout my education secondary life, I have had teachers who education, were really excellent at their presents the job. I would love to be able scholarship to Annjanette to make a huge impact on Figueroa. the Seventh-day Adventist education system in a very ROMOLOTAVANI/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCKPHOTOS special way. Not too many teachers are willing to have the students connect to God. I want to allow the students to even get closer to God, and perhaps I will become closer to Him through the process of achieving the goal of becoming a teacher. Annjanette Figueroa, a graduate of Thunderbird Adventist Academy who will be attending La Sierra University
I have always viewed teaching as being one of the most impactful things a person could do. The task is something that holds a lot of weight for me and something I’ve always admired. I would love to be
56 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Pacific“ Union Conference Education
Teaching is one of the most underestimated professions,
but teachers are an important influence in people’s lives.
“ a teacher Teaching is one of the most to help underestimated professions, but positively teachers are an important influence shape the in people’s lives. I want to be a minds of teacher because I want to help upcoming children grow—grow in God, and generations. blossom into amazing people. I I want to have worked as a teacher’s aide and help learning teaching Pathfinder progressive become classes, and I love seeing children’s more impactful and interactive, to faces excited when we discuss Jesus. help students to apply what they’ve I have attended a Seventh-day learned in a classroom to their Adventist school all my life, and personal lives. Audry Guzman, a the teachers have made a lasting graduate of San Fernando Valley impact on my life, and I want to Berit von Pohle, Director of Academy who will be attending also impact my future students. Education for the Pacific Union Conference, visits Joli Weber at Pacific Union College My grandmother, who taught in graduation. Adventist schools for nearly 30 Being a teacher is a very important years, has often told me that our so by being an elementary school job because a teacher helps shape schools are teacher and having the future leaders of our world. I our biggest this experience, want to become a teacher because I mission I can tutor and have the patience to teach students field and guide them to their who have trouble learning or who our life can full potential. Joli have problems going on at home be the best Weber, a graduate that conflict with their learning sermon. of Mountain View process. Most importantly, I want to Rachel Academy who will become a teacher because I believe Molander, be attending Pacific the Lord has called me to become a graduate Union College His servant by being a teacher. of Glendale Adventist Academy I would like to impact students who will be attending Walla Walla The purpose of this scholarship through the love of University is to inspire the members of the Jesus. I want to make next generation to achieve their sure students are The main reason I aspire to be dreams of becoming Adventist learning about the an elementary school teacher is teachers and fulfilling the mission Bible and how much because in my early elementary God has put on their hearts. The God loves them. years, I had some challenges but Office of Education will continue Pricila Hernandez, with extra help was able to succeed. to provide these funds each year a graduate of Because this happened to me, I as more students strive to become Orangewood know the struggle of what it is “something better” to benefit the Academy who will be like to have to work a little harder Adventist school system and the attending La Sierra University compared to other kids my age, children in it.
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the Hilton San Jose, Calif., Church Treasurer Training Info: Vi Bokermann, 626-629- CALENDAR presented by the Pacific (Oct. 14) 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 3619, or church office, 626-286- Union and North American Anderson church, 2769 Balls 5437. Arizona Conference Division. Registration Ferry Road, Anderson. Bring Jail/Prison Ministry Training required at https://www. your laptop computer. Lunch SCC Communication Workshop (Sept. 1-2) Sab., 3-6:15 p.m.; centralcaliforniaadventist. provided. RSVP. Info: NCC (Sept. 16) 8:30-3:30 p.m. Learn Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Daniel G. com/puc-connect-convention. Treasurer’s Office, 888-434- to manage your church’s or McManus, Chaplain, Virginia 4622, ext. 209. school’s digital footprint. Topics Correctional Center for Women, La Sierra University include writing, social media, presents Ministry to Prisoner’s Start of classes. La Sierra Church Elder Training (Oct. church websites, mobile apps, Families, “The Way Forward and University will commence the 14) 9 a.m. to noon. Fairfield and more. Cost $15, includes Prisoner’s Reentry.” Glendale 2018-19 school year with the Community church, 1101 East lunch and materials. Sponsored church, 6801 N. 43rd Ave., start of classes on Monday, Tabor Avenue, Fairfield. Theme: by SCC Office of Communication. Phoenix, AZ 85019. Info: B.J. Sept. 24 and university church health. Several pastors Temple City church, 9664 Warren, 602-820-6089. convocation on Sept. 25. For will be presenting. Info: NCC Broadway, Temple City 91780. additional information visit Church Growth Department, Info: 818-546-8461, scc.adventist. Men’s & Young Men’s Retreat www.lasierra.edu. 925-603-5089. org/commworkshop. (Sept. 28-30). The Way, The Truth, The Life, with speakers Chamber Music Recital. La Marriage Encounter Weekend Classical Concert Fundraiser Greg Speck, Jose Rojas, and Sierra University’s Department (Oct. 19-21) Contact Rob & (Sept. 16) 3:30-5:30 p.m. Chris Morris. Camp Yavapines, of Music will hold a La Sierra Debbie Purvis by Sept. 17 for Featuring Dr. Jeffrey Hwang, 2999 W. Iron Springs Rd., Chamber Music Recital on information and to reserve your Alexander Knecht, Pablo Prescott, AZ 86305. Register: Sunday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m., spot to experience your private Sanchez, and Tim Rantung. www.azmensretreat.org; Info: featuring professional artists weekend. Info: 916-599-5560 or Tickets $20-$40. Los Angeles 480-991-6777 ext. 127. who have performed with [email protected]. Chinese church, 3000 W. Ramona orchestras and ensembles Rd., Alhambra 91803. Info: 626- Belt of Truth Ministries (Sept. around the world. General NCC Asian/Pacific 284-3433. 29) 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Speaker admission $15. For further Convocation (Oct. 27) 3:30 p.m. Scott Ritsema, Education in information visit https:// Antioch church, 2200 Country Pastor Charles White (Sept. 29) America. Balsz Community music-events.lasierra. Hills Drive, Antioch. Inspiration, 11-4 p.m. Come to Ojai church to Center, 4322 E. Bellview, edu/2018-2019-season/, music, fellowship. Info: NCC hear the great-grandson of Ellen Phoenix, AZ 85008. Info: Denise call 951-785-2036, or email Asian/Pacific Ministries G. White speak. 291 E. El Roblar Sanderson, 602-258-9951. [email protected]. Department, 925-603-5094. Dr., Ojai 93023. Info: 805-640- 0358. New Believers Retreat Northern California Women’s Koinonia Retreat (Oct. 26-28). Welcome, Conference (Nov. 16-18) Murieta Inn & Spa, Church Dedication Service newly-baptized, maturing El Dorado Adventist School Rancho Murieta. “Uniquely (Sept. 29) 3-7:30 p.m. Dedication disciples/members of the Alumni Reunion (Sept. 15-16) Redesigned.” Speaker Dr. and grand opening of new Adventist Church. Keynote El Dorado Adventist School, Hyveth Williams. Share in the sanctuary and multi-purpose speaker Dr. Joseph Kidder, 1900 Broadway, Placerville. joy of the Lord and relax at this building. Chino Valley Chinese Andrews University; Reginald Sabbath school, 9:30 a.m.; luxury hotel. Registration fee: church, 4136 Riverside Dr., Leach, Manuel Cruz, Wendy worship service, 10:30 a.m.; $260, includes five specialty Chino 91710. RSVP: Pastor Paul Eberhardt, Tony Jasper, Jose Sunday golf tournament. vegetarian meals, inspirational Cho, 626-217-5782, or email Marin; Cyiza Music Ministry. Honored classes: 1998, 2003, messages, small groups, great [email protected]. Camp Yavapines, 2999 W. 2008. Lunch provided. Info: music, more. Registration: www. Iron Springs Rd., Prescott, AZ El Dorado Adventist School womenskoinonia.com. Info: SCC Women’s Ministries 86305. Registration: https:// office: 530-622-3560; Lois 707-739-6626. Retreat (Oct. 5-7). Theme for the arzcsecretary.adventistfaith.org. Roberts, [email protected]. 38th annual retreat is “Identity Info: jose.marin@azconference. Southern California Theft.” Camp Cedar Falls, 39850 org or 480-991-6777 ext. 127. NCC Constituency Meeting Conference CA-38, Angelus Oaks 92305. Info: (Sept. 30) 9 a.m. Lodi Fairmont Second Saturday Series Dr. Beverley Martin, 661-810- Central California church, 730 South Fairmont Concert (Sept. 8) 5 p.m. Featuring 9350 or Dimple Fields, 323-336- Conference Avenue, Lodi. Info: NCC office, Adriana Zoppo, viola. Admission 3919. Hispanic Young Adult Retreat 925-685-4300. is by free-will offering, reception (Aug. 31-Sept 3). Join us at to follow. Glendale City church, Second Saturday Series Wonder Valley. For information Northern California’s 610 E. California Ave., Glendale Concert (Oct. 13) 5 p.m. contact FeJA at 559-347-3174 Christian Women’s 91206. Info: 818-244-7241. Featuring Aves Quartet, clarinet, or go to cccsdayouth.org. Retreat (Oct. 5-7, 12-14) violin, cello, piano. Admission: Leoni Meadows. Speaker: Annual Ladies Tea (Sept. 9) free-will offering; reception to CONNECT: A Children Dixil Rodriguez, Adventist 2-4 p.m. Hosted by Temple City follow. Glendale City church, and Family Ministries Review columnist. Info: church Women’s Ministries, 9664 610 E. California Ave., Glendale Convention (Sept. 6-9) at ourchristianladies.com. Broadway, Temple City 91780. 91206. Info: 818-244-7241.
58 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Community & Marketplace
Move Counselors for a no-cost/ are aware this is a ministry. Share aid counseling for prospective CLASSIFIED no-obligation estimate at 800- Christ’s love and wishes to deal students, and the Assist/PFE 248-8313. Learn more at www. with inmates. Be a pen friend programs. Full job description: At Your Service stevensworldwide.com/sda. through this 40-year-old ministry. southern.edu/jobs. California Adventist Federal To join, call Don or Yvonne at Credit Union, your “One Stop Web Design! Skyrocket your 260-387-7423, or email sdapm@ Southern Adventist University Finance Shop.” Serving our business with an exceptional someonecares.org. seeks Dean for the School of Adventist Community for modern website. Our Oregon Education and Psychology over 65 years with financial Adventist agency specializes Employment (SEP), responsible for planning, products and services, along in giving you instant credibility Adventist World Radio seeks organization, staffing, direction, with wealth-building education. using our strong Internet IT Project Manager. Key roles and evaluation of the academic Please visit our website at www. marketing background and include development and disciplines of the SEP. The SEP SdacreditUnion.com for updates conversion-friendly design support of CRM resources Dean is also responsible for on all that CAFCU has to offer. skills. View our work at for AWR’s Center for Digital continuous development of Call our office to speak to our DiscoverPeppermint.com. Evangelism. It is the policy of the SEP’s strategic plan. An friendly staff or manager for Serving clients worldwide. Call the GC to hire only SDA church earned doctorate in the field additional information: 818-246- Kama: 541-903-1180. members. Send resume to Kent of education or psychology is 7241. Sharpe, [email protected]. required. Full job description: Bulletin Board org. www.southern.edu/jobs. Relocating? Apex Moving & Adventist Books: Looking Storage has a National Account for new Adventist titles to Southern Adventist University Southern Adventist Contract with the GC for your encourage and grow your seeks Vice President for University seeks CIRC Lead moving needs. Take advantage daily walk? Visit us at www. Enrollment Management to Programmer/Analyst in the of a volume-rated discount. Be TEACHServices.com. For used be responsible for meeting School of Computing. This assured you are moving with Adventist books visit www. the enrollment goals of the position oversees/coordinates one of the best! Call Marcy at LNFBooks.com. Authors: If you university. The vice president work of students/staff engaged 800-766-1902. Visit us at www. are interested in having your oversees the functions of in software development/ apexmoving.com/adventist. book published, call 800-367- undergraduate and graduate analysis. B.S. in Computer 1844 for a free evaluation. recruitment, admissions, financial Science or similar and 5 years SDA Real Estate Broker available to help you find homes Canvasback Missions needs in small towns, country homes three vehicles to transport with acreage, and undeveloped volunteers and supplies as well land in beautiful Northeast as pull a food trailer delivering Washington. Experienced with healthy produce and meals on all facets of country living, the island of Majuro. Your tax- including home building, organic deductible donation of a running gardening, orcharding, and off or non-running vehicle can help grid living. 509-936-3112. www. us share the love of God through ruralpropertiesbyrob.com, Rob@ health and healing. 800-793- ruralpropertiesbyrob.com. 7245, [email protected].
Single? Widowed? Divorced? Hilltop stone house located Meet compatible SDAs from the on Riverview Adventist Church USA ages 18-98. Each provides: campus with breathtaking view birthday, marital status, race, of Truckee River. Available for TV occupation, interests, goals, productions, cooking schools, year baptized, lots more! Safe, retreats, seminars, conferences, confidential, effective, fun! For workshops, reunions, etc. Hotel more information, application, accommodations off site are and current catalog, send $25 to: nearby. Sunday-Thursday $150 SDA Pen-Pals, P.O. Box 734, Blue per day. Security deposit $350; Ridge, GA 30513. refundable if left clean and undamaged. Call Laurie Sayre, The Clergy Move Center© at 775-322-9642. Stevens Worldwide Van Lines is The Way to Move from state The Advent God Squad to state. Through our national needs you. You can bring contract with the General paper sunshine totally risk free Conference, we extend our using our address. We screen moving services to all Adventist and forward letters and an families. Contact our dedicated application from inmates who
SEPTEMBER 2018 59 Community & Marketplace
of programming experience. at www.ucollege.edu/faculty- Info: www.maranatha.org/ Itong Sufi, Flora Swoboda, Vasile Graduate education in computer openings or contact Barry Forbes convention or call 916-774-7700. Tavoc. science preferred. Full job at [email protected]. description: www.southern.edu/ For Sale Real Estate jobs. Union College seeks full-time Health Ministry Coordinators One-of-a-kind paradise in professor of communication with and Personal Ministry Northern CA! 43 gorgeous The Nevada-Utah Conference strong experience in emerging Directors – Beautiful inexpensive forested acres, creek, is seeking to fill two treasury media and public relations witnessing supplies: magazines, comfortable 1991 home, huge department positions. Looking beginning July 2019. Doctorate brochures, tracts, and books. shop, wood stove, generator, for exceptional individuals is preferred. Please submit a Free catalog and sample. Call many extras. End of road with a degree in accounting, curriculum vitae to Dr. Mark 800-777-2848 or visit us at www. surrounded by forestry land, church-work experience, and Robison, Humanities Division familyheritagebooks.com. 2,800’ elevation, perfect climate. strong problem-solving skills chair, at mark.robison@ucollege. Can be subdivided, multiple who can provide references edu. Missing Members building sites. Owner/developer and work samples supporting Hemet SDA church, 27025 passed, SDA family reluctantly these qualifications. Interested Events Girard St., Hemet, CA 92544 selling. 160 Big Fir Rd, individuals should send resumes Mission: Maranatha. You’re or call 951-929-2632; Forbestown. One hour north of to Karen Schneider, treasurer invited to Maranatha Volunteers [email protected]: Ron Sacramento. Call 423-987-3935. of the NUC, at kschneider@ International’s 2018 Mission Paradez, Raymond Patterson, nevadautah.org. weekend (Sept. 21-22) in Ardatha Pederson, Kristina Penn, Lovely country 10-acre estate Sacramento, Calif. Featuring John Perez, Lindsey Perez, James in southern Missouri. Well-kept Union College invites applicants inspiring testimonies from Pierre Perez-Greek, Ramona 3300 sf home. Wood/ propane for an Accounting faculty volunteers, mission stories Perez-Greek, Gloria Pillor, Maria heat. Open floor plan with large position. Qualified applicants from international Seventh- Pina, Mendoza Ubisel Pina, shelved office with fireplace, will have an MBA or Masters in day Adventist Church leaders, Ashley Shauntae Power, Austin and master bedroom and living Accounting, a certification, and and musical performances by Ryan Power, Ricky Power, Maria areas on main level. 40x80 shop should be a committed member Wintley Phipps. Free seminars, Quillin, Ida Mae Rahn, Perla building. Barn. Fully solar/grid. of the SDA Church. A doctorate is Friday afternoon; Sabbath lunch Ramos, Martha M. Rawson, Lesa Fenced garden. Landscaping preferred. Find more information provided with free registration. Marie Razo, Virginia Richards, and flowers. Time-of-trouble Cresencia Richardson, Lynda ready. Welcome Home to... Roberts, Donna Robinson, Magdalena Robles, Miguel Reunions Robles, Elizabeth Maier Roth, Welcome Into This Place (Sept. Silverado Orchards Karen Rowden, Monica Sanchez , 14-15) Oakland Immanuel Retirement Community Lila May Sanders, Jesus Sandoval Temple Church, Community Jr., Jesus Sandoval Sr., Mary Open House, 2411 55th Ave, Affordable, All-Inclusive Monthly Rent Sandoval, Patricia Schrepfer, Oakland. Friday: fun, food, and No Lease, Buy-ins or Add-ons Johnny Scoggins, Jane Morrell activities for the family; health • Three Nutritious Meals Every Day Seed, Kristin T. Selway, Thomas and wellness screening in our • Delicious, Fresh Salad Bar • Vegetarian or Clean Meat Options Selway, Mervin Shaffer, Christine Mobile Health Clinic. Saturday: • Activities & Excursions • Housekeeping • Transportation E. Smith, Isaac Nathaniel Smith, Worship, lunch, and praise • Health & Wellness Program • Hope Channel, LLBN and 3ABN Marlene Lanea Smith, Michele concert. • Beauty Salon • Guest Rooms • And Much More... Smith, Ronald R. Smith, Tyson Douglas Smith, Josephine Martin Standifer Gap School, Sobery, Richard Spear, Chrissy Chattanooga, Tenn., 70th Steadham, Patricia June Stein, Anniversary (Sept. 28-29). “We’re Jean Stoney, Brett Stucker, Joe All alumni and former staff are invited to attend our celebration. Contact 423-892- all about 6013, or for further details visit: sgsdaschool.org. Family!” Vacation Opportunities 2BR condo in Honolulu, Hawaii, relaxing & affordable. Minutes to beaches, Chinatown, & hiking! Clean, comfortable, like new. Sleeps 6 comfortably. Furnished Family Owned Since 1978 kitchen, washer/dryer & more. (707) 963-3688 Free parking. Visit honcentralsda. www.SilveradoOrchards.com org and/or call 808-989-4910. 601 Pope Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
60 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Community & Marketplace
Israel Tour with Pastor Jim Bell, Viola Mildred (Carscallen) Gilley, 3ABNs Pastor C.A. Murray, – b. Oct. 14, 1931, Tolna, N. D.; and friends. Two trips this fall d. April 25, 2018, Colton, Calif. (Nov. 11-19) $3,095 and (Nov. 18- Survivors: husband, Arthur; 27) $3,395. Includes all tips, taxes, son, Clifford; daughters, Patsy air, and breakfast and dinner Current, Susanne Essex; 12 buffets daily. From New York, grandchildren; four great- Chicago, or Los Angeles; other grandchildren; sisters, Leona departure cities available. Call Berglundy, Vivian Hudgins. Jennifer, 602-788-8864. Served as missionary with her husband for 17 years in Maui Vacation Condo in Kihei. Thailand. Relaxing & affordable. Only a 3-minute walk to the beach! Berg, Olive – b. April 12, 1921, 1-bdrm w/king bed. Clean, Carrington, N.D.; d. March 31, comfortable, well-maintained. 2018, Sonora, Calif. Survivors: Sleeps 4. Fully-furnished kitchen, daughter, Shirlee Goodgame; washer/dryer & more! Free three grandchildren; five great- parking, Wi-Fi, & calls to U.S./ grandchildren. Canada. Friendly Kihei SDA church nearby. Visit us at:
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Low, Ariz. Survivors: wife, March 30, 1931, Auburn, Kan.; Jesse, Pedro Jr., George; 16 Advertising Dorothy; son, Tyler; daughter, d. March 22, 2018, Roseville, grandchildren; 21 great- Advertising is accepted as a service Andrea; one grandson; mother, Calif. Survivors: wife, Joan; son, grandchildren; brother, to Seventh-day Adventist Church Wanda; brothers, Darren, Kevin. Steven; daughter, Kathryn Boll; Johnny Mallari; sister, Lourdes members in the Pacific Union. The five grandchildren. Marcos. Recorder management reserves the Elliott, Janie Makovsky – right to refuse any advertisement, especially ads not related to the b. Jan. 3, 1964, Loma Linda, Hibbs, Lilly – b. Jan. 12, Jacobs, Donna (Taylor) – needs and practices of the Church Calif.; d. May 12, 2018, Calimesa, 1923, Bonnerdale, Ark.; d. b. July 30, 1922, Quinlan, membership. Acceptance of any Calif. Survivors: husband, Jeff; June 8, 2018, Midland, Mich. Texas; d. June 20, 2018, advertising shall be considered son, Tony Vasquez; daughter, Survivors: sons, Warren, Steve; Angwin, Calif. Survivors: a matter of accommodation and Christina Stoltenberg; mother, daughter, Sharon Moll; four daughter, Marie Carlton; four not a matter of right, nor shall it be Sandra Makovsky; sisters, Pam grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; two great- construed to constitute approval of Shield; Linda Mowshon, Lori grandchildren. grandchildren. Served as a the product or service advertised. Martin. secretary for the Adventist Payment in advance must accompany Hines, Harold Roland – b. July Church in Utah, Illinois, and all classified advertisements or Hart, Doris May (Brown) – 22, 1925, Wilmington, N.C.; d. California. they will not be published. Display b. Dec. 16, 1928, Panama City, April 21, 2018, Paradise, Calif. ads for known advertisers will Panama; d. March 20, 2018, Survivors: daughters, Donna Ketting, Samuel – b. Dec. 18, be billed. To pay by credit card, Compton, Calif. Faye Anderson, Francine 1927, Rotterdam, Netherlands; please call 805-413-7280. Niles; brother, Robert; three d. May 24, 2018, Loma Linda, How to Submit Advertising Henderson, Gail – b. April 7, grandchildren; five great- Calif. Survivors: son, Case; Classified ads must be sent with 1949, Mobile, Ala.; d. May 28, grandchildren. daughter, Ginger Ketting- payment to the Recorder office 2018, Ontario, Calif. Survivors: Weller; two grandchildren; ([email protected]). Display husband, Donald Peter; Jacobe, Iluminada – b. Nov. sisters, Tine, Co Hagendijk. He ads should be arranged with the brothers, Robert, Kenneth, 10, 1923, Malabon, Rizal, served over 20 years with his editor ([email protected]). Gregory; sister, Greta; nephews, Philippines; d. June 29, wife, Effie, as a mission doctor. Classified Rates Robert, Jonathan, Gregory, Rafik. 2018, National City, Calif. $70 for 50 words; Henderson, Herbert W. – b. Survivors: children, Genesis Kooken, Charles “Chuck” – 75 cents each additional word. Delizo, Evelyn Jacobe Realin, b. Dec. 12, 1931, Oklahoma City, Okla.; d. May 22, 2018, Prescott, Display Rates (Full Color Only) Ariz. Survivors: son, Tracy; Back cover, $4,150; full page, $3,750; September 2018 1/2-pg., $2,220; 1/4-pg., $1,190; 1/8-pg., Calendar daughters, Debbie Powers, $600; $155 per column inch. Sunset Susan Heim; two grandchildren; City 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 four great-grandchildren; one Information Alturas 7:23 7:11 6:59 6:47 Angwin 7:28 7:17 7:06 6:55 great-great-granddaughter. Circulation is approximately 76,000 Bakersfield 7:13 7:03 6:53 6:43 homes, and magazines are scheduled Calexico 6:57 6:48 6:38 6:29 Chico 7:27 7:15 7:04 6:52 Leggitt, Varner Johns – to arrive in homes by the last Thursday Death Valley (Furnace Ck) 7:05 6:55 6:44 6:34 Eureka 7:37 7:25 7:13 7:01 b. Dec. 3, 1932, Burbank, Calif.; of the previous month. For more Four Corners [E] 7:35 7:25 7:14 7:03 information about advertising, Fresno 7:16 7:06 6:55 6:45 d. July 14, 2018, Redlands, Grand Canyon (South Rim) 6:46 6:36 6:25 6:15 please click on the Advertising tab at Half Dome 7:17 7:06 6:55 6:44 Calif. Survivors: wife, Gloria; www.pacificunionrecorder.com, email Hilo 6:29 6:23 6:17 6:10 Holbrook 6:38 6:28 6:17 6:07 son, Varner Leroy; daughters, [email protected] Honolulu 6:40 6:34 6:27 6:20 Karen Hamberger, Susan or call 805-413-7280. Joshua Tree 7:02 6:52 6:42 6:32 Lake Tahoe 7:19 7:08 6:57 6:46 Padilla; five grandchildren; two Las Vegas 6:58 6:47 6:37 6:26 2018 Deadlines Lodi-Stockton 7:23 7:12 7:01 6:50 great-grandchildren. Served 16 Loma Linda 7:05 6:55 6:45 6:35 These are the advertising deadlines Los Angeles 7:09 6:59 6:49 6:40 churches in the Southeastern for the Recorder. Your local conference McDermitt [N] 7:13 7:01 6:48 6:36 California and Hawaii Moab 7:36 7:25 7:13 7:02 news deadlines will be earlier. Monterey Bay 7:26 7:15 7:04 6:54 conferences; conducted many Monument Valley 7:40 7:29 7:19 7:08 November: September 28 Mt. Lassen 7:27 7:16 7:04 6:52 evangelistic series, including December: October 30 Mt. Whitney 7:09 6:56 6:46 6:36 Nogales [S] 6:42 6:33 6:24 6:14 Net ‘96 and ‘97 in Enniskillen, Oakland 7:27 7:16 7:05 6:54 Ireland. Contributions Paradise, CA 6:40 7:16 7:04 6:53 Phoenix 6:43 6:34 6:24 6:14 The Recorder pages are assigned to Provo 7:48 7:36 7:25 7:13 the local conferences, colleges, and Puuwai, Ni’ihau [W] 6:48 6:41 6:35 6:28 Mitchell, Elizabeth Ernestine Reno 7:18 7:07 6:56 6:44 health care institutions, and all content Riverside 7:05 6:55 6:46 6:36 Heatherly – b. Jan. 7, 1940, comes through the communication Sacramento 7:24 7:13 7:02 6:51 Salt Lake City 7:47 7:36 7:24 7:12 Bullsgap, Tenn.; d. May 16, departments in those organizations. If San Diego 7:03 6:54 6:44 6:35
! 2018, Visalia, Calif. Survivors: you have a news story/idea, calendar San Francisco 7:28 7:17 7:06 6:55 San Jose 7:25 7:14 7:04 6:53 husband, Ronald (Mitch), sons, announcement, etc., please contact Santa Rosa 7:31 7:20 7:09 6:58 your local communication department. Sunset Beach 7:26 7:16 7:05 6:54 Daniel, David; daughter, Valerie; Thousand Oaks 7:12 7:03 6:53 6:43 See the masthead for contact Tucson 6:38 6:29 6:20 6:10 four grandchildren. information. Want tips for writing [N]=Northernmost [S]=Southernmost [E]=Easternmost [W]=Westernmost point in the Pacific Union for us? See www.dailywritingtips. Moreno, Manuel Garcia – com/the-art-of-writing-news. “So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9 b. Dec. 25, 1915, Sombrerete,
62 PACIFIC UNION RECORDER Community & Marketplace
Zacatecas, Mexico; d. Feb. 19, Ranney, Willard Roy – Spalding, Robert – b. April 19, Watterson, David Dwight – 2018, North Hills, Calif. Survivors: b. Jan. 6, 1926, Santa Maria, Calif.; 1945, Sacramento, Calif.; d. June b. March 30, 1957, Oakland, son, Reno; daughters, Norma, d. April 20, 2018, Concord, Calif. 29, 2018, Grass Valley, Calif. Calif.; d. June 13, 2018, Cookie; two grandchildren. Survivors: wife, Marilyn; son, Survivors: wife, Donna; sister, Yuba City, Calif. Survivors: Willard; daughters, Candace Diane; one niece. wife, Lilibeth Jerusalem Norman, Richard – b. Dec. 13, Albro, Pamela Ranney; 11 Obena; son, David Jonathan; 1961, San Jose, Calif.; d. July 12, grandchildren; nine great- Stahl, David – b. July 14, 1930, daughter, Samantha Irene; 2018, Visalia, Calif. Survivors: grandchildren. Berrien Springs, Mich.; d. June 9, brother, Charles. father, Dr. Richard Norman; 2018, Paradise, Calif. Survivors: brother, Bob; sister, Becky Spears. Rembold, Diane – b. Nov. 30, wife, Dixie; sons, Donald, Wiser, Charles – b. Nov. 6, 1943; d. June 1, 2018, Prescott Robert, Daniel; daughters, 1927, Sand Springs, Okla.; Pontynen, Burton A. – Valley, Ariz. Survivor: husband, Christine Hunt, Patricia Cayton; d. Mar. 4, 2018, Loma Linda, b. May 3, 1924, Finland; d. Duaine. seven grandchildren; 11 great- Calif. Survivors: daughters, June 10, 2018, Angwin, Calif. grandchildren. Myrna Sorrels, Lois Peifer; Survivors: wife, Carol; son, Rosado, Othoniel – b. Oct. 10, four grandchildren; eight Curtis; daughter, Cyndie; 1938, Barrio Esperanza, Arecibo, Stiles, Kenneth Gordon – great-grandchildren; sister, two grandchildren, one Puerto Rico; d. May 23, 2018, b. March 17, 1941, Los Angeles, Nora Pratt; brothers, Glen, great-grandchild. Served as a Napa, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Calif.; d. May 12, 2018, Yuba Ted. professor of industrial arts at Debra, Melissa; brothers, Caleb, City, Calif. Survivors: son, Kevin; Pacific Union College. Josh; six grandchildren; one daughter, Kellie Bertain; seven Witzel, Douglas Jan – great-grandchild. grandchildren. b. Aug. 21, 1941, Proctor, Marcia Nadine – Fairmont, Minn.; d. July b. May 9, 1945, Tucson, Ariz.; Scharl, Rose (Sanchez) – Townsend-Voth, Marclyn Marie 21, 2018, Prescott, Ariz. d. April 20, 2018, Sonora, Calif. b. Oct. 17, 1938, San Jose, Calif.; – b. May 30, 1936, Deer Park, Calif.; Survivors: wife, Christine; Survivors: husband, Lynden; son, d. April 23, 2018, Woodland, Calif. d. June 11, 2018, Hendersonville, stepbrothers, Arden Daryl; daughter, Gina Barnhart; Survivors: sons, Michael, Richard, N.C. Survivors: son, Bradford Voth; Hammond, Richard Smith; four grandchildren. Steven; daughter, Sandy Graham; brothers, Clinton Townsend, Arlin stepsister, Wendy Kelly; eight grandchildren; three great- Townsend; sisters, Joy Proell, aunts, Kay Salmi, Glyde grandchildren. Nancy Avaylon. Turpin.
SEPTEMBER 2018 63 PACIFIC UNION
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