God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God. God has divinely appointed agencies—men whom He is leading, who have borne the heat and burden of the day, who are cooperating with heavenly instrumentalities in advancing the kingdom of Christ in our world. Let all unite with these chosen agents, and be found at last among those who have the patience of the saints, who keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.
—Ellen G. White, God’s Remnant Church, p. 40
Recorder
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What’s inside
4 Live Your Calling
8 The Call to Evangelization
12 Adventist Pioneers in the West: Beginnings in Nevada
17 The Remnant and Its Mission 19 A Sign of Relationship 23 The Crisis of the Nineties
30 “This Is Not a Death Sentence” 33 Newsdesk 40 Arizona Conference
42 Central California Conference
46 Hawaii Conference
48 Holbrook Indian School 50 Adventist Health 51 La Sierra University 52 Loma Linda University Health 53 Pacific Union College
Nevada-Utah Conference 56 Northern California Conference
Southeastern California Conference
Southern California Conference 68 Community & Marketplace 71 Sunset Calendars
Iwas wearing my Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital jacket on a Southwest flight last week. The flight attendant standing by our row looked at it intently and asked, “Do you work for Adventist Health?” I responded that I was a board member and a Seventh-day Adventist. “I grew up Adventist,” she replied. For the next 10 minutes she shared her years in a missionary family, attending La Sierra for a year, and finally making her way to her current job. As we talked, I could tell she was a joyful person who truly loves her job for Southwest. Seeing her interact with the passengers on our flight showed me she was living out a calling— at least for now—as a flight attendant.
Later that week I was at dinner with a group that included a young man who shared with me his amazing life’s journey. He and his sisters were adopted from his birthland of Russia by a loving American family. Later he enlisted in the Marines and thereafter became an expert in mechanical maintenance. He is excited for 2025 because he wants to get his pilot’s license. International travel/work is another aspiration he has for himself.
Throughout our talk he shared how God had closed doors (sometimes painfully), only for new opportunities to open. He is being led to embrace a life’s calling to serve others.
These interactions in my travels feel deeply connected with who I am as a Seventh-day Adventist. After many decades of study and practical application, I know of no other body of believers where I can find the system of scriptural teachings that I do here. It’s not a matter of having all the answers to every question. Rather it is the Adventist worldview, which provides a joy that buoys me when I think about our society and feel the anxieties that float around us—a joy that informs me during the encounters I have with people in the world outside of our church fellowship.
The unique mission calling for Seventh-day Adventists is tagged with a special biblical word: remnant. Our Fundamental Belief #13 (see page 17) gives the concise description along with scriptural passages that are the foundation of our conviction. I encourage you to study it anew if it’s been a while. As you do so, you’ll see again God’s plan throughout history to maintain a witness for His divine character in every age. Our unique matrix of teachings provides a system of belief that engages the world around us with love and hope. In this current climate of misinformation, relativism, doubt, and indifference, we offer the witness for “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). We are also called to humility in this work, knowing that God’s children are everywhere and that Jesus loves them just as much
as He loves us. To be kind, caring, serving, listening, learning, and authentic is our work for this time.
In the Pacific Union Conference, we are dedicating ourselves in a special effort to proclaim the wonderful message of Christ to our territory. “Sharing Jesus” is our special emphasis, with an additional $1.2 million set aside for churches and schools to conduct this work. We are also joining our North American Division brothers and sisters in the “Pentecost 2025” emphasis of small meetings around our communities. It is our prayer that many will meet our wonderful Savior because of these efforts.
But the work of God’s remnant in 2025 extends beyond merely the espousing of these wonderful teachings of biblical truth. Jesus reminds us that the test of the messengers is by how they live: “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit” (Matthew 7:16-17). As we witness the injustices and moral decay around us, does God’s remnant have anything to say or are we silent in the face of it all?
Do we have any guidance from Scripture?
John the Baptist was the voice in the wilderness calling all—no matter their station in life—to repent and reform their lives. He also spoke truth to power as he rebuked King Herod—at the cost of his life. Jesus said that John was Elijah preparing the way for the Messiah. Going back to Elijah, we know that he was God’s prophetic voice of challenge to Ahab and Jezebel as well as bringing a message of revival to Israel. Seventh-day Adventists have embraced the “Elijah message” to see ourselves
What is it that needs your witness for mercy?
How might you find ways to promote justice? Is your voice prepared to speak for righteousness?
preparing the world for the return of Jesus. This work encompasses both theology and practical issues.
Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” We also read in Amos 5:24, “But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” These prophetic words are not just ancient exhortations but remain the calling to the remnant who carry the Elijah message to our world.
As we look around us today, how might we act and speak to fulfill these commands? What is it
that needs your witness for mercy? How might you find ways to promote justice? Is your voice prepared to speak for righteousness? The statement from the North American Division, “An Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency” (https://www.nadadventist.org/), is a recent way our theology is meeting the challenges of the times. However the Lord leads you, I pray that you might find God’s leading to be His remnant witness in 2025.
Bradford C. Newton is the president of the Pacific Union Conference.
1
All Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version.
CallThe to
By VicLouis G. Arreola III
Evangelization
Take a moment to think about your favorite food. Maybe it is a special dessert your grandmother made from exotic ingredients when you were a child. Or maybe you can easily access it via the drive-thru of your favorite fast-food chain. Whatever this delicacy may be, there are important reasons why it holds a special place in your heart and palette. Now, imagine describing your favorite cuisine to someone else. How would you go about convincing them to try it?
Most certainly you would not grab people by the collar and say, “If you don’t eat this right now, you’re going to regret it. Try it, or else!” Absolutely not! If we wanted to convince someone to try our favorite food, we would surely find a way to make our special dish as appetizing and irresistible as possible. As a result, others would be compelled to try it for themselves. So it is with sharing the Bread of Life with the world around us.
What is the state of evangelism today? Has the current culture influenced the methods and frequency of the expression of our faith? As walking sermons, are we presenting Jesus enough?
A line between theory and practice
First, let us take a look at personal evangelism. According to a study conducted by the Barna Research Group, there is a dividing line between theory and practice when it comes to personal evangelism. In a series of randomized surveys, individuals who identified as Christian were asked if they felt a personal responsibility to share their faith with others. Nearly three-fourths (73%) of
those surveyed answered yes. Clearly, there is a widespread conviction to evangelize and share one’s faith. However, the researchers go on to state, “When this conviction [to share one’s faith] is put into practice…the numbers shift downward.” This is evident in responses to the follow-up question, which asked whether or not action was taken. The data shows that only half of those surveyed (52%) reported that they had shared their faith with another person from a different religious background within the past year.
In a society where most seek to maintain an environment of cultural sensitivity and political correctness, there is a decreasing trend in open discussion revolving around potentially divisive topics like politics and religion. Interestingly, among the generations surveyed in the past decade (Elders, Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials), Millennials were more likely to share than other generations. One Barna article states, “Millennials are a rare case indeed. While the evangelistic practices of all other generations have either declined or remained static in the past few years, Millennials are the only generation among whom evangelism is significantly on the rise.”1 An example of this is reflected in a study focusing on a three-year period between 2010 and 2013 during which “faith-sharing practices escalated from 56% to 65%.” Furthermore, it was established that Millennials actively share their religious experience more than any other generation today. Nearly two-thirds (65%) had shared the gospel within the previous year, compared to the national average (52%).2
There is a dilemma, however. Another study by the Barna Group indicates that Christian Millennials
“feel especially conflicted about evangelism—and, in fact, almost half believe it is wrong to share their faith.”3 Interestingly, of all the generations covered in the survey, Millennials in particular felt equipped to share their faith with others. Almost three-fourths expressed that they “know how to respond when someone raises questions about faith (73%), and that they are gifted at sharing their faith with other people. This is higher than any other generational group: Gen X (66%), Boomers (59%) and Elders (56%).”4
Where does the challenge lie? According to the research, many younger Christians are “unsure about the actual practice of evangelism.”5 When asked if it was wrong to share one’s faith with someone from a different belief system in hopes of their conversion, we see an interesting trend. Almost half of Millennials (47%) agree that it is wrong, compared to Gen X (27%), Boomers (19%), and Elders (20%).6
In short, the data reveals an interesting inverse correlation. Younger generations are more likely to share their faith but are more guarded in doing so. On the other hand, older generations see evangelization as less of an issue but are also less likely to share. This pattern highlights the need for intergenerational teamwork when it comes to evangelization.
Intergenerational teamwork in corporate evangelism
There is undeniable synergy when the various generations work hand in hand to share the gospel. Each age group has its own God-given gifts that can make up for what may be lacking in the others. When all within the spectrum of age are integrated into the evangelism plan of a church, the collective whole can accomplish more with the Spirit’s help than each individual group separately. How fitting that over a century ago, the Lord inspired His servant to pen the following counsel for today:
qualifying themselves to do that for which they are best adapted.… By associating with our ministers and experienced workers…they will gain the best kind of training.… As they unite their labors with those of the older workers, using their youthful energies to the very best account, they will have the companionship of heavenly angels…as workers together with God.… There should be no delay in this wellplanned effort to educate the church members (Ellen G. White, Testimonies to the Church, vol. 9, pp. 118-199).
In his book, Rainer on Evangelism: Reversing a Trend of Evangelistic Decline, Thom Rainer of LifeWay Research Group highlights the needs mentioned above. He writes: “Local churches are devoting less time, less funding, and less emphasis on equipping, encouraging, and sending people to share the good news of Christ, particularly within their own immediate communities.”7
Some of us are called to go around the globe to be Christ’s hands and feet in out-of-the-way places; however, all of us are equally commissioned to cross the street or walk next door to expand the kingdom of God within our own neighborhoods. The power to do this comes from an intentional investment in our daily walk with Christ. Ellen G. White counsels us where to start:
Young men and women should be educated to become workers in their own neighborhoods…
Nothing is more needed in our work than the practical results of communion with God…. His peace in the heart will shine forth in the countenance. It will give to the voice a persuasive power. Communion with God will ennoble the
character and the life. Men will take knowledge of us, as with the first disciples, that we have been with Jesus. This will impart to the worker a power that nothing else can give (The Ministry of Healing, p. 512).
Priceless opportunities
Christ entrusted His disciples with a commission to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). Amidst the challenges that exist in evangelism today, there are priceless opportunities where each one of us can make a positive difference. In the aforementioned book, Thom Rainer shares data that his team gathered while conducting one of the most comprehensive studies ever done on the unchurched. Three key statistics offer incredible encouragement for evangelism today.
1. Approximately two out of three individuals have a church background and regularly attended church when they were a child.
2. About one in three has plans to return to church in the future.
3. Nearly eight out of ten unchurched Americans (78%) expressed that they would welcome a gospel conversation.8
Let those numbers sink in. We can no longer lean on the excuse that the unchurched are not interested in talking about the gospel! People in general are interested and willing to talk about God.
Next steps
As we reflect on this vital information, we need to consider what we can do for the Master. You may be wondering what role you can play in evangelism today. The answer is simple: If the Spirit impresses you to share your faith, prayerfully take action!
We see a great example of this in Acts. Philip hears God’s call and is led to an Ethiopian eunuch sitting in his chariot reading from Isaiah. He starts a conversation with the man, inquiring if he understands what he is reading. The eunuch replies, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:31, ESV). Philip seizes this opportunity to talk about Jesus and proceeds to share his faith. In the end, this sanctified encounter leads to the eunuch proposing his own baptism!
Opportunities like this still exist today. We have tasted and have seen that the Lord is good! It is our sacred responsibility to listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice and act on His impressions to share our faith when provided the opportunity. Then, collectively as a church composed of children, youth, and adults, we must reinforce the bridges between our generational groups and work together to enlarge the kingdom of heaven here on earth.
VicLouis G. Arreola III serves as vice president for AsianPacific Ministries of the Pacific Union Conference.
1“Is Evangelism Going Out of Style?” Barna, Dec. 17, 2013, https://www.barna. com/research/is-evangelism-going-out-of-style/.
2“Is Evangelism Going Out of Style?”
3“Almost Half of Practicing Christian Millennials Say Evangelism Is Wrong,” Barna, Feb. 5, 2019, https://www.barna.com/research/millennials-opposeevangelism/ (emphasis added).
4“Almost Half of Practicing Christian Millennials.”
5“Almost Half of Practicing Christian Millennials.”
6“Almost Half of Practicing Christian Millennials.”
7Thom S. Rainer, Rainer on Evangelism: Reversing a Trend of Evangelistic Decline Personally and Corporately, https://irp-cdn. multiscreensite.com/d251c9fd/files/uploaded/Rainer On Evangelism.pdf. 8Rainer.
There is undeniable synergy when the various generations work hand in hand to share the gospel.
TOP LEFT: Elders John Loughborough and Stephen Haskell at St. Helena Sanitarium, 1920s. LEFT: Daniel T. Bourdeau. ABOVE RIGHT: John Loughborough
Ellen G. White surrounded by ministers and attendees at the Reno, Nevada, camp meeting, 1888.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLEN G. WHITE ESTATE, INC.
Pioneers in the West:
By the Recorder editorial staff
Beginnings in Nevada
The year was 1869. Evangelists John Loughborough and Daniel Bourdeau had only been in the West for a year. They had started holding tent meetings in northern California—in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Healdsburg.
It was in Healdsburg that they received a letter from William Hunt of Gold Hill, Nevada. He’d seen a newspaper report that, though unsympathetic, at least reported what was happening. Hunt didn’t know their names, so he addressed the letter “To the Elders at the Tent in Healdsburg, California.” He had heard they were selling books on Revelation, and he wanted one. Loughborough sent him the book, along with other literature and a letter explaining what they were doing. Hunt replied, sending money and requesting more books. Eventually, Loughborough reported that they had sent him everything the denomination published! Hunt said he believed it all and was making arrangements to keep Sabbath. He regularly sent money for the books and for tent meeting expenses.
Later Hunt came and met Loughborough, though he was leaving the country en route to New Zealand and then South Africa. In South Africa, he went to the diamond mines in Kimberley and, using the literature he had gathered, introduced the Adventist message there.
Reflecting on the positive experience that came as a result of a critical newspaper report, Loughborough observed, “By this time we knew we need not be alarmed at a little reproach against us.”1
Moving in
A more permanent Adventist presence began in 1876 when Jackson Ferguson, from Santa Rosa, California, began to hold regular Sabbath services. The following year, Loughborough reported that two families from Santa Rosa moved to St. Clair, Churchill County, Nevada. The year after that, they invited Loughborough to come and visit. He records his experience:
I arrived at Wadsworth Station Feb. 1, 1878, and was met by Jackson Ferguson who took me 35 miles across the desert to St. Clair, passing only one residence on the way. St. Clair is on the Carson River about six miles
Marion and Daniel T. Bourdeau
above the sink, on the edge of the Great American Desert. It is 5 miles from ‘Rag Town,’ were [sic] the immigrants stopped on Carson River for a few days to change their muchworn garments for better clothing before entering the settlements.
During February we held meetings in the Churchill County Institute, the only school building in the county. The whole community turned out and listened with great interest. In addition to those who had moved here from California, eight covenanted to keep all the commandments. When the question arose about my travel expenses and four weeks of labor, a non-member arose and said,
‘The way to raise this is to go down into our pockets and hand out the money.’ Then he laid a $20 gold piece on the desk. Others followed, and in two minutes the sum was more than made up.2
Such generosity was a common feature of the early days in the West.
Auspicious connections
One of those baptized in Reno was Charles M. Kinny, who had been born a slave in Richmond, Virginia. He had gradually made his way west. It was there in Reno that in 1878 he attended J.N. Loughborough’s evangelistic series.
During these lectures Ellen
“Some of our brethren and sisters in Battle Creek and other favored centers should be working in Nevada.”—Ellen White
Ellen G. White, seated behind children with open Bible, and J. N. Loughborough, seated second from right, at Reno, Nevada, camp meeting, 1888.
California camp meeting 1880s. Seated, left to right: J.N. Loughborough, Alonzo T. Jones, William C. Grainger, Stephen N. Haskell, C.H. Jones, Ellet J. Waggoner, J.M. Rice.
Charles M. Kinny seated in front with gathering of Black Adventist ministers, c. 1921.
G. White visited, and on July 30 she preached to an interested audience. She records that she spoke “in the tent in which Elder Loughborough was giving a course of lectures. I spoke with freedom to about four hundred attentive hearers, on the words of John: ‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.’” 3
Her sermon made an impact on Kinny. He became convinced of the Adventist message and was baptized on September 30, 1878.
Significant? Absolutely! Kinny was sponsored by the Reno church to study at Healdsburg College, and he became the first ordained Black pastor in the Adventist Church with an important ministry in various areas in the South.
Reno
As a result of these meetings and others in Reno, the “Seventh-day Adventist Association in the State of Nevada” was formed, later becoming the Nevada Mission. Nevada’s first Adventist church was built in Reno in 1888.
That was also the year Ellen White visited again, this time for a camp
Ella White Robinson, granddaughter of Ellen White, at the age of 92 wrote her memoirs, beginning when she, a child of 3, traveled to Europe with her parents and grandmother.
meeting. We have a record of letters she wrote while on the train. In 1905 she passed through Reno again, this time with an even more personal interest, since her granddaughter, Ella White, was teaching at the school in Reno. With her direct experience of the situation in Nevada, Ellen White made one of her very incisive observations: “Some of our brethren and sisters in Battle Creek and other favored centers should be working in Nevada.”4
Churches were organized at Bishop (1903) and Fallon (1906). A report from A.J. Osborne in 1907 mentions church work at Genoa, Gardnerville, Reno, Verdi, Fallon, and St. Clair. Until 1911 the Nevada churches were under the administration of the California Conference. In 1913, the Nevada Mission was organized. In 1931, the Nevada-Utah Conference was created, with 315 members and 12 churches in Nevada.
1J.N. Loughborough, Miracles in my Life (Payson, AZ: Leaves-of-Autumn Books, 1987 reprint), p. 80.
2Loughborough, Miracles in My Life, p. 94.
3Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4 (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1885), p. 296.
4Ellen G. White, “Notes of Travel—No. 3,” Review and Herald vol. 82, no. 7 (Feb. 16, 1905), p. 8.
Ministers at Fall Council in Loma Linda, 1915. Seated, left to right: S.N. Haskell, J.N. Loughborough, George I. Butler. Standing: J.H. Rogers, J.O. Corliss, H.W. Decker, H.W. Cottrell.
Fundamental Belief Number 13:
The Remnant and Its Mission
By Alberto Ingleton
The Word of God clearly establishes the missionary heart of God. It affirms that God yearns for the salvation of humanity, and for this reason He sent His Son with a message of salvation: “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).1 Jesus came with a mission to the world, to build a kingdom of those redeemed by His precious blood, shed by Him on the cross of Calvary.
God's mission for His remnant people has not changed. Christ Jesus affirmed it before ascending to heaven after His resurrection by proclaiming: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Every disciple who is part of God's remnant must be committed, involved, and active in the mission that God has assigned to each of His followers. The mission of the remnant people is specific: Go and make disciples.
The mission of the remnant will have an end: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Therefore, every member of the remnant, no matter where in the world they are, will actively share with others the good news of God's love and His plan of salvation.
Sharing the gospel with others is the fulfillment of the mission of the remnant; it is not complicated. All that the Lord asks of you is that you share with others what Christ has done for you. Remember the instructions of Christ to the Gadarene demoniac. After having healed him and freed him from the clutches of the enemy, He said: “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you” (Mark 5:19).
The Lord does not ask you to do something you cannot do. On the contrary, He asks
you to do something you can do. What has God done for you? He has forgiven you, He has been merciful, He has given you peace and comforted you. He has healed your emotional and spiritual wounds, He has given a new direction to your life, He has calmed your pain. He has broken your chains and given you hope, He has given you joy, and you have been the recipient of Christ's loving embrace. Tell others, share with others, what God in His mercy has done and continues to do for you. This is what God expects of His remnant.
Sharing the gospel is the duty of every believer. The apostle Peter affirms that you are “His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The pen of inspiration agrees: “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver” (Ellen G. White, Christian Service, p. 9).
The secret to the success of the remnant is to remain connected to Christ. Jesus tells us, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Abiding in Christ implies having an active and constant relationship with Him, in such a way that the believer has the same fibers as the vine. There are healthy, unobstructed conduits between the vine and the branches,
through which the believer receives strength, encouragement, faith, courage, patience, meekness, and kindness. Consequently, the Christian shares with others what he constantly receives from Christ and, as a result, “bears much fruit.”
The remnant is invited to take note of the following: “All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in” (Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 109). At the same time, God presents the following challenge to His people, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14).
Isaiah's response was, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). But the most important thing is, as part of God's remnant, what will your answer be? Your greatest joy, your greatest privilege, is to be an active, committed, and dedicated disciple to the mission of God for His remnant people: Go and make disciples.
Will you do it?
Alberto Ingleton is vice president for Hispanic Ministries of the Pacific Union Conference.
1All Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version.
A Sign of Relationship
By Jean Sheldon
In the ancient world reflected by the Bible, the giving and receiving of signs served as an important facet of life. Throughout Mesopotamia (the area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers now known as Iraq), signs typically came from popular gods using their chosen method to interact with humanity. These gods spoke through “specialists” who were needed to read and interpret their messages.
In Israel, however, their one and only God gave signs quite publicly while utilizing His own chosen specialists such as Moses and the prophets to deliver them. These exchanges were designed for everyone to witness.
In Israel, one such sign was the Sabbath.
A few passages in the Hebrew Bible talk about the Sabbath as a “sign.” The first is in Exodus 31:12-17. Then, Ezekiel follows with two verses in Ezekiel 20:12, 20.
Unlike in Ezekiel, Exodus speaks of the Sabbath not only as a sign but also as a covenant. In contrast to ancient Near Eastern contracts and treaties, a Hebrew covenant was originally a bond of trust that rested upon a divine promise.
What is a sign?
Today, signs typically transmit information or advertising. But in the Hebrew Bible, a sign represented a revelation of God delivered directly to His people. Signs served to highlight His power or His character.
By commemorating two great events—the Creation of the world and the Exodus from Egypt—the Sabbath announces to all that God is both Creator and Deliverer. This is reflected in the Decalogue in Exodus 20:11 and in Deuteronomy 5:15. God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. God brought Israel out of Egyptian slavery. By giving the weekly Sabbath as a sign of these two momentous events, God ensures that those who keep it intelligently will not forget the God who made them happen.
These revelations signified by the Sabbath can be more fully understood by contrasting them with Babylonian signs, sacred days, and theological views of human origins and worship. By comparing the biblical Sabbath with relevant Babylonian practices and concepts, we can more clearly understand the significance of both the meaning and intent of God’s holy day.
Reading the signs
In Babylonian texts, signs belong to the realm of divination in which gods send literal illustrations that reflect their messages in the heavens, in the entrails of sacrificial animals, and in other physical manifestations and events.
To the diviner, and those whose omens he “reads,” these signs represent a judicial interaction from the gods, either involving a positive message or a threatening one. In the case of the latter, mere mortals could change the negative outcome only by seeking to appease that god’s anger and regain his favor. Hostile signs did not create the disasters they threatened; the signs simply warned of their appearance as the result of some angry god’s decision.
The Sabbath-sign bears little likeness to this view. With its ties to creation and freedom from slavery, it lies outside the judicial sphere. The Sabbath, therefore, is not about judging or condemning people. It’s about giving them rest and re-creation.
The only judiciary aspect of the biblical Sabbath is the addition in Exodus 31:12-17 that suggests that working on the holy day is a capital crime. This concept makes a strange contrast to the Babylonians who, as slaves of their gods, could never cease work or rest. One would think that God’s people, recently freed from slavery, would rejoice in a weekly day in which they did not have to labor and could safely rest with God.
Surprisingly, some in the multitude turned their backs on the Sabbath early in their trek from Egypt to Canaan. Therefore, the death penalty threat may have been added to motivate those ex-slaves— accustomed to such stern warnings—to accept God’s gracious gift of the Sabbath and its special meanings.
The original giving of the Sabbath lacked any such severe judicial element. Indeed, the very framework of Exodus 31:12-17 depicts the relationship it provided. “The Sabbath is a sign between me and you” God announces in Exodus 31:13 (CEB). “It is a sign forever between me and the Israelites,” He added (Exodus 31:17, CEB). Thus the holy day signifies a revelation of God that invokes a one-on-one relationship between the Sabbath keepers and Him.
The Sabbath commandment as delivered on Sinai did contain one simple prohibition: don’t work on the Sabbath. But I believe that this singular command is rightly considered to offer a stark contrast with common practices in the ancient Near East that offered no weekly day of rest from work whatsoever. For the children of Israel, by working on the Sabbath they severed that divine connection with God.
Evil days
In the Assyro-Babylonian reading of the stars, certain days could be either favorable or
unfavorable, particularly for doing certain activities. The Babylonians called the most striking of these “the evil days.” It’s interesting to speculate whether the inclusion of numerous prohibitions of activities on the Sabbath that later emerged within Judaism reflected the influence that they may have absorbed during the Babylonian exile.
In addition to the “evil” days, the 15th day of the lunar calendar makes its appearance in various Assyrian and Babylonian works. Its name, shapattu, reminds readers of the Hebrew word Shabbat or “Sabbath.” It figures in two Babylonian creation myths. One was the Atraḫasis epic.
It seems the god Enki made a cleansing bath on the first, seventh, and fifteenth (shapattu) days of the month. Following that third bath, the god Wê-ila was slaughtered and the birth-goddess Nintu mixed his blood and flesh with clay to create human beings. Through this process, Mami, the divine mid-wife, took away the heavy punishment of the gods who’d previously revolted from their toil, and placed it on the human beings created from the clay and blood of the slain deity.
This stands in sharp contrast to the Creation Week story—in which God does not slay a divine being for the purpose of creating humankind to be His slaves.
But what seems to be the significance of this 15th lunar day is that it appears to involve cleansing in preparation for the creation of humanity. It also involves removing the gods from slavery and creating human beings to take their place. In the Atraḫasis epic, this enslavement of human beings appeased the gods who’d revolted against the high god for having to overwork. In keeping with that line of thought, a phrase qualifying the lunar shapattu reads, “day of the resting of the heart”—a phrase that means “appeasement of (most likely) the gods,” since the word “resting” is often used in a verbal form as appeasement, especially when used with “heart.”
In contrast, the Bible offers Sabbath keepers a different kind of experience in which God mandates rest; a rest that resembles His own at the end of Creation Week. Instead of a cleansing bath and the slaying of a god, God’s day is holy and He’s the One who makes people holy as well. Ezekiel records: “I even gave them
my Sabbaths to become a sign between me and them so they would know that I, YHWH, make them holy” (Ezekiel 20:12, translation mine). (YHWH is the name of God in the Hebrew Bible, pronounced “Yahweh.”)
Once again, the Sabbath defines our relationship with God—not as His slaves, not as those who have to appease His wrath or experienced violence, but as free people to whom God offers the holy experience of rest with Him on Sabbath.
Bonds of relationship
The Sabbath, as a sign between God and His people, means that a bond of relationship can exist between them. They rest, not only because God rested, but because they rest with God. This powerful image gets magnified by an understanding of Babylonian concepts of rest.
As noted above, in the work Atraḫasis, the gods decided to create human beings as their substitute workforce since they had revolted from their toil. This concept, going back to Sumerian times, was a persistent view of ancient Mesopotamians. Human beings, including kings, viewed themselves as slaves of the gods for whom there was no rest. Just as their slaves worked every day of the month, except possibly for festivals, so they, too, endlessly labored to satisfy the gods. The gods could rest, but not their human slaves.
Ezekiel, living in Babylonia, may well have understood this fact. Perhaps this is what led him to deviate from Exodus 31 when he stated: “I even gave them my Sabbaths to become a sign between me and them so they would know that I, YHWH, make them holy” (Ezekiel 20:12, translation mine).
This idea offers powerful perceptions concerning the status of Sabbath keepers. It recalls the significance of human creation: God in Genesis makes human beings in His image, sharing with them the status of governors—not over one another, but over the natural world.
Within a Babylonian context, the Sabbath as a sign
would counter every day that they might consider favorable or unfavorable for certain activities. Standing apart from the lunar calendar, every seven days—the weekly Sabbath—reminded YHWH’s people that He had given them this shared gift of resting with Him and recalling their release from slavery, all in utter rejection of any status as slaves. This non-violent rest, this freedom from slavery, this covenant of relationship, is how God made them holy.
That they might know
Ezekiel adds in verse 20:20: “I gave them my Sabbaths that they might know that I am YHWH your God” (translation mine). Ezekiel places the identity of God’s name with His Sabbath gift. Not only does God give His Sabbath to signify that He makes people holy, but to signify that He is their God.
The sign of the Sabbath therefore bears a message not just from God, but about God. Unlike the many Babylonian deities who were selfish, prideful, power hungry, violent, and who delighted in war and slavery, the True God of the Sabbath reveals the character of one who creates the world and then gives His creation over to the two human beings that He made in His own image. They were to take charge of it by serving it. God gives His people the freedom to act and think for themselves while in service to Him.
The Creator God reveals Himself to be one who neither demands unmitigated labor nor lords it over us. Rather, He unselfishly desires more than anything else to enjoy fellowship with us so that we can get to know Him more fully. As a God who never needs appeasement, He offers us His weekly gift of a Sabbath rest with Him in order to make possible oneness of fellowship. In doing so, He makes us holy.
Jean Sheldon, PhD, is professor emerita and adjunct professor of Old Testament at Pacific Union College. This article is an abridged version of her chapter that appeared in Remembering (Westlake Village, CA: Oak & Acorn Publishing, 2023), pp. 19-30.
The Crisis of the Nineties
By Roy Branson
With Adventists advocating views similar to those of the most active champions of Black men's rights from before the Civil War through Reconstruction, with Mrs. White providing firm theological underpinning for equality among races, how can one explain her statements such as these, which endorse segregation?
“Let the colored people work chiefly for those of their own race.... The best thing will be to provide the colored people who accept the truth, with places of worship of their own, in which they can carry on their services by themselves.… Schools and sanitariums for colored people should be established.”1
“Let white and colored people be labored for in separate, distinct lines.”2
In what seems a further reversal of attitudes, Mrs. White, who wanted the Civil War prosecuted more vigorously, now cautioned that “we are not to agitate the color line question, and thus arouse prejudice and bring about a crisis.”3
What changed Mrs. White’s approach was not her theology. She never retreated from her position that all men are equal in creation and redemption. Nor did she change her ideas as to what was necessary to implement the principle of
Mission buildings and church, Vicksburg, Mississippi
racial equality. In the early 1890s, long after Reconstruction and the establishment of Democratic, Redemptionist South, Mrs. White addressed the leading men of the General Conference, saying we needed an expanded work in the South. Her plans were similar to those advocated by the radical Republicans 20 years before. Expanded welfare services were needed to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Sanitariums and schools should be established. As the radicals and other progressive thinkers had insisted, the Black men needed jobs. Mrs. White suggested that industries could be started both in and out of cities. Above all, Blacks should be taught how to grow crops other than cotton.4
The crisis of the nineties
Mrs. White’s ideas and plans were as bold as ever. What caused her to counsel caution in practice was what one historian has called the “crisis of the nineties.” The conservatives, Democrats, once again dominant in the South, “persuaded themselves that the crisis of the ’nineties was as desperate as that of the ’seventies had been. The South must be redeemed again, and the political ethics of redemption—which justified any means used to achieve the end—were pressed into service.”5
Many factors contributed to the crisis of the nineties. The North had lost interest in stopping White Southerners from disfranchising the Black man. Even liberals felt they should no longer protect Blacks; it was time for Blacks to prove themselves. Republicans discovered that they did not need Black voters to win the presidency. Business interests who had supported even the radicals in the Republican Party decided it was good business to have harmony between Northern and Southern Whites.
Branches of the federal government were endorsing the idea that too much had been given too fast to the Blacks. By 1898, the Supreme
Court had been handing down, for 25 years, a series of opinions progressively limiting the civil rights laws extended to Black people during Reconstruction by radical Republican Congresses. In Plessy v. Ferguson the Court said, “Legislation is powerless to eradicate racial instincts,” and it justified segregation under the “separate but equal doctrine.” The capstone was the Williams v. Mississippi decision, which approved the 1890 Mississippi plan for disfranchising Black voters. Rapidly the entire South erected barriers between the Black man and the ballot box. Literacy tests, which could be (and were) administered to provide loopholes only for illiterate Whites, were followed by poll taxes and the White primary system. The effectiveness of this program of the nineties can be measured by the rapid decline of Black registered voters in Louisiana. In 1896, there were 130,334 Black men registered to vote. By 1904 there were only 1,342—a 99 percent decrease in eight years.6
Economic conditions in the Southern agrarian economy were a fundamental reason for the crisis of the nineties. Depression had hit the farms. “A great restiveness seized upon the populace, a more profound upheaval of economic discontent than had ever moved the Southern people before, more profound in its political manifestations than that which shook them in the Great Depression of the 1930’s.”7
Typical Black settlement on Fort Hill in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where the first work of the Southern Missionary Society was undertaken.
In their frustration, the various elements of Southern White society—conservative Democrats who had supported secession, Southerners who had collaborated with Reconstruction, and Populists who had at first championed Black rights even after the start of Redemption had come—all now united in making the Black man the scapegoat in order to cure the disunity of the White South.
“If the psychologists are correct in their hypothesis that aggression is always the result of frustration, then the South toward the end of the nineties was the perfect cultural seedbed for aggression against the minority race. Economic,
political, and social frustrations had pyramided to a climax of social tensions.” 8
Jim Crow segregation laws were one important result of White aggression. Jim Crow laws had begun in 1875 with bars to interracial marriages, followed by the construction of some separated schools in 1885. But in the late nineties, new Jim Crow laws spread rapidly to trains, streetcars, employment, and hospitals.
At the height of this "Second Redemption" of the nineties, Edson White tried to implement the comprehensive plans for the South proposed earlier by his mother. Having read some of his mother's appeals, Edson responded by constructing a 70-foot steamboat, the Morning Star, and sailing it down the Mississippi River. Arriving in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Jan. 10, 1895, Edson made the Morning Star a floating headquarters (complete with chapel and print shop) for publishing, evangelistic, educational, and agricultural work among Mississippi Black people.
In a thesis written at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and in a subsequent book,9 Ron Graybill has examined Mrs. White's statements
“If the psychologists are correct in their hypothesis that aggression is always the result of frustration, then the South toward the end of the nineties was the perfect cultural seedbed for aggression against the minority race.”
Edson and Emma White
on race and the Mississippi venture of her son Edson. He argues persuasively that Mrs. White's first calls for segregation came after White Adventists, working primarily with Blacks in Mississippi river towns, faced looting, shooting, and burning mobs of Whites. On May 25, 1899, Edson reported to his mother in a letter:
Two weeks ago tonight a mob of about 25 white men came to our church at Calmer at about midnight. They brought out Brother Stephenson, our worker, and then looted the church, burning books, maps, charts, etc. They hunted for Brother Casey, our leading colored brother of that place, but he had escaped in time so they did not reach him. They then went to the house of Brother Olvin, called out, and whipped him with a cowhide. I think they would have killed him if it had not been for a friendly white man who ordered them to stop whipping after they had struck a few blows. They did not pay any attention to him at first, but he drew his revolver, and said the next man who struck a blow would hear from him, and then they stopped. During this time they shot at Brother Olvin's wife, and struck her in the leg, but did not hurt her seriously. They took Brother Stephenson to the nearest railway station, put him on the cars, and sent him out of the country. They posted notice on our church,
forbidding me to return, and forbidding the steamer Morning Star to land between Yazoo City and Vicksburg. The whole difficulty arose from our efforts to aid the colored people. We had given them clothing where in need, and food to those who were hungry, and taught them some better ideas about farming, introduced different seeds such as peanuts, beans, etc., that bring a high price,…and this the whites would not stand.10
Only a few days after receiving her son's letter from Mississippi, Mrs. White wrote on June 5, 1899, to A.F. Ballenger on the subject of race. She included sentences repeated verbatim later in her 1908 essay on “The Color Line.” “So far
as possible, everything that would stir up the race prejudice of the white people should be avoided. There is danger of closing the door so that our
white laborers will not be able to work in some places in the South.”11
Graybill points out that much of the material on race appearing in volume nine of Testimonies for the Church was written almost immediately after the Mississippi persecutions. He specifically places in this setting her most puzzling sentence.
“In the case of the statement that ‘colored people should not urge that they be placed on an equality with white people,’ it is, as mentioned above, possible to look with some validity to Mississippi and the incident in Yazoo City and along the Yazoo River for historical settings or at least the general conditions pointed to in the Ballenger letter, for it was evidently sometime before 1903 that she first made the statement.”12 Elsewhere in his thesis, Graybill analyzes Mrs. White’s use of the terms “equality” and “social equality.” He devotes a chapter to the meaning of social equality in Mrs. White’s time and the manner in which Mrs. White used the phrase.
Historical background
It cannot be said too emphatically that Mrs. White's statement that “colored people should not urge that they be placed on an equality with white people” referred to certain social arrangements— forms of integration—she considered not possible during the crisis of the nineties. She did not want to move too rapidly at that precise moment when
Workers’ barge, “Dawn,” towed by Morning Star, in which six workers were brought from Ottawa, Illinois, in 1894.
Adventists were being physically attacked, but she most definitely was not talking about the possibilities of social and civil integration in the United States of today. Nor, most assuredly, was she discussing the fundamental nature—physical, mental, or spiritual—of the Black man. As we have seen earlier, on that point Mrs. White was definite: all men are equal brothers.
Some may feel that Mrs. White, at the turn of the century, did not extend her basic principle of equality into the life of Southern Adventism with sufficient firmness and boldness. But there should be no doubt: concerning the nature of the Black man, Mrs. White was no racist.
As to whether or not Mrs. White vigorously championed equality, the record shows Mrs. White taking two approaches. When Jim Crow laws swept into law books in the nineties, when Adventist ventures into the South were met with whips and torches, Mrs. White urged a moderate stance in race relations. “Shall not His [Christ’s] followers, for His sake, be willing to submit to many things unjust and grievous to be borne, in order to help the very ones who need help?”13
different places and under different circumstances, the subject will need to be handled differently,”15 she may well be remembering her earlier role of vigorous leadership in race relations. Fortyone years before, when Mrs. White was 35, she and her young associates leading the Adventist denomination felt that the North was guilty of being too moderate in its pursuit of the war. At that time, Mrs. White had complained about “the prosecution of this war—the slow, inefficient moves, the inactivity of our armies.” 16 Here was no gradualist, no moderate. Here was a zealous reformer, vivid and full-blown.
In 1898, F.R. Rogers and his wife, living in Washington State, read the Gospel Herald, crossed the country and arrived in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to assist in any way possible.
Mrs. White was one of those spiritual leaders who saw Christian duty leading into reform of slavery as well as other problems, such as temperance, education, and public health. In mid-19th-century America, revivalism had often led to social reform.
Mrs. White's counsel was a concession to a specific problem that she hoped would be temporary. Referring to Black believers who were to have their own churches, she said, “Let them understand that this plan is to be followed until the Lord shows us a better way.”14
When at 76 Mrs. White referred to the “color question” and wrote in a 1903 letter that “in
“The militant anti-slavery movement that had developed by 1831 was, in itself, a powerful religious crusade.... It was closely connected, in many respects, with movements for peace, women’s rights, temperance, and other reform programs that developed simultaneously. In the West, it was connected with the Great Revival, of which Charles G. Finney was the dominant figure, emphasizing the importance of being useful and thus releasing a powerful impulse toward social reform.” 17
A recent historian of American religion feels that Adventists have dramatically demonstrated
how a revivalistic longing for the hereafter can be combined with a concern for the whole man, here and now. Noting that Adventists have built and operated hospitals, publishing houses, homes for the aged, and a complete school system, Winthrop Hudson quotes approvingly one observer’s comment “that seldom while expecting a kingdom of God from heaven has a group worked so diligently for one on earth.”18
Today, as we go to Mrs. White for guidance in race relations, let us take seriously her commitment to the basic equality of all people, whatever their race. As we further study her to find clues to the proper pace for implementing equality, let us remember that she supported achievement of racial justice at the earliest moment possible. Judging what is possible is, of course, the nub of the problem. Here the more mellow Mrs. White, advising caution in the crisis of the nineties, should not obscure the younger, more zealous Mrs. White of the Civil War and Reconstruction. If we are to learn one lesson from this brief glance at our denominational forebears, it is that circumstances sometimes dictate moderation in achieving justice, but that equally often, the times demand we be nothing less than militant reformers.
Although he was referring to the issue of slavery, J. N. Andrews accurately described how many of us still avoid our moral obligation to attack the evils confronting us today.
“This sin is snugly stowed away in a certain package which is labeled ‘Politics.’ They deny the right of their fellow men to condemn any of the favorite sins which they have placed in this bundle; and they evidently expect that any parcel bearing this label, will pass the final custom-house, i.e.,
the judgment of the great day—without being examined. Should the All-seeing Judge, however, inquire into their connection with this great iniquity, they suppose the following answer will be entirely satisfactory to him: ‘I am not at all censurable for anything said or done by me in behalf of slavery; for O Lord, thou knowest, it was a part of my politics!’ Will this plea be offered by any reader of this article?”19
Roy Branson was a Seventh-day Adventist theologian, social activist, ethicist, and educator. He was director of the Center for Christian Bioethics at Loma Linda University Health when he passed away in 2015. This article appeared in the April 23, 1970, Review and Herald. Used with permission.
1Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9 (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1909), pp. 206-207.
2White, Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 209.
3White, Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 209.
4Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7 (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1902), pp. 227-228; Ms. 24, 1891, “The Work in the Southern Field,” quoted in Ron Graybill, “Historical Contexts of Ellen G. White’s Statements Concerning Race Relations” (unpublished thesis, SDA Theological Seminary, 1968), p. 50. The thesis was published by the Review and Herald in 1970 as “Ellen G. White and Church Race Relations.”
5C. Vann Woodward, The Strange Career of Jim Crow (New York: Oxford University Press, 1966), p. 78.
6Woodward, p. 85.
7Woodward, p. 77.
8Woodward, p. 81.
9Ronald D. Graybill, Ellen G. White and Church Race Relations (Washington, DC: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1970).
10James Edson White to Ellen C. White, May 23, 1899, quoted in Graybill, pp. 56-57.
11White, Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 214.
12Graybill, p. 60; cf. pp. 59, 61.
13White, Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 208.
14White, Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 206; emphasis added.
15Ellen G. White, letter to Willie White, Aug. 3, 1903, Lt 165.
16Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1 (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1885), p. 259.
17John Hope Franklin, From Slavery to Freedom (New York: Knopf, 1956), pp. 244-245.
18Winthrop S. Hudson, Religion in America (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1965), p. 147.
19J. N. Andrews, “Slavery,” Review and Herald 24, no. 22 (Oct. 25, 1864), p. 172.
Today, as we go to Mrs. White for guidance in race relations, let us take seriously her commitment to the basic equality of all people, whatever their race.
“This
Is Not a Death Sentence”
By Melissa Maguire
On a Sabbath afternoon in June 2021, shortly after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, my dad said, “This is not a death sentence.” He believed he would overcome it: “I’m going to kick this thing, don’t you worry.” Despite his words, I couldn’t help but imagine the possibility of life without him. Cancer meant a complete shift in life—chemo, radiation, and surgeries. But together, we were determined to fight.
“This is not a death sentence.” My head began to swirl with thoughts—things I had never had to think about before. I had never imagined a future that didn’t involve my dad. But that was a real possibility now. This was one of the only times I ever saw my dad cry. Esophageal cancer meant he had a tumor in his esophagus—his throat essentially. Every time he ate, it would pass by that tumor; his diet became life or death. Cancer
meant an entirely different life. Cancer meant chemo and radiation. But we were going to beat this thing.
In John 11, Mary and Martha faced similar fears. Their brother, Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, was gravely ill. They sent a message to Jesus, saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick” (John 11: 3).1 I could relate deeply to this cry for help, praying through my own fears: “Lord, the one you love is sick. My dad is sick. Don’t let him go.”
Over the months, my dad’s treatments were intense, and in October, he underwent surgery. When the doctors opened him up, there was no tumor—it had disappeared. The surgery was a success, and he went into recovery, feeling healthier than he had in years. We praised God, and for the next 11 months, my dad grew closer to Him, spending hours reading the Bible.
Then, in September, I got a call: the cancer had returned, spreading throughout his body. With a heavy heart, I prayed, “God, you have to heal him.” Yet, he continued to weaken, and on January 30, my mom called, saying, “Honey, I think you need to come home.”
Everyone was there—my aunts, my uncles, my cousin. Everyone that needed to see my dad was there. We prayed hard. I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time on my knees in my life. I spent the whole day Wednesday and Thursday morning with my dad. We talked about school, my friends, my crushes. I did most of the talking since he was very weak. We watched some old dumb movies together, and when there wasn’t anything good on the oldies’ channels anymore, I flipped through until I found “13 going on 30.”
My dad hated rom-coms, but this time he
watched with me. And he laughed. “I don’t know when your dad got to be so old, Melissa,” he said. “I want to be there for you. I want to see you get married and have kids, but I’m afraid that won’t happen now.”
“It's OK,” I assured him. “It’s OK.”
Helping my father sit up in bed was surreal, and calling nurses to lift him felt even stranger. On Thursday morning, I swapped shifts with my mom, said goodbye, hugged my dad, and he squeezed my hand, saying, “I love you.” The plan was to go home, rest, and return. But while I was waiting for my aunt to take me back, my mom walked in. Confused, I wondered why she was there. Through tears, she told my brother, “He didn’t suffer.” I collapsed in grief—my dad was gone.
In John 11, when Jesus finally arrived at Bethany, He learned that Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha met Him, and in her grief, she said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (verse 21). This is a complex statement— part faith, part sorrow, part question. Jesus could have come sooner, yet He waited. Martha was brave in voicing her disappointment, holding on to faith but also expressing her pain. This resonated with me; I, too, wondered where Jesus was. I had prayed for my dad’s healing, yet he passed away.
Grief is complex, and I thought I’d processed mine. But months later, I realized I felt abandoned by God, questioning His love. I prayed cautiously, relying on my own strength, afraid to trust Him completely. Have you ever felt like that—where God doesn’t seem to answer when you need Him most?
Martha, Mary, and Jesus arrived at Lazarus’ tomb, where we witness the profound moment of “Jesus wept.” Knowing He would raise Lazarus, Jesus still
As I process my loss, I don’t pretend my faith is perfect, but I know Jesus hasn’t left me.
grieved with them. He wept with those He loved, showing that tears do not indicate a lack of faith. In my suffering, I felt Jesus beside me, sharing my pain.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church teaches that the dead are resting, unaware of time passing until the resurrection. Knowing this, I realize Jesus misses my dad even more than I do. The Holy Spirit can no longer comfort my dad directly while he rests in death, so Jesus grieves this separation, too.
As I process my loss, I don’t pretend my faith is perfect, but I know Jesus hasn’t left me. Grief can make us feel isolated, but we aren’t alone. Jesus is with us even in the darkest times, and His presence offers comfort. Loss can shake us, yet it brings us closer to Jesus, the “pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
Grief extends beyond death; it encompasses any loss, whether it’s a relationship, a job, or a dream. We were created for eternity, and grief is a painful reminder that this world is not as it should be. K.J. Ramsey, in This Too Shall Last, writes, “We grieve because we have seen flashes of the beauty and joy and pure love of the kingdom of God. And we ache for it to come.”2
Whatever you have lost, grieve it. Maybe you’ve
lost a parent as I have, a sibling, a job, the family you wanted, the life you wanted to have. Grieve that loss. Know that grieving is not a sign of a lack of faith. I am not the one who must summon up faith when I am weak. I do not have to pull myself up. Jesus is the pioneer, the author, and perfecter of my faith. Of your faith. He knows suffering, He died on a cross bearing the weight of all our sins, and He is now seated at the right hand of God. And He gives me grace that sustains me through every day.
My dad told me just before he died (through a text because he couldn’t talk well), “Let this drive you closer to Jesus, rely on Him to get through.” This is my prayer for you today, whatever you are grieving: Let it pull you closer to Jesus. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the One who knows your pain more intimately than anyone.
Melissa Maguire is a senior theology student at Southern Adventist University. She is currently serving as a taskforce worker at Fletcher Academy as the assistant girls' dean before she graduates in May 2026. Her home is in Phoenix, Arizona.
1All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version.
2K.J. Ramsey, This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2020), p. 193.
Velino A. Salazar Retires: Looking Back on 47 Years of Ministry
I“didn’t want to be a pastor.”
Growing up as a “pastor’s kid,” watching his father in church administration, Velino A. Salazar wasn’t unaware of what the life of a pastor looked like. He didn’t think it was for him; his sights were set on the medical field.
Then, in the summer of 1973, he attended an Adventist Youth (AY) event organized for high schoolers hosted by the School of Theology at Montemorelos College, and something changed. “That afternoon is when I sensed that the Lord was tapping on my shoulder and saying, ‘Go!’” Salazar recalled. “There were three altar calls during the meeting. Finally, on the third call, I responded.”
following summer, Salazar was invited to join an evangelistic team as a Bible worker. “During that summer is when I decided that this is what I really wanted to do—that the plan that I had in mind for two years was gone,” he said.
Throughout his life in ministry, Salazar has held a variety of positions. Salazar spent his first five and a half years of ministry in Mexico, first as pastor for two and a half years before moving into the conference office to lead the education and stewardship departments. One year later, youth was added to his responsibilities.
Even then, he had reasoned that it would be a one- to two-year commitment to reaffirm his faith because he was planning to be a physician. The
In 1979, the summer camp Salazar organized received a visit from Leo Ranzolin, then General Conference Pathfinder leader. Salazar wanted to become more involved in Pathfinders, and he asked Ranzolin: “Where,
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Salazar is pictured during his last conference office worship with the staff.
Salazar is passionate about youth and club ministries. He has joined in on four Pathfinder camporees and often volunteered to be a chaperone for various Pathfinder activities—both while his children, Melissa and Eric, were Pathfinders, and while he was an administrator after they had grown up. Here (left), he is pictured baptizing a Pathfinder at the Oshkosh camporee.
CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE
in your estimation, can I learn the most about Pathfindering?” Ranzolin pointed him to, among other places, Australia.
So, Salazar began to focus on learning English and planning how he would head to Australia. Yet, upon visiting family in Los Angeles, he met up with some classmates from Montemorelos who urged him to stay in Southern California. He was committed to his plan, but he didn’t see any harm in applying for a local position as assistant Spanish evangelist, as he was still single. After being invited to take the position, in 1983, he moved to Southern California and returned to pastoral ministry. Here, he pastored at three churches: Central Spanish, Culver City Spanish, and San Fernando Spanish churches. It was while he was pastoring that Salazar met his wife, Esther, in January 1985. They married in March 1987.
He again transitioned to the conference office as region director in 1996, a position he held until 2003, when he was voted to serve as the executive secretary, one of the conference’s
executive officers. He held that position for 12 years; in 2015, he was voted to serve as the conference president following the retirement of Larry Caviness.
Salazar sought to live out the values he encouraged throughout the conference during his nine years as president. “One of the main roles of the conference president is to keep the church family across the conference united,” he shared. “I think that is the role of those who are at the top of the organization, creating an atmosphere of respect, trust, admiration, and affection.”
While he was admittedly not always comfortable with change, he always invited innovation. “I thought that sometimes the tradition is commodity,” he
Salazar is pictured with his wife, Esther, and two children, Melissa and Eric, with their spouses (Jose, far left, and Keren, far right), at his retirement party.
PHOTO: ARAYA MOSS
PHOTO: LAUREN LACSON
noted. “Sometimes tradition is something that will relate to laziness. Why? Because new things make you think deeply and take you out of your comfort zone.” He allowed himself to be uncomfortable to consider new perspectives and ideas.
He prioritized integrity and transparency, and his decision-making process showed it. Prayer was central as he wrestled with difficult decisions. “I was thinking there were individuals that were expecting the president to have the last say, when I didn’t know everything, I didn’t have all the answers, and also, I have my biases and my preferences,” he shared. “The only way that I found is seeking for the Lord’s guidance.”
Rich as it was, Salazar doesn’t struggle to summarize his career. “I was called to represent Christ and speak on His behalf—anywhere and to
anyone,” he said. “This fits any responsibility that I had.”
Salazar retired in 2024 and continues serving the conference part time as assistant to the president for various projects.
When asked which moments stand out as most fulfilling in his ministry, Salazar was quick to answer. “Most fulfilling is being a pastor—when I had the opportunity to see and help the members to do ministry,” he shared, recalling one experience from the early days of his ministry. He was leading a midweek prayer meeting when a man who was drunk came in. He began loudly responding—“Yes, pastor!”—which was unusual for the culture. He was condemning others for not behaving right and sharing harsh opinions.
“I was nervous,
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Salazar offers the ordination prayer for Ellis Flores.
LEFT: Salazar addresses the Glendale Korean church on the occasion of their 50-year anniversary and mortgage burning. RIGHT: He hopes his legacy will be that “he was human.”
and I didn’t know how to handle that,” Salazar recalled, “but I continued preaching.” That man, a few years later, became one of the deacons, and later, an elder, preaching in the church.
“This is the most rewarding thing that I can say— seeing the transformation,” he said, “seeing how the Holy Spirit works in the life of people.”
“I’m not diminishing presidency,” he said. “I enjoyed it. I see that there were some fulfillments as well. But you used one word: ‘What were the most fulfilling moments you had in ministry?’ In administration, the most fulfilling moments that I enjoyed is seeing young people, young pastors, growing.”
Influence is something Salazar takes seriously. He was mindful of his influence throughout the conference during his nine years as president. The
main message he wanted to convey? “That we were Christ-like leaders, and we should be Christ-like family,” he reflected. “This doesn’t mean that we have to agree on everything. But, yes, definitely, no question—we have to respect each other.”
Salazar continues to be a steward of his influence—utilizing it to impact younger leaders. When asked what retirement would hold for him, he shared hopes to continue leading in a new way. “Continue being available to inspire younger leaders,” he said. “I aspire, if allowed, to mentor young pastors and administrators. And, obviously, preach from time to time. That’s what I envision.”
“I can say, thank God, He has equipped me to do what He expected from me to do.”
By Lauren Lacson
James G. Lee Jr. Retires After 48 Years of Ministry
As with many people who find themselves working in administrative roles in a conference, James G. Lee’s ministry began in the field as a pastor. However, he had no intention of becoming a pastor.
“You know what, to be honest with you, it was not something I wanted to do,” Lee recalled. “In fact, it was the furthest thing I wanted to do.”
Lee had specific plans for his career: to be a Bible teacher. Lee studied at Oakwood University (then Oakwood College) and remembers taking various theology classes his freshman year.
“My sophomore year, I would have conversations with the Lord about teaching Bible,” Lee said, “and it bothered me that He kept saying, ‘I need you to be a minister.’ And I was like, ‘No, let me
be a Bible teacher.’ So I took secondary education with history as my minor. Then something happened.”
Born and raised in Compton, Lee was back in Southern California during the summer of 1975 before his senior year at Oakwood, working with Pastor George Rainey at University church. There, he worked with several other students and recent graduates from Oakwood, and he would still share with his peers about his aspirations to be a teacher. Around this time, University church held an evangelistic series. Lee remembers seeing a man coming to the meetings, and on a Wednesday night, Elder Rainey made an appeal. Lee sat and talked with the man, who soon started crying. Not sure what to do at first,
Lee felt the Holy Spirit telling him to ask the man if he wanted to accept Christ. Lee did, and the man said yes. “I think from that moment, I felt the impulse of the Lord saying, ‘This is what you need to do.’”
Lee met and started dating his wife, Marsha, at Oakwood his senior year. After graduating from Oakwood in 1976, his ministry began in the Southern California Conference (SCC) at Valley Crossroads church (then Pacoima church), where he served as associate pastor for about eight months. From there, he served as Altadena church associate pastor from 1977-1979. He then attended
seminary at Andrews University. He returned to SCC to continue his ministry. He was pastor of Compton Community (then El Segundo church) from 19811987; senior pastor of Normandie church from 1987-1997; and senior pastor at Philadelphian church before becoming the SCC African-American Region director (now Greater Los Angeles Region). Lee served as region director until 2003 when he was voted as the SCC vice president (later changed to executive vice president), a position he held until his retirement in 2024.
Throughout his ministry, Lee’s fondness for public evangelism was ever present. At each church, he recalls conducting prophecy seminars on Revelation and Daniel. Through the years, he had to get creative. At Normandie Avenue and Philadelphian churches, for example, he divided his church into the 12 tribes— like the tribes of Israel—and
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LEFT: Lee is ordained at the Black Convocation in 1982. RIGHT: Lee gives a presentation on older adult ministry at an Adventist Community Services training event in the SCC office.
SCC office bowling outing, summer 2024.
PHOTO: LAUREN LACSON
At Peter Baptiste’s ordination, Lee encourages him to “preach the word” in his ministerial charge.
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organized
each tribe with leaders to rally their groups to go out knocking on doors to reach people in preparation for these evangelistic meetings, efforts that resulted in total member involvement.
His heart for evangelism was further developed during his time serving as executive vice president, particularly during covid. In the fall of 2020, SCC held its first-ever conference-wide digital event: a week of spiritual encouragement. Lee recalled a similar online revival event held by another conference, and together with the executive leadership, he planned the event to bring encouragement and community to SCC during an especially trying time. The event was streamed live on YouTube and Facebook in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024—each of the four events in slightly different formats.
“We had a really good time,” Lee said. “Then it started to grow and develop into different approaches and styles. We had different people to come and share. I really enjoyed it.”
Lee’s transition from pastor to administrator was smooth overall. Even away from the local church,
he still experienced community, fellowship, and camaraderie. “It was a wonderful time,” Lee recalled. “We had trainings for elders, religious liberty, Sabbath School, etc. I talked with pastors and visited with churches. I got to meet all kinds of people.”
In his time ministering in SCC, he’s seen it become more diverse, both in the conference office and in the field, naming several churches whose demographics have changed since he started pastoring in the 1970s. “My president was Hispanic, my treasurer was Hispanic, my executive secretary was White,” Lee said. “It’s a different world and culture we live in. I think it’s encouraging and inspiring.”
“I did not know that I was going to be the vice president for 20 or so years,” Lee recalled. “I thought maybe one of those years something would happen, but God put me there. God told me yes, and then God told me no. I’m just grateful to Him to be able to do what I was doing for so long.” However, Lee knew that “once you get to a certain point, it’s certainly time.”
“I am just overjoyed about retirement,” Lee continued. “I just looked forward to it. Constituency was Sunday. That Monday, I didn’t do anything. That
“I thought maybe one of those years something would happen, but God put me there. God told me yes, and then God told me no. I’m just grateful to Him to be able to do what I was doing for so long.”—James G. Lee Jr.
Wednesday, Marsha and I hopped on a plane and flew to Huntsville, Alabama, and stayed for about three weeks.” During that time, he got to visit with his mom who was in her final stages of life. “She was OK; she was smiling and laughing,” he recalled. “We went to Tennessee and Mississippi, and when we got back, her eyes were closed, she could hardly open them, and then she passed. She was 96, and I know she lived a good life.”
Looking back, he is proud of what he considers to be a very simple life.
Lee and Marsha have no intentions of leaving California; it’s home. Lee, who often shared the motto “be blessed, not stressed” with colleagues at the conference office, is now enjoying a relaxed lifestyle since retiring last year after more than 40 years of ministry. He enjoys teaching Sabbath School at Compton Community church on Friday nights twice a quarter, as well as the first Sabbath of the month at Norwalk church, Marsha’s home church.
“It’s not very eventful,” he said. “What happened to me in terms of ministry? It wasn’t the thing where, you know, the lights turned on and a miracle happened. I’m grateful to God for every single thing that He’s done for me. I’m thankful for having a good wife who’s been supportive. I’m grateful to God to have a good family and a good ministry.”
By Araya Moss
Host, Lee, and guest host, Adam Hicks, associate pastor of Temple City, discuss messages shared during the Week of Spiritual Encouragement in 2021, themed “Red Letters of Jesus.”
LEFT: Velino A. Salazar (second from left) and Lee (second from right) are honored as retirees at the SCC 66th Constituency Session. RIGHT: In his sermon, Lee challenges the newly organized Haven Filipino company to make disciples and bless others.
Planting Seeds in Yuma
Antulio Espinoza pastors a three-church district in Yuma, Arizona. His use of Pacific Union Conference creative evangelism funds for community health ministry has transformed his district. The pastor and a handful of volunteers go from community to community, holding eight-week health seminars that include cooking, diet, and nutrition classes and loaning rowing machines to attendees to use for an exercise program.
A local evangelical church invited Espinoza and his team to hold the seminar in their church. As part of the opening program, glucose levels and blood pressure measurements were taken. The pastor of the evangelical church had extremely high glucose and blood pressure levels. The pastor and his wife continued through the program, and at the conclusion, their glucose and blood pressure levels were dramatically decreased. They became immediate believers in the health program.
One aspect that surprised members of Espinoza’s team was his insistence that the team not push giving Bible studies and baptismal classes. “People would ask us [skeptically] why we were there,” said local church member Jose Fernandez. “The pastor responded that we were simply there to help.” Eventually, participants in the program would ask
what church the volunteers were part of and what they believed. Seeds of interest were being sown while the team ministered to physical needs.
When the Arizona Hispanic Ministries Department team decided Alejandro Bullón would close out the Proclamando Esperanza evangelism series in Yuma on January 22, Espinoza immediately began planning for the event. Due to Bullón’s popularity as a YouTube religious influencer in the Hispanic community, radio ads were placed, and social media postings were shared amongst the surrounding community. Several evangelical churches, including the church that hosted the health seminar, contacted Espinoza, asking if they could attend the event. Members of the local community who participated in the health seminars also expressed interest in attending the event. As Espinoza realized the potential crowd size, he rented the Yuma Civic Center.
“When Pastor [Espinoza] told us his idea to hold an event for 500 people, we thought he was crazy,” said Fernandez. “But when we saw the event and how many people were there, we were amazed.”
Espinoza enlisted the help of Good News Television to livestream the event and handle audio needs. An exhibit area was designed to educate the attendees on health, nutrition, summer camp, youth ministries, discipleship courses, and other ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Arizona Adventist Book Center set up a “pop-up” bookstore in the lobby of the civic center to offer Spanish-language Adventist literature and items for sale for all ages. A raffle was held, and ABC gift cards were given to attendees who won.
Fernandez manned the discipleship course booth at the event and was enthusiastic when over 30 people from various denominations signed up for information about the course. Five hundred chairs had been put out for the event, and as the people began arriving, more chairs had to be placed to accommodate the attendees.
LEFT: Jose Fernandez shares information about his church’s discipleship course. RIGHT: Over 50 people responded to the call for spiritual recommitment at the end of the final night.
Bullón looks on as Antulio Espinoza (back to camera) prepares to baptize a new member into the church.
After Bullón’s message, over 50 people responded to his appeal for a spiritual recommitment.
The event's impact was immediately felt in Espinoza’s church district. Before the January 22 event, the church’s discipleship class had three attendees. After the event, the situation changed dramatically. “We now have almost the entire church attending,” Fernandez exclaimed. “People now support the pastor’s vision because they have seen the results.”
Espinoza and his team laid the foundation for a successful evangelistic meeting. Sharing the truth of the health message and developing relationships with local community leaders sowed the seeds for continued community engagement in the Yuma area. They have increased their members' engagement in church programs as a by-product.
By Jeff Rogers
Proclamando Esperanza: Proclaiming Hope Across Arizona
S“ome of the important challenges in the life of the church have to do with involving members for the mission,” said Abimael Escalante, assistant to the president for Hispanic Ministries. “The church in Arizona lives its Christian experience through small groups.”
Escalante envisioned mobilizing 50% of the 150 small groups already established for a statewide evangelistic program entitled Proclamando Esperanza That expectation was exceeded during October and November 2024 when nearly 110 small groups laid the foundation for a 13-night event in January.
“We wanted to create an environment where church members made friends in their community,” said Escalanate. “Then we planned to have a series of evangelistic Bible study campaigns in their homes.”
The multi-night event in January featured Alejandro Bullón and musical guest Felipe Garibo.
“Having an internationally acclaimed preacher like Pastor Bullón in their church motivated and inspired members to continue working together in discipleship and evangelism,” said Pastor Cesar Sanchez, pastor of the Northwest Tucson Spanish church.
The events were initially scheduled as two larger events, one in the Phoenix metropolitan area and the other in the Tucson region; they were changed to be held in individual churches. This allowed each local pastor to baptize members in their home church, where the small group groundwork had been laid.
The multi-step evangelism program created opportunities for many to make a decision for Christ. At the final meetings with Bullón, many stepped forward for baptism and recommitment, in addition to those
who had already decided to be baptized that evening.
Sanchez noted, “Seeing new members join through baptism renewed the members’ commitment to evangelistic mission.”
“This sets a platform for growth since the year is just beginning,” said Escalante. “We expected 100 people to give their lives to Jesus but are excited to report that 166 individuals gave their hearts to God.”
The success of the evangelism effort has sparked a wave of excitement in the Hispanic churches across Arizona. Plans are underway for follow-up Bible studies, small group events, and projects to nurture the relationships formed during this program. Each church already has an average of four evangelistic programs planned for the rest of the year. This evangelism campaign was more than just a series of events—it was a transformational movement.
By Jeff Rogers
Pastor Renato Valenzuela baptized several new members into his church as a result of the Proclamando Esperanza evangelism campaign.
Introducing Vice President-Elect for Ministry: An Interview with Anil Kanda
Tell us about your background and spiritual journey.
I was born and raised in Orange County. My parents immigrated from Punjab, India, a region in the northwest. I grew up in a Sikh and Hindu household. Around 20 years ago, I encountered Seventh-day Adventists who gave me Bible studies and answered many of my questions. Through that experience, I chose to become a Seventh-day Adventist. From there, I had many wonderful experiences. While attending a public college, I felt a strong desire for a Christian education. God led me to Amazing Facts College of Evangelism, which I attended. Wanting to continue my studies, I went to an Adventist college. I started working as a youth pastor in Arroyo Grande before transitioning into traveling and evangelism. I pastored for about seven years, worked as a conference evangelist, and for the past seven years, I've focused on youth and young adult ministries. In my spiritual journey, I want to say that I love Adventism. I love its deep, foundational truths about who God is and the timeless relevance of Scripture. These truths are universal. As a young adult searching
for answers about God, I found that Adventism provided clarity— offering philosophical, emotional, and intellectual understanding of who God is. During a period of uncertainty, when I was struggling to find my purpose, God powerfully transformed my life. I have a burden for people—not just for those within Christianity, but for those outside of it as well.
What is your overarching vision for the ministry department as you begin your leadership?
One thing that’s especially important to me is collaboration among directors, ministries, churches, laity, and pastors. I’d love to see a stronger, more connected relationship between the conference, laity, pastors, and churches, and I want to play a role in strengthening that bond. My hope is to see our ministries not only supported but thriving—receiving greater investment and attention than ever before. I also want our directors to develop a deeper understanding of what’s truly needed at the ground level.
My dream for the ministry department isn't about my success but about seeing those in leadership
positions thrive. That’s what truly matters to me, and it’s where I find both success and joy.
How do you plan to enhance programs for children, Pathfinders, youth, and young adults under your leadership?
I may be a little controversial when I say this, but I firmly believe that the children’s ministry, Pathfinder ministry, camp ministry, youth ministry, and young adult ministry should be prioritized as the most important ministries of the church. Statistics show that investing in these areas creates a compounding effect that strengthens all other ministries. Research from Fuller Theological Seminary, including the Growing Young and Sticky Faith studies, further reinforces this idea. My personal philosophy is that we must invest more in youth, young adult, and children’s ministries. These should never be overlooked or allowed to struggle. I want to see these ministries not just sustained but truly supported and strengthened, with greater collaboration across the board. My goal is to help build stronger, more effective teams within these ministries.
How can members from the local field or organization get involved and support your vision and the future of your ministry?
Support can take many forms—from volunteering and stepping into leadership roles to serving on teams and mentoring young leaders. No single conference
leader or pastor can carry this responsibility alone; it requires the collective effort of everyone. We need to create more opportunities for laity to be actively involved in leadership decisions and the volunteer process.
Statistics show that pastors who serve multiple churches experience alarmingly high rates of burnout. Research suggests that improving volunteer education, training, and retention is key to addressing this issue. This is something our leadership, pastors, and conference leaders must take seriously. How do we empower volunteers? By equipping and supporting them, we create a ripple effect—opening the door for even more volunteers, greater lay involvement, and a stronger, more engaged church community.
Do you have any final words you’d like to share?
One of my greatest passions is to see more prayers dedicated to seeking the Holy Spirit. I want to see “latter rain” prayer groups flourishing in multiple churches. Ideally, we will have a prayer ministry leader who shares this vision and can help cultivate it. Without these prayer groups—where people come together to pray specifically for the Holy Spirit’s presence in our churches—our efforts will only take us so far. Without revival through prayer, we’ll simply continue doing what we’ve always done.
By Justin Kim
Sharing God Through Health
Clovis Life Hope Center Connects with the
Community
Health is a central message of the Adventist Church. Bringing health-focused initiatives to the communities surrounding our churches is an effective way to share God with everyone—regardless of their religious views.
David Dean, pastor of the Clovis church, recognized this opportunity and began exploring ways to reach the community at his previous church in Chowchilla. The church successfully launched a health fair, gaining strong support from the local community. When Dean transferred to Clovis church, he carried this vision with him and implemented it at his new church through what is now known as the Clovis Life Hope Center.
Dean was nervous about presenting this idea to his new church, knowing it would demand a significant commitment from the members. But after speaking with Dr. Steve Winger, the head elder and a practicing dentist, he realized that the church was not only open to the idea but fully supportive of the mission.
The first clinic utilized a combination of equipment purchased by the church and additional resources provided by the conference. It focused on health education and dental care, both of which proved to be
effective ways to connect with the community. A second health clinic was held in 2023, followed by three more in 2024, with the most recent taking place last November. In August 2024, the clinic expanded its services to include medical procedures, further broadening its impact.
The impact of this ministry has demonstrated the power of connecting with the community by providing essential health services. Many individuals who have received help through the clinic have become actively involved in giving back. “There’s a lady who lives near our campus, and she’s not a member of the church,” Dean shared. “She came in for dental care, and after that, she wanted to volunteer. Now, every time we hold a Life Hope Center event, she’s there—fully part of our volunteer team. She’s willing to do anything and is incredibly grateful to be connected with our church. She truly believes in what we’re doing and thinks it’s amazing!”
The most recent clinic took place in February 2025. Learn more about the Clovis Life Hope Center at www.clovislifehope.org/free-dental-clinic.
By Brennan Hallock
Sharing God at the Mall
When Sam Maquilon joined fellow church members in their outreach program, he was struck by how effectively this ministry could reach people in a public setting where Christian literature is rarely distributed. However, with the permission of mall management, distributing Christian literature in a public mall is completely legal.
The San Jose Central church has embraced this opportunity, distributing literature to the many visitors at the mall. This outreach allows them to engage in face-to-face witnessing with individuals who might not otherwise hear about God or the Seventh-day Adventist Church—meeting them in everyday moments, whether they are shopping for clothes or simply spending time with friends.
This ministry has sparked many inspiring interactions. Sam Maquilon recalled a moment when, while distributing GLOW tracts at the mall, he randomly selected a couple who seemed interested. “The man paused, looked at the tract, then looked at me,” Maquilon shared. “Then they approached me, and the woman asked, ‘What is the mark of the beast? What is that?’”
The couple had recently been researching this topic, trying to navigate the many different theories about the mark of the beast. Maquilon took the opportunity to explain the Adventist Church’s prophetic perspective, guiding them through key biblical prophecies. The husband was amazed, exclaiming, “Sam, this is incredible! My wife and I have been praying for weeks, asking God, ‘What is the mark of the beast?’ And then, by chance, we went to the mall. We don’t even shop here—we just needed to pick something up. And somehow, we ended up right here at this moment.”
When Maquilon first learned about this ministry through friends, he immediately recognized its potential. Drawn to its impact, he became actively involved, reaching people by distributing GLOW tracts, Bible studies, Amazing Facts handouts, Sabbath School lessons, and other Adventist literature. “I saw the opportunity here,” he explained. “As people walk by, we can hand them a tract and start a conversation.” This simple yet powerful approach creates meaningful connections and can help bring people into the church.
By Brennan Hallock
Presidential Fitness With Pathfinders and Adventurer Families
On an early Sunday morning, Pathfinders and Adventurers from all over Oahu gathered at Pearl City High School for an exciting day of Presidential Fitness. Despite the light drizzle, a spirit of enthusiasm and camaraderie filled the air as clubs united to participate in various physical challenges—with a double rainbow arching across the sky. The rainbow reminded us that even though it was a bit rainy, this event was truly a blessing in disguise. Our dedicated intern pastors played vital roles in directing traffic, leading warm-up exercises, and encouraging our young participants to give their best effort. Chelsey and Ben Wunderlich were instrumental in organizing and directing the clubs, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
True strength originates from our relationship with Christ, enabling us to overcome any challenges we may face.
The event merged physical activity with spiritual motivation. As our young athletes engaged in running, push-ups, and other exercises, they were reminded of four key spiritual lessons that complemented their physical training.
1. Running the race Hebrews 12:1 says, "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (NIV). Just as we push ourselves to complete
our running exercises, life also demands endurance. Every challenge and obstacle we encounter is part of the race that God has set before us, and through perseverance and faith, we can move forward with strength and determination.
2. Building strength
Philippians 4:13 proclaims, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (NKJV). As we trained our bodies and developed physical muscles during the event, we were reminded that putting our trust in God empowers us spiritually. True strength originates from our relationship with Christ, enabling us to overcome any challenges we may face.
3. Stretching for God
Stretching before and after exercise helps prevent injuries and enhances flexibility. It also acts as a powerful metaphor for our faith journey. God often calls us to extend beyond our comfort zones and face challenges that foster our growth. During these challenging times, we cultivate resilience and a deeper trust in God’s plan for our lives.
4. Teamwork and unity
Romans 12:4-5 states, "Each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function" (NIV). In both physical fitness and spiritual growth, teamwork and unity play a vital role. Encouraging one another, supporting our friends, and collaborating as a community will strengthen our faith and emphasize the importance of fellowship.
The Presidential Fitness event was more than just a morning of exercise—it was a time for building
friendships, strengthening faith, and growing together as a Pathfinder and Adventurer family. As we left the field that day, we took with us not only the lessons learned through fitness but also the spiritual encouragement to keep running our race with endurance, trusting in God’s strength and fostering unity within our church community.
By Ivan Ostrovsky
A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
Voices in the Wilderness
Isaiah 40:3 says, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God’” (NKJV). Given that Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is located in the deserts of Arizona, it is not a stretch to describe several students who answered the call to speak and share God’s Word with their peers at HIS as “voices in the wilderness.”
Calvin and Ali (ninth grade), Evan (11th), and Deshaun (12th) each have taken a turn to preach God’s Word throughout this school year. It is clear that God has blessed each one with the gift of speaking. When asked about their experience, this is what they shared:
1. What topic did you preach about?
Calvin: Trust in God
Ali: My first one was about rebuking temptations. My second one was about praising the Lord even in times of darkness. I can’t remember what my third topic was, though.
Deshaun: King Jehoshaphat and the wars that he was in. How he trusted God more than anything, even when things weren’t going good for him and [the outcome] was uncertain.
Evan: I can’t remember off the top of my head.
2. Did the topic you preached about impact you in some way? If so, how?
Calvin: I feel like many Christians struggle with trust
in God. Even I struggle with it sometimes, especially when I’m feeling down. You can always trust in God, especially when you’re down. You can always talk to God and trust Him, no matter what you’re going through.
Ali: For me, it would have been His love. For most of my life, my mom prayed for me and my siblings to have strength, courage, and faith to get through. Knowing that He loves me is what helped me realize that there’s more to thinking than just letting yourself be taken over by emotions or desensitization of the life around you.
Deshaun: I did take something from my preaching. I didn’t know about King Jehoshaphat. From studying about him, I learned to trust in God because King Jehoshaphat trusted in God and God took over the war. If I trust God like King Jehoshaphat did, He will take over in my life like he did for King Jehoshaphat.
3. Are you interested in being a pastor or motivational speaker after you graduate from high school?
Calvin: It hasn’t really crossed my mind to be a pastor, but in the future, during the weekend or Sabbath, I would love to come back [to HIS] and preach. No, I haven’t thought about being a pastor, but more in general to be a speaker to audiences.
Ali: I wouldn’t mind. I would love to actually speak more about God and share about Him. In general, as a speaker [not necessarily a pastor].
Evan
Deshaun: No.
Evan: I maybe won’t speak in front of a lot of people, but maybe more like a counselor and give one-to-one advice.
4. What advice or tips would you give other students who are interested in speaking up front?
Calvin: If you are asked to do it, just do it. There’s nothing else I could say. I was asked to do it, and I chose to. Speaking about God helps you get used to it so that you can become better at speaking in front of your peers and a bigger audience so that you can have a bigger influence.
Ali: I would like to add to what he said: it would be a good idea to jump into it. It’s also a good idea to trust and have courage in yourself and trust in God to deliver the Word—or in anything you do, honestly.
Deshaun: Just try it. You may not know if your voice has an impact. If it doesn’t work out, you can always just listen.
Evan: I would say, try not to get nervous. I know it’s hard. Once you’re nervous, everything starts going crazy. Be more prepared and focused, rather than nervous.
As you can see, our students are finding a deep love for God and sharing His Word, and the more they share with others, the deeper their love for their Creator will grow. It is a true privilege and blessing to watch God mold the lives of future leaders for His kingdom.
By Kimberly Cruz
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 firstthrough eighth-grade day school on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty-seven percent of funding comes from individuals who have a desire to support Native American ministries and Christian education. Your generosity makes a difference in the lives of our students, their families, and the communities they serve.
Adventist Partnerships Prioritize Relief for Southern California Residents
Adventist Health Glendale and Adventist Health Global Mission partnered with the Southern California Conference and the Pasadena church to offer hope for residents of Altadena and Pasadena affected by the recent fires. The initial phases of response began Jan. 10 and will continue during the coming months.
Five truckloads of donated supplies, including air purifiers, N95 masks, food, water, diapers, and hygiene kits, were distributed at an event in the conference parking area on Jan. 12.
The supply-distribution work was led by Royal Harrison, executive vice president and Adventist Community Services director for the conference. “It’s been incredible to see our community rally together in response to this crisis,” said Harrison. “We are deeply grateful for the support that has come in, and we are committed to getting the resources in our care to the impacted communities.”
Mark Witas, mission and spiritual care director for Adventist Health Glendale, led hospital chaplains in providing spiritual and emotional care for those affected by the fires. Witas said, “Adventist Health
Glendale is so grateful we can be here to support our community. When we have the opportunity to show up like this and help people in need, it’s hard to say who is blessed more. Our organization has been part of the Glendale community for a very long time, and we are honored to show those in need that we’re here when they need us.”
In addition, Adventist Health Glendale has provided use of 10 unfurnished apartments for people who have evacuated from their homes, and World Vision has donated new furnishings for the apartments. Families began moving in Jan. 19.
“It’s encouraging that we can do something to help our neighbors and in the process solidify partnerships with our incredible Glendale community,” said Elizabeth LaBorde, president for the Adventist Health Glendale Foundation. “Great things are happening in our community even in the midst of all the pain.”
“A lot of hope and healing will be needed in Southern California over the coming months,” said John Schroer, Global Mission System lead for Adventist Health. “But in times of disaster and despair, human beings show up to help one another. It’s what we do. This disaster is an opportunity for us to connect at a human level and to give God the glory for creating within us this inherent desire to help each other. In moments like this, when we reach out and give back, we find what we need to fill ourselves and to fill those who are hurting.”
By Kim Strobel
Adventist Educators Establish Worldview Studies Center at La Sierra University
On Jan. 28, La Sierra University celebrated the opening of a new center at the Zapara School of Business where students, educators, and business and community leaders can explore various worldviews and their effect on informed decision-making, leadership development, and academic and professional growth.
The university and Zapara school hosted an opening colloquium and reception at the Troesh Conference Center to launch the Daniel and Elissa Kido Center for Worldview Studies. The Seventh-day Adventist couple are instrumental healthcare and education leaders, scholars, and philanthropists whose $500,000 endowment establishes the center as an impactful resource for organizations and individuals, and that contributes to the university’s mission of worldwide service.
The Kido Center will coordinate lectures and conferences that bring thought leaders to campus; will sponsor research publications that benefit business, church, and academics; and will foster formal and informal conversations related to worldviews and their development.
“The Zapara School of Business is honored by the generosity the Drs. Kido have exhibited,” said John Thomas, dean of the business school. “The Zapara School community looks forward to the opportunities for intellectual stimulation, growth in understanding, and community impact that will result from the work of the Kido Center.”
Worldviews—particular philosophies and comprehensive perspectives on life—are fundamental to how individuals and organizations interpret reality and act. “Involvement in worldview research will help to express La Sierra’s Seventh-day Adventist heritage of global service and its commitment to excellence,” states a proposal for the center.
The new center is a confluence of the Kidos’ life work and experiences. Elissa Kido, who holds an Ed.D. from Boston University, is a scholar whose research on the benefits of the Adventist education system led to the creation in 2011 of the Center for Research on K-12 Adventist Education (CRAE) at La Sierra’s School of Education. Daniel Kido is a neuroradiologist and vice chair of academic affairs in radiology at Loma
Drs. Elissa and Daniel Kido address the audience on Jan. 28 during an event celebrating the opening of their new center on worldview studies.
Linda University. He has held teaching and research posts at Harvard University and Washington University in St. Louis. In 2018, he co-wrote a book that was published by CRAE and which is centered on how an understanding of different worldviews can lead to better decisions.
For the Kidos, the work of the center, which is an extension and a gift of their own expansive expertise and experiences, is intended to catalyze lifechanging impact for others and for society.
“I think so many things that have happened to us are really providential, opportunities that we’ve had, people we’ve met,” Daniel Kido said. “Doors have been opened for both of us and each door has been an opportunity to grow more. God is a big person. His view for us is unimaginable. The greater expertise you have, the more it allows you to share.”
By Darla Tucker
Can Brain Health Be Improved? The Surprising Truth About the Brain’s Impact on Overall Health
While physical and mental health are key components of overall well-being, brain health—often overlooked as a crucial factor—is closely linked to general health rather than existing as a separate concept. Fortunately, many actions that improve physical health, such as managing blood sugar and blood pressure, along with practices that support mental health, directly support brain health.
An important outcome of maintaining good overall health is a well-functioning nervous system. Healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management support both body and mind.
Jeffrey Rosenfeld, PhD, MD, professor of neurology, neuromuscular specialist, associate chairman of neurology, and director of the Center for Restorative Neurology at Loma Linda University Health, said that brain health often isn’t prioritized because people mistakenly believe they have little control over it.
While the brain is a complex organ that researchers have more questions about its functions than answers, brain health deserves a place alongside other wellness goals.
How to support brain health
A widespread misconception is that people cannot directly influence their cognitive well-being. In truth, adopting healthy habits can significantly improve brain health. Rosenfeld addresses the following key lifestyle habits that help support optimal brain function.
Mental activity: Keeping the brain engaged through simple and challenging tasks promotes a concept known as plasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections. Plasticity, also referred to as neuroplasticity, helps the brain develop and strengthen new internal pathways, which can be done through staying mentally active.
“The nervous system thrives on novelty, meaning trying new things. Taking up a hobby, reading,
See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu.
traveling, or learning a new language,” Rosenfeld says. “Even taking a different route to and from work can help the brain's plasticity by encouraging it to stay intellectually curious.”
Additionally, brain training apps and puzzles provide a modern way to keep the brain stimulated. For many people, utilizing a brain app on their phone or smart watch provides a convenient platform to challenge and engage brain agility in a fun and unique way.
Exercise: Regular physical activity supports both physical and brain health by increasing blood flow, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting cognitive function, and enhancing neuroplasticity.
Diet: A healthy diet provides the brain with the essential nutrients that support its structure and function. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals promotes better cognitive performance, enhances memory, and helps protect against neurodegenerative diseases. Diets, such as the Mediterranean Diet, can provide useful guidelines for healthy eating.
Sleep: Sleep is vital for brain health because it plays a key role in restoring and maintaining cognitive function. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, strengthens neural connections, and enhances learning by processing information from the day. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can impair these processes, potentially leading to reduced mental clarity, slower reaction times, and increased risk of neurological disorders.
For more information about the brain, visit our website at lluh.org/neurology.
By Alyssa Hunt
A Dream Come to Life: PUC Flight Center Builds Custom Simulator
Pacific Union College Flight Center director Nathan Tasker had the idea to build a type-specific aircraft simulator for his students. Since flight training devices in general aviation tend to be generic, limiting their usefulness, Tasker questioned how he and the program could obtain a simulator to teach basic skills, such as visual ground reference maneuvers and landing techniques. This would allow students to progress efficiently, as these skills cannot be effectively taught in traditional simulators.
He shared his dream with the former chair of PUC’s technology department, Russell Laird, who would help bring this idea to life. Building the simulator started last summer, with dimensions mirroring PUC’s Piper Cherokee cockpit. Aviation major Micah Dymer drew an instrument panel that Laird would build and design with other aviation students who had volunteered to assemble parts and help calibrate the controls. From Hong Kong to Indonesia to Germany and Sacramento, different parts arrived in Angwin to build the simulator. According to Tasker, building a type-specific flight simulator for a small aircraft had not been done before. This process took countless hours of experimenting, ongoing improvements, and adjustments. With no manual and starting from scratch, Tasker and his team find it very rewarding to see the simulator running this quarter.
“We have an amazing group of students this year!” said Tasker. “They are creative and willing to jump in and help. They are very engaged and excited to get involved. I am confident these students will go far. When we place the well-being of our neighbors ahead of ourselves, I believe these pilots will ignite a collective passion to go out and serve in a way that can literally change our world for the betterment of humanity.” With the success of this first flight simulator, they plan to build a full-motion platform and expand their fleet with a new full-motion simulator. Aviation enthusiasts are invited to join them for their Air Expo on Sunday, May 4.
By Ally Romanes
Pentecost Prayer Rally
P“It was great to see everyone coming together to pray. You could feel the Spirit moving as we all lifted our hearts to God, even from different locations.”
Jackie Bradford
rayers were united during a virtual Pentecost Prayer Rally on Jan. 11, 2025, led by Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) President Carlos Camacho and NUC Executive Secretary Chanda Nunes-Henry. This was the culmination of the worldwide 10 Days of Prayer initiative to start the year with an intentional focus on praying for the Holy Spirit. The event brought together participants from different areas of the conference to seek God’s presence, lift their communities, and pray for the latter rain. One participant prayed specifically for the conference leaders, asking for wisdom and strength in guiding the church. Another lifted prayers for the country, seeking healing and unity during these times of transition. But the most frequent prayer request echoed the same longing: for a deeper relationship with God and readiness for Jesus' soon return.
In Reno, Nevada, members of the Reno/Sparks Hispanic church gathered in their church building to join the rally.
The sight of individuals praying together, whether in their homes or church pews, was a powerful testament to the desire to seek God together as a community in the vast territory of the Nevada-Utah Conference.
“It was great to see everyone coming together to pray,” shared Jackie Bradford, one of the attendees. “You could feel the Spirit moving as we all lifted our hearts to God, even from different locations.”
The rally was not just an event to end the 10 Days of Prayer but also a starting point for future initiatives. Reflecting on the evening, the conference president shared, “It’s something that we would like to do again and offer better options for those who speak other languages. We are here to grow together as loving followers of Jesus.”
As the evening concluded, participants were encouraged to carry the momentum forward, keeping the focus on prayer and spiritual growth throughout this year of evangelism.
By Neat Randriamialison
On Jan. 18, Carlos Camacho, NUC president, and Chanda Nunes-Henry, NUC executive secretary, lead a ministry training event open to everyone in the Las Vegas area.
NUC Ministries/Leadership Training
It’s 2025, the year to share Jesus and proclaim the good news of His salvation. In a joint effort between the Growth Ministry and Ministerial departments of Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC), pastors, local church department leaders, and church members have been invited to gather at NUC Ministries/Leadership Trainings—events designed with tools and insights to strengthen communities and ministries across the conference.
The first training session was held on Jan. 18, 2025, at the Mountain View church in Las Vegas. Leon Brown, the Pacific Union executive vice president, set the tone for the day with a heartfelt reminder: "Jesus is madly in love with you."
Keynote speakers from the North American Division shared inspiring talks on the importance and structure of small group ministries, emphasizing their potential for fostering spiritual growth and meaningful community connections.
Following the keynotes, attendees participated in breakout sessions tailored to various aspects of ministry. These sessions offered practical insights and actionable strategies:
• Children’s ministry: Leaders explored tools and creative approaches to design engaging programs that draw children closer to Jesus, helping them build a strong spiritual foundation with creativity.
• Youth ministry: Attendees learned, through the Growing Young materials, how to inspire young people to embrace their faith, cultivate meaningful relationships with God, and remain actively engaged in church life.
• Hispanic ministry: This workshop focused on supporting and expanding evangelistic efforts within Hispanic communities, emphasizing individual-focused ministry and outreach in 2025.
Looking ahead
The Las Vegas training marked a remarkable beginning to this yearlong series, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with new strategies for ministry. Leaders expressed their excitement to implement what they learned and to collaborate with others in their local churches and communities.
NUC President Carlos Camacho encouraged attendees by sharing, “We are committed to continuing this journey of leadership growth and community transformation as we grow loving followers of Jesus in this vast territory.”
This first session set the stage for continued learning, networking, and spiritual growth for a fruitful year in 2025.
By Neat Randriamialison
LEFT: Attendees raise their hands in response to the question: “Do you know Jesus is madly in love with you?” RIGHT: Pacific Union Executive Vice President Leon Brown shares a personal way of reading John 3:16.
Carlos Camacho, NUC president, leads out as attendees pray together in small groups for the Las Vegas Valley.
Feather River School Shooting: Trauma, Crisis, and God’s Presence in the Aftermath
A perspective from Laurie Trujillo, NCC director of communication and development
What happened
On Dec. 4, 2024, the unthinkable happened at Feather River Adventist School in Palermo, California. A place of learning, safety, and faith was shattered by an act of violence that no one could have imagined.
As the Butte County Sheriff’s Office reported, 56-year-old Glenn Litton entered the school under false pretenses, claiming to be enrolling a family member. After meeting with the principal, he walked out and turned back. In a moment, he pulled out a firearm and shot two kindergarten boys, ages 5 and 6, critically injuring them before taking his own life.
Emergency responders acted swiftly. The two young victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they received life-saving treatment. Today, there is hope. One of the boys has already returned to school in a loving, faith-filled Adventist community with the support of teachers, classmates, and a trauma specialist. The other continues to recover, improving daily.
Over the last two months, the community's outpouring of love and generosity has deeply touched the Feather River Adventist School staff, families, and students. All publicly collected donations and funds specifically designated for the two injured boys have been distributed directly to their families, who have expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of kindness.
In addition, contributions to the Feather River Victims Fund at the Northern California Conference
have provided one month of tuition assistance for all Feather River students and funded specialized trauma counseling. As evolving needs arise, these remaining funds will continue to be allocated toward ongoing trauma recovery, enhanced security measures, and sustained support for the Feather River school community. Finally, the GoFundMe account established by the family member of a Feather River board member on behalf of the school has been fully distributed to strengthen recovery efforts further.
God is in control
Everywhere I looked during the last two months, I saw God moving through people during this traumatic event. He was there in the hands of first responders. He was there in the outpouring of support. He was there in the resilience of our children. Even in our darkest moments, God reminds us: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
Through this tragedy, we have seen firsthand how God is in control. He is bringing healing, restoration, and hope. We move forward, trusting in God’s purpose and committed to keeping our schools and communities safe, strong, and filled with His love.
Healing happens in community
As the person overseeing all donations and
communication for this crisis, I witnessed God at work— not just in the boys’ recovery, but in how the global community came together. In times of trauma, the instinct is often to withdraw—but true healing happens in community.
I was often moved to tears by the generosity and kindness from people worldwide, regardless of faith background. To name a few, we received:
• Cards, musical bears, pillowcases, and gifts
• New bicycles for every student and their families
• Therapy dogs and trauma therapists
• Security services and financial support
A profound act of kindness came from the Nazarene Church in Oroville, which opened its doors within an hour of the shooting, providing a haven for our traumatized students and their families. Our local Adventist church pastors also stepped in, supporting Feather River’s students and staff.
The response from law enforcement was extraordinary. The Butte County Sheriff’s Department, Attorney General’s office, FBI, and other federal law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of our community. Their professionalism and understanding—especially regarding trauma-related challenges—were a tremendous gift.
God’s presence in the crisis
God was present in the moment of crisis. A California Highway Patrol officer was on-site within 90 seconds of the 911 call. Within two minutes, every available Butte County Sheriff’s officer had arrived. What if it had taken longer? What if help had been further away?
It’s impossible to say because God protected the community from what might have happened. But what did happen was a miracle. Within hours, every child and teacher was safely reunited with their families. The speed of the response and the
reunification process was nothing short of God’s hand at work.
Communication and crisis response
The media response was immediate and overwhelming. Within an hour of the shooting, my email was flooded with press inquiries from across the world. This incident became a significant media event, generating over 150 news stories and counting, and was a top national and local story for 1.5 days, with coverage in at least 10 confirmed countries.
There is no way our conference could have managed this alone. I am grateful for the collaboration and leadership of the Pacific Union Conference and the North American Division Communication Departments, who worked alongside us every step of the way.
In the days that followed, NCC Education Department, Communication Department, pastors, churches, and schools worked in a unified effort to serve the affected community, support the victims and their families, and address safety and security concerns for Feather River and our other schools.
A community united in faith
The Northern California Conference is more than a network of churches, schools, and ministries. It is a family—a family committed to sharing the hope of Jesus Christ, lifting one another in times of crisis, and preparing hearts and minds for His soon return. Even in tragedy, we stand together. And God is with us.
Dedication to God Through Sport
Sports have the power to shape character, build resilience, and bring people together. But for many young athletes in our Adventist schools, competition is more than just winning—it’s a way to honor God. Whether running alone on a quiet Friday or playing in a packed gymnasium, these athletes show that faith and determination can go hand in hand.
Keilana Rivas: Running for God's glory
Keilana Rivas, a sophomore at Sacramento Adventist Academy, made school history by qualifying for the California state championship cross-country race. The challenging 5K course was a test of physical endurance and faith. Keilana chose to dedicate her athletic gifts to God, which meant making difficult choices—like missing key races on the Sabbath. Thankfully, race officials allowed her to run each qualifying race the preceding Friday. Competing alone, without the advantage of running alongside others, she still placed high enough to advance. Despite battling a cold, the week before the state championship, she ran with strength and determination, finishing with overwhelming support from family, friends, and even race officials. At the
finish line, she was awarded a citizenship medal, a testament to her perseverance, sportsmanship, and unwavering faith.
Pioneers basketball tournament: Competition with a higher purpose
While Keilana’s journey showcased personal dedication, the annual PUC Pioneers Invitational Basketball Tournament demonstrated the power of faith-driven teamwork. From Jan. 22 to 25, high school athletes from 16 schools across four states gathered at Pacific Union College for a competition that blended athletic excellence with Christian sportsmanship.
The event was more than just basketball—it was about growth, camaraderie, and character. Parents saw firsthand how these games challenged their children to become better athletes and stronger, more confident individuals. Kathleen, mother of a Pacific Union College Preparatory student, shared that these tournaments helped her daughter develop lifelong friendships.
Nate Furness, Pacific Union College church pastor, captured the heart of the event during his Sabbath vespers talk: "Play hard and be competitive, but aim
to elevate your sportsmanship and teamwork as Christians. When the final buzzer sounds, remember we all play for the same team—the team of Jesus Christ."
Brian Ching, a Paradise Adventist Academy parent, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the coaches and teachers instilled Christ-centered values in their athletes, teaching them how to win and lose with grace.
Faith, sports, and the bigger picture
Both Keilana’s cross-country journey and the Pioneers Basketball Tournament highlight a powerful
truth: sports are an opportunity to glorify God. Whether through individual endurance or team competition, these athletes demonstrate that faith is not a barrier to success—it is the foundation for it. Their stories remind us that in every race, every game, and every challenge, we ultimately compete for something greater than trophies or titles. We are running the race of faith, playing for a higher purpose, and striving to honor God in all we do.
By Ken Miller
Restoring God’s House
Happy chatter filled the early morning air as the eighth-grade class of Redlands Adventist Academy arrived at the Loma Linda Vietnamese church. They were on a mission to restore the exterior of the church to the respect and beauty that it deserved. The church had struggled to find an affordable contractor to paint the outside after graffiti had been sprayed on the walls. The old and peeling paint did not reflect the love the church held for its building. They prayed for an answer, which arrived in the form of 30 eighth-graders, supportive parents, and their teacher.
After a word of prayer for God’s blessings on their efforts, the students and parents were divided into groups to commence work. Scrapping, sanding, and masking up windows were skills quickly developed. The class worked with determination. It was Friday and the goal was to paint all the exterior walls in time for Sabbath. As soon as a section was prepared, airless spraying of a new coat of paint started, with students coming behind to “cut in” the places the sprayer could not get.
The school had carefully planned a food sale to raise funds to support the cost of materials. A paint store
offered to provide their best paint at discounted price, and a local sign company agreed to make a new sign for the church at low cost—just two ways God was opening doors for the project.
Breaks, music, and a pizza lunch kept the group’s spirit strong and driven to finish the task. By the end of the afternoon’s work, the job of painting the walls was completed and cleaned up for Sabbath worship. “Painting the church was a great experience that brought me closer to my friends and God,” stated Thomas Bullard, an eighth-grade student.
To celebrate the completion of the work, a special Christmas program was held by the Vietnamese church members on Sabbath. The class was invited and honored with gifts. Joy filled the church and hearts of those present as they retold how God had made the transformation possible. “It was a unique experience and left a good feeling,” student Enzzo Kramer stated.
Eighth-grader Zara Matthew summed it up by sharing, “The church was truly grateful. We were a miracle to them and an answer to prayer.”
By Ray Brown
LEFT: The eighth-grade class members work in groups. RIGHT: Students scrape old paint off the church.
Praxis Volunteers Respond to LA Fires
On Jan. 7, 2025, a series of destructive wildfires began to sweep through the Los Angeles metropolitan area and surrounding regions, leaving behind devastation. Entire blocks were reduced to ashes, and countless individuals lost their homes.
In times of crisis, communities often come together in remarkable ways. Friends, families, and churches mobilize to support those in need. The young adult ministry at Loma Linda University, Praxis, was no exception. Within days, they organized a plan to assist victims of the fires. Jamie Nelson, the outreach coordinator for Praxis, took the lead. Reflecting on the situation, she shared, “What helped so many people in our church see the need was understanding that someone in a nearby community was experiencing something life-changing—losing everything they worked for, grew up with, and cherished in an instant. The loss is unspeakable.”
Nelson began by contacting Seventh-day Adventist churches near the affected areas to assess how the Praxis community could help. Valley Crossroads church confirmed the immense need, and after receiving approval from Praxis leadership, Nelson quickly made calls to finalize their plans. "Praxis is filled with people who want to help," she said. "I knew what I felt in my heart, and that every person would feel that way too."
The call for help was shared on the Praxis Instagram by 9 a.m. Friday morning. Within 24 hours, there were 65 volunteers eager to assist their neighbors in need. When the team arrived at Valley Crossroads church, they organized stations for hygiene items, sleeping gear, canned foods, diapers, and clothing for all ages. Families could grab bags and fill them with essentials, with volunteers assisting them in carrying the items
to their cars. In total, they helped approximately 150 families that day.
The following week, the team extended their efforts to another church in the area, White Memorial, where they saw even more volunteers than the previous week, united in their mission to provide relief in the face of devastation.
While these efforts cannot erase the destruction or the years of rebuilding many families will face, they are a testament to the power of community and compassion. In times of need, individuals and groups mobilize to help in any way they can. The Praxis young adults continue to pray for and support fire victims as best they can. They take great comfort in the belief that, even amidst devastation, God stands with those who are suffering.
By Ezrica Bennett
ABOVE AND BELOW: Praxis volunteers sort and organize clothes.
Feast to Fellowship: Serving Love in the City of Blythe
On Nov. 17, 2024, the Blythe Central church and Blythe church hosted their second annual Thanksgiving Community Lunch.
The event was originated by Joshua Lopez, former district pastor in 2023, as a way for the churches to love and serve their community.
Service is part of the rhythm at Blythe Central; every other Sunday they open for community showers, clothes, and food distribution. Rather than inviting the community to their campus, this occasion was focused on bringing the event to them in Todd Park. Tables and chairs were donated by a local city resident who heard about the event and wanted to support the work of the church. Decorations were hung, a speaker system was set up, and for six hours, people poured through the park to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship.
Why the park? Gabriel Riojas, district pastor, explained, “We want to be in the community. We’re here to serve you—you don’t have to come to us to be served.” Riojas led out in a short devotional service, and members of the community and church stepped up to lead an impromptu music set for the next hour.
The gathering was more than just a social event. Esmeralda Velasco, the Thanksgiving Community Lunch event coordinator, opened the doors of service by inviting members to cook either at the church or home. Her husband, David Velasco, elder at Blythe Central, drove around town that day and provided rides for the unsheltered members of the community so they could participate in the festivities. Councilwoman Summer Spraggins also attended the event and helped serve food as church members took
the initiative to sit down at tables and create bonds to plant seeds through conversation, food, and tract distribution. Meals were packaged and distributed around town to those unable to attend.
Renay Sandoval, a young adult at the Blythe church and mom of a baby who was then two months old, just knew she had to be involved. Baptized in 2023, Sandoval signed up to help as soon as she heard about the call. “I feel like God is already moving in this town.
The Holy Spirit is here. I love how God is bringing everyone together, members and the community. God is good!”
By Linda Biswas
Pastor Riojas and Arturo Lopez lead worship along with a community member.
LEFT: Community members pray before their meal. RIGHT: Council member Summer Spraggins serves community and Blythe members.
SECC’s Teen FLOW Empowers Over 220 Teen Leaders in Ministry
Teen FLOW got its start in 2022 with the mission to nurture the growth of teen leaders of Southeastern California Conference (SECC) Pathfinders. With tremendous success and great fellowship, Teen FLOW saw its third annual one-day event occur in December 2024 at La Sierra Academy. Over 220 teen Pathfinders from across SECC gathered for the one-day event, almost doubling the number of teens from last year. With a focus on Faith, Leadership, Outreach, and Witnessing, the day’s activities included worship, breakout sessions, and a message from the main speaker, George Tuyu, youth pastor of Azure Hills church. Tuyu emphasized with attendees how God shapes their lives and works with them and through them for His glory.
The breakout sessions of the day were divided by the pillars of FLOW. For “Faith” and “Leadership,” Pathfinder teens enjoyed crafting care packages and working together on a collaborative drawing activity. “Outreach” and “Witnessing” saw attendees visit Gardens of Riverside, an assisted living facility, and engage with its residents and staff. Aren Rennacker, SECC director of youth and young adults, shared his own insights on the valuable skills needed when sharing the gospel with others.
For Jared Gonzalez, SECC assistant director for youth media, his first Teen FLOW experience was one he won’t forget. “To see the excitement and drive for ministry these Pathfinders had in them was amazing,” shared Gonzalez. “Pathfinder teens are so eager to learn and grow spiritually together.”
The growth of Teen FLOW has been inspiring—the benefits teen leaders gain from it even more so. “It is a reminder that we should continue to equip and provide resources for our youth so that they can continue in the path God wants for their lives,” Gonzalez reflected. Rennacker added, “We are grateful for the leadership of our Teen FLOW coordinators, Mercy and JJ Martinez, and to Pastor George for his timely messages. We look forward to the next event!”
By Megan Jacobs
Left to right: Melkiana Mar Rebolledo, Darryl Suasi, Ella Balceta, Lauren Sabio, Pastor Rhidge Garcia, Angel Babao, Amanda Flores, and Gian Apelo lead worship.
Pastor George Tuyu preaches to the group.
Southern California Fires: An Outpouring of Support and Blessings Amid Tragedy
On Jan. 7, an extreme Santa Ana wind event gave momentum to two destructive fires in Southern California. By the next morning, much of the Pacific Palisades and Altadena communities in Los Angeles County were destroyed, leaving thousands of residents evacuated and homes burned. The fires continued to burn for days, while new fires continued to pop up throughout the area.
The impact
The Palisades and Eaton Fires were the largest and most destructive blazes, burning a total of 37,469 acres. The impact of these fires was felt throughout the Southern California Conference (SCC), which serves all of Los Angeles County. Members from 13* SCC churches lost homes—more than 60* families throughout the conference family.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating fires around Los Angeles,” said John H. Cress, SCC president. “As a community of faith, the Southern California Conference stands in empathy with
those who have been impacted, responding with action by opening distribution centers and disaster shelters and mobilizing resources to support relief efforts. In
Volunteers, including those from Gideon Rescue Co., distribute clothing and food at Pasadena church.
PHOTO: DENISE JOHNSON
times of crisis, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ—bringing hope, aid, and compassion to those in need.”
Local churches offer timely aid
As members of the churches and surrounding communities were being evacuated, before the scope of the disaster was clear, multiple local churches immediately opened their doors to house those who had been displaced. Valley Crossroads church filled up their sanctuary with goods as families came to receive what they needed; Canoga Park acted quickly to coordinate with authorities on what was needed to become an evacuation center; White Memorial leapt into action by gathering goods and welcoming anyone who needed shelter; Hollywood church offered shelter and showers; and Normandie Avenue and Glendale Filipino churches also jumped into action.
Volunteers organize goods.
As the days went on, many of these churches and others began offering various goods and support to those who had been impacted. Whether spiritual care or physical necessities, as the crisis evolved, so did the care offered by the churches—from offering a place for shelter and power to goods distribution.
Financial support
On Jan. 8, the conference office opened the “California Fires” fund to receive financial contributions in response to many inquiries. (This fund can be accessed directly by visiting https://bit.ly/sccfires.) Later, an application was created for those who were affected by the fires to apply for assistance from this fund.
“In times of need, it’s reassuring that God always provides a way of supporting us,” said Kathleen V. Diaz,
Volunteers bring in goods from the designated dropoff location on Chevy Chase Dr. in front of the SCC building.
SCC treasurer/CFO. “We saw His hand impressing the minds of several around us at the same time. While we were putting plans together, without us even asking, we started receiving calls from organizations, community members, from members from other conferences, and a project that we were trying to develop, God was a step ahead of us, guiding the way.”
Response efforts
The first efforts included deliveries of water, blankets, and food to the churches that were serving as evacuation centers. Then, the first weekend after the fires broke out, distribution and donations centralized at the conference office. The conference family gathered/mobilized in an extraordinary effort to support those who had been affected. On Sunday, Jan. 12, a donation and distribution day at the conference office brought together almost 500 volunteers, and more than 100 families received necessary goods. Adventist Health Glendale and others donated goods, including masks, air purifiers, water, fresh fruit, and more.
“It’s been incredible to see our community rally together in response to this crisis,” said Royal Harrison, executive vice president for the Southern California Conference. “We are deeply grateful for the support that has come in, and we are committed to getting the resources in our care to the impacted communities.”
Blessings beyond expectation
There are countless ways God has worked during especially the early days of this disaster.
One such story took place on the Jan. 12 donation and distribution day. “I’m directing the last few hours of the day when most people have gone home,” said Audrey Zorek, member at Vallejo Drive church and SCC executive assistant to the executive secretary.
“Suddenly I see people talking to Brett [Poynter, SCC Los Angeles Metro Region director] and Kathleen [Diaz, SCC treasurer/CFO]. Kathleen brings them to me and says,
The distribution at SCC was originally planned for indoors but quickly moved outdoors due to the incredible amount of donations received. Volunteers collaborated to place items in trunks of cars as people drove through.
‘These guys are looking for something to do; can we use their hands?’ I say we can use the help—especially now. I ask how many of them, and they say seven. And I tell them this is perfect timing; they have no idea they are God-sent.”
This group of seven drove from Utah and are part of Gideon Rescue Co., a Christian-based grassroots organization that specializes in rescue and restoration services to communities.
Whenever there is a crisis or an emergency, a team is quickly assembled to go where the help is needed. They originally planned to meet a contact at Glendale Adventist Academy, but that person wasn’t there. Determined to still help in some way, they left the school, drove down Chevy Chase Drive, and that’s when they saw the Adventist signage for the conference building.
As the group from Utah got to work packing boxes
for the teardown, another need arose for pallets. As Zorek was brainstorming with Diaz, Danny Chan [SCC executive secretary], and others about how to transport the heavy boxes without pallets, he got a text from Ben Contreras, a friend and member of Vallejo Drive church, that simply said “still need pallets?” sent with a photo of about 30 pallets available at his work in Glendale.
“We were worried about pallets, and God answered our prayer right there,” Zorek added. “When God blesses, He gives you more than what you need. We used all the pallets that we needed, and we still had extra. Every time I think about it, I just thank God.”
During their Sunday-to-Friday stay in Southern California, the Gideon Rescue Co. volunteers also lent their helping hands to numerous other local entities, like the Pasadena and White Memorial churches, Adventist Health Glendale, and more.
Flores (left) receives unexpected help from volunteers from the Church of Scientology.
Another testimony comes from Pasadena Spanish church that same weekend. “The [Eaton] fire was close to the church, a few blocks away,” recalled Ellis Flores, pastor of Pasadena Spanish church. The church was closed Jan. 11 but was able to reopen sooner than expected because of help from the community. “The Church of Scientology stopped by and offered to help. There was a lot of dust and ash in the church. We’re a small group; most of our members are older. We were wondering when we could reopen and how we were going to clean. They brought 20 volunteers who dusted the pews and cleaned the walls, ceilings, and windows.”
Thanks to this unexpected help, the church reopened the following Sabbath, Jan. 18, and was soon able to continue its weekly food bank on Sabbath. Normally the distribution took place in the church’s multi-purpose room, but members decided to move it outside. People driving by saw what was happening and started donating items.
“Little by little, we started to get juice, cases of water, frozen food items, fresh produce, toilet paper, personal care items like shampoo and toothbrushes,” Flores said. “A vegan restaurant, Cena Vegan, reached out and said they were looking for a space to offer hot meals in the community.”
Through Flores sharing about these experiences on social media, word got out and churches from outside of SCC, even as far away as Chicago, reached out asking how to help. Mountain View Spanish church in Central California Conference got together with several other churches to deliver 6,000 lb. of clothing, water, and goods. The list goes on.
Soon, the church expanded to additional distribution days during the week—Sunday and Wednesday—partnering with local organizations such as Support+Feed in addition to Cena Vegan.
“We haven’t counted how many people we’re serving,” said Flores, “but it’s hundreds every week. We’re getting the hang of the new hours and services. At first it was just a big pile of stuff, but now we know what we’re doing.”
These stories are just a tiny window into the amazing work God is doing in Southern California. For more information about the California fires, please visit our website at https://scc.adventist.org/california-fires.
By Lauren Lacson and Araya Moss
*Figures as of January 31, 2025
THANK YOU
During a critical time such as Southern California experienced this January, the needs are many, and our entire community received an extraordinary outpouring of support that came in various forms. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the following supporters for their generosity.
• First responders
• County of Los Angeles
• Walmart
• Getty House Foundation
• PepsiCo
• WalkGoodLA
• Southern California Conference churches
• Adventist Health Glendale
• Pacific Union Conference
• North American Division (NAD)
• Conferences across NAD
• Adventist Community Services (ACS)
• Adventist Development & Relief Agency (ADRA)
• Many others who have contributed funds
• Many volunteers from our churches and communities
White Memorial church quickly pivoted from shelter to distribution center.
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Calendar
Central California Conference
Mountain View Academy Alumni Weekend. Friday Vespers, April 11; Alumni Day, Saturday, April 12. Class of 1975 50th year reunion. Honor classes: 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.
Pacific Union College
Paulin Center for the Arts “Think Spring” Recitals. All are welcome to come hear music students of all ages and levels present their latest work on a variety of instruments on Sunday, March 16, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Paulin Recital Hall on the campus of PUC. Admission is free. We’d love to see you there! Questions: paulincenter@puc.edu or 707-965-6201.
Homecoming, April 18-19. Homecoming is a wonderful opportunity for our alumni, family, and friends to reconnect, reminisce about their days at PUC, and share experiences together. We are looking forward to seeing alumni back on campus. Visit puc.edu/homecoming for information and registration.
Golden State Choral Competition. PUC will be hosting the Golden State Choral Competition on April 22. The public is invited to their showcase concert at the PUC church at 6 p.m. For further information, email music@ puc.edu.
Connect Ministries is a group of Pacific Union College students passionate about Jesus and sharing through music and worship. The bilingual team leads worship services, retreats, youth events, and any programs where they can inspire other young people to become worship leaders. Any school or church interested in having them visit, please email connectministries@puc.edu.
Add PUC News in your Church Bulletin. With many updates to share at Pacific Union College, we designed a printable bulletin insert for churches to use. Just print the PDF double sided and cut in half, then include as a bulletin insert. Download at puc.edu/bulletin.
Subscribe to the PUC Now Newsletter. Stay up-todate with Pacific Union College by subscribing to their monthly newsletter at puc.edu/subscribe. From campus stories and alumni features to student interviews, you’ll be in the now with PUC.
Spring Break Mission Trip —https://sdawest.pub/ mission-trip
Southeastern California Conference
Loma Linda Academy’s Alumni “Rooted in Christ as We Grow & Thrive” Homecoming Weekend at Loma Linda Academy High School Gym. Music Vespers on Friday, March 7.
Classified Employment
Full-time church administrator: Discover Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sonora, CA, seeks a people-skilled, task-oriented church administrator. Responsibilities include working with pastors, overseeing communication, facilities, scheduling, and special projects. Full-time with health, PTO, retirement benefits. Must be an SDA member with strong organizational and communication skills.
Holbrook Indian School is currently in need of a principal, an English teacher, and an industrial/ vocational arts teacher. These are paid positions. If you or someone you know are mission-minded
and would like to serve American Indian children, please see or share our jobs page at HolbrookIndianSchool.org/jobs.
Pacific Union College seeks qualified candidates to fill open positions in fulfilling our mission to Learn with Purpose, Rise in Faith, and Serve in Love. Beautiful mountain campus, minutes to shopping, an hour+ drive to ocean and skiing. Current openings at https://www.puc.edu/campus-services/ human-resources/current-job-postings.
Pacific Union College seeks dedicated Executive Director to lead Human Resources operations and strategy and oversee well-being and development of talented team members. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential. https://www.puc.edu/campus-services/ human-resources/current-job-postings/executivedirector-human-resources. Email hr@puc.edu.
The Miranda Seventh-day Adventist Church is looking for a missionary-minded couple to care for its church. The couple will rent the church trailer home and be responsible for maintaining the church grounds. For more information, please call Mike Michelli at 707-296-5518.
Adventist Media Ministries seeks a Senior Accountant to work in Support Services and handle various specialized accounting duties, participate in department cross-training, and assist Treasurer and other accounting staff. Position is full-time (38 hours per week) plus overtime, located in Riverside, CA. For more information or to apply, visit https://www. adventistmediaministries.com/available-positions/.
Adventist Media Ministries seeks a Treasurer to work in Support Services and manage the treasury/ accounting operations, direct and supervise treasury staff, provide leadership, administration, and assistance in shaping business services to the needs of the media ministries. Includes some travel. Position is full-time (38 hours per week), located in Riverside, CA. For more information or to apply, visit https://www. adventistmediaministries.com/available-positions/
Voice of Prophecy Associate Director of Gift Planning and Trust Services. Do you believe in evangelism? Are you a people person? Are you a selfstarter with strong communication and organizational abilities? Are you eager to learn new skills and willing to travel? If so, the Voice of Prophecy would love to visit with you about our open Associate Director of Gift Planning and Trust Services position. To apply, go to vop.com/careers.
Wanted: Live-in housekeeper, some cooking, errands, dog care for senior widow in gorgeous estate in Henderson, NV. Private quarters, great lifestyle, guard gated community in Lake Las Vegas. Flex hours, days, must have a car. Send info to curtismyrna@verizon.net or call Myrna at 310-6139549.
Real Estate
PUC Commercial Space for Rent. Pacific Union College has commercial real estate space available for lease. The spaces are in various sizes and functionality and are available for inquiries. For additional information, please email Sam Heier at sheier@puc.edu.
Cottage for Rent. Are you looking for serenity and peace? Then this rental is the perfect place for you. A small and private cottage, complete with picket fences and gardens. 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms, skylights, and unique
shower. Located in foothills by Collins Lake, CA. Contact John at Mountains. skyz@gmail.com.
For Sale
Outpatient Physical Therapy and Aquatic Therapy in the foothills above Sacramento, CA. Turn-key practice, in business for over 30 years. Great referral base and solid practice. Lots of potential for growth. Great opportunity for someone wanting to establish a medical mission outpost or wellness center as well. 5400-sq-ft facility. $450,000. Flexible options to the right party. Contact levi2000@sbcglobal.net or leave message at 209-304-7455.
Well-established medical practice for sale in beautiful East Tennessee, one hour from Southern Adventist University. Low capital investment, 4000-sqft office building with 8 exam rooms, excellent support staff, completely furnished, 10 years of patients in electronic medical records. Transition assistance available. Please contact William H. Taylor II, CPA, MBA at whtayloriitn@gmail.com indicating level of interest.
Vacation Opportunities
Biblical study tour of Greece. Footsteps of Apostles Paul and John in Greece. Sept. 3-15, 2025. A biblical journey through Philippi, Amphipolis, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Vergina, Meteora, and Delphi. Enjoy a cruise to Patmos, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, and Ephesus. Experience the Greek culture and food. Info: www.biblicaltouring.com, George Dialectakis, 860402-2247.
Biblical study tour of Turkey. Discover the Seven Churches of Revelation in Turkey. Sept. 14-21, 2025. Start at Istanbul, old Constantinople, and visit St. Sophia. Travel to the historic cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale, Laodicea, and Kusadasi. Info: www.biblicaltouring.com, George Dialectakis, 860-402-2247.
Travel on a faith-based biblical tour to Malta and Sicily (Sept. 2025), Egypt (Dec. 2025), or Israel (March 2026) with Dr. Carl Cosaert, Dean of the School of Theology at Walla Walla University. To learn more, visit www.adventtours.org or email info@adventtours.org.
Bulletin Board
Free App— Discover stellar faith-building, Bible-based and Christ-centered radio programs for all ages. LifeTalk Radio streams all music at LifeTalkMusic.net and awesome kids’ programs at LifeTalkKids.net or listen to talk radio at: LifeTalk.net. Download our handy free app from: LifeTalk.net.
Are you part of the church and have family members who are LGBTQIA+? Do you feel alone in this part of life’s journey? Would you like to connect with other people who are navigating this path of loving both God and family? We would love to hear from you and offer peer support and listening ears. Contact us at grace.and.peace789@gmail.com.
Canvasback Missions: Help the Lord’s ministry of healing in Micronesia by donating your car, boat, bike, RV, or truck. All proceeds help provide free
March 2025 Sunset Calendar
City/Location MAR 7 MAR 14 MAR 21 MAR 28
Alturas (Modoc Cty.) 6:00 7:08 7:16 7:24
Angwin 6:09 7:16 7:23 7:29
Bakersfield 5:57 7:03 7:08 7:14
Calexico 5:44 6:49 6:54 6:59
Chico 6:06 7:13 7:20 7:27
Death Valley (Furnace Ck) 6:10 7:18 7:26 7:34
Eureka 6:15 7:22 7:30 7:37
Four Corners [E] 6:16 7:22 7:29 7:35
Fresno 5:59 7:05 7:12 7:18
Grand Canyon (South Rim) 6:29 6:35 6:41 6:47
Half Dome 5:58 7:04 7:11 7:17
Hilo 6:27 6:29 6:31 6:33
Holbrook (Navajo City) 6:27 6:33 6:39 6:45
Honolulu 6:38 6:40 6:42 6:45
Joshua Tree 5:46 6:52 6:57 7:03
Lake Tahoe 5:59 7:06 7:13 7:20
Las Vegas 5:41 6:47 6:53 6:59
Lodi-Stockton 6:04 7:11 7:18 7:24
Loma Linda 5:50 6:56 7:01 7:07
Los Angeles 5:54 7:00 7:05 7:11
McDermitt [N] 5:48 6:56 7:04 7:12
Moab 6:17 7:24 7:31 7:38
Monterey Bay 6:07 7:14 7:20 7:26
Mt. Whitney 5:50 6:56 7:01 7:06
Napa 6:08 7:15 7:22 7:29
Nogales [S] (Los) 6:26 6:31 6:35 6:40
Oakland 6:09 7:15 7:22 7:28
Paradise, CA 6:05 7:12 7:19 7:27
Phoenix 6:30 6:35 6:40 6:46
Pu‘uwaiau, Ni’ihau [W] 6:30 6:33 6:34 6:36
Reno 5:58 7:05 7:12 7:19
Riverside 5:51 6:56 7:02 7:07
Sacramento 6:05 7:12 7:19 7:25
Salt Lake City 6:25 7:33 7:41 7:48
San Diego 5:50 6:56 7:01 7:06
San Francisco 6:09 7:16 7:22 7:29
San Jose 6:07 7:14 7:20 7:27
Santa Rosa 6:10 7:17 7:24 7:30
Sunset Beach 6:07 7:14 7:20 7:26
Thousand Oaks 5:56 7:02 7:08 7:13
Tucson 6:26 6:31 6:36 6:41 [N]=Northernmost [S]=Southernmost [E]=Easternmost [W]=Westernmost point in the Pacific Union
“So
there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” Hebrews 4:9
medical services to the island peoples of Micronesia. Canvasback Missions, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, has been serving since 1986. For more info: www.canvasback.org or 707-746-7828.
Partner with ASAP Ministries in serving the marginalized and reaching the unreached in Southeast Asia with the wholistic gospel. What you do today can change a life for eternity! To learn more, visit asapministries.org. Subscribe to our weekly Mission Matters videos. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube: asapministries.
Shop for new/used Adventist books: TEACH Services offers used Adventist books at www.LNFBOOKS. com or new book releases at your local ABC or www. TEACHServices.com. Authors, let us help publish your book with editing, design, marketing, and worldwide distribution. Call 706-504-9192 for a free evaluation.
Pet/house sitter based in the Sacramento, CA, area who works from home full time in a remote job. Able to travel to other parts of California, as well as Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah (and other states if needed). SDA member in good standing and has references upon
April
Sunset Calendar
(Modoc Cty.) 7:33 7:40 7:48 7:56
request. Find out more and contact here: https://www. kcsitstay.com/.
At Rest
Anglin (Wood), Regina Louise – b. March 1, 1950, Omaha, NE; d. Nov. 25, 2024, Eureka, CA. Survivors: eight siblings; two stepchildren; numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Carter, Lorraine – b. Nov. 23, 1924, Bonne Terre, MO; d. Jan. 9, 2025, West Covina, CA. Survivors: children, James Carter II, Norman Carter, Judith Vyhmeister, Craig Carter; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.
Cortez, Ruth – b. Jan. 7, 1924, Raton, NM; d. Jan. 7, 2025, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: children, Loida Cortez Doukmetzian, Rene Cortez, Nina Cortez; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild.
Davies, Anita Louise – b. July 20, 1947; d. Dec. 17, 2024. Survivors: two grandchildren. Anita worked for 46 years in a secretarial or office manager capacity for various church entities. She was also a skilled church organist.
Foster, Gayle – b. Oct. 19, 1948, Portland, OR; d. Nov. 21, 2024, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: children, Holly Negron, Jed Foster; two grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Wood; brother, Mark Foster.
Frazier, Zelle – b. March 11, 1958, Cebu City, Philippines; d. Jan. 2, 2025, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: husband, John Ben Frazier; daughter, Alexa Frazier Loshin; brother, Florencio Arrogante; sisters, Lysenia Quijano, Lelita Abacan.
Freeh, Lois – b. Feb. 10, 1937, Scranton, PA; d. Dec. 24, 2024, Colton, CA. Survivors: son, Daniel Weston; daughter, Sylvia Morton; two grandchildren; sister, Kathryn Mott.
Herrmann, Donald William – b. June 18, 1943, Philadelphia, PA; d. Dec. 16, 2024, Riverside, CA. Survivors: wife, Sandra Louise Herrmann; children, Kimberly Cantrelle, Brian Herrmann; three grandchildren.
McMillan, Janice – b. May 23, 1946, Fort Scott, KS; d. Dec. 22, 2024, Redlands, CA. Survivors: daughters, Kathleen Walker, Teresa Owen; son, Michael McMillan; five grandchildren; sisters, Elita Johnston, La Donna Hurtado. As an elementary school teacher, she touched the lives of countless children.
Rasi, Alfredo – b. March 26, 1938, La Plata, Argentina; d. Jan. 6, 2025, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: wife, Martha Rasi; daughter, Cynthia Rasi; son, Leonardo Rasi; three grandchildren; brother, Carlo Rasi.
Sawtelle, Norreta – b. Nov. 1, 1933, Penticton, BC, Canada; d. Oct. 26, 2024, Medford, OR. Survivors: sons, Van Bivens, Royce Bivens; brother, John Smith.
Skoretz, Daniel – b. Dec. 7, 1927, Buchanan, Saskatchewan, Canada; d. Jan. 15, 2025, Grand Terrace, CA. Survivors: wife, Elaine; children, DonnaLee Lehmann, Sherlynne Will, Randall Skoretz, Robert Skoretz; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank, Bernard, Ed. With 73 years of service, Skoretz began his ministry in Canada as a pastor before becoming a department director in two Canadian conferences and teaching theology at Canadian Union College. He taught at Loma Linda University and served in multiple positions at the General Conference before pastoring four churches in Southeastern California Conference.
Tabuenca, Julio – b. Dec. 13, 1940, Juliaca, Peru; d. Jan. 17, 2025, Loma Linda, CA. Survivors: wife, Alicia Tabuenca; children, Monica Huff, Arturo Tabuenca; five grandchildren. Pastor Julio held several leadership roles ranging from Adventist education to Public Health and held a Masters degree from Andrews University, EdD from Loma Linda University, and PhD from CA Graduate School of Theology. His last 30 years of ministry included pastoring nearly a dozen churches in Southeastern California Conference.
Teodor, Constantin – b. June 21, 1973, Bucharest, Romania; d. Dec. 14, 2024, Colton, CA. Survivors: wife, Sharla Appleton-Teodor; daughter, AnnaSofia Teodor.
Woosley, Beverly – Dec. 30, 1932, Oakland, CA; d. Dec. 9, 2024, Riverside, CA. Survivors: sons, Denis Woosley, Bob Woosley; daughter, Debra Coniger; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
The Last Word
By Ray Tetz
Rescuing Samuel Rhodes
In 1847, Samuel Rhodes—a deeply committed believer in the teachings of William Miller, the Baptist preacher whose interpretation of biblical prophecy sparked the Advent movement—hit rock bottom. Penniless after investing all his financial resources in the movement, his spirit broken by the verbal abuse heaped on him by many of his former friends, and believing that God had forsaken him, Rhodes, like Elijah, fled to a secluded place. For three years he hid himself amidst the wilderness of the Adirondacks of northern New York. Miles from anyone, he lived the life of a hermit. But Samuel Rhodes had a friend in a man named Hiram Edson.
Edson had been instrumental in helping the Millerite believers make some sense of what had—and had not— happened on October 22, 1844, when Jesus did not return as they had hoped, believed, and taught. Knowing that it was their shared experience and struggle that had left Rhodes broken and discouraged, Edson went looking for Samuel Rhodes. Three times Edson ventured into the wilds to try to find Rhodes and persuade him to return to the fellowship of the Advent believers. Three time he failed to find him, but he was undaunted in his quest.
Knowing that it was their shared experience and struggle that had left Rhodes broken and discouraged, Edson went looking for Samuel Rhodes.
And then, one fateful night, Edson dreamed of entering a room in which six discouraged people were praying, and one of them said to him, “Oh! Brother Edson, I am in the dark!”1
Hiram Edson
His thoughts went to Samuel Rhodes.
At a meeting just eight days after his dream, when fellow Millerite Richard Ralph mentioned the challenges of trying to find Rhodes, Edson suddenly felt that perhaps his dream was a calling.
He sought Ellen White’s advice, and she expressed skepticism about trying to find a man who did not want to be found. But during a subsequent prayer session seeking God’s guidance, Edson reported that the Holy Spirit “settled upon us so that the place was awful and glorious.” 2 This is where this story takes an unexpected turn.
During the meeting, Richard Ralph began speaking in an unknown tongue. Providing the interpretation for those kneeling in prayer, he said that God wanted Edson and him to search for Rhodes.
The following morning, after receiving a vision affirming this perception, Mrs. White granted her approval for the mission to go find Samuel Rhodes and bring him back to the little flock, instructing them to tell Rhodes that God loved him, that there was “hope and mercy for him,”3 and that angels would protect him if he returned with Edson and Ralph.
Off they went. And then, after journeying 14 miles into the forest, they found Rhodes, looking every bit the hermit.
Rhodes responded to their arrival and entreaties to return by telling them of a dream that he himself had experienced—a dream of two men who were seeking him. Brothers Edson and Ralph shared the message they had received from Ellen White, and Richard Ralph was again moved to speak in an unknown tongue—behavior that Rhodes took as a sign of God’s love and approval.
And with that, Samuel Rhodes came home. The cloud of despondency under which he had lived since 1844 cleared, and Edson recorded the reaction of the little flock in a letter sent to Present Truth: “They were all rejoiced to see Bro. Rhodes. Tears of joy and tenderness flowed freely as they greeted each other. We had a sweet, heavenly sitting together during the meeting, and Bro. Rhodes’ faith and hope are fast increasing. He stands firm in all the present truth; and we heartily bid him God speed, as he goes to search out and feed the precious, scattered flock of Jesus.”4
This story is included in Brian Strayer’s’ 2023 biography of Hiram Edson (available on Amazon from Oak & Acorn Publishing). I am inspired by the way our spiritual forebears muddled along through their theological discoveries and personal faith. I am inspired by their zeal and determination fueled by the hard-won convictions born from dedicated exploration of the Scriptures, thoughtful questions and discussion, and heartfelt devotion. How heartening it must have been to hear Ellen White’s assurance that there was “hope and mercy” for them. These are surely words
that would be as powerful as that other assuring statement from her that has become so familiar to us: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and his teaching in our past history” (Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church , vol. 9, p. 10).
But Professor Strayer’s book wasn’t published generations ago and wasn’t included in reading lists or available in Adventist libraries—nor have any biographies of Hiram Edson been published until now to feed the precious, scattered flock of Jesus.
Which brings me to the question of fundamentalism.
In a TEDTalk in 2009, Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie spoke passionately and persuasively about “The Danger of the Single Story.” In it she cautioned against the simplified narratives that avoid troubling complexity and suppress inconvenient details. “The single story creates stereotypes,” asserted Adichie, “and the problem with stereotypes is not that they aren’t true, but they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” 5
The rise of the single story is the roadway to fundamentalism. Both fundamentalism and the adoption of a single narrative are reductionist. Complex events and ideas are oversimplified. Alternative viewpoints are suppressed. Inquiry is discouraged. Stereotypes flourish. Assumptions remain unchallenged.
One hundred and seventy-two years ago this summer, just four years after the epic rescue of Samuel Rhodes, James White responded in the pages of the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald to a letter from a group of Seventh Day Baptists who wrote asking who Adventists were. His words embraced a wide horizon—a generous orthodoxy of fellowship and inquiry.
holding different views on some subjects; yet, thank Heaven, the Sabbath is a mighty platform on which we can all stand united. And while standing here, with the aid of no other creed than the Word of God, and bound together by the bonds of love— love for the truth, love for each other, and love for a perishing world —“which is stronger than death,” all party feelings are lost.” 6
These are powerful words that stand in stark contrast to the narrowed vision of a single story or fundamentalism.
In the spirit of Hiram Edson, Richard Ralph, James White, and Ellen White, let us set about to rescue Samuel Rhodes—who shall not be forgotten. We will need to journey out beyond the borders of our settled history into the wild forests and reclaim that which once was lost. We will need the brightest lights to push back the darkness, not a dimmed and dumbed down low-voltage glow incapable of being focused to illuminate or start a fire. Our faces should shine with the vitality and confidence of stories and scholarship and provocative preaching, burning brightly.
Ray Tetz is the director of communication and community engagement for the Pacific Union Conference and the publisher of the Pacific Union Recorder
1Hiram Edson, Nov. 26, 1849, Letter to Present Truth (Dec. 1849), p. 36. The quotes and footnotes from the Samuel Rhodes story are sourc ed from Brian E. Strayer, Hiram Edson: The Man and the Myth (Thousand Oaks, CA: Oak & Acorn Publishing, 2023), pp. 104-109.
2D.E. Robinson, “The Gift of Tongues in Early Advent History,” ( Center for Adventist Research, James White Library, Andrews University, Be rrien Springs MI, n.d.), p. 2.
3Ellen White, “Beloved Brethren, scattered abroad,” Present Truth , Dec. 1849, p. 35.
4Edson, Letter to Present Truth
As a people we are brought together from divisions of the Advent body [the Millerites], and from the various denominations,
5Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, “The Danger of a Single Story,” TEDGlobal (July 2009), https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie _the_ danger_of_a_single_story.
6James White, “Reply,” Review and Herald 4, no. 7 (Aug. 11, 1853), p. 52; emphasis added.
