Pacific Union Recorder—July 2020

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But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

AMOS 5:24, ESV

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Recorder What’s inside PACIFIC UNION

Publisher Ray Tetz Editor Alberto Valenzuela Assistant Editor Faith Hoyt Assistant Editor Connie Jeffery Design/Layout Stephanie Leal • Alberto Valenzuela Printing Pacific Press Publishing Association www.pacificpress.com

4 Love in a Hard Spot

8 Challenges and Changes 12 Justice Is Elemental to Life 16 Along the Paths of Justice 19 Who Are You? 22 Green Growing Things 26 Adventist Health 27 Pacific Union College 28 Arizona Conference 30 Central California Conference 34 Hawaii Conference

The Recorder is a monthly publication reaching approximately 76,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

36 Holbrook Indian School

Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire our readers to action in all areas of ministry.

40 Nevada-Utah Conference

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENTS Adventist Health 916-406-0784 Japhet De Oliveira • Deolivj@Ah.org Arizona 480-991-6777 Phil Draper • phildraper@azconference.org

38 Loma Linda University Health 42 Northern California Conference 46 Southeastern California Conference 50 Southern California Conference 54 La Sierra University 56 Newsdesk

Central California 559-347-3000 Cindy Chamberlin • cchamberlin@cccsda.org

58 Community & Marketplace

Hawaii 808-595-7591 Miki Akeo-Nelson • mnelson@hawaiisda.com

62 Rags to Riches

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60 Sunset Calendar

La Sierra University 951-785-2000 Darla Tucker • dmartint@lasierra.edu Loma Linda 909-651-5925 Ansel Oliver • anoliver@llu.edu Nevada-Utah 775-322-6929 Michelle Ward • mward@nevadautah.org Northern California 916-886-5600 Laurie Trujillo • Laurie.Trujillo@nccsda.com Pacific Union College 707-965-7100 Ashley Eisele • aeisele@puc.edu Southeastern California 951-509-2200 Enno Müller • communications@seccsda.org Southern California 818-546-8400 Lauren Lacson • Llacson@sccsda.org Postal Regs: The Pacific Union Recorder (ISSN 07446381), Volume 120, Number 7, is the official journal of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and is published monthly. Editorial office is at 2686 Townsgate Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91361: 805-497-9457. Periodical postage paid at Thousand Oaks, CA, and additional mailing offices.

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“We must deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God. We must let Christ into our hearts and homes. We must cultivate love, sympathy, and true courtesy one to another. Our happiness depends upon our taking this course. The reason that there are so many hard-hearted men and women in the world

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is that generous affection has been regarded as weakness, and has been discouraged and repressed. If we would have tender hearts, such as Jesus had when he was upon the earth, and sanctified sympathy, such as the angels have for erring mortals, we must cultivate the simple, unaffected affections of childhood. Then we shall be directed by heavenly principles, which are refining and elevating in their tendency.”

Ellen G. White, The Signs of the Times, Nov. 10, 1887 J U LY 2020

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Love in a

Hard Spot

PHOTO BY KOSHU KUNII ON UNSPLASH

BY RICARDO GRAHAM

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s I am writing this column, I am in all honesty challenged. The assignment is to write on love, the theme of this issue of the Pacific Union Recorder.

However, the events happening in our country have created

a hard spot in time. We have been hit with a “double whammy.� While we are still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are being hit with the stark reality of the murder of George Floyd under the knee of a policeman in Minneapolis.

We have seen the horrible video of the last eight minutes and 46 seconds of his life. Some of us have watched one or more of the memorial services for him that have been broadcast. His death, along with other deaths of Black men at the hands of white police officers, has swelled the ranks of the Black Lives Matter movement on a global basis, to include people around the world who are calling for an end to racism and police brutality. Rightly so.

In my opinion, my beloved Seventh-day Adventist church,

at least in the North American Division where I have lived all my life, has rarely attempted to have open, courageous conversations about the implications of racism and police brutality for Black Americans and Black Adventism.

As an African American Seventh-day Adventist, I find myself

in a hard spot. How do I continue to love people who racially profile me?

(Yes, I have experienced such incidents, even in California.) The current surge of people

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PHOTO BY MUNSHOTS ON UNSPLASH

marching in protest makes the situation

others, that I turn to meditation, prayer, and a

impossible to ignore. And ignoring it (or nearly

search of Scripture.

so) seems to have been the Adventist default

I am impressed that throughout the Old

for the last 70 years or more.

Testament, especially in the writings of the

Today, there are near-constant occurrences

prophets, God repeatedly spoke condemnation of

of injustice; the denial of equality and fairness

the injustices His people participated in or allowed

is present on a daily basis around us. And the

to happen around them.

church seems to be silent.

I belief that the church has been called out of

Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner,

worldliness to live the full life of Jesus. His call to

and a multitude of others have been killed,

love, found in John 13:34-35 (love one another)

with the police serving as judge, jury, and

and Matthew 22:34-40 (love the Lord and love

executioner. George Floyd’s death has made

your neighbor), requires continual response and

“I Can’t Breathe!” an outcry of the oppressed,

application.

becoming a force that is uniting multitudes of

Jesus demonstrated this love unceasingly during

people globally.

His earthly ministry. Even as He was dying, He

But how do we as Christians respond?

uttered from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for

I am challenged to think of the pursuit of

they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34,

justice, not revenge. It is in these instances, and

NIV). His life and death were the implementation of

But how do we as Christians respond? I am challenged to think of the pursuit of justice, not revenge. It is in these instances, and others, that I turn to meditation, prayer, and a search of Scripture.

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the full, unrestrained love God has for people.

really, truly sought justice for those who have

In love, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal

been denied it? Could we, for instance, support

to us our true heart motivation. We need to

such movements as The Innocence Project, which

examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) to see if we

has empirically proved that a large number of

individually measure up to the fullness of love in

people, especially Black men, convicted of crimes

Jesus Christ.

and imprisoned, were denied justice at every step

We must also examine our structures and

of their trial? This organization is committed to

systems to see if the true, loving acceptance of

exonerating wrongly convicted individuals.

others is reflected in the policies and procedures

I believe God calls us to do that and more, as His

of the local church and the denomination itself.

children in this time and place. Being salt and light is

If we find that there are practices that are in any

more than adopting a vegetarian lifestyle, returning

way unjust in application, we must address them.

tithe, and keeping the Sabbath holy. It involves

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we must

more than preaching the three angels’ messages.

be both humble and bold—humble enough to

It involves infusing the world around us with the

admit where, when, and how we may have failed,

powerful, life-altering practice of the love of God. I

and bold enough to determine how to bring

am convinced this includes being anti-racist.

ourselves into full alignment with God’s criterion:

If anyone was ever in a hard spot, Jesus was.

justice, mercy, and humility.

Look at Gethsemane and Calvary. Denied justice,

When I read the Gospels of the New Testament,

beaten mercilessly, He carried the sins of the

it seems to me that Christ’s emphasis is on people

world—including the sins of prejudice, bigotry,

relationships. Jesus condemned the religious

and racism—to the cross.

practitioners of His day for their mistreatment of

What are we to do? Micah, like the prophets

other people. We must move with all deliberate

before him, wrote and preached from a hard

speed to fully embrace the righteousness of

spot. His nation had abandoned the practice of

Christ’s call to His church, in all areas of life.

God’s principles, but this is what he wrote: “He

We must pray, then get up and do the will

has shown you, O man, what is good; And what

of God. And that includes dismantling the evil

does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To

structures of systemic racism that pervade all life

love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

in the United States, including church life.

(Micah 6:8, NKJV).

We may not join the Black Lives Matter

Micah’s challenge to love in a hard spot still

movement, but we can stand up and speak up

stands. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, we

against racism and injustice. We should no longer

must move towards the expungement of the evil

be silent.

of racism in our church and stand up against it in

It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “In the

our country.

end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

What would happen in the Pacific Union if we

_______________________________________ Ricardo Graham is the president of the Pacific Union Conference.

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Challenges & Changes Responding to the Current Crisis On June 10, leaders of the Pacific Union and the North American Division held a roundtable via Zoom to dialogue about the issues raised by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, the nationwide protests against police brutality and systematic racial injustice, and the outpouring of support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Below are excerpts from some of the comments made during that roundtable. You can watch the entire roundtable at https://bit.ly/2ChIC6V.

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“Something particular has happened here that I’ve not seen in my lifetime, and it’s quite surprising. I see diversity in the protests. You don’t just see African Americans; you see people from every culture as part of this. Something has happened. We are in a generation and a time now when people are coming together and saying, “We want to be our brother’s keeper.” There is a sense of understanding each other’s humanity.”

up variations. And some of those schools took the time for an eight-minute 46-second period of silence.

Truly, this is a generation that has been moved and has been changed. I hope that we have the ability to guide them into a way of making this a more positive experience.”

Marc Woodson, president of the Northern California Conference

“There is one way in which this current issue has to speak to the church and to the minds of church members. I heard someone say that for all too long we have hidden behind the stained-glass windows in the sanctuary, thinking that it was OK to remain silent or to remain aloof. But the reality is that the issues that are a part of our society are also a part of our church, and there is racism in the church.”

“All of those videos combined that happened within a month, they rocked the consciousness of the nation— and the world. The fact that all of these incidents were occurring showed definitively that there was something wrong. Something is going wrong. I watched the first funeral, and they asked for a moment of silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds. It was a long time— unbearable. And that made an impact on the entire nation.”

Leon Brown Sr., president of the Nevada-Utah Conference

“As members of the body of Christ, we have a social gospel that speaks of social justice. We must be good stewards of whatever God has given us—whether it’s our voice, or resources, or opportunities to sit at a table where decisions are made, or an education.

That’s what the civil rights movement did for us. It gave us the opportunity to receive an education and sit in places where we can make a difference by voicing our opinion.”

Virgil Childs, regional coordinator of the Pacific Union Conference

“It is our Christian duty to speak up and speak out on this. I’m really glad that as a denomination, as a church, we are now awakening. All of us. Our tradition has been to not become very involved as a church, but now it is undeniable that we have to stand up and defend life. May the Lord bless us all as we unite to defend what Jesus would do if He were living in this time.”

Velino Salazar, president of the Southern California Conference

“We are in the world, but we’re not supposed to be of the world. In other words, we’re not to have the same values that the world espouses; we cling to the values of Christ. But have we been articulating that well enough, loud enough, widespread enough? Would we say that people who have been denied justice should have justice, and that it runs both ways—not just from the police to a suspect, but that the police should be held accountable also? How does that affect our communities?”

Ricardo Graham, president of the Pacific Union Conference

“Some of our schools and graduation ceremonies were very unusual and ran the gamut from virtual to drive-

Berit von Pohle, director of education of the Pacific Union Conference

Dan Jackson, president of the North American Division

“Sometimes the way we have organized things can lead to division instead of unity. Perhaps we have falsely emphasized what divides us instead of what unites us. Perhaps we have sought consensus when we should have been listening more carefully to individual concerns. But in all these things, Christ strengthens us. As a church, we must be ready to listen first.”

Jorge Soria, vice president of the Pacific Union Conference

“There were clergy who were supporters of the civil rights movement but who urged caution, slowing, patience. Martin Luther King answered, “The church in the first century was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion. It was the thermostat that transformed the mores of society.” I think that’s the challenge for us today. It’s easy to have rhetoric. It’s easy to sit back and say we should do it.”

Bradford Newton, executive secretary of the Pacific Union Conference

“For too long words of comfort have been spoken in moments such as these and systems have gone unchallenged. We call on those in positions of power, those in places of privilege, those who have authority over others, and those who are followers of Christ, including ourselves, to act courageously, to care compassionately, to love deeply, to creatively construct new ways, new patterns of being in this world that honor all members of God’s good creation.”

Joy Fehr, president of La Sierra University

“We’ve got to be careful to not see this experience of George Floyd as just something that’s on the television. We can’t hold his memorial services at a distance from ourselves. It’s not just some painting

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Pacific Union and North American Division Leaders

Ricardo Graham

VicLouis Arreola III

Leon Brown Sr.

Alex Bryant

Ramiro Cano

Robert Cushman Jr.

Joy Fehr

Dan Jackson

Stephen Mayer

Bradford Newton

Sandra Roberts

Velino Salazar

Jorge Soria

Berit von Pohle

Ralph Watts

Marc Woodson

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or some symbol. We’ve got to go beyond that. We have to see it as a clarion call for us to come together and talk about what is right. We need go beyond protesting against what’s wrong; we’ve got to talk about what’s right, and we’ve got to insist on accountability.”

Virgil Childs, regional coordinator of the Pacific Union Conference

“We are seeing what happens when our words don’t match our actions, when our beliefs are not lived out in the relationships we have with one another. We must humbly accept that we have failed in showing God’s true character and grace.”

VicLouis Arreola III Asian-Pacific ministries coordinator of the Pacific Union Conference

“Many of our members and even some of our local leaders did not know the Adventist position on social justice. Jesus showed us what we should do. He started His public ministry standing up for the disenfranchised, what we call today social justice. We have to do something, and I appreciate the conversation we’re having here in the Pacific Union.”

Alex Bryant, secretary of the North American Division

“I believe that our church, at different levels, on many occasions, has decided to pass over and ignore the particular needs of more than one ethnic group.

Often, their requests and recommendations have not received balanced, careful, or respectful consideration.

They have not been treated as equals. They have experienced prejudice, inequality, racism, bigotry, injustice, and marginalization. This type of conduct is unacceptable for our church.”

Alberto Ingleton, Spanish Ministries coordinator for the Pacific Union Conference

“We are commandment-keeping people, and that’s foundational for us. Yet, if we really are going to be people of the law, we’ve got to remember that the law is based on love. If we’re truly commandment-keeping people, then we cannot allow racism to exist in our church. Remember the foundation of our beliefs. We sometimes forget about the most important piece: love. Love is the center of what Adventism is about.”

Leon Brown Sr., president of the Nevada-Utah Conference

In Romans 13:11, the Apostle Paul tells us it’s time to wake from our sleep. What I’d never noticed before were the first three words in that verse: “Now do this.” What is Paul asking us to do? When you read the previous verse, he says, “Love your neighbor.” In anticipation of the Second Coming, we need to be emphasizing “love your neighbor” because it is the fulfillment of the law.”

Ralph Watts, president of the Hawaii Conference

“We must reframe our theology of social justice in a way that moves us from compassion to advocacy, because it’s the advocacy that will lead us toward solutions that can help restore people’s dignity. We believe, as the body of Christ, that all are created in the image of God and have an indelible dignity. What a message for us as we continue to find ways and verbiage to preach that, to teach that, and to model that together. I also believe that we need to change the way we are siloed in our churches.”

Sandra Roberts, president of the Southeastern California Conference

“Black lives matter. It’s time to move beyond words.

Instead of merely talking about diversity, I want us to move to action where we live out and celebrate our differences, loving each other as Christ has shown us. Christ calls us to be more than accepting or respectful of each other. He calls us to love one another. Now is the time to put those words into action.”

Robert Cushman Jr., president of Pacific Union College

“Social justice is misunderstood. I think we need an education. Therefore, number one, I am calling for family ministries, children ministries, education ministries, and church ministries to develop a curriculum that will address this foundational element of our human experience. Number two, I’m calling for each conference and local church to create a standing roundtable committee to serve as a safe environment where discussions can take place and social justice can be better understood.”

Ramiro Cano, president of the Central California Conference

“At this time, I think we are seeing a generational shift, where younger generations are growing up with a different experience. I applaud so many people with the bravery to speak out. I appreciate this opportunity to share and to get so many different perspectives, because hearing other people’s stories gives us an opportunity to know where they’re coming from.”

Stephen Mayer, treasurer of the Pacific Union Conference

“We are at a pivotal point. We have a church that spans the world, and the world is being challenged about social justice and the expungement of racism of every kind. In the Old Testament, God used His prophets to speak to the injustice that His people were perpetrating against each other. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells us to love the Lord and love our neighbor—on that hangs all the law and the prophets. Justice is a manifestation of love.”

Ricardo Graham, president of the Pacific Union Conference

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Justice Is Elemental to Life PHOTO BY JAMES EADES ON UNSPLASH

BY MARC WOODSON

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I can't tell you how many times I've been stopped and frisked or pulled over by police and had guns drawn on me. This is a common story among African Americans.

A

t the time of this writing, Adventists

woman to be her roommate. I wish I could report

throughout the Pacific Union

that racism like this only existed in the past.

Conference have been thinking,

Sadly, I’ve also heard stories about more recent

marching, and participating in

incidents within Adventist churches and schools.

conversations about justice—more than we have

Racism is a historic, and continuing, problem.

in decades. I have been listening to a lot of stories.

Currently, there are many discussions about

Some are told with tears, some with anger, and

a term that some Adventists don’t like: social

some with resignation. I have some stories of my

justice. In some of our churches, these are

own.

considered bad words. “The phrase ‘social justice’

One June morning, before I left to go on my

is…misunderstood by many Adventists. To some,

regular walk around the neighborhood, my wife,

the phrase is a dog-whistle for a very political

Marlene, asked me to be very careful. She told

connotation,” writes Nelson Fernandez, pastor for

me to take a video if I was stopped by the police.

administration and outreach at the Miami Temple

Police harassment is not new to me. I can't tell

Seventh-day Adventist Church in Florida.

you how many times I've been stopped and

He goes on to write: “In its basic essence,

frisked or pulled over by police and had guns

social justice is defined as ‘the fair and proper

drawn on me. This is a common story among

administration of laws conforming to the natural

Africa Americans. However, this day it hit me hard

law that all persons, irrespective of ethnic origin,

that my wife was concerned for my safety during

gender, possessions, race, religion, etc., are to

a simple walk in our neighborhood.

be treated equally and without prejudice.’” (I

Some time ago, my mother wanted to transfer

encourage you to read his entire article about

from Oakwood College to another Adventist

Adventism and social justice at https://bit.

college to take nursing. She was accepted on the

ly/3db7Nos.)

condition that she find another African American

By this definition, don’t we as Adventists have

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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?” (Micah 6:8, NKJV).

The Bible also clearly defines what justice is: “This is what the Lord says: Be fair-minded and just. Do what is right! Help those who have been robbed; rescue them from their oppressors.

Quit your evil deeds! Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans, and widows. Stop murdering the innocent!” (Jeremiah 22:3, NLT). These are strong words, and when we reflect on them, we must apply them to what is going on in our country today.

Fueled by the compassion of Christ, we advocate for justice to protect the vulnerable, stand up for those who are oppressed, walk alongside the wounded, and direct their gaze toward Jesus, the One who heals, restores, and PHOTO BY COOPER BAUMGARTNER ON UNSPLASH

redeems. “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14, NLT).

One of my favorite verses about justice is Amos 5:24: “But let justice run down like water, And the responsibility to work for social justice?

righteousness like a mighty stream” (NKJV).

Standing up for social justice means you believe

I am intrigued that Amos compared justice to

all people have rights and have been created in

water. Water is a fundamental element of this

the image of God, that each human deserves

planet, and life would not exist without it. It is

dignity—the same as we desire for ourselves.

also one of the most powerful forces imaginable.

Although we emphasize the grace that God

It can smooth rocks and change the face of the

wants us to show each other, the Bible clearly tells

earth itself! In case you’re in doubt, remember the

us that justice is just as important. “He has shown

277-mile-long, 18-mile-wide Grand Canyon!

I am intrigued that Amos compared justice to water. Water is a fundamental element of this planet, and life would not exist without it. It is also one of the most powerful forces imaginable.

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Marc Woodson, along with Pacific Union President Ricardo Graham and other pastors from around Northern California, participates in "Crucial Conversations," a live virtual forum on June 13 focusing on issues impacting people of color.

Similarly, justice is elemental to life on this

We’re all familiar with the parable of the

planet and—when combined with righteousness,

Good Samaritan. The priest and Levite—who

which is described as a mighty stream—it can be

represented the national and religious system—

one of the most powerful forces to help us love

kept the Sabbath, tithed, and followed the strict

our neighbors as ourselves. Together, justice and

dietary laws, yet they passed by their wounded

righteousness can erode prejudice and break

brother on the road. Jesus’ parable ends when

through racism. They can wear down bigotry and

He asks the lawyer: “’Which of these three do you

tear through discrimination. Psalm 89:14 says,

think was a neighbor to the man who was beaten

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of

by the robbers?’ The man who knew the Law said,

your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before

‘The one who showed loving-pity on him.’ Then

you as attendants” (NLT).

Jesus said, ‘Go and do the same’” (Luke 10:36-37,

Incredible! The foundation of God’s throne is

NLV).

comprised of righteousness and justice, with love

Today, let us prayerfully make our homes,

and truth leading the way. Our early Adventist

churches, and schools into places where people

pioneers spoke truth and showed love as they

find peace that passes all understanding and the

advocated for abolition, equality, and justice. As

unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Let’s “Learn

members of one of the most ethnically diverse

to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor;

Christian faiths, we as Seventh-day Adventists

Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow”

have a unique and transformative opportunity to

(Isaiah 1:17, NKJV).

demonstrate in both words and actions what it means to be inclusive, kind, just, gentle, and full of love for every person, no matter their differences.

_______________________________________ Marc Woodson is the president of the Northern California Conference.

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Along the Paths

BY VIRGIL CHILDS

T

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of Jus

he United States is experiencing the

has focused a bright light on the truth, on the

most serious racial unrest since the

realities of life.

1960s, as lawful rallies, marches, and

You know, I have my own personal experience

protests of the killing of George Floyd

with racial profiling, being followed and pulled

in Minneapolis on Memorial Day have taken

over by the police. That is something that a

place throughout our region, across the U.S., and

certain group of people live with all the time. And

around the world. The protests have often been

it's a reality that I now think the world is beginning

massive but have also taken place in small towns;

to understand.

they have been largely peaceful but also marred

We build walls. We have excluded certain people

by violence; and they have been attended by a

and we have created privilege for others. As a

great diversity of people.

result, there's pain in our society, and it tells us that

The past few weeks have been really difficult.

something is seriously broken. When we look at

Perilous times have come upon us.

the protesting and the looting from the past few

First, let me say from the office of Regional

weeks, it lets us know that there needs to be some

Ministries at the Pacific Union and from our

reform amongst the people who are supposed to

constituents that we decry the senseless killing of

protect and serve.

George Floyd and our prayers are with his family.

The protesting and the rallies are so important.

However, at the same time, when I look at

However, I hope we realize that it’s not just others—

events such as this, I see an opportunity. As

there needs to be some reform amongst all of us.

horrific as it is, I still see it as an opportunity. The

We need to care more about our brothers and our

peace of the world is very fragile, and all it needs

sisters. Micah 6:8 says that we need to “do justly.”

is a precipitating event to bring it crashing down.

We need to “love mercy.” And we need to “walk

But, as a church, we have the peace of God, and

humbly before our God.” That is social justice.

that's a peace that passes all understanding.

We can't afford to be indifferent about

When I look at these events—the protests, the

people, about their pain and what they're going

looting, the violence and what it has done—it

through. We've got to consider what it means

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stice to love our brothers and our sisters. We’ve got to think about what real justice, true justice, is for everybody. And not just for people with a certain ethnicity, not just for a particular group. We've got to do what's I had a meeting with some folks shortly after George Floyd’s death. There was a young man there, a junior at Oakwood

ISTOCK.COM/PUCKONS

right for everybody.

College. He asked me, “What can I do to make a difference?” And I told him that there were different ways to address this thing. It's not going happen because of one march.

We need the marches because people need to know where we stand; they need to know that we're against prejudice, we're against the violence, we're against injustice.

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But after the marches, we need to have an

Yes, I have to abide in Jesus. I have to not

agenda for social justice. After that, we each

only study the Word, I have to live the Word.

need to do our part. I told him, “You know,

And I have to share the Word. The Bible

you're a junior in college right now. What you

calls us “salt” and the Bible calls us “light.”

need to do is finish your program. You need

Sometimes salt irritates and sometime

to get your degree so you can be qualified to

light bothers, you know. But we have a

take on some of these positions, so you can sit

responsibility to the truth. As representatives

at the table where decisions are made.”

of God, we have a responsibility to care, to not

Praise God, the people care. They want

to be indifferent about what's happening in

to walk on a march. But in addition to that,

our communities.

beyond the precipitating events that caused

I feel hopeful about the future. You see, my

us to be in shock and awe, beyond the

hope is based on the promises of Jesus. I've

rallies and protests, we need to go to council

lived awhile and I've seen a few things. And I

meetings. We need to engage with our

have seen some changes—some things have

community. We need to care about voting. If

changed that seemed almost impossible. For

folks don't vote, they don't have a say. They

instance, how in the world are we going to

have a right to vote and they need to take

preach the gospel in all the world when we

advantage of that right so that they can make

have this pandemic? And then, amazingly,

a difference in what happens. Policy makes a

we seem to be able to connect with anybody

difference. Walking and talking is great, but

anywhere through Zoom. You know, all things

policy is what changes things. And when you

are possible. And the promises of God are true.

use your voice and I use my voice and others

So, I'm hopeful. In every conflict I see

use their voices, eventually we can bring

an opportunity for us to get to know each

about some type of change.

other better, to listen a little better, and to

We need change in our country, and we also

understand and communicate a little better.

need change in our churches. In the church,

And I believe that the events of the past few

we need to adjust our theology a little bit,

weeks have brought us to this point.

particularly our eschatology. We can't wait for

Now the challenge is, what are we going

Jesus to come and fix everything. He will, but

to do with it? I challenge the church as I

in the meantime, He's called upon us to do our

challenge myself, to be part of the ministry of

part in our communities, at our jobs, in our

reconciliation, which is what God has called

classrooms, wherever we are. I've got to do

us to.

what the Bible asks me to do. The wise man

ISTOCK.COM/PUCKONS

says, “I walk in the way of righteousness, along

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the paths of justice” (Proverbs 8:20, NIV).

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R

_______________________________________ Virgil Childs is the director of African American Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference.

Who Are You?

BY RICH DUBOSE

J

ohn Wooden, former basketball coach and leadership author, once wrote: “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what

you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

Someone else said, “Character is what you do when no one else is watching.” Such times reveal what a person is really like. When we strip away all of the pretense and the veneer that we put on our public faces, that is who we really are. And the less disparity there is between who we say we are and who we actually are, the more authentic and powerful our influence becomes.

The word character doesn’t just describe individuals. It can also be used to define a school, church, company, community, or nation.

America has a character, which at times has been viewed with both praise and disdain. The overall character of a country may be defined by the level of civility its citizens display toward each other, especially when they don’t agree. Its character can also be reflected in how it spends its money and in the laws it writes and enforces.

Ellen White states, “Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying principle of God's ISTOCK.COM/NASTCO

government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian's character” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 49).

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19

Our view of character—particularly as it relates to others, needs to be prophetic.

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As Adventists, we spend a lot of time, money, and

that was designed to help students pass the GED

effort trying to shape the characters of our children

test and finish high school.

and youth. Ideally, we see it as a combined effort on

The man teaching the class was the principal of

the part of parents, schools, and churches to help

the school, and I’ll never forget his kindness. I still

nurture children in compassionate ways. In practice,

remember his name: Mr. Ammons. From time to

the responsibility is not as neatly shared, and we are

time, he gave me his full attention as I struggled

challenged to make a positive impact in the midst of

with a math problem or a question about some

our brokenness.

other topic.

As a PK (preacher’s kid), I went through the

One evening, I remember Mr. Ammons saying,

Adventist educational system through the eighth

“Rich, everything that’s taught in high school can

grade, and then I quit school in the ninth grade.

be learned in one year. The primary reason the

I had a turbulent experience in my teens, and I

learning experience is drawn over four years is to

manifested some qualities of character that made

allow time for kids to grow up.”

life difficult for my parents.

I don’t know if that can still be said today,

I even spent a few days in Juvie Hall because my

but it made an impression on me because I

parents didn’t know what to do with me. I didn’t

needed to grow up. I needed to mature so I could

know what to do with myself.

become the person God wanted me to be. I knew

As I look back now, I think a lot of it had to

I needed to grow up emotionally, physically,

do with our educational system’s approach to

and spiritually—which is really what character

learning at that time. I needed to be challenged

development is all about.

with some alternative learning opportunities, but

I was impressed that Mr. Ammons, who spent his

our system was not able to provide it. They kept

days running a large public high school, took time

trying to squeeze me into a standardized mold,

in the evenings, when he could have been home,

and it didn’t work.

to tutor a group of teens and adults who had fallen

So, I lived at home and worked a full-time job.

through the cracks. He instilled within me a sense

When you’re 16 or 17, you don’t typically find jobs

of possibility—that I could do the impossible and

you would want to make a career of. I ended up

that my future was up to me. After I passed the GED

washing dishes at a restaurant and working for a

exam, I regret that I didn’t let Mr. Ammons know I

carpet store.

had passed it. I missed the opportunity to thank the

By the time I reached 18, I realized I needed an

one who helped me achieve my goal.

education, and I wanted to go to college. I didn’t

In his book, Everybody, Always, Bob Goff says,

want to be stuck with menial jobs the rest of my life,

“Don’t tell people what they want; tell them who

so I enrolled in a night class at a nearby high school

they are.”

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R

He tells the story about meeting a limo driver in

The driver laughed and said, “Of course not. I’d

Orlando years ago. He had been asked to speak at

get fired.” Bob said, “Hey, you’re retiring anyway.

a Christian Broadcaster’s Convention and was told

Pull over!” The driver pulled over and got out. Bob

that someone would pick him up at the airport.

took the driver’s hat, put it on his own head, and

After picking up his luggage, he headed to the taxi

they swapped seats.

area and noticed a guy holding a sign with the word

Imagine what it must have been like for that

“Bob” on it. He walked over and, in his most robust

driver—after 25 years of chauffeuring other people

voice, said, "Hi, I’m Bob!”

around, he finally got the celebrity treatment.

The guy looked him up and down for a few

When they arrived, Bob slid out of the driver’s

seconds, and then said, “Yeah, but who are you?”

seat and opened the door—just as any respectable

The car turned out to be a long, sleek limo. Bob

driver would. But Bob wasn’t done yet. He carries

was amazed. Because he sat in the back, it was

a few medals around with him wherever he goes,

somewhat challenging to talk with the driver, but he

in case he needs to give someone an award. They

leaned toward the sliding window that separates the

don’t say anything on them, but Bob explains, “Hey,

front from the back, and the two shared small talk

I’m an attorney, so the medals mean whatever I

about their lives as they glided along.

say they mean.” Bob faced the driver, pinned a

At one point, Bob said, “I’ve never been in a

medal on his chest, and said, “You’re brave. You’re

limo before, and I’ve never been to Orlando. But If

courageous. You’re foolhardy,” (after all, he let Bob

someone were to ask me what I think of the people

drive). After these words of affirmation, Bob gave

in Orlando, I would tell them that the people there

him a smile, patted his chest, and walked away.

are really friendly and nice.”

Bob Goff felt certain that when the driver went

Bob said that based upon his experience with the

home that evening, he didn’t tell his wife that he’d

driver. We tend to associate places with people. If

met a Christian that day who had told him what he

the driver had been a jerk, it would have affected

should believe. Instead, the driver no doubt told

Bob’s impression of the people of Orlando.

her that he’d met a man who told him who he was.*

That’s how important it is for us as professed

Our view of character—particularly as it relates

Christians to be the kind of people that make God

to others, needs to be prophetic. It’s not enough

and heaven look good.

to see people for who they are at the moment;

As they continued their journey, the driver told

we need to relate to them as “becomers,” as

Bob that he had driven limos for 25 years and that

people who, with care and compassion, will

he was going to miss it when he retired, which was

reach their full potential through the power of

in just a few days.

God’s grace.

Bob sat there for a few minutes watching the palm trees go by; then he had a bright idea. Bob leaned forward and said, “Hey buddy, have you ever ridden in the back of one of these limos? I bet you’d love it. They’re terrific!”

*Bob Goff, Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2018).

_______________________________________ Rich DuBose is director of Church Support Services for the Pacific Union Conference.

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GREEN GROWING THINGS

BY WILLIAM G. JOHNSSON

I woke up in the dead of night, entranced by the exotic fragrance wafting through the open window. Thick darkness, not a quiver of air—but this!

Never had I encountered anything so sweet, so pure. Wherever was it coming from?

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W

hen morning dawned, I embarked on a search. Surely there was a tree in blossom or a bush or a shrub that I had not been aware of.

No tree in bloom. No bush. No shrub.

The scent had disappeared, leaving no trace. Only mystery.

A couple of nights later, I went for a walk in the evening’s cool after the blazing heat of summer in India. The air held its breath in perfect stillness. Suddenly, there it was! Unmistakable—the same alluring fragrance floating in a band across our path.

We walked on a few steps and it was gone. We had walked through it and out of it. So near, so tantalizingly close, but it had vanished.

We walked on, turned a corner into another lane. Suddenly we found it, found the column of heavenly beauty hovering across our pathway. It drifted in a meandering train, narrow but intense. By stepping forward and back, we could track its course, follow it to the source.

A big surprise awaited us. The heavenly scent emanated not from a tree, bush, or shrub but from a tiny vine that entwined itself around a palm tree.

The vine was barely noticeable, but it bore little white flowers: a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I could hardly believe it. Such magnificence from such insignificance—incredible!

Now I knew what to look for in our yard. Not a tree. Not a bush. Not a shrub. A vine so lowly with flowers so tiny that it didn’t warrant a second glance.

Unless you knew!

I found it, growing silently beneath our window—our heavenly visitor.

Later I learned that the exotic plant was commonly known as Lady of the Night. Its flower was nocturnal, only experienced in the depth of warm, still darkness.

The Lady of the Night—what a gift. I love it.

I love all green growing things. Bursting with energy, they paint the planet, perfume the world by day and by night. The earth lies parched, powder dry, thirsting. Then clouds roll in and the drumming, thrumming of heavenly blessings begins. In two days, three days, something happens within the brown soil. Slowly, subtly, inexorably, the brown is changing. You see it, feel it: green growing things are painting the planet.

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Strain your eyes: do you detect the first blade? It’s there, indiscernible, but working its magic. Green growing things have taken over.

One more morning and they leave you in no doubt. Tiny columns packed together, straight as a plumb line, reach upwards to the light.

Day by day they grow at a furious pace. Now they have doubled their height, now tripled, quadrupled.

Determined, unstoppable, out of crevices in the pavement, they fight their way. They spring into action from cracks on mountain crags.

Amazing! Exhilarating!

I love it. What could be simpler than a blade of grass? What could be more wonderful?

Wonderfully simple.

Simply wonderful.

Green growing things are fighters. They give their all because the clouds that shed their beneficence may not return soon. Make the most of every moment in the sun: spring to life, blossom, give birth.

Praise God for the gift of green growing things. Praise the God of green growing things.

From the blade of grass clawing through a crack in the pavement to the rain forest’s exuberance, green growing things cleanse the air we breathe, feed man and beast, pour out the fragrance of life by day and by night.

Ah, the scent of pines in the morning!

Ah, the fragrance of the eucalyptus after a shower passing through!

Ah, the autumn majesty of the redwood!

After many years of living in the Washington, D.C., area, we sold up and moved west. We bought a cozy retirement home sight unseen. We drove up and saw it for the first time: a huge California oak spread across almost the entire width of the property.

That tree! It was love at first sight. This was where we belonged. The big tree called out, “Welcome home!”

One aspect of the tree concerned me, however: the southern side was dense with foliage, but on the northern half the leaves were sparsely spaced.

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Obviously, the tree had been neglected with too little water. I’d soon remedy that problem.

But the tree didn’t improve. On its bad side it resembled a person undergoing chemo whose hair was falling out. We called in an arborist. His answer shocked us: “Too much water. This tree is used to very dry conditions. You are drowning it.”

Could the tree be saved? Maybe.

The tree doctor brought out a long metal syringe from within his van. Carefully tracing the root patterns, he administered a series of shots.

“No more water until I tell you,” he ordered.

That same year of our arrival, the wheels of my life came off. After a lifetime basically free of physical ailments, I came to grim face with, in turn, a heart attack, coronary bypass surgery, and complications from the surgery. Once I had run marathons; now I struggled to take a few steps to the big easy chair across the hallway, in my study.

That chair had been the last piece of furniture we decided, in a final moment, to add to the moving van as we left the east. Now it became my refuge, my constant companion for month after month.

From the chair I had a full view of the big tree. I watched in wonder as it began to put out new foliage on the bald spots. It became a sign of hope.

The tree slowly recovered and so did I. I call it my healing tree.

In the Bible, a long saga of human life and death closes in a burst of paradisiacal light. The mess of our present existence fades away and a new heaven and a new earth take over.

There’s a city there, a glorious, unfathomable city, but there’s also a river carrying the water of life, and on each side of the river, guess what—a tree! This tree is unlike any you have ever seen or will see on this earth. It bears 12 types of fruit, a new sort every month. And its leaves are special: they are, says the Scripture, for the “healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2).

The healing of the nations—I love it. Green growing things for the new heaven and the new earth!

From the book Simple Gifts, the new release

by Oak & Acorn. The book is being serialized in the Recorder. See page 55 for information about how to get a pdf copy of the entire book.

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Adventist Health

Simply Mission—Every Day

By Japhet De Oliveira

A

dventist Health is blessed with over 37,000 associates. All are living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope in both the Pacific Union Conference and North Pacific Union Conference territories.

Every day our associates deploy across 22 acute care hospitals, containing 3,200 beds. Every day they serve in our nine hospice agencies or 14 home care agencies, with nearly a quarter million home health visits a year. Every day, in over 280 ambulatory care clinics, they minster with love and healing. Every day, in many of the 65 rural health clinics, they are on the frontline as the only healthcare available. Every day the people of Adventist Health are actively owning the mission.

We are thrilled to be present for the miracle of birth. We are privileged to provide God-inspired care and healing throughout life’s journey. We are honored to be there during the sacred final moments of those who are dying, and we hold to the hope of the day when death and pain will be no more.

For that blessed team of 37,000 associates, it is every day. It is not a shift. It is not Monday to Friday. It is not a weekend. It is every day. Owning the mission means that every action, every conversation, every moment, every line of data, every story, every encounter has to keep the patient at the center.

The mission does not end when a patient leaves one of our facilities.

Our mission calls us to stay connected and to help transform the whole community. This is every day.

The Bible is filled with great examples that teach us we are stronger when we have others in our lives. When Moses

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needed to keep his arms raised high to win the battle, Aaron and Hur aided him, one on each side (Exodus 17:1112). We all need support in our lives.

That is one of the most wonderful gifts of the local church. We gather each week to support each other. We meet through small groups, prayer meetings, and acts of service. Church members and the associates at Adventist Health can own the mission, support each other, and lift each other up.

In April 2020, Adventist Health released the Simply Mission app online for every type of mobile device, Android, Google, iPhone, and even Roku and Apple TV. The Simply Mission app was created to lift you up, to inspire and raise hope every day. It was created not only for the 37,000 associates of Adventist Health but also for church members in the North Pacific Union Conference and the Pacific Union Conference. Every day, seven days a week, you can enjoy a passage from the Bible. Join our Bible reading plan. Try the Daily Word, a 300-word reflection sharing insights

for your life. If you enjoy the visual and spoken arts, listen to the Daily Connect, a two-minute inspirational video to start you in the best space possible.

Our interMission messages, which were formerly only offered at Roseville, California, have now been digitized.

Every week there is a fresh 12-minute message for you to watch or listen to.

These are just some of the resources that we are developing and offering through the Simply Mission App. How can you find this app?

Open your phone or tablet device and search within your app store for two words: Simply Mission. If you have any difficulty, you can reach out to me directly (contact details below) and I will help you get connected. One final note: I would recommend that you register for notifications as well, because those gentle reminders are a great feature.

Together, let us continue to lift each other up every day. #TogetherInspired #BeAForceForGood For more information, contact Japhet De Oliveira at DeOlivJ@AH.org.

Pacific Union College

Robert A. Cushman Jr., Pacific Union College president, speaks at this year's PUC graduation. Cards with graduate names, who could not finish this school year in person due to COVID-19, spell out the college's name.

Pacific Union College Receives CARES Act Funds as Part of COVID-19 Support for Students

By Ashley Eisele

P

acific Union College received $569,112 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to PUC students affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

The college received the funds on April 28, and by mid-May close to $300,000 had already been distributed to 394 students.

PUC estimates that around 400 students are eligible to receive grants from this federal fund, which is intended to support those who are experiencing unforeseen hardship from the COVID-10 global pandemic.

This includes students who need additional support for their education.

“We are grateful we received the CARES Act funds and that we can reach so many students with the additional assistance,” said Associate Vice President of Student Life J.R. Rogers. “Some students couldn’t do online learning because they didn’t have computers, and some have parents who are now out of work and

they needed to help support their families. Almost anything you can imagine being an issue is the reality for our students right now.”

Another avenue of support for PUC students affected by the pandemic has come from the college’s Coronavirus Student Emergency Fund.

The fund was started early in the crisis as the needs of PUC students started to become apparent. The fund has passed the $100,000 goal, with donations from around 240 PUC alumni and other donors—and donations are still coming in.

“Alumni and friends of the college have shown up in the lives of our students in a big way,” said Vice President for Alumni and Advancement Kellie Lind. “In this short amount of time, over $100,000 has

been donated to support students who are facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. That number includes an incredibly generous gift of $20,000 from the PUC church. On behalf of all of our students, we are grateful for everyone who continues to show their support."

Students who have received the emergency funds have already been able to put the support to use. “I am very thankful for any type of help during these tough times!” One of the student recipients said. “I appreciate everyone who is helping students at the moment. We need support more than ever. God bless everyone donating to support!”

Donations to the Student Emergency Fund can still be made online at puc.fund/covid19.

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Arizona Conference

Love and Christ’s Presence Shared Freely

by Arizona Conference Community Service Centers

By Phil Draper and John Schachinger

D

espite social distancing, lockdowns, and online meetings, one essential ministry remains personal— Community Services food distribution programs. Throughout Arizona, food banks and local church food programs have had to retool to maintain the safety of their volunteers as well as provide service to their communities. Church members have stepped up to offer mercy and hope as well as food and resources during this crisis.

Several large centers have transitioned to drive-through centers.

Shirley Latullipe from the Prescott church pioneered drive-through food banks after reviewing a video from the Portland Community Center. Since then, several of our larger centers have adopted this format as well. Each car is met by local pastors; in Prescott they are met by Pastor Tony Jasper.

Sue Kennedy at our Camp Verde center is blessed to have National Guard troops as volunteers, as the numbers continue at over 400 people each Wednesday. The town of Camp Verde also chipped in to help as they transitioned into a drive-through food bank. Volunteers from the local Sheriff’s Department have helped direct the long lines of traffic each Wednesday morning. The community has embraced Camp Verde’s Community Service.

Beacon Light’s food bank in Phoenix has switched to weekdays as well as to a drive-through format.

Cheryl Wells, Erica Handson, and their crew have set up a renewed ministry with dedicated volunteers ready to help their community through this crisis. With the support of their church, they have an ideal set-up, with room to grow.

One of our newest centers has become one of Kingman’s major foodbanks. Bowie Teft and her crew quickly transitioned to a drivethrough center. Each Tuesday and Sunday their parking lot is full as they serve 200 to 300 families with the help

of regular, committed volunteers.

Verona Coffy and her staff at Bethel church in Phoenix continue to operate Ruth’s Pantry—a ministry of compassion begun by one of their members. It has become a corner of mercy in the neighborhood, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

Each Wednesday morning, Susan Lighthall and a crew of 20 serve 50 to 60 people. As a pivotal community resource, they were receiving calls early on from their neighbors, who were concerned if they were going to be able to open due to closings and shelter-in-place orders.

Tucson’s Sharon church hosts a fastgrowing Community Service Center that distributes food twice weekly.

Teri Epps and her crew are expanding the center as it continues to offer

Love and Christ’s presence are shared freely by Arizona Conference community service centers.

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Arizona Conference more than food each week. Love and Christ’s presence are shared freely.

In the little town of Benson, Sandra Obergh and her crew are a large presence as one of the few mercy ministries in town that offers food and local help, which grows out of the church’s love for their community.

Monument Valley’s Transitions Pantry is open two days a week. This

food pantry is housed in a building that was donated by the NevadaUtah Conference to be used for this purpose. The headquarters for this mission work is in the town of Kayenta. They keep a small pantry at the mission for emergencies. We thank the Nevada-Utah Conference for being concerned about the conditions that exist in this area of the Navajo

Reservation. This is a trying time, and we are pleased to work together for the best of the mission.

Arizona Conference President Ed Keyes is grateful for these compassionate members. “These faithful, dedicated volunteers are the hands and feet of Jesus as they reach men and women with physical food as well as spiritual healing through Him!”

When God Breathed Life

By Kingsley O. Palmer

I

n today’s pandemic-ridden, globally erratic, and unsettling times, we are confronted by an idea from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” Sadly, that idea does not resonate for many when it comes to doing justice, loving mercy, and walking lockstep within God’s love (Micah 3:6).

“God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive—a living soul!” (Genesis 2:7, MSG).

Picture God as He kneels in the dirt and shapes a man from the dust with His own hands. He then blows breath into his body and man breathes, man lives, man exhales.

God is love! From that bended knee, He forever cemented His bond with us—love undiluted, unrestricted, and unrestrained.

As a freshman attending Oakwood University, I recall sitting in dorm worship one evening with my head

bowed, many things going through my mind.

And then, like an unexpected answer to an unspoken question, a young man began to sing. I listened carefully, and I never forgot what I heard: “Here’s my hand, don’t take a look at it, for if you look at it you may not see, what kind of man you’d like a friend to be, who may live inside of me.” Then came the hook, “What color is love?”

Surprised and unsettled by the paradox of that unforgettable message, I was left feeling comforted yet disturbed to this day. I’m comforted by the fact that the God of the dust from which we all came still is love. Yet I am disturbed by a reality I never chose to live in but must endure.

What’s love got to do with it? And where do we go from here? The story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:2537 gives us a clue.

A beaten up, abandoned man lies in the road, struggling to breathe.

Somebody dares to stop to help. No questions are asked, no names are mentioned, no queries are made about what kind of neighborhood or country he came from.

Even in death, Somebody found the time to reach out to the thief on the cross and the centurion standing by, because He loved them both.

Maybe it’s time to get off the ventilator and reconnect to the God who breathes.

Kingsley O. Palmer (left) is assistant to the president for Regional Ministries for the Arizona Conference.

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Central California Conference

The Unlikely Pastor:

Ordination of Nicholas Moore

By Deloris Trujillo

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7, KJV).

O

n Sabbath afternoon, May 16, Nicholas Moore, the associate pastor at Clovis church, was ordained to the gospel ministry by Ramiro Cano, president, Ron Rasmussen, executive secretary, and Pierre Steenberg, ministerial director of the Central California Conference (CCC).

While that announcement alone is always a reason to rejoice and give praise to God, it does not begin to explain the miracle of this event. This is a story that illustrates “this treasure in earthen vessels.”

It was a virtual ordination—livestreamed on YouTube. Cano explained, “We have never done this before. The year 2020 will go down in history as a year that challenged our practices and traditions.” Because the coronavirus restrictions had not been lifted, the Clovis church building was empty of church members. During the prayer of ordination, the officiating ministers could only outstretch their hands from the required six-foot distance.

In spite of the necessary changes to the traditional service, it was decided to move ahead with Moore’s ordination because, as Cano noted, “the building

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may be closed, but the church is not.”

Indeed, over 500 people viewed this unique ceremony.

Yet, the story of how this man became a pastor is even more remarkable. When you hear that his parents are just grateful that he is not in prison, you start to understand that his road to becoming a pastor was a miracle of God’s grace and mercy.

Moore readily admits to being a problem child with a number of scrapes with the law. He had no President Ramiro Cano explains that Nicholas Moore has gone through the required process and was approved for ordination by the Pacific Union and the CCC Executive Committees, as well as the event's different ordination procedures, due to the pandemic.

Central California Conference intention of being a Christian, much less a pastor. At 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Because of a need for an “attitude adjustment,” he had to go through basic training twice. Moore fell into a bad crowd while serving in Germany, but, providentially, he became interested in Bible research when he stumbled on an Amazing Facts broadcast on the only clear channel in the barracks. In a later visit to Rome, he saw that what he had been studying in the Bible was true.

Pastor Rob Colón, now the pastor of the Sunnyvale church, baptized him in 2005 in Tacoma, Wash., while Moore was still in the service.

Still, he had no desire to be a pastor, and he received his B.A. in criminal justice from Eastern Washington University. However, one of his friends was studying to become a Navy chaplain, and this sparked Moore's interest. He decided to go to Andrews University, where he received his M.Div. and enlisted in the Navy Reserves. However, none of the Armed Forces would allow him to become a chaplain until he had spent time as a pastor. His faith journey now began, because he had not been hired as a pastor in spite of his education.

Fortunately for him, and the church members in Clovis, Moore was hired as an associate pastor in 2016. Steenberg commented, “He has been a blessing to me and my family as we have worshipped together in Clovis.” Layla and Kayli, two sisters and members of the youth group, remarked, “Pastor Nick has made a positive impact on our lives. He is generous, funny, and loves God.” Just before his ordination,

The prayer of ordination with raised hands over Nicholas Moore (from left to right, President Ramiro Cano, Executive Secretary Ron Rasmussen, and Ministerial Director Pierre Steenberg).

Moore received a call from the Department of Veteran Affairs in Tennessee. In August, he will move to take their Chaplaincy Resident program. Meanwhile, he is working on fulfilling requirements for his D.Min., specializing in chaplaincy, at Andrews University. On track to finish before 2023, his dissertation topic is on training pastors to identify physical, sexual, and emotional abuse in their congregations.

This is the story of an unlikely pastor who challenged the Bible but ended up convincing himself.

As he found out, “[God] chooses human beings, men compassed with infirmity, as

instruments in the working out of His designs. The priceless treasure is placed in earthen vessels.… Through them His glory is to shine forth into the darkness of sin” (Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p.

330; emphasis added). May he go forth from Central, as is declared in Colossians 1:27, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

David Dean, senior pastor of the Clovis church, introduced the virtual ordination service by saying, “Our church family deeply loves and supports Pastor Nick. Although the congregation could not be physically present for this significant moment, they are watching virtually as God writes another page into Nick’s riveting life story.”

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Central California Conference

NOW

is the Time:

Central California Prayer Conference

By Deloris Trujillo with Joyce Mulligan

N

eed encouragement? Need strength and wisdom? Need to know that God cares in these difficult times? Then join the almost 12,000 others who have already heard the messages and testimonies of how prayer provides power and answers to our greatest needs. These messages can be accessed by going to: https://www.youtube.com/cccsda

The annual Central California Conference (CCC) Prayer Conference was live-streamed on FaceBook and YouTube beginning Friday evening, May 22, and continuing through the Sabbath hours. This was not the original plan. Like all recent CCC events, the prayer conference that had been scheduled for the same dates had to be canceled. Yet, even

in a situation like this, prayer can change things.

Joyce Mulligan, CCC prayer ministry director, felt that it was still important to have a prayer conference. Ed Walker, an almond farmer in Chowchilla who volunteers as her associate director in the prayer ministry, strongly agreed. They are certain that God answered prayers

and provided miracles in bringing together this prayer conference. How grateful they were when Jim Hobbs of Mountain Top Media was available to provide the technological support so the weekend could be live-streamed.

When Mulligan shared their plans with other conference prayer coordinators in a Zoom meeting, they expressed interest in joining. The

ISTOCK.COM/IJEAB

“Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, KJV).

“If there was ever a time when we should watch and pray in real earnest, it is now” (Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 590).

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Central California Conference Joyce Mulligan, CCC prayer director, and Pavel Goia, main speaker and editor of Ministry magazine, talk with each other by virtual livestreaming. event now had many more wanting to benefit from praying together.

“God is amazing, and He answered our prayers,” said Mulligan. “An outpouring of the Holy Spirit took place during this weekend.”

Because of his emphasis on revival and the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer, Pastor Pavel Goia, editor of Ministry magazine and General Conference associate ministerial secretary, was chosen as the main speaker. A favorite of CCC prayer conferences, Goia returned by request of former attendees. One of the participants, Dolores Jones, reported: “It was so enlightening that I shared with 50 of my friends across the U.S.” In light of current events, Goia selected the theme “Now is the Time.”

Having grown up in communist Romania, his life has been filled with powerful answers to prayer and many miracles. Trained in a variety of fields, through a remarkable series of events he became a pastor and eventually

moved to the United States. His amazing story is told in the book One Miracle After Another: the Pavel Goia Story, written by Gregg Budd.

The weekend was filled with other testimonies and beautiful music.

Welcoming messages and prayers were given by CCC President Ramiro Cano, CCC Executive Secretary Ron Rasmussen, and Pacific Union Conference President Ricardo Graham.

They were joined by Karen Martel, Pacific Union prayer director, and her husband, Lynn. Leon Brown, president of Nevada-Utah Conference, was forthright in his personal testimony of the power in prayer. Pastors Peter Neri and Ryan Johnson from Las Vegas, Nev., dialogued on how God talks to us during prayer time. During Sabbath School, Anil Kanda, CCC young adult youth director, emphasized the importance of a prayer life.

The weekend conference also included special praise time with music evangelist Jacqueline Jewel, along with the Cartegena family and

Tara Peterson. Jewel lifted her voice in praise to God in a concert on Sabbath afternoon. Throughout the whole weekend, there were times for prayer and many encouraging testimonies of answered prayer. A highlight was the story of Mulligan’s prayer miracle of getting out of a locked garage!

Nancy Reynolds, a member of the Campbell church, summarized the event this way: “We were not locked down but lifted up as we joined in the spiritual feast of heartfelt prayers, music, and inspiring messages from Pastor Goia. His stories of answered prayers led me to the feet of Jesus.

The time was truly right for this prayer conference.”

As Ellen G. White wrote, “Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. He who marshals the stars in order in the heavens, whose word controls the waves of the great deep, the same infinite Creator will work in behalf of His people if they call upon Him in faith” (Testimonies to the Church, vol. 5, p. 453).

(Left) Jacqueline Jewel lifts her voice in praise to God. (Middle) Anil Kanda, CCC young adult director, provides a Sabbath School message that emphasizes the importance of our prayer life. (Right) Ramiro Cano, CCC president, welcomes participants by video to the prayer conference.

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33

Hawaii Conference

It is Better “A

nd I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35, NLT).

The members of the Kapolei church plant appreciate the blessings of giving, and they are eager to give.

Our church plant started out in a 5-bedroom house in Kapolei, Hawaii.

However, the time had come to develop and grow, to move out and impact the community of Kapolei.

After much prayer, we set out to find a new home.

The Lord opened the doors for us at Barbers Point Elementary School.

You will find us at this school every Sabbath morning from 9:30 to 1:30.

We are busy doing two things: • Worshipping God • Preparing to give One day, as I was heading to the school to pay our monthly rent, I

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Hawaii Conference

to Give

By Rene Lopez

asked the principal, “Is there anything we can do to help your students?”

I was shocked to find out that 60% of the student body live below the poverty line. I was even more shocked when she informed me that a great number of the students are homeless.

These homeless students live in their family cars and shower at their school every morning before class. These children of God are in need of basic necessities, such as: • Toothbrushes • Toothpaste • Slippers • Underwear • Backpacks • Pencils • Eating utensils The list of needs goes on and on.

Our small group decided that God had placed us there for a reason, so we started collecting the items listed above and put together special bags to donate to each student.

We have decided to tackle one grade at a time. Here are pictures of our youth preparing bags for the kindergarten children at Barbers Point.

Next month we will be distributing items for the upper grades.

If you would like to help out, please contact us via Hawaii Conference.

Mahalo.

Notice of Constituency Meeting of the Hawaii Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Notice is hereby given that the Regular Quinquennial Constituency Meeting of the Hawaii Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is called to convene at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, September 27, 2020, at Honolulu Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2313 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.

The purpose of this meeting is to receive reports, to elect conference officers and the Executive Committee, and to transact other business as may properly come before the constituency meeting.

Each organized church shall be represented by one (1) delegate and one (1) additional delegate for each forty (40) members, or major fraction thereof.

Ralph S. Watts, III, President Gerald D. Christman, Secretary

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35

Holbrook Indian School PHOTO: ALYSSA JOHNSTON

(Right) Starla, Isis, and their family at the HIS Native Heritage Festival.

(Below) The masks are ready to be mailed off.

(Bottom) Looking for herbs in the desert.

PHOTOS: STARLA

A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946

Life on the Navajo Reservation During COVID-19

By Starla and Isis, with Nicole Potgieter

T

he coronavirus pandemic is having a very real effect on our students and their families— some of them have even tested positive for the virus. We are doing our best to keep in contact with our students and make sure they are staying well.

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Isis, a senior at HIS, and her mother, Starla, via email. They shared how COVID-19 has affected their lives and what they are doing to help their community.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your family?

Isis: Coronavirus has impacted my family members far and near. It affected different plans that we had and yearly celebrations. I am not able

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to visit or hug my great Masani (greatgrandmother), Frances Nez, because she is at high risk—I can only see her through a window. Our family is so close, and it’s hard not being able to hug anyone. I really miss hanging out with family and traveling.

Now I am staying home and taking care of our livestock, learning new hobbies, tutoring my little sisters, and helping my nana and mom where I can. I am learning more than I ever did (especially about sewing and cooking).

I have loved learning about traditional herbs and how they could help coronavirus patients. The knowledge being taught to me was passed down from generation to generation.

Starla: This virus has affected our family tremendously. We can’t visit

or hug each other, but our bond has become stronger. We are each other’s support system, making sure each family member has enough necessities.

It hurts that my daughters can’t visit their great Masani, because she is the teacher of our family. She’s our strength, courage, happiness—and our greatest, most precious treasure.

Our youngest baby, Kai Nizhonibah, is having a tough time adjusting to not spending weekends with great Masani and her mommy Kim or mommy Gerrilene. We explain to our children the situation and offer comfort.

This is the first time Isis has really stayed home since she started school at HIS. She has more chores in caring for our livestock (flock of sheep, donkey, and dogs). She’s adjusting

Holbrook Indian School

What projects is Isis currently involved in?

Starla: Isis has always been an active community member. She has great respect for veterans and active servicemen/women. We have many veterans in our family and are very proud of them. When she heard that COVID-19 showed its ugly face among our people, she quickly asked her nana, Martha Nez, to teach her to sew so she could make some

PHOTOS: STARLA

to the hard work of sheering, hoof trimmings, vaccinations, herding sheep, feeding orphan lambs, tending to an adopted ewe with a broken leg, mending fences, and keeping the feeding schedule for our sheep dogs and her Husky.

She helps maintain the landscape around the house to prevent fire hazards and snakes. Isis also helps by tutoring her little sisters, especially Lulu, who is autistic.

Our household has underlying health conditions, and it has become so much more stressful going into public to run essential errands. My husband and I are blessed to still have employment. We are essential workers, but that adds more stress to our daily lives; we worry about bringing the tiny monster into our home where our children and mother are safely sheltering. There isn’t a night that goes by that I don’t pray for the world, especially our people.

(Left) Lulu and Isis doing schoolwork. (Middle) Isis makes cinnamon rolls for local volunteers. (Right) Isis with the herbs she collected. masks for the local veterans. She has also donated cinnamon rolls and tamales to local veteran and civilian volunteers who are assisting different outreach programs.

How many masks have you sewn, and where have they been sent?

Isis: The local chapter house found out I was sewing masks, and they ordered 200 masks for the community. I have sewn over 500 masks and shipped them to different parts of the Reservation, Mexico, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and New Mexico.

People will reach out to my mom or nana, and I sew however many are ordered. I am still sewing masks. My mom carries them with her so that if she sees people who need them, she can give them masks. Sometimes, my mom sees elderly people without masks, and I would feel bad if I couldn’t provide one for them because we are supposed to protect the elderly and children the most.

Holbrook Indian School (HIS) is a first- through twelfth-grade boarding academy operated by the Pacific Union Conference of the Seventhday Adventist Church. HIS also manages a first- through eighth-grade day school on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. Eighty 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. Thank you for your support.

How are these projects affecting your community?

Isis: My mom told me that she sees a lot of people wearing the masks in stores. The Navajo Nation and New Mexico passed legislation stating you must wear a mask in public. Some people don’t know how to sew or get materials for masks. I am happy to know that I can provide masks and that it could possibly save a person or a family from COVID-19. I just want my family and others to be safe.

We are so proud of Isis and everything she is doing to make a difference! The Navajo Nation has the highest per capita infection rate for COVID-19 in the United States. Please join us in keeping our precious students and the Navajo Nation in your prayers.

As we slowly move from quarantine to routine, will Holbrook Indian School be here when our students return? With your help, YES! It’s been nearly 75 years since HIS opened its campus to serve Native American children and youth. Let’s make it another 75!

Seventh-day Adventist DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT P.O. Box 910 Holbrook, Arizona 86025-0910 (928) 524-6845 (Ext. 109) Development@hissda.org HolbrookIndianSchool.org

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Loma Linda University Health

Medical Center Earns Prestigious Magnet Recognition Hospital recognized with highest honor of healthcare nursing excellence

By Briana Pastorino

L

oma Linda University Medical Center has earned Magnet Recognition as part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program.

Helen Staples-Evans, DNP, RN, NE-BC, senior vice president of care services and chief nursing officer at Loma Linda University Medical Center, thanked the ANCC for their commitment to excellence and for the recognition, but attributed the honor to the nursing staff.

“Today is a celebration about each one of our nurses. I hope you will pause and reflect on the incredible work that you do each day,” StaplesEvans said. “We have long prided ourselves on the level of care here, but achieving Magnet publicly recognizes the excellent patient care that is delivered by some of the best nurses in the world.”

The voluntary credentialing program for hospitals recognizes excellence in nursing and is the highest honor a healthcare organization can receive for professional nursing practice. This is

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the first time the 371-bed hospital has received the prestigious distinction, which recognizes organizations where nursing strategic goals are aligned to improve patient outcomes. Only 9% of the more than 6,000 healthcare organizations in the United States have been evaluated as worthy of this designation.

After surveying the Medical Center April 6–8, the ANCC Commission on Magnet Recognition voted unanimously on the hospital’s designation.

While most hospitals seeking Magnet status spend 5 to 7 years doing so, the Medical Center’s application was completed in less than three years.

“In less than three years’ time, start to finish, we achieved what we set out to do. With each challenge along the way, teamwork and problem solving never wavered; with each milestone achieved, genuine joy and appreciation echoed throughout our hospital walls; and in the face of a pandemic, our nurses bonded through determination, courage, agility, and togetherness to reach the finish line. I could not be prouder

of them or of this accomplishment,” Staples-Evans said.

Loma Linda University Medical Center also earned an exemplar on its appraisal, highlighting how nurses and interdisciplinary colleagues ensure that patients are seen and provided treatment that exceed the national benchmarks for all eight quarters of data submitted.

Kerry Heinrich, CEO of Loma Linda University Health hospitals, said this designation honors the entire nursing team that comes to work every day focused on doing their very best for each of their patients.

“I have personally seen the efforts our nurses demonstrate every day to meet the healthcare needs of the people of this community,” Heinrich said. “Our nurses collaborate and innovate in ways that have resulted in numerous improvements to how we deliver care and to improve patient satisfaction. It’s those efforts and so many more that proved to the Magnet evaluation team that our nurses’ professionalism and superior patient outcomes were deserving of the Magnet designation.”

Loma Linda University Health

Medical Students Write, Publish Illustrated Coronavirus Children's Book

By Janelle Ringer

T

wo class of 2021 medical students from Loma Linda University School of Medicine created a book to help children understand why their worlds changed dramatically in the last few months and why it’s important to stay home during this time.

Authors Devon Scott and Samantha Harris created the illustrated story that explores questions about the coronavirus pandemic with sisters Millie and Suzie. The book, Why We Stay Home, has been downloaded more than 35,000 times since its release on April 23.

“It’s a confusing time for kids,” Scott said. “They’re home with their families. They’re enjoying spending time with their siblings, but some of them don’t really know what’s going on, so we wanted to create a fun, short, sweet resource for parents to talk about what’s going on.”

The aim of the book is to help children understand the coronavirus pandemic by discussing germs and concepts such as quarantine, social distancing, and how staying at home—even if you miss your friends—can help people who have “a hard time fighting off germs,” such as grandma and grandpa.

Scott, who plans on specializing in orthopedic surgery, shared the idea with his friend and fellow medical student Samantha Harris, who is pursuing pediatrics. She loved the concept, and they agreed to write the book together. Even though they hadn’t worked on a project like this before, Samantha and Devon wrote the book, commissioned illustrations,

and published it on www.millieandsuzie. com, all within the span of two weeks.

Harris and Scott said they hoped the book would reach 100 families. “We’re shocked by the overwhelmingly positive response,” Scott said, saying he and Harris have received emails of praise and appreciation from around the world, including Italy, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand. The authors are currently working on translating the book into six languages, including American Sign Language.

“We want to reach families worldwide,” Scott said.

“We knew cost could be a barrier for some families, so we wanted to create this free resource to help

parents explain to their children why it’s important to stay home and remind them that this won’t last forever.”

See the latest news and Health & Wellness stories from Loma Linda University Health at news.llu.edu.

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Nevada-Utah Conference

The Nevada-Utah Conference 2020 Virtual Graduation was streamed live over Facebook and YouTube.

Graduating Virtually

in 2020

Y

Pastor Neat Randriamialison, Young Adult Coordinator, encourages the graduates to keep pushing toward their future plans and goals.

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ou remember your graduation, right? Family and friends coming together (some traveling from afar) to witness as you received your diploma. You were celebrated for the milestone occasion and celebrated because your hard work and dedication paid off—you accomplished your goal. On the day of your commencement, you lined up with your classmates and marched into an auditorium or onto the school field, more than likely with Pomp and Circumstance being played. You were excited the day had arrived, whether you were graduating from a private or public school; from elementary, middle, or high school; or from college or postgraduate studies.

This was your day, the culmination of your hard work. You heard various

speeches as you patiently waited for your diploma or degree to be conferred. You may not remember all the words said, but you remember the excitement and celebration.

The recent pandemic has changed everything. The entire world has come to a standstill; physical distancing has become the new norm. You must be at least six feet from the nearest person, and you must wear a mask. This on top of government orders to stay at home in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Businesses closed, schools closed, and even church physical doors closed because of this pandemic. For the resilient Class of 2020, this meant no traditional commencement programs.

Karen Schneider expressed her understanding of this unusual situation: “Any graduation is an important milestone in a child's life.

In the face of this new normal, these children persevered.” But how could the Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC)

ISTOCK.COM/NIRAT

By Damon Washington

Nevada-Utah Conference (Top) Kaitlyn Dunbar explains her future plans as she graduates high school from Daystar Adventist Academy. (Middle) Krissy Watson, dressed in her gown, tells her church family which college she is planning to attend. (Below) Pastor Damon Washington welcomes the graduates to the Nevada-Utah Conference Virtual Graduation.

Utah Conference. We recognize that behind every graduate there was a lot of effort and hard work, and we wanted to reach all of them; a virtual graduation was the answer.”

Special messages were given by NUC President Leon Brown; Elder Camacho; Pastor Darriel Hoy; Young Adult Coordinator and Sparks, Nev., Pastor Neat Randriamialison; and Pastor Damon Washington. The pastors from the various churches in NUC with graduates also provided congratulatory messages to their members. The graduation ceremony included special music from Pastor Ryan Johnson, Cristel Escobar, and Jeff Cruz.

Fernando Lista sent this message to the graduates: “Congratulations Graduating Class of 2020! I wish you the richest blessings from above as each and every one of you move on to the next education level! God has great plans for you! It’s going to be

PHOTOS: JOSEPH CADIZ

recognize the work of its graduates?

Karen continued, “Through the virtual graduation, we were able to show our support for their accomplishments.

Nevada-Utah Conference cares.”

The NUC decided that graduation was too important—in some fashion, graduates needed to be celebrated and recognized. Efforts began to organize a virtual graduation, with the assistance of NUC Superintendent of Education Fernando Lista; Director of Literature Ministries Joseph Cadiz; Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Darriel Hoy; and Director of the Volunteer Lay Pastor Ministry and Reno-Riverview and Truckee (Calif.)

Associate Pastor Damon Washington.

Each graduate from across the NUC territory was asked to submit a video of themselves that included their name, where they were graduating from, and what their next steps will be. And they were encouraged to be creative in how they filmed their videos.

On June 4, the NUC held its first-ever virtual graduation for the entire conference, recognizing the hard work and achievement for all its graduates in the Class of 2020.

Executive Secretary Carlos Camacho had this to say about the experience: “Because of COVID-19 we got to celebrate and congratulate every single graduate around the Nevada-

exciting! Jeremiah 29:11.”

Elder Brown praised the graduates with this message: “The 2020 graduating class will forever be the class we will remember. No other graduating class in history has ever had to have a virtual graduation. This was an extraordinary graduation for extraordinary graduates. We are so proud of you! Congratulations!”

We pray that this is the last virtual graduation, but if the time arises again, we will make sure our graduates have an opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their loved ones near and far. The NUC extends its warmest congratulations to the distinguished Class of 2020!

Samantha Camacho celebrates her master’s degree in Special Education with her husband and children.

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Northern California Conference

Lodi Academy

NCC Members Creatively Adapt to the “New Normal”

By Julie Lorenz

A

lthough many scheduled plans have been canceled or changed due to the ongoing pandemic, people throughout the Northern California Conference have responded to the challenge with creativity and resourcefulness.

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Hilltop Christian School

PHOTO: HILLTOP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE

Antioch - Hilltop Christian School Adapting to public health requirements, the school enthusiastically celebrated its eighthgrade graduates in person and online.

Principal Mekey Lepulu, teachers, and staff visited the 10 graduates at their homes, holding a mini-graduation

service for each one. In addition to a diploma, each student received a poster to place in the front yard, as well as a cake, sparkling cider, and gift cards. The school also held an online commencement service for the class. “We care about the students and miss them,” said Sherry Starr, the school’s administrative assistant. “We wanted them to have a beautiful and meaningful graduation.”

Hilltop also hosted a drive-through

Humboldt Bay Christian School

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R

kindergarten graduation. “I was just so happy to be able to give my kids a memorable graduation and to be able to see them in person again!” said Liliana Samuel, kindergarten teacher.

Eureka - Humboldt Bay Christian School About 20 people attended the school’s outdoor eighth-grade graduation, sitting in family groups at picnic tables. The three graduates gave speeches and listened to a challenge from Eureka/Orleans district Pastor Roger Williams. Afterward, they enjoyed personalized cakes with their families. “We really wanted to honor our graduates during this time of crisis,” said Teaching Principal Ruthanne Altsman.

Grizzly Flats - Leoni Meadows Christian Camp Although Leoni Meadows cannot host camp this summer, the staff

PHOTO: RIO LINDO ADVENTIST ACADEMY FACEBOOK PAGE

PHOTO: JOHN SILVESTRI

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy

Northern California Conference PHOTO: MARKET STREET URBAN MINISTRY

Leoni Meadows Christian Camp

has another plan for ministry—an enormous garden. In late spring they planted 2,600 feet of corn and 1,000 feet of squash and pumpkins in the same garden space the Leoni family used more than 100 years ago. This fall, the camp will be able to provide hundreds, if not thousands, of ears of corn and squash to community members in need. “Even if Leoni can’t have guests in the usual way, we can still be a ministry of blessing to others,” said Craig Heinrich, executive director.

Healdsburg - Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Instead of a traditional class gift, Rio’s Class of 2020 gave the gift of education. The senior class funded three substantial scholarships for next school year to assist students whose families have been financially impacted by the public health crisis. “I am really proud of our seniors for thinking of the idea and overwhelmingly voting for a class gift that will continue their legacy by helping out their fellow students,” said Denise Tonn, one of the class sponsors.

their vehicles. The seniors marched down the field and later took turns walking on stage to be congratulated

by Principal John Winslow—without shaking hands.

“The day was just an outstanding team effort on the part of a number of parents, class sponsors, class officers, and the staff,” said Winslow.

“They created a wonderful spiritual celebration of the seniors' high school accomplishments.”

Oakland - Market Street Church On Mother’s Day, even in the midst of the pandemic, members of the church’s urban ministry remembered the mothers that people often forget. They prepared 30 gift baskets for homeless women.

Each basket—containing lotion, slippers, nail clippers, a hairbrush, snacks, and other useful items—was attractively wrapped and came with an encouraging handmade card reminding them that their present situation is not their destiny.

Church elders Beverly Thompson and Donna King distributed the baskets, along with lunches, and prayed for each woman. “We told them, ‘You were born with a purpose and bought with a price by the blood of Jesus. Jesus loves you and so do we,’” said Thompson, who heads the church’s urban ministry.

The ministry also gave Walmart gift cards to mothers in shelters who have been victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence. In addition, they

Rocklin - Gracepoint Church Instead of their usual spring campout, the Gracepoint church’s Adventurer Club held a “camp-in.”

Club leaders and parents endeavored to make the weekend as much like a real camping trip as possible. Families slept in tents in their backyards, prepared camp food, and took nature walks. They gathered together via Zoom for a Friday evening vespers and a Sabbath afternoon program, where they worked on the Nature A to Z award and played online charades. “The experience made me remember that we’re all together as God’s family—here to encourage and fellowship with each other even during this pandemic,” said club director Janis Koh. The event was a fun and reassuring time for the children. “It made me feel less lonely during quarantine,” said nine-year-old Kylie.

“What I appreciated the most was that we all got together and shared love,” said Alex, age seven.

Ten-year-old Zach agreed: “The camp-in helped me realize that we have people that we can trust and go to during quarantine—friends, family, and God.” PHOTO: GRACEPOINT ADVENTIST CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGE

Lodi - Lodi Academy Social distancing didn't stop the school from giving its seniors a memorable send-off during the first NCC graduation service this year. The ceremonies took place on the field, with an enormous screen displaying what was happening on stage for family members sitting in

Market Street Church

purchased a number of baby items for one expectant mother.

“During a time when people are running away from homeless people, somebody has to run to them,” said Thompson. “We want to let them know that God still cares for them despite what is going on around them.”

Gracepoint Church

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Northern California Conference

NCC Membership Assistance Fund Steps up to Help Families

By NCC Communication & Development Department

N

orthern California Conference President Marc Woodson and Director of Communication and Development Laurie Trujillo discuss the NCC Membership Assistance Fund.

What is the Membership Assistance Fund?

Woodson: We heard from local pastors that many church members are struggling to cover basic human needs because they have been unemployed for a number of months due to the pandemic. In May, the other executive officers and I voted to establish the fund. Its goal is to provide up to $100 in cash assistance to Adventist households in need of immediate support in our region. We recognize that we can’t remove our members’ burden, but we can come alongside them and help carry it by offering financial support.

How are the funds distributed?

Woodson: As a collaborative effort, the local church pastor or leader will identify families in their congregations and request up to $100 per family.

Once the request is approved, the pastor will distribute the assistance directly to the families.

What does the conference learn about the families?

Trujillo: The conference doesn’t learn the names or anything personal about the families. To develop our donor reports, we are capturing the total number of households served,

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total number of family members in the household, and total amount of assistance sought.

Who funds the project?

Trujillo: The fund is completely supported by donations to the conference. We have asked potential donors to make a gift of $100 to assist one family household. Of course, the donor can choose to make a gift of any size.

What new things are you doing with this project?

Trujillo: We are following established development protocols. Key components include confidentiality, stewardship, transparency, and accountability. For example, every donor is thanked within 48 hours of a donation, and they’ll receive an impact report once we reach our goal. For consistent transparency, we continually run stories in “Northern Lights,” the official news source of the NCC. How have people responded to your request for support?

Trujillo: Since our initial goal is to serve 200 families, we need to raise $20,000. So far, I have been inspired by 44 dedicated and compassionate givers. Moreover, every NCC executive officer has voluntarily made a personal contribution. As of mid-June, donors

have given $13,520, and—as the result of a very committed donor— every dollar has been matched, for a total of $27,040, which will help 270 families. One donor expressed that she was happy the NCC was stepping up and thankful to be part of this effort. Because of attitudes like this, we have surpassed our initial goal.

We will continue raising support and distributing it to the local churches as long as funds are available and the need still exists.

Any final words?

Woodson: Please remember to return your tithe and support your local church. Also, we want to help our schools, which have done such a fantastic job of educating our students during this difficult time. In addition, our NCC ministries have been adapting to our current challenges to bring many closer to Christ. Let’s keep all of these in prayer and support them as well.

Trujillo: We ask that every person pray and let God lead their hearts. A statement from Ellen White really hits home for me: “In the providence of God events have been so ordered … that there may be a constant exercise in the human heart of the attributes of mercy and love. [People are] to cultivate the tenderness and compassion of Christ” (The Signs of the Times, June 13, 1892).

“One donor expressed that she was happy the NCC was stepping up and thankful to be part of this effort.”

Northern California Conference Fairfield

NCC Members PHOTO: GINA GLASS

Call for Justice

By Julie Lorenz

I

n early June, Northern California Conference church members, pastors, and leaders responded to racism in the country and in the church. “I’m proud to belong to a church that stands up to injustice,” said President Marc Woodson. “In June, our conference statement urged church members to engage their community with compassion, while bravely speaking out against racism, injustice, violence, and hatred.”

Lodi Lodi English Oaks church Senior Pastor Bob Mason also participated in a protest in his city. “I recognized that so many of my fellow Americans could not help but feel that knee on

Stockton

PHOTO: STEWART SMITH

Stockton Three churches marched together in Stockton: Mayfair, Pittsburg, and Valley Community. “The churches thought it was important that the Adventist church join the community to express God’s demand for justice and His power to heal,” said Gregory Johnson, pastor of the Valley Community church, which spearheaded the event.

“We recognize that silence in the face of injustice is participation in injustice,” said Rudy Peters, Mayfair church pastor. “It was a welcome change to hear our members chanting for justice and peace and affirming the vitality and importance of Black lives.”

Others joined the Stockton march, including African American Ministries Coordinator/Urban Ministries Director Willie Johnson. “We marched sharing Micah 6:8 on our signs: ‘Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God,’” he said. “It felt good to protest peacefully and hear all the positive reactions from the people of Stockton as we marched together—Seventh-day Adventists for justice.”

their own necks as they watched [the video of George Floyd],” he wrote on his Facebook page. “And I realized that loving my neighbor as myself means that I must let myself feel it along with them and say the words: Black lives matter.”

Fairfield Fairfield Community and Vallejo Central church members held a prayer walk for justice—from a Fairfield city park to the steps of the Solano County Superior Court. “I think Christ is waiting for his church to unite and eliminate structures that were put in place by racism of old but we keep up because we are afraid of change,” wrote Fairfield Community church Pastor Chris Estay on his Facebook page.

NCC office On June 1, the NCC headquarters opened its doors for the first time since mid-March. At noon, the employees gathered outside for a short prayer service, asking God for healing and peace in the country and throughout the world.

Online roundtable On June 13, the Stockton Mayfair church hosted an online discussion titled “Crucial Conversations.” Led

by Peters, the roundtable included Pacific Union Conference President Ricardo Graham, Woodson, Johnson, Ministerial Director Jim Lorenz, and a number of NCC pastors. The participants discussed racism, specifically how it exhibits itself in the church.

Graham encouraged everyone to speak out against systemic injustice.

“The mandate to really love as Jesus loved must transcend all barriers and must result in unity of purpose,” he said. He went on to encourage pastors and leaders: “You must not only teach what Jesus would do; you must do what Jesus did.”

NCC Office

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PHOTO: ENNO MÜLLER

Southeastern California Conference

The covered parking lot of Loma Linda Academy gives welcome shade to the county health workers that perform COVID-19 testing.

Good Neighbors:

Church and Academy Host COVID-19 Drive-through Testing

By Becky St. Clair

I

n early May, San Bernardino County officials were looking for sites large enough to host COVID-19 testing events for the general public. Those tested had to be first responders, essential workers, over the age of 65, or exhibiting at least one symptom, which was a large enough number of people that drive-through testing sites required large, open, easily accessible spaces. One of the first locations that came to their minds was Azure Hills church.

“We have a great relationship with the city,” said Trevan Osborn, executive pastor at Azure Hills. Every year, the city holds its Christmas tree lighting in the church’s parking lot with nearly 1,000 people in attendance, and many community groups meet regularly in the facility. “We’ve really been intentional about offering our facility to the city when they need it, and as a result, we were at the top of their list when they started looking for testing

Osborn said. “To see the different levels of protocol and PPE (personal protective equipment) really struck me, because all these people were willing to put themselves at risk for the sake of helping others.”

Ten minutes down the road the following week, on Monday, May 11, Loma Linda Academy (LLA) hosted a similar event, seeing another 250 drive-through test appointments.

“We had already been contacted

Cars line up in the parking lot of the Azure Hills church during the COVID-19 testing on May 7.

PHOTO: TREVAN OSBORN

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sites,” he said.

So, on Thursday, May 7, a team of nurses, sanitation engineers, and volunteers organized by the city gathered in the parking lot at Azure Hills to begin their day of drivethrough testing for COVID-19. Because it was appointment-only, and because the city’s team was a well-oiled machine, the event went smoothly.

The team conducted about 250 tests.

“It was really inspiring to watch,”

PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R

Southeastern California Conference PHOTO: TREVAN OSBORN

In a Facebook post shared by Loma Linda Academy on April 16, VinCross said, “As long as there are requests, we’ll keep printing.”

As of mid-June, 183 face shields in total were printed.

Being a good neighbor is important to Azure Hills, as well.

“As a gathering place for the city, our church has been able to share the love of God with our community,” Osborn said. “At these events, we’re not evangelizing directly—and we shouldn’t be—but the personal conversations that take place and the goodwill the events provide has a huge ministry impact."

Azure Hills members have been working on changing their local image since 2012, deciding as a church that they wanted to make a greater impact in the community. One of the pastors dedicated most of his time to pastoring the community in ways such as attending city council meetings and volunteering on city committees. The idea caught fire.

“Before long, every member of the pastoral staff was trying in their own way to be intentional about engaging, supporting, and getting involved in the community,” Osborn said.

A local nonprofit organization holds community classes in the church facilities twice a week, ranging from art to STEM, from music to exercise, for youth and adults.

The Foundation of Grand Terrace, Toastmasters, and Girl Scouts all meet regularly at the Azure Hills cottage, a renovated building with three meeting spaces available free of charge to the community.

Because the property used to be a country club, there are large tennis courts that have been renovated into full basketball courts, on which several community groups regularly play pickleball and roller hockey.

Pre-COVID-19, the church hosted an open court night every Saturday evening, when anyone could play.

In 2017, between church and community events, there were only seven days of the entire year when someone wasn’t utilizing the church’s space.

“Everyone around here knows that if you need something, reach out to our church; they’ll help,” said Osborn. “We’re proud of this and thrilled to have this kind of relationship with our community and the space with which to be useful. We hope other churches can follow this lead and do more in their own communities.”

PHOTO: ENNO MÜLLER

PHOTO: ENNO MÜLLER

about using our space to triage patients if the pandemic got out of hand,” explained Mark Brettnacher, plant services director at LLA. “We have a covered parking area and two gymnasiums within easy walking distance from the parking lot. It’s the perfect location for something like this, and we were happy to be a good neighbor in the community.”

Back in early April, as COVID-19 cases in the United States were rising, LLA Elementary School’s 3-D printers were hard at work, creating face shields for emergency oral surgery clinics, hospitals, nurses, and respiratory therapists both locally and across the country. Caleb VinCross, former computer teacher, and his team continued to build essential supplies for first responders as the weeks went by, and by mid-April, they had built and delivered 130 shields to healthcare workers.

Volunteers and county health workers gather in the fellowship hall of Azure Hills church to receive instruction before opening the COVID-19 testing on May 7.

A county health worker engages with a driver during the drive-through testing that took place at Loma Linda Academy on May 11.

Loma Linda Academy partners with the San Bernardino County Health Department to host a COVID-19 drive-through testing.

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Southeastern California Conference

God is Not in Quarantine:

Hispanic Church Brings Hope to Thousands

By Becky St. Clair

A

lberto Ingleton, Hispanic Ministries director for the Pacific Union Conference, is accustomed to holding four or five outreach meetings within the union every year. For several nights at the end of April and beginning of May, he was scheduled for a presentation at the Perris Spanish church with Ricardo Escobar, the church pastor.

“COVID-19 changed everything,” Ingleton said. “Nothing was normal about our worship experience anymore, and that included the opportunity to gather for outreach events at our churches.”

Together, Ingleton and Escobar decided to attempt an online event, something neither of them had done before.

Noting the intense fear and anxiety growing around the world, Ingleton thought he would need to shift some of what he had prepared.

“After prayer and meditation, I adjusted my presentation and general theme to ‘Cristo Es Suficiente,’ or ‘Christ Is Enough,’” Ingleton explained.

“I moved from an outreach focus to a revival meeting focus for our members, believers, and nonbelievers in order to present Jesus as the only hope for our present chaotic situation.”

Addressing the privilege and blessing that comes when Jesus reigns in a person’s heart, Ingleton focused on handling life’s challenges, using the apostle Paul’s thorn in his side as an example.

“God told Paul, ‘My grace is sufficient for you,’ and Paul realized then that when he was weak, he was strong,” Ingleton pointed out. “This gives us a message of courage and hope as we too realize that God is

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sufficient to help us deal with our struggles, pain, fear, and uncertainty.”

Ingleton also focused on the majesty, omnipotence, and omnipresence of God and on His willingness to give people comfort, healing, love, forgiveness, salvation, and peace.

Just before the series began, Escobar approached Ingleton with a request from several Southeastern California Conference pastors, as well as a contact in the Honduras Union, who wanted to transmit Ingleton’s presentations to their constituents.

Ingleton happily agreed. As he began speaking on that first night, attendees were joining from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Colombia, Honduras, and several SECC Hispanic churches.

“All of these churches across SECC and Central and South America simultaneously tuned in to this evangelism series that was originally expected to reach only a few hundred people,” Escobar said. “Instead, it was thousands.”

The number of viewers totaled between 35,000 and 40,000 each night.

“The entire world is dealing with COVID-19, and the messages of this event dealt with relevant fears and concerns for all of us,” Ingleton said.

Because the “Cristo Es Suficiente”

idea spoke to many aspects of what people across the globe are experiencing, Ingleton was convinced it was a needed message of hope for the world.

“The world needs to know that our God isn’t in quarantine,” he said. “He has not been surprised, like us, with the uncertainty of COVID-19. We are loved by God, and there is no fear in love—perfect love drives out fear. The world needs to know we are secure in His loving hands.”

Alberto Ingleton is the director for Hispanic Ministries at the Pacific Union.

Southeastern California Conference

Adventurers Hold Digital Camporee Amid COVID-19 Quarantine

By Suzanne Ocsai

W

hen the COVID-19 virus forced the world to go into lockdown in early spring, many events were canceled immediately, including the Southeastern California Conference’s Adventurer camporee. However, what everyone assumed would just be another canceled event in a long string of disappointments became an unexpected blessing to families across the country.

Meshach Soli, pastor of the South Bay church in San Diego, and his wife, Linda, the church’s Adventurer leader, decided to plan a virtual campout with their club for the same weekend that the original camporee had been scheduled, May 1-3.

Meshach Soli asked Aren Rennacker, conference youth director, and Patty Marruffo and Manny Vitug, both associate youth directors, if they would be willing to record short messages to be played during the

weekend. They agreed before coming back with another idea. Would he be willing to open his club’s virtual campout to other clubs?

With the support and help of conference leaders, staff from Pine Springs Ranch summer camp, and Meshach and Mayllyn Mauia from Mississippi, the camporee grew to include clubs from across the country. On the first night, there were more than 85 homes on the Zoom broadcast.

Meshach Soli soon realized that the virtual camporee did not simply provide a substitute for a missed event but filled a need that was present, yet largely unknown, before COVID-19.

“What the pandemic taught us,” he said, “is that there are people who either prefer to do things online or they’re limited perhaps by a health condition that do not allow them to be present.”

For Adventurer Vincente “Vinny” Rubino, age 10, the camporee’s virtual broadcast allowed him and his family to participate. Vinny has congenital heart disease and is unable to be at altitudes above 4,500 feet. This has prevented him from participating in events even before the pandemic.

When his mom, Bethany Rubino, heard about the online camporee, she signed her family up. Not only was it a meaningful experience for Vinny and his siblings in the midst of quarantine, it was an event the whole family was able to participate in without complications.

“This is a huge equalizer,” she said.

“It made me think about how virtual camporees could be offered once or twice a year for those families with kids who are medically fragile. I think that might be a need we’ve never thought about addressing. And this was such a great opportunity for us.”

(Below) Vinny Rubino (second from right) and his siblings (left to right) Gianni, Quinzio, and Sabrina participate in tent inspection Sabbath morning by taking a photo and having their mother post it on Instagram and tagging the conference youth department.

(Top right) Rodney McKelvey and his daughter, Savannah, join the virtual camporee from their living room. They are members of the Maranatha Adventurers Club. (Bottom right) Ian and Averey Garcia from the South Bay Adventurers Club watch the virtual camporee on a laptop in the backyard next to their pitched tent and faux firepit made out of paper.

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Southern California Conference

PHOTOS: PONO LOPEZ

God’s Voice Matters:

Southern California Adventists Organize Demonstration for Peace and Justice

By Lauren Lacson

U

nity. Justice. Community.

Peace.

That’s what the demonstration on June 3 in Los Angeles was all about—around 300 people gathered to pray, march, and connect. It was the first time one of our Southern

California Conference (SCC) churches organized an event like this. It was a diverse group in every sense of the word: age, gender, ethnicity, and more. One member of the group, Wilma, a member of the Antelope Valley church, had even marched with Martin Luther King Jr. when she was 17. “The conviction of people to be as involved as possible really ran deep throughout the whole crowd,” shared Donavan Childs, associate pastor at University church.

Salazar states categorically that Black lives matter.

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Morris Barnes, senior pastor of the Antelope Valley church, and Lawrence Dorsey, senior pastor of the University church, teamed up to bring this idea to life. The midweek event came together in the span of just two days, although from Childs’s perspective, “it was literally overnight. When God’s moving, He makes it happen,” he said.

The natural history museum helped to get the word out around the city.

USC provided lunch, CHP provided security, the local Honda dealer gave participants water and loaned vehicles for shuttles, LAPD Southwest Division marched with the group and helped block traffic, and much more. “The Lord was in this thing; that’s the only way it could come about the way it did with unity, enthusiasm, and support,” said Dorsey.

“The philosophy behind it was

Southern California Conference

to have an Adventist Christian demonstration that promoted peace and justice,” Childs explained. The march began at the steps of the University church and ended at the California African American museum, where various Adventist leaders and other clergy, plus leaders from around the city and the community, addressed the people.

The moment he became aware of the event, SCC President Velino Salazar committed himself to participate. “As conference president, I think that we need to walk the talk,” he said. “What would Jesus do in this 21st century? Always He was focused on the needs of the people and justice.

That’s why, as conference president, I need to follow the model of Jesus Christ when we encounter oppression, discrimination, and injustice.”

Participants wore custom shirts with “seek justice” printed on the front, based on Isaiah 1:17, and “Adventists for Black Lives Matter” on the back.

The shirts represented another miracle; they were meant for a prayer walk two days later, but production was accelerated just in time for the Los Angeles demonstration. Many carried signs: “God’s voice matters.”

Reflecting on the event, many participants spoke about this as an important first step. “I consider that we as a church need to have more interest in social issues without losing

(Right) Billy Brockway, captain III, LAPD Southwest Division (left) and Barnes (right) lead the march side by side.

(Below) The group gathered at the California African American museum for a rally and statements from various leaders. the essence of the gospel within the context and frame of the three angels’ messages,” Salazar said.

“It was tremendous; it was something to experience,” Royal Harrison, SCC Greater Los Angeles region director, said of the event.

“We’ve got to be more community involved if we’re going to make an impact for the kingdom.” The theme of community involvement was consistent among comments from the participants and leaders. As Barnes put it, “If the church is not the voice of the community, no one else will be.”

This event was just a start. At the rally, Donavan and Dorsey promised attendees that future open forums would be presented by the church, encouraging conversation with the community. “I think it’s important for us as Christians to understand that

this is part of representing the gospel,” Donavan noted. “It’s part of having a missional existence. I hope the long-term impact is that we actualize that term: to be in the world but not of the world.”

Speaking about how our commitment to the truth relates to injustice, Greg Hoenes, SCC West Region director, said, “Humility has to always be the lens through which we see the truth.”

Virgil Childs, Pacific Union Conference regional ministries director, closed the event with prayer. Of our collective response to injustice, he said, “It is an ecumenical response to what’s wrong and to protest—not just against what’s wrong, but to protest for what’s right.”

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Southern California Conference

ONE House Brings Annual Gathering to the Living Room

By Araya Moss

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“We hoped to create a sense of relevancy on issues that people were dealing with.”

The team spent five weeks planning via Zoom meetings, three to four times a week.

The result was a crossregional week of prayer, learning, and discussion.

“The collaboration between churches, ministries, leaders, church members, and pastors was incredibly evident throughout the whole week,” added Grover.

Every night during the last week of May, viewers tuned into watch on YouTube or Facebook from the comfort of their homes. Monday, for example, included praise music from Kalēo and San Fernando Spanish churches and New Life church plant.

Lawrence Dorsey II, pastor of Altadena church, gave the devotional message, and Caitlin Lopez led the workshop about ableism and the church.

Afterward, there was a live Q&A with Caitlin in which viewers could send questions in real time. Each night followed this format, which even included raffle prizes.

The event concluded Sabbath with a dynamic afternoon of worship featuring uplifting music from different churches, personal messages from different members across SCC about what they are currently persisting through, and cross-conference performances of “It Is Well” and “Waymaker.” In his sermon, Pastor Sam Leonor spoke about how suffering can lead to hope. After the sermon, all were

PHOTOS: ONE HOUSE SOCAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

T

he venue was set, the keynote speaker was confirmed, the flyers had arrived, the workshops were chosen, and the team was finalizing last-minute details in preparation for the annual ONE House gathering scheduled for May 2. But as Iki Taimi, Southern California Conference (SCC) Senior Youth and Young Adult (SYYA) director, was reminded, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21, NIV).

“The day I ordered the flyers, COVID-19 hit,” recalled Taimi, “and it changed everything.”

The SYYA team had to quickly decide if they would cancel the event or move forward in a different direction. “Even though we could have postponed this event,” said Sarah Grover, SYYA team member and associate pastor of Lancaster church, “there seemed to be an overall consensus with the planning team that we need to still gather in some way to support our senior youth and young adults.”

The team shifted gears to begin planning for a new event. According to event managers Pono Lopez, pastor of Long Beach church, and Kevin Camato, pastor of Upper Room Fellowship, inspiration came from a combination of living room concerts that had become popular during stay-at-home orders and TED Talks. Thus, Living Room Sessions—a week-long online gathering—was created.

“I just put my trust in God and the team, and we went for it,” said Taimi.

A family from Canoga Park church was one of three worship groups who provided music on Tuesday.

(Top left) Dr. Ruth Cho spoke about maintaining close-quarter relationships during the pandemic on Sunday. invited to a live Q&A discussion with Leonor, lead by SYYA team members Isaac Nevarez, pastor of Pomona Valley Spanish company, Donavan Childs, associate pastor of University church, and Grover.

“Many people have shared thanks and appreciation and were excited to see our conference unifying across regions,” said Camato. “This event exceeded our initial expectations and excited us for future possibilities.”

For Pono Lopez, the next steps are threefold: “To engage with youth and young adults with relevant content, to add to the conference’s goal of building bridges between our diverse regions, and to build a model to help other churches produce good digital evangelism.” *All Living Room Session videos can be found at www.youtube.com/onehousesocal.

Southern California Conference

PHOTOS: OLYMPIC CHURCH OF SDA YOUTUBE CHANNEL

(Far left) The performance from Glendale Korean and Olympic Korean churches was a result of three weeks of rehearsals and recordings from each member’s home. (Above) SCC executive officers and Olympic Korean church pastoral staff “lay hands” on Enoch Lee from a distance.

Enoch Lee Is Ordained

to the Gospel Ministry—Virtually

By Araya Moss

O

n June 7, Enoch Lee, pastor of Olympic Korean church, became the first pastor in the Southern California Conference (SCC) to be ordained to the gospel ministry in a virtual setting. Though the pandemic has disrupted our way of life, Lee felt it was important to have an online ceremony.

“Amid all this confusion and separation, the SCC, Olympic Korean church, and I wanted to tell the world that God is working in us and calling us to continue His ministry,” said Lee. “We did not want to stop or cancel what God is calling us to do, even in these times of COVID-19.”

The planning for this unique ceremony included several weeks of spiritual discussions and technical support from conference leadership, followed by several more weeks of recording the different segments of the ceremony. SCC executive officers and Olympic Korean church pastoral staff pre-recorded their sections of the program 10 days before the ordination date. The pastoral staff worked together to shoot and edit the entire video. At the time of recording, churches had been closed for about 70 days.

One special element of the virtual ceremony was that friends and family of Lee sent in congratulatory messages. One friend noted that

throughout his ministry, Lee has been a bridge between first- and second-generation Koreans. Because of his empathy, Lee has been able to meet the needs of both generations.

Another special moment was when members from Glendale Korean church, where Lee previously pastored, and Olympic Korean church formed a virtual choir to sing “Why Have You Chosen Me?” The ordination began with John H. Cress, SCC executive secretary, explaining the nature of this virtual ordination from the pulpit of Olympic Korean church. Instead of sending out a hard copy of the program, it was shown on camera against a nature backdrop.

Velino A. Salazar, SCC president, spoke on the theme of being called and the honor of being chosen by God. “God has chosen both men and women—and has sent them from one place to another,” said Salazar.

“Sometimes these journeys are not as they understand or expect them

to be, but God is always with them on their journey.”

The ministerial charge was given

by James Lee, SCC executive vice president. Samuel Lee, SCC AsianPacific region director, gave the ordination prayer, during which those on the stage “laid hands” on Enoch Lee and his wife, Jae Lee, from a distance—it was similar to an air hug. Next, Cress presented Enoch Lee with his new credential, certificate, and a Bible.

In his response, Enoch Lee acknowledged how grateful he is to be called into this ministry, adding that we are all called to serve in different ways. “I have been called to service in gospel ministry as a pastor,” he said.

“But whoever you are, whatever you do, it doesn’t matter what kind of talent you have received. You are all gospel workers just like me.” *The virtual ordination is available to view on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ eRxOivVwC3U.

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La Sierra University

La Sierra Pre-med Student Aids COVID-19 Patients as New York EMT

W

hen senior pre-med student Marielis George received the email in March announcing La Sierra University’s transition online due to the advancing pandemic, she faced a daunting reality.

The university allowed dorm students to remain on campus if they faced difficulty returning home.

George, an Angwin Hall resident and native New Yorker with just months remaining in her degree program, had the option of staying. But she felt a responsibility to her parents and also to the university to leave campus and fly back East to Yonkers, 20 miles outside of New York City. She arrived on March 15, during the weeks when the Big Apple was buckling under the pandemic’s devastating spread—a horrific scenario that was destined to become much worse. Major spikes struck in April, overwhelming hospitals and medical personnel.

“The scary part was that home was/is New York—the state responsible for most of the cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.,” George wrote in a short profile in early April for the university’s #LaSierraTogether

webpage (https://lasierra.edu/ together/). In Yonkers, George’s father, Mario George, wanted his daughter to remain safely secluded in their family’s home. But Marielis had other plans. She is a certified emergency medical technician who is studying health science with a bio-health concentration as well as pre-med courses toward becoming a surgeon or physician. She felt called to serve on the frontlines of the pandemic, and, in spite of the dangers and her fears, she signed up to work as an EMT with an ambulance company in her hometown.

During spring break, George worked roughly 64 hours a week. She now works weekends while taking five La Sierra classes over Zoom video conferencing. Her company often responds to emergency calls in New York City, and the majority of George’s journeys have been to help people stricken by the highly contagious COVID-19. She and her co-workers are careful in their use of protective gear. “We simply provide help where help is needed,” George said. “Protocols have been modified in order to properly execute care

“It is challenging to deal with patients at this time simply because everyone is in panic and confusion. I constantly have to remind myself to remain calm so my patients remain calm.”

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PHOTO: MARIELIS GEORGE

By Darla Martin Tucker

Senior pre-med and bio-health sciences major Marielis George with a face mask takes a selfie in Yonkers, N.Y., where she works as an emergency medical technician while taking classes online. during this pandemic. My wonderful mother has been making masks, so I use the one she made for me, but we only ‘gear up’ when we are dispatched to a patient that is suspected of COVID-19 or that has tested positive.

Although it is dangerous, we do not gear up for every call because of the limited resources.”

Her workday begins by meeting up with her partner and inspecting her ambulance and medic bag to ensure

La Sierra University all necessary supplies are present.

There is also mental and emotional preparation, an aspect of the job that is included in EMT training. “It is challenging to deal with patients at this time simply because everyone is in panic and confusion. I constantly have to remind myself to remain calm so my patients remain calm,” she said.

“Emotionally, it’s hard to see families and patients suffer.”

The suffering found its way into George’s own family. The rapidly spreading disease took the life of her aunt, followed by her aunt’s husband

nine days later. Relying on her faith and the support of family and friends, the university senior continues pushing forward in her effort to help those in distress. Her own loss has helped her better connect with those stricken by illness. “I noticed that I am able to find the proper words to say to patients much quicker than before,” she said. “COVID isn’t going to stop me from trying to make a positive impact on those who cross my path.”

George, her mother, Seneida George, and her older sister, Melise

Reyes, are Seventh-day Adventists and attend the Spanish Yonkers church.

“Through these trials I definitely enjoy reading my Bible much more— and having someone to do it with you and hold you accountable makes it so much more rewarding,” said George. “My faith definitely has been tested but thankfully not weakened.”

As she notes in her LaSierraTogether profile, "Comfort is found knowing that God knows my unknown, He’s in control of my sadness and anxiety, and, most of all, He escaped death."

SIMPLE GIFTS IS BILL JOHNSSON AT HIS BEST!

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ecorder readers can receive a free e-book of Dr. William G. Johnsson’s new book Simple Gifts by signing up to receive the inspiring news from around the Pacific

Southwest, including All God’s People, the weekly videoblog with

Connie Vandeman Jeffery, and Pacific Sunrise, the twice weekly email of good news from our schools and churches.

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NE WS DE S K

Adventist Churches Show Up to Support the Black Community

By Cynthia Mendoza

I

n response to the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery in Atlanta, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, and George Floyd in Minneapolis, Adventist churches nationwide, including in the Pacific Union, have joined in public demonstrations of support for the Black community through protests, prayer walks, and vigils.

Ahmaud Arbery was shot by civilians in February while out for a run near his home, Breonna Taylor was fatally shot in March by police officers while they were executing a search warrant, and George Floyd died during an arrest attempt by police officers in May. The following are just a few of the churches within the Pacific Union that have engaged in public support for the Black community.

On Wednesday, June 3, members, pastors, and conference officers of the Southern California Conference marched from the University church to the California African American

On Sabbath afternoon, June 6, in Stockton, Calif., the Valley Community, Mayfair, and Pittsburg churches gathered for a Community Prayer Walk.

Museum in Exposition Park, Los Angeles.

The event was a peaceful prayer protest and vigil. The group was joined by members of the community, a local business owner, a captain of the LAPD Southwest Division, and the captain of University of Southern California’s Department of Public Safety, who marched with them and addressed the people.

The message of this event was clear: “Black Lives Matter and God’s voice matters” and to do nothing is to be complicit in the injustice.

“We are surprised and devastated by continued police brutality, particularly against African Americans. It’s discouraging to see we’re still fighting the same battle for the last 100 years,” said Royal Harrison, SCC Greater Los

On Friday, June 5, the "We Deserve to Live – Black People Matter Rally, March, and Candlelight Vigil" took place at the Kianga Isoke Palacio Park (formerly known as Doolittle Park) in Las Vegas. Supported by the Abundant Life and New Life churches and friends, the event drew a crowd of 2,500.

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Angeles Region director.

Conversely, Harrison said he was encouraged not just by the turnout at the march, approximately 300 to 350 people, but by the ethnic and age diversity of those who came to show support.

“We all have to work together to make communities safe for everyone,” Harrison said.

Also within SCC territory, in Long Beach in early June, youth and young adults met for a morning community walk during which they visited and prayed with people from businesses that had been affected by a recent riot in that area.

“Never have we seen in our lifetime, a conference explicitly fight for social justice clearly,” read a statement on the One House Facebook page, a group of SCC youth and young adults, under a post of photos from the marches and protests. “We are proud POC [people of color], proud men and women, and proud members of the Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.”

NE WS DE S K Also on June 5, Southern California Conference youth and young adults in Long Beach, Calif., met for a morning Community Walk to check in, visit, and pray with businesses affected by a riot in that area.

deaths of three young people who died unjustly.” said Brown, in a separate video statement in response to the recent deaths. “As I shared my thoughts with our pastors and leaders, it became apparent right away they too were being impacted by the events taking place in our nation.”

Brown’s brief introduction then leads into a longer video, with voices and thoughts from NUC educators and pastors in response to the recent events.

A common theme among the various responses was a commitment to the “weighty matters of the law,” such as justice and mercy, and a commitment to caring and helping set free those who are oppressed.

On Sabbath, June 6, Clovis church pastor David Dean interviewed Clovis Police Chief Curt Fleming. In his introduction, Dean said that, in light of everything that was happening, he felt convicted to invite Fleming to speak. Their conversation covered many topics currently being discussed in On Wednesday, June 3, members, pastors, and communities across the conference officers of the Southern California nation, and Fleming also Conference marched from the University church to the shared specific physical California African American Museum in Exposition and procedural policies Park, Los Angeles. The event was a peaceful prayer regarding arrests, adding protest and vigil. The group was joined by members that all the information of the community, a local business owner, a captain of was publicly available the LAPD Southwest Division, and the captain of USC online. You may view Department of Public Safety, who marched with them the entire interview and addressed the people.

In Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday, June 5, Abundant Life and New Life churches participated in a rally, march, and candlelight vigil at Kianga Isoke Palacio Park in Las Vegas. The theme was “We Deserve to Live—Black People Matter.” The event drew a crowd of approximately 2,500 people.

On June 13, the Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) also hosted a conversation via Zoom called Courageous Conversation About Race.

The program was hosted by NUC President Leon Brown, Elder Karen Schneider, Elder Carlos Camacho, and Pastor Oneil Madden.

“This has been a very difficult time for our nation. The last several weeks have been especially difficult for me personally as I contemplated the

here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xnwB0cJ5TfI. The interview begins at minute 58:10.

In the Northern California Conference, the Valley Community, Mayfair, and Pittsburg churches came together for a community prayer walk at a local park in Stockton on June 6. On Sabbath, June 13, the Mayfair church also hosted Crucial Conversations, an online forum with pastors and leaders to address the issues impacting people of color in the church and in society as a whole.

Within the Southeastern California Conference territory, the Mt. Rubidoux church hosted a rally on-site on Sabbath, June 6, in response to the deaths of the three African Americans earlier this year, and also took part in strategic plans to establish building togetherness.

Church members are also encouraged to support Black wounded businesses and to reach out to lawmakers regarding abolishing “qualified immunity” so that police officers would no longer be immune from lawsuits or other legal consequences in cases of alleged wrongdoing.

Many of the churches mentioned in this article, as well as others not included at this time, continue to hold online discussions and other events and activities in response to the issues of racial justice. While churches and communities continue to grapple with racial issues, they are also engaged in safely navigating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with many churches preparing to reopen soon. And many are still fully engaged in ongoing community service, such as providing food baskets for people in need.

As events continue to unfold, more stories and responses will be shared in upcoming print publications and online.

For more information on what various conferences and churches are doing, members are encouraged to visit the churches’ and conferences’ official social media pages.

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Community & Marketplace Advertising

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Payment in advance must accompany all classified advertisements or they will not be published. Display ads for known advertisers will be billed. To pay by credit card, please call 805-413-7280.

How to Submit Advertising Classified ads must be sent with payment to the Recorder office (Sali.butler@adventistfaith.com).

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Classified Rates $70 for 50 words; 75 cents each additional word.

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Information Circulation is approximately 76,000 homes, and magazines are scheduled to arrive in homes by the last Thursday of the previous month. For more information about advertising, please click on the Advertising tab at www.pacificunionrecorder.com, email info@adventistfaith.com, or call 805-413-7280.

2020 Deadlines These are the advertising deadlines for the Recorder. Your local conference news deadlines will be earlier.

August: July 6 September: August 6

Contributions

The Recorder pages are assigned to the local conferences, colleges, and health care institutions, and all content comes through the communication departments in those organizations. If you have a news story/idea, calendar announcement, etc., please contact your local communication department.

See the masthead for contact information. Want tips for writing for us? See www.dailywritingtips. com/the-art-of-writing-news.

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CALENDAR Central California Conference

Stay Connected: Engage with the various ministries throughout Central California Conference by going to CentralCaliforniaAdventist.org or as listed below.

ABC Christian Books and Health Foods can be found on their website, clovisabc.com; Facebook at ABC Christian Books & Health Foods; or on Instagram, @abcbooksandhealthfood.

Children’s Ministries offers podcasts and countless other resources on Facebook at ChildMin.Info and online at https://www.childminchat. com/.

GLOW Literature Ministries can be found on their website, glowonline.org; Facebook at GLOW - Giving Light to Our World; or on Instagram @glowtracts.

Health Ministries can be found on Facebook at CCC Health Ministries or on Instagram @ccchealthministries.

Hispanic Ministries can be found on Facebook at CCC Hispanic Ministries or on Instagram @ccchispanicministries.

Life Hope Centers can be found on their website, lifehopecenterscentral.com; Facebook at CCC Life Hope Centers; or on Instagram @lifehopecenterscentral.

Prayer Ministries can be found on Facebook at CCC Prayer Ministries or on Instagram @cccsdaprayerministry. There are a few weeks left of the 100 days of prayer; join us today.

Young Adult Ministries can be found on Facebook at CCC Young Adult Department or Instagram @cccyoungadults_.

Youth Ministries can be found on Facebook at Youth Evangelism Department or Instagram @youthevangelismdepartment.

La Sierra University

Join Alumni Online! La Sierra alumni, join the #LaSierraTogether movement as we connect our diverse community virtually. Visit https://lasierra.edu/together/ alumni/ for stories about this year’s Alumni Awards, video messages, news, activities, and social media handles.

Participate on social media with the hashtag #LaSierraTogether when sharing with your classmates and colleagues.

Emergency Student Aid Fund. While educators have responded quickly to ensure that students continue to receive an excellent education during the unfolding pandemic, many students and their

families are facing significant financial hardship. Your gift to the Emergency Student Aid Fund can help those hit hardest. Please visit https:// lasierra.edu/advancement/ and consider a gift today.

2020 Fall Quarter. Instruction for La Sierra University's Fall Quarter begins Sept. 21. For information about admissions and 120+ bachelor and graduate degree programs, visit https://lasierra.edu. #LaSierraTogether and COVID-19 resources. La Sierra University’s student body has been gathering together online through stories of students' experiences, videos, games, and activities. Visit https:// lasierra.edu/together/ and join the fun. For up-to-date information on the campus's operational responses to the pandemic, visit https://lasierra. edu/covid-19/.

SUMMER Book Sale *

Don’t miss eight weeks of book sales, with each day featuring a different product.

15% Off Monday

Thursday

Tuesday

Friday

Bibles

Kids’ Books

Wednesday

Women’s Books

Story Books Music Day

Sunday

Spirit of Prophecy Day

And great deals on your veggie food favorites!

Available ONLY at the Roseville Adventist Book Center 2100 Douglas Blvd. Roseville, 95661 Phone: (916) 486-7730 or (800) 400-1844 sacramento.abc@nccsda.com

*Sale ONLY valid in store at the Roseville Adventist Book Center. The Summer Book Sale runs from July 1-August 31, 2020, and veggie food sale prices run from July 1-July 31, 2020. All discounted sales are final.

Sale prices are not valid online or at AdventistBookCenter.com.

Community & Marketplace The La Sierra Report. Stay in the know and sign up to receive The La Sierra Report, a monthly e-newsletter of interesting news and events. To subscribe, send your email address and subscription request to pr@ lasierra.edu.

Northern California Conference

Virtual Redwood Camp Meeting 2020 (July 23-25).

Programming for Cradle Roll through adult. Music, seminars, interactive sessions for young people, Mosaic Band, cooking show, walkaround of Redwood Area Camp. Schedule coming soon to new website. Info: www.redwoodareacamp. com. Keep up with the latest news at www.facebook.com/ redwoodcamp and www. facebook.com/groups/ RedwoodAdult2.

Get the News: Engage with the Northern California Conference by subscribing to the NCC’s weekly emailed news source, “Northern Lights.” Sign up: nccsda.com.

Prayer Ministries: Join the NCC Prayer Line every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m. The hour includes a short devotional and the opportunity to pray with people from around the conference. Call: 1-916-6378111. Use code 669648#.

Youth Ministries: Join the online NCC Youth Group, hosted by Youth Director Eddie Heinrich and NCC youth pastors, every Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Info: eddie.heinrich@nccsda. com.

Southeastern California Conference

Rocky Railway VBS (June 29July 31) Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This SECC virtual VBS program will span over five weeks. It will be every Monday (Move it Mondays), Wednesday (Wisdom Wednesdays), and Friday (Family Fridays). Info: 951-509-2260, liz.adams@ seccsda.org.

NAD VBS Live (July 6-10) The theme for this year’s NAD VBS program is “Heroes: Making a Big Difference in Small Ways.”

Join families from all over the division by participating in activities together, listening to guest speakers and stories, and playing online games.

Info: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/heroes-vbs-livetickets-103079379198.

Virtual SHIFT Conference (July 7-11) Tuesday-Thursday, 7-9 p.m.; Friday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Sabbath 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Black Ministries is hosting its annual conference. Instead of meeting in person, this year’s meeting will be held virtually. Info: 951-509-2298, Brianna.hill@ seccsda.org.

CLASSIFIED At Your Service

A well-established, In-Home Care business for seniors/ disabled; Located in beautiful Northern California. We have some government contracts in place as well as an excellent staff. Email inquiries to scass85@gmail.com.

Feeling the call to get out of the city? Husband and wife SDA realtors can help you find your mountain home near Yosemite. Darlene@ HerrsRealEstate.com; 559760-8141. Darlene Herr CalDRE#02071769 & Johnny Herr CalDRE#02081978. We can

also refer you to other agents within our networks across the country. HerrsRealEstate.com.

Broker: BassLakeRealty Low-cost housing in Silicon Valley. Large bedroom w/ bath for rent in Morgan Hill.

Full privileges include washer/ dryer. Air conditioned. Widow prefers female roommate (possibly a couple). Significant rent reduction in exchange for minimal help with grocery shopping, doctor visits, and a ride to church on Sabbath.

Quiet. Call 650-504-2593.

New/Used Adventist Books: TEACH Services helps authors publish their book, including editing, design, marketing, and worldwide distribution.

Call 800-367-1844 for a free evaluation. Visit www.

LNFBOOKS.com for used books and your local ABC or www.

TEACHServices.com for new book releases.

SDA realtor: Let us help you sell your property or buy the ideal home here in gorgeous northern California. Rural properties abound. Perfect for families and retirees. Jerry Kea, realtor, 707- 888-9613, email: thomaskea.tk@gmail.com, CA BRE Lic#02080864, TREG INC, dba The Real Estate Group.

TN/GA realtor. Specializing in buying or selling affordable homes in the Collegedale, Chattanooga, North Georgia or surrounding areas. Howard Karst, Realty Specialists of Ooltewah, is your best partner for experienced professional service. 301-332-8471 or tsrak@ msn.com.

Employment

Caretaker to care for and maintain 2.5-acre property (approximately 1 acre of trees and landscape) in Fresno.

Irrigate trees and landscape, mow in exchange for $100/ month rent 40 ft., 1-bdrm trailer. 559-273-8271. Rent: Gated 2,870 sq. ft. house with

pool in Fresno, $1,975/month; 559-273-8271.

Real Estate

Country home for sale on 5 acres in Central California.

Close to SDA church and school. 4-bdrm, 5-bath; 2 offices. 3,307 sq. ft., 2-story with views of foothills and mountains. Great for horses.

Too many upgrades to mention. Call Lisa for info: 661549-4812.

Fall in love with this 1,500 sq. ft. mountain cottage on 2.2 acres. Fabulous view into the Salmon River Canyon.

Experience a real wilderness feel, yet only 1 mile off Hwy 95, just North of Riggins, rafting capital of Idaho. Outdoorsman's paradise. Fertile soil, 8-ft deer fence, apricot trees, golden delicious, honey crisp, plum, and blackberries. Rushing creek along property line, down into the Salmon River. Text, 208-5986667.

Quiet 4-bdrm/4-bath home in Angwin, Calif. Walk to schools, church, and market.

Near Adventist Health St. Helena. Two-story with master bedroom on main floor.

Private entrance to second floor. Dining room and eat-in kitchen, 2540 sq. ft., large deck, hardwood floors, updated throughout. $669,000. Call Herb: 530-913-8995.

Three acres with stunning view of Camas Prairie and Bitterroot Mountains. Main 3-bdrm, 2,900 sq. ft. home with 4-bdrm, M.H. guesthouse. Located in Cottonwood, Idaho. Easy access to forested river wilderness areas. www.zillow.com/ homedetails/668-ReservationLine-Rd-CottonwoodID-83522/115522293_zpid/ for info.

Turnkey condominium in desirable gated Fernwood community near historic downtown Redlands. Spacious open floor plan; updated J U LY 2020

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Community & Marketplace wood laminate flooring.

Remodeled kitchen and bath. Separate dining area; breakfast bar. Large private balcony access (mountain view) from living/master bedroom.

Convenient indoor laundry room; swimming pool, etc. Two garage parking spaces. Email: frenchinapura2020@gmail.com to see your future beautiful turnkey home by appointment.

Will not last long. $250,000.

Sunriver, Central Oregon.

Four-bedroom vacation home on the North Woodlands golf course.

Two master king suites, two queens, one bunk set, hot tub, loft, Jacuzzi bath, gas log fireplace, BBQ, W/D, bikes, all resort amenities, sleeps 10, no smoking, no pets. For rates, photos, and reservations, call: 541-279-9553 or email: schultz@crestviewcable.com.

Vacations Opportunities

Maui vacation condo in Kihei.

Relaxing and affordable. Only a 3-minute walk to the beach!

1-bdrm w/king bed. Clean, comfortable, well-maintained.

Sleeps 4. Fully-furnished kitchen, washer/dryer, and more! Free parking, Wi-Fi, and calls to U.S./Canada. Friendly Kihei SDA church nearby. Visit us at: <http://www.vrbo.com/62799> Email: mauivista1125@gmail. com or call Mark 909-800-9841.

Alcaide, Ester (Balmes) – AT REST b. July 13, 1938, Batangas, Philippines; d. May 10, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: daughters, Eunice Penaloza, Merlyn; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.

Bergman, Bruce – b. Dec. 29, 1940, Pasadena, Calif.; d.

May 13, 2020, Oroville, Calif.

Survivors: wife, Desire; sons, Bradley John Bergman, Scott

Whitlock; daughters, Dawn Maria Beylin, Diane Speelman; two grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren.

Bailey, Gary Denton – b. July 24, 1939, Glendale, Calif.; d.

May 4, 2020, Big Bear City, Calif.

Survivors: daughters, Jody Kinard, Jan McFarland; four grandchildren.

Cameron, Edith – b. May 15, 1958, Lisburn, Northern Ireland; d. May 14, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: husband, John; daughters, Ashley, Crystal; brother, Keith Frazer; sisters, Anita Cunningham, Yvonne Adolffson, Sandra Frazer, Maureen Cole. She worked for 22 years for Loma Linda Academy Elementary.

Chaffin, Samuel Leroy – b.

January 26, 1928, Richmond, Va.; d. Nov. 19, 2019, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: son, Samuel Leroy II; daughters,

Sheryl Townsend, Dawn Hester; five grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren. Served as a certified clinical chemist and chief laboratory technologist for LLU Clinical Lab; and as an assistant professor, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science at LLUL School of Allied Health Professions.

Dick, Evelyn Mae (Eberhardt) – b. Aug. 26, 1934, Hong Kong, China; d. May 16, 2020, Auburn, Calif. Survivor: brother, Glenn.

Downey, Helen M. (Eller) – b.

Nov. 18, 1926, Fort Lupton, Colo.; d. May 24, 2020, Tempe, Ariz. Survivors: husband, Thomas; son, Donald (Suzanne); daughter, Katherine Swenson (Carl).

Harrison, Shanti – b. Jan. 24, 1933, Faislabad, India; d.

May 28, 2020, Ashton, Md. Survivors: sons, Walter, Leo, Ronald; daughters, Violet John,

Sunset Calendar

!

City

July 4

July 2020 July 11

July 18

July 25

Alturas 8:39 8:36 8:31 8:26 Angwin 8:37 8:35 8:31 8:26 Bakersfield 8:14 8:12 8:09 8:04 Calexico 7:53 7:51 7:48 7:44 Chico 8:38 8:36 8:32 8:26 Death Valley (Furnace Ck) 8:08 8:06 8:03 7:58 Eureka 8:51 8:48 8:44 8:38 Four Corners [E] 8:39 8:37 8:33 8:28 Fresno 8:21 8:19 8:15 8:11 Grand Canyon (South Rim) 7:48 7:46 7:43 7:38 Half Dome 8:23 8:21 8:16 8:12 Hilo 7:03 7:02 7:01 6:59 Holbrook 7:37 7:36 7:32 7:28 Honolulu 7:17 7:17 7:15 7:13 Joshua Tree 7:58 7:56 7:53 7:49 Lake Tahoe 8:28 8:26 8:22 8:17 Las Vegas 8:01 7:59 7:55 7:51 Lodi-Stockton 8:30 8:28 8:25 8:19 Loma Linda 8:04 8:02 7:59 7:54 Los Angeles 8:08 8:06 8:03 7:58 McDermitt [N] 8:29 8:26 8:22 8:16 Moab 8:45 8:43 8:39 8:34 Monterey Bay 8:29 8:27 8:23 8:19 Mt. Whitney 8:15 8:12 8:09 8:04 Napa 8:35 8:33 8:29 8:24 Nogales [S] 7:31 7:30 7:27 7:23 Oakland 8:34 8:32 8:28 8:23 Paradise, CA 8:37 8:35 8:31 8:25 Phoenix 7:41 7:40 7:37 7:32 Puuwai, Ni’ihau [W] 7:28 7:27 7:26 7:23 Reno 8:29 8:27 8:23 8:27 Riverside 8:04 8:02 7:59 7:55 Sacramento 8:33 8:31 8:27 8:22 Salt Lake City 9:02 8:59 8:55 8:49 San Diego 8:00 7:58 7:55 7:51 San Francisco 8:34 8:32 8:29 8:24 San Jose 8:31 8:29 8:25 8:20 Santa Rosa 8:38 8:35 8:32 8:26 Sunset Beach 8:30 8:27 8:24 8:19 Thousand Oaks 8:10 8:08 8:05 8:01 Tucson 7:34 7:32 7:29 7:25

[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

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Community & Marketplace Leena Oommen, Margerit Chand, Patricia, Linda; 13 grandchildren; nine greatgrandchildren.

Johnson, Audray Ruth – b. March 31, 1936, South Lancaster, Mass.; d. June 10, 2020, Corona, Calif. Survivors: sons; David, Robert; four grandchildren. She served as a nurse, secretary, conference departmental director, and pastor; and was a pioneer in advocating for child safety policies in the church.

Juhl, Darlene Helen (Foster) – b. Oct. 14, 1928, Devils Lake, N.D.; d. Dec. 5, 2019, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: sons, Stanley, Dale; five grandchildren; brother, Darrow Foster.

Klotz, Jacob – b. July 28, 1925, Warsaw, Poland; d. May 13, 2020, Roseville, Calif. Survivors: wife, Evelyn; sons, Dwayne, Daryl, Myron; daughter, Vonnett Olsen; sisters, Lydia Bojanek, Helena Stout; four grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren. Served as longtime CFO for Feather River Hospital.

Lacy, Delia H. (Stewart) – b.

Jan. 26, 1923, Oakland, Calif.; d.

April 26, 2020, Sahuarita, Ariz.

Survivors: daughters, Darlene Kramer, Kathleen Magunson; 15 grandchildren; many greatgrandchildren.

Mandagi, Jetje (Laloan) – b. Dec. 1, 1926, Manado, Indonesia; d. May 14, 2020, Antioch, Calif. Survivor: husband, Karel.

McClanahan, Terri (Averett) – b. June 10, 1929, Heber City, Utah; d. May 22, 2020, El Dorado Hills, Calif. Survivors: son, Shawn; daughter, Tamara Pederson; two grandchildren.

Mcguire, Patrick – b. Jan. 3, 1958, Little Rock, Ark.; d. March 26, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif.

Survivors: wife, Della; sons,

John, Mike; brother, Munro; sister, Rosebell Rerick.

Miyashiro, Edward – b. March 22, 1972, Los Angeles, Calif.; d.

Feb. 29, 2020, Mentone, Calif.

Survivors: wife, Carina; sons, Jason, Jaden.

Nash, Phyllis – b. April 14, 1930, Dessie, Ethiopia; d.

Hacienda Heights, Calif.

Survivors: daughters, Sandra, Linda Shon, Candi; five grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren.

Nickel, Pearl (Stansai) – b.

Aug. 14, 1923, Spinney Hill, Saskatchewan, Canada; d.

March 30, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif.

Oh, Joseph Chaisam – b. April 10, 1937, Korea; d. May 5, 2020, Redlands, Calif. Survivors: wife, Carolina; son, Bryan; daughter, Shannon Jamison; five grandchildren.

Olivarria, Omar – b. Nov. 11, 1981, Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico; d. June 4, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: parents, Oscar and Letty; brothers, Oscar, Obed.

Park, Betty R. – b. Sept.

20. 1926, Cicero, Ind.; d.

June 8, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: sons, Dennis, Ted; daughter, Katheryn Kalmansson; five grandchildren.

Penniman, Richard Wayne “Little Richard” – b. Dec. 5, 1932, Macon, Ga.; d. May 9, 2020, Tullahoma, Tenn.

Survivors: close companion, Ernestine; son, Danny Jones; brother, Walter, Payton; sisters, Elnora Connor, Leva “Sylvia,” Artis Harmison, Gail, Freka Merrell. Served as featured singer and musician for evangelist Elder George Rainey in the Pacific Union Conference; produced several gospel music albums.

Reed, Robyn Renee – b. Oct. 13, 1953, Garrison, N.D.; d.

May 25, 2020, Nuevo, Calif.

Survivors: husband, David; parents, Roger and Jeanne Heinrich; sister, Randee Thompson.

Srour, Sarah – b. April 1, 1929, Beirut, Lebanon; d. Feb. 24, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif.

Survivors: husband, Philip; son, Nadeem; daughter, Samia Clark; one grandchild; sisters, Ester Katrib, Mary Ghazal, Ellen Khoury.

Thompson, James – b. June 22, 1928, Loma Linda, Calif.; d. April 15, 2020, Sisters, Ore. Survivors: wife, Joyce; son, John; daughter, Julie Garcia; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

Mountain View Academy graduate, Class of 1947; Loma Linda School of Dentistry, Class of 1952.

Walter, Joan – b. Dec. 5, 1933, Mountain View, Calif.; d. Nov. 9, 2019, Redwood City, Calif.

Survivors: sons, Scot, Ron; daughters, Patti Chan, Heidi; four grandchildren.

Weidemann, Erick – b. Aug. 28, 1932, Hubbard Lake, Mich.; d. April 30, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif. Survivors: son, Brad; daughters, Eileen, Heidi.

Weidner, Naomi – b. Feb. 1, 1923, Arpin, Wis.; d. May 27, 2020, South Pasadena, Calif.

Survivors: sister, Dorothy Matar; nieces, Michele White, Marla Matar.

Wiesseman, Jeanne Saunders – b. Feb. 20, 1923, Leonard, N.D.; d. June 6, 2020, Loma Linda, Calif.

Survivors: son, Gary; seven grandchildren; 21 greatgrandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren.

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61

Rags to Riches “They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us” 2 CO RI N TH I A N S 8 : 5 , N I V

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PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R

By Charles Mills

M

acedonia was a mess. The

their hearts. They, like the widow, gave

early Christians in that area

all they had to give, which, by some

were facing challenges beyond

accounts wasn’t much. However, by

their control and asked God for help. God

God’s account, it was more than most.

relayed their request via vision to Paul.

“Come over to Macedonia and help us,” a

Stewardship isn’t about money. It’s not

man in a dream called out to the sleeping

about bottom lines tabulated, financial

persecutor-turned-evangelist.

goals reached, or fundraising campaigns launched. It’s about giving oneself to

What Paul found as he visited the

the God who owns everything. It’s about

churches was something astonishing. “In

emptying the heart of the long-held

the midst of a very severe trial,”

belief that blessings carry dollar signs.

he wrote to the believers in Corinth,

The widow’s mite represented very little

“their overflowing joy and their extreme

as the world figures wealth, but it far

poverty welled up in rich generosity.

exceeded anything that’s countable and

For I testify that they gave as much as

taxable. The Macedonians had learned

they were able, and even beyond their

that lesson well, and Paul honored it.

ability” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3, NIV).

So, when you interact with the How was that possible? How can extreme

“collection plate” of the Seventh-day

poverty translate into rich generosity?

Adventist Church by clicking on www.

The answer is simple. They used Christ’s

adventistgiving.org, know that it’s not

observation of the widow dropping

your money that’s important. It’s not

her mite into the collection plate as a

the amounts you enter in the various

template for their support of church

categories of support. It’s why you’re

work. “They gave themselves to the

there and what you’re trying to say to

Lord first,” Paul revealed, “and then to

God. Whether your tithe or offering is

us” (verse 5).

a plink or thump in that plate, if it’s coming from your heart, God is pleased

Their support of the early Christian

and will bless your gift mightily. Give

mission began not in a money bag, bank

yourself first, and your church will

ledger, or electronic transfer. It began in

benefit in ways you can’t even imagine.

J U LY 2020

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PACIFIC UNION

P.0. Box 5005 Westlake Village CA 91359-5005

P E R I O D I CA LS

Recorder

$2,000 Scholarship Supports In-Union Adventist College Freshman

I

ncoming freshmen at Pacific Union College or La Sierra University now have access to a $2,000 scholarship provided by Pacific Union Conference for the 2020-2021 school year.

Freshmen applying for the scholarship 1) must be first-time undergraduates, 2) must be enrolled full time, 3) must be baptized members of an Adventist church in the Union, or have a parent or guardian that is a baptized member of an Adventist church in the Union, or have attended a Union-operated secondary school for a minimum of one semester.

Applications and verifications for this scholarship are to be completed with Pacific Union College or La Sierra University and submitted as part of the student financial clearance process.

For more information about this scholarship, email the student financial services department of Pacific Union College at studentfinance@puc.edu or La Sierra University at sfs@lasierra.edu.

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PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R