Southern California Conference

If I can’t get the young people to come here, I want to go to them,” said Kenneth Grimes, youth pastor at Hacienda Heights church.

In 2018, Grimes started an online video gaming ministry via Twitch, a video livestreaming service where people come together to chat and interact in real time. Grimes brought the idea to Brett Poynter, senior pastor of Hacienda Heights church at the time and current senior pastor of Temple City church. After prayer and consideration, this unique ministry began to take shape.

“The essence of this ministry is to reach people and share Christ,” said Grimes. “I’ve learned how to share Christ in non-traditional spaces, and it’s helped me better understand this quote from Ellen White: ‘Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow me”’ (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143).” Now, Jeff Rosenthal, senior pastor of Hacienda Heights, continues to support this ministry. “Pastor Rosenthal has encouraged and challenged me to continue to preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words,” Grimes said. “He believes that good relationships with people may start with gaming but can blossom into a love relationship with Christ when they see how blessed we are.”

This relationship-building ministry has brought the youth and young adults at Hacienda Heights closer to each other. “The gaming ministry has allowed me to fellowship with my brothers in Christ virtually,” said Christian Ochoa, a young adult at Hacienda Heights. “During the pandemic, and even when I was on lockdown because I had gotten sick, I was still able to spend time with the youth of my church.”

The ministry has also allowed Grimes to build relationships with people who otherwise may not have

“ stepped foot inside a church or opened their hearts to the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Grimes was testing new technology equipment to use for Hacienda Heights’ livestream worship services, he shared a sermon on his own Twitch channel. He soon received comments from followers interested in learning more about Jesus and the Adventist faith, which resulted in A championship belt the youth occasional Friday night vespers held on presented to Grimes commemorating his Twitch channel. “I started getting his accomplishments as a youth questions like, ‘What is the Sabbath?’ or leader and gamer. ‘What is vespers?’ or ‘I saw online you have 28 fundamental beliefs. What does that mean?’” Grimes said. “I pray for questions like that. It allows me to stay in touch with people and allows them to grow in Christ with the time and space a physical church may not allow.” “I’m not introducing people to the games; these games are where God’s people are at,” Grimes added. “I believe it’s our calling as God’s people to sometimes go to a place where we feel uncomfortable in order to achieve His mission.” ___________________ By Araya Moss Pastor Grimes’ streaming set-up in his office at Hacienda Heights church.

Last December, Hawthorne church celebrated its milestone centennial with a weekend of reflection, reunion, and looking toward the future.

Friday evening’s vespers was organized by Hawthorne’s youth.

The night was filled with music and testimonies, concluding with a message from Benjamin Del Pozo, current senior pastor at White Memorial church and a former associate pastor of Hawthorne (1995-1998).

Sabbath’s celebration welcomed former pastors and members, representatives from the Southern California Conference (SCC), and members from Los Angeles Tongan church, whose own ministry grew from Hawthorne church.

Velino A. Salazar, SCC president, congratulated the congregation on behalf of the SCC executive officers. “It’s a very important milestone for the present generation and the future generation,” acknowledged Salazar. He presented a letter to the congregation reflecting on their accomplishments and reaffirming their commitment to sharing the good news of salvation with the community.

Danny Chan, SCC Los Angeles Metro Region director, also in attendance, recognized the day’s significance. “It’s a symbol of all the hearts and lives that have been transformed as a result of the ministry that’s happened inside and outside of these walls,” said Chan, who presented the congregation with a gift of $10,000 for ministry.

A special dedication video was created by Felicia Tonga Taimi, a former member of Hawthorne now living in Michigan. The presentation told of Hawthorne church’s history, beginning with the four Sabbathkeeping families who founded the church in Lawndale in 1921.

Hawthorne church faced many trials in its history, such as multiple relocations, a potential closure in 1934 after a large group of its members moved, and a fire

that destroyed the sanctuary in 1969—to name a few. Yet, the members’ faithfulness has seen the church through challenges— and victories—during the last 100 years. “Let us hasten the coming of the Lord by continuing the mission that was planted in the hearts of the few families Tonga (front center) is ordained as a deacon. that began the building of this church,” said Taimi at the video’s conclusion. Keith Hassinger, interim pastor who retired in 2016 after pastoring Hawthorne for 13 years, shared how the members’ willingness to take their stand as servants has contributed to Hawthorne’s longevity. “For this church to continue to grow,” said Hassinger, “it will take servants for the next 100 years.” Highlighting Hawthorne’s spirit of servant leadership, Lasalo Tonga was ordained as a deacon during the divine service. The celebratory weekend concluded with a message from Roger Beltran, pastor in the Oregon Conference and former senior pastor of Hawthorne (1992-1999), and a “singspiration” concert featuring music groups from different churches. “Coming to these 100 years, we thank God for all the people who have built up Hawthorne,” said Setaleki Fehoko, first elder. “The Lord has blessed us.” ___________________ By Araya Moss Del Pozo begins the celebratory weekend with a message at Friday night vespers.